Brian Barlow, RRO, Stonebridge Roofing Energy & Exteriors, NEFRSA President - July 2026
The Third Annual Construction Ready Exhibition and SkillsUSA Florida Competition, held March 31 through April 1, once again proved to be a powerful platform for inspiring the next generation of skilled trades professionals. With the continued support of FRSA, the “World of Roofing” exhibit returned as a cornerstone of the event, delivering hands-on education and real-world insight into the roofing industry.
FRSA proudly served as the sponsor for World of Roofing and Board members of the Northeast Florida Roofing and Sheet Metal Contractors Association (NEFRSA) and a dedicated group of volunteers contributed their time and expertise to make the experience both engaging and impactful. Their mission was simple yet meaningful, introduce students to the wide range of opportunities within the roofing industry through interactive, hands-on learning.
This year’s exhibit featured several stations designed to give students a true feel for the craft. One of the highlights was the RhinoBond system demonstration, where students had the opportunity to perform induction welding on a TPO roofing assembly. This interactive experience allowed participants to better understand modern roofing technology and the precision involved in installing commercial roofing systems.
Eagle Roofing Products also played a key role in bringing their mobile platform to the event. Students were able to install concrete roof tiles, gaining valuable insight into the materials, techniques and craftsmanship required for steep-slope roofing systems. The hands-on nature of this station provided a deeper appreciation for both the skill and discipline required in the trade.
Perhaps the most popular attraction among students, instructors and even special guest Jaxson De Ville of the Jacksonville Jaguars, was the birdhouse shingle installation station. Students were invited to install shingle roofing systems on birdhouses they had constructed through Construction Ready. Led by Wayne Williams of First Coast Safety, the station offered a variety of shingle colors, allowing students to personalize their projects while learning proper installation techniques.
“We must have installed over 100 roofs on the first day,” said Williams, highlighting both the enthusiasm of the participants and the success of the hands-on approach.
Each station was intentionally designed to slow students down and immerse them in the process. This created meaningful opportunities for the volunteers to engage directly with participants, sharing knowledge, answering questions and discussing the many career paths available within the roofing industry, from installation
and safety to estimating, project management and manufacturing.
The World of Roofing exhibit continues to demonstrate the value of experiential learning. By connecting students with industry professionals and providing real-world applications, FRSA and NEFRSA are helping to build a stronger, more informed workforce for the future. As the roofing industry continues to evolve, initiatives
like this play a critical role in shaping its future, one student, one skill and one opportunity at a time.
FRSA and NEFRSA would like to thank the following companies and employees of these companies for their generous donations of time and materials for this event:
■ All Pro Roofing & Consulting
■ Eagle Roofing Products
■ Atlas Roofing Corporation
■ The Compass Group for Carlisle
■ FG Products for Elevate
■ First Coast Safety
■ HW Contracting, LLC
■ Taylor Made Roofing, Inc.
■ Duro-Last
■ Commercial Roofing Specialties, Inc.
■ Barber and Associates
■ Riverside Sales
■ SPEC Building Products
■ Architectural Sheet Metal, Inc.
■ Stonebridge Construction Service, LLC