When the NWiR Seattle Council began planning a regional Women in Roofing event with the Roofing Contractors Association of Washington a little over a year ago, we were not sure how it was going to pan out, who would attend, and what would it even look like. After this weekend’s RCAW Annual Meeting led into our first-ever Pacific Northwest Women in Roofing Day (PNW WIR), the majority consensus was that it ROCKED!
McKay Daniels, President of the NRCA joined us for our NWIR Networking event, and then was the Keynote speaker for our Friday evening with RCAW Members and NWiR attendees. We were so thankful for having him come out to Seattle and spend the evening with us. The audience had engaging questions regarding the labor force and heard from McKay that the NRCA was actively helping our industry change on the national and local levels.
Our Saturday event kicked off with Lee Lipniskis of Levello Construction speaking on how to be an authentic leader. Her down-to-earth actionable advice and techniques were unmatched in a sparkly blazer. She maintained full transparency with her large life events that help change the trajectory of what she has been able to accomplish.

Mandy McIntyre led us through hard statistics on Mental Health in the construction industry, pinpointing how we as colleagues, leaders, and business owners need to take steps to changing the stigma on mental health for men and women alike. If you have a chance to take LevelUp Consulting’s course on becoming a Mental Health First Aider this November, you should do it because it will change lives. It already has for some of our attendees of the day. For more information on mental health and the statistics shared, please go to https://levelup-consultants.com/.

We all know that financial health is important for any business, but as women we need to begin to take leadership of this taboo topic. Kelly McKay of McKay Financial gave us the ins and outs of beginning to act on our long-term financial health. Kelly explained the various retirement saving options like 401ks, Roth IRA, and the importance of having a will whether you are a single adult, or head of household.

There were 3 breakout sessions featured. Managing Injury Claims with StopClaims, TPO, PVC & GreenWeld Repairs with Kirby Fiberglass and Karnak Repairs & Waterproofing with Wellers Association. Each of our attendees spent time with our breakout teams learning about their products and services.

Special thanks to our panel of men who were examples of strength with showing their vulnerability and sharing with us on what they’ve learned, continue to learn, and are leading other men on how to be allies to not just women, but each other in this industry. They answered tough questions from our audience and answered them in ways that allowed personal growth for themselves, as well as the audience of both men and women.

We ended our day with our Women’s Panel and a toast to our first PNW WiR Day! These women are hard hitters and industry influencers, but we got the tears going when Brittany Wimbish (Fields Roof Service, Inc. – RCAW Director) asked the women to name at least one other woman who has helped change their pathway in the roofing industry. So many names were discussed, and it was proof that NWiR is creating an environment these women needed early in the roofing industry. The pathway for mentorship, networking, and education. So many new relationships and friendships were formed, and the continual ripple effects of selfless encouragement and guidance will be seen by those that were in that room this weekend.

Lastly, to our sponsors of the weekend’s events. We could not have done it without them. These men and women who choose to support this event are amazing!
WIR Event Sponsors – GAF & Stoneway Roofing Supply
NWIR Networking Sponsor – IKO & ABC Supply
RCAW Raffle Sponsor – Eagleview
WIR Raffle Sponsors – Beacon Roofing Supply
Photobooth – Achten’s Quality Roofing
Breakfast Sponsors – Stop Claims & PABCO Roofing Products
Lunch Sponsors – Owen’s Corning
Table Sponsors & More! – Roofer’s Coffee Shop, Velux, HUB, Insurance Benefit Solutions, GAF, Harper Winn, Kirby Fiberglass, Achten’s Roofing, Propel Insurance, Lakewood Roofing, First Metal & Supply, TrueStyle Marketing & Events