The roofing industry is at a crossroads. Between a labor crisis, new technology, and an aging workforce, the companies that thrive in the next decade will be the ones that adapt to change.
That’s the heart of this episode of Titans of the Trades, where host Ryan Englin sits down with Melvyn Scofield, Your Iowa Roofing Guy. With experience in both manufacturing and contracting, Melvyn is passionate about one thing above all: education.
Why Education is the Differentiator
Too many roofers treat knowledge like a trade secret. Melvyn takes the opposite approach. Whether he’s working with property managers, homeowners, or his own team, he believes education builds trust. His roofing cost guides help clients budget realistically and avoid being pressured into unnecessary full replacements.
And when it comes to training, Melvyn sees education as the key to building stronger crews. Quick how-to videos, short training clips, and consistent mentoring are far more effective for today’s workforce than long apprenticeships with little feedback.
Busting the Myth About “Lazy” Generations
One of the biggest challenges roofing contractors face is attracting young talent. Too often, older generations complain that “no one wants to work.” But as Melvyn points out, every generation has lazy people. The difference today is technology makes it easier to spot them.
The reality? Younger workers aren’t afraid of hard work. They just want to learn differently. They grew up with YouTube, TikTok, and short bursts of knowledge. Contractors who adapt training methods to meet that style will win.
Will Robots Replace Roofers?
Technology is creeping into roofing. Robots for rebar tying, machines that assist with material handling, even AI for safety monitoring. But will the future of roofing industry be fully automated? Not anytime soon.
Ryan and Melvyn agree: while robots may assist with heavy lifting or repetitive tasks, skilled human roofers will always be needed for judgment, problem-solving, and craftsmanship. The shift won’t replace people. It will elevate the skills required and create better-paying roles.
Training the Next Generation
Melvyn’s advice for contractors? Stop waiting for seasoned workers to appear. Instead, find one motivated young worker and invest deeply in them. Make them the example that inspires others. When one “rock star” learns, grows, and thrives, the rest of the team sees what’s possible.
That abundance mentality, training without fear of being replaced, is what will carry roofing and the trades into the future.
Making the Trades Cool Again
If the roofing industry wants to survive, it can’t rely on schools alone. Parents play a huge role in steering kids toward (or away from) the trades. Melvyn’s message is clear: working with your hands is not only honorable, it’s profitable. Roofing, plumbing, and HVAC, all offer strong futures without the debt of a college degree.
Want to know what it takes to future-proof your business? Listen to the full episode with Melvyn “Your Iowa Roofing Guy” Scofield and discover how education, technology, and mindset shifts will define the next generation of roofing leaders.
Connect With Melvyn
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/melvynscofield/
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