At Coryell Roofing, we take immense pride in being part of critical conversations shaping the future of our industry. Our recent participation at Roofing Contractor’s Best of Success event, alongside FM Approvals, highlighted the urgent need for higher standards in roofing, particularly for schools and public institutions.
Chris Coryell, our CEO, delivered an inspiring message about leadership and responsibility in the roofing industry. “Why are we here?” he asked, challenging the audience to reflect on their purpose and commitment. The answer was clear: to be the best, to innovate, and to protect our clients and communities.
Why Standards Matter
As Chris emphasized during his presentation, too often, contractors settle for “good enough.” This approach
compromises the safety and longevity of roofing systems, particularly in critical environments like schools. Schools represent the heart of our communities, housing our future leaders. Yet, decisions about their roofing systems are often made quickly, with price and warranty as the primary considerations—leaving durability and performance overlooked.
Imagine a world where all contractors adhere to the same high standards, ensuring every roofing system is built to last and protect. This vision isn’t just aspirational; it’s achievable through collaboration and leadership.
Leadership in Action: Focusing on Others
Leadership in roofing goes beyond technical expertise. It requires a mindset shift—from focusing on ourselves to prioritizing others. At Coryell Roofing, this principle guides everything we do. We strive to provide not just roofing systems but peace of mind to our clients. This commitment drives us to:
- Educate Clients: We help schools and other institutions understand the importance of choosing durable, high-performance roofing systems, even when faced with budget constraints.
- Advocate for Standards: Chris spoke passionately about advocating for legislation and industry-wide standards that ensure all roofing systems meet minimum performance criteria, particularly in high-risk zones like Texas and Oklahoma.
- Collaborate with Experts: By working closely with FM Approvals, we ensure our solutions are rigorously tested and certified to withstand the challenges of hail, high winds, and other severe weather conditions.
The Role of FM Approvals
Our partners at FM Approvals shared invaluable insights about the science and rigor behind their certification process. They stressed the importance of viewing roofing as a system—each component must work together seamlessly to deliver optimal performance. Their research and testing ensure that certified roofing systems can withstand even the harshest conditions.
FM Approvals also highlighted the rising cost of natural disasters. With billions of dollars in damages attributed to storms each year, the need for resilient roofing systems has never been greater. As mutual stakeholders, we share a responsibility to protect properties and minimize losses.
Building a Better Future Together
At Coryell Roofing, we believe the roofing industry can—and must—do better. It’s not just about meeting today’s needs but about anticipating tomorrow’s challenges. By setting higher standards, we not only protect buildings but also the people and communities they serve.
Chris Coryell closed his presentation with a powerful call to action: “We are all leaders. The question is, which road will you take?”
At Coryell Roofing, we are committed to taking the higher road—focusing on others, advocating for change, and leading the way toward a more resilient future.
Let’s continue the conversation. Together, we can raise the standard and make a lasting impact.
