Women make up about 10% of workers in the construction industry — a number that gets even smaller for roofing. But with organizations such as National Women in Roofing (NWIR) providing support for education and growth, and companies striving to attract more women, those numbers are rising.

Every year on March 8, we celebrate International Women’s Day, which was established to help eliminate the discrimination against women in all nations. March also marks Women’s History Month. In honor of all women who have fought and continue to fight for gender equality throughout the world, we’re highlighting some of the women in our industry who are making their mark and raising the roof.

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Stephanie Daniels

Director of Sales (Southeast), Atlas Roofing (Orlando, FL)

Q. How and why did you get into the roofing industry?
A. I got into the business by accident when my husband was transferred for his job. It just so happened that I had a customer who was a roofing distributor and he asked me to come work for them.

Q. Why should more women consider careers in roofing?
A. There is a massive labor shortage in construction, yet only 10% of the employees are female. It’s a wide-open career path.

Q. What do you find most rewarding about your job?
A. Mentoring! I enjoy bringing people into the industry and showing off different ways of looking at the business.

Q. What do you like to do during your time off?
A. I rescue puppies and foster animals.

Q. If you could talk to your younger self, what tips would you give?
A. Learn the big picture faster. Don’t just focus on what’s right in front of you — educate yourself on every aspect of the business. It’ll help you make better decisions.

Q. What else should we know about you?
A. I believe if you wake up every morning with the intention of being the best human being you can possibly be, you will sleep soundly every night.

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Sarah Scepanski

Owner, Scepanski Roofing (Norwich, CT)

Q. How or why did you get into the roofing industry?
A. The business was passed on to us from my dad. He was committed to always doing things the right way. Maintaining that reputation was important.

Q. Why should more women consider careers in roofing?
A. Why not? When I first started out, I was often the only one at the trade shows. Now I go to the conventions and there are more and more women like me. We are skilled, not just with a hammer and nails, but as speakers, executives, and within plenty of other areas in roofing.

Q. What do you find most rewarding about your job?
A. When I finish a project and a homeowner comes to me happy and satisfied with the work we’ve done, that is the most rewarding feeling.

Q. What do you like to do during your time off?
A. I love to travel, go to the beach, snowboard, work out and do yoga. Even though I know it’s predictable, I love spending time with family.

Q. If you could talk to your younger self, what tips would you give?
A. Always look for ways you can do it better the next time.

Q. What else should we know about you?
A. I’m proud of what I do. If I could ask my dad what kind of job I’ve done, I’d want him to be proud of me too and proud of what I’ve done with the legacy he built.

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Amy Fitzgerald

Office Manager, Product Manager and Estimator, Strander Roofing (Lodi, WI)

Q. How did you get into the roofing business?
A. I used to manage school buses and when the business closed, I wanted to stay with a small company.

Q. Why should more women consider careers in roofing?
A. Sure, it’s hard work but it’s not just guys who can climb a roof. When the guys needed a hand, I said, “Show me what to do and I’ll do it.” Now I can throw shingles, spread mastic and install a ridge cap.

Q. What do you find most rewarding about your job?
A. Knowing that I am protecting my customers. You see, everything we own is under our roofs. Photographs, valuables, antiques — they are all a part of what I’m protecting.

Q. What do you like to do during your time off?
A. I love to travel, go boating, ride ATVs and spend time with family. In fact, I just took a dream trip to Hawaii thanks to the good money I make at my job.

Q. If you could talk to your younger self, what tips would you give?
A. It’s not just guys who can climb a roof. Anyone can do the work.

Q. What else should we know about you?
A. I live in Wisconsin where the work is seasonal. When spring finally arrives, there’s nothing better than being outside and active. Also, I wouldn't be where I am if Chad [Strander] didn't have faith in me and teach me!

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Corinne Cornelius

Marketing Manager, Atlas Roofing (Byron Center, MI)

Q. How and why did you get into the roofing industry?
A. Most of the jobs in Western Michigan were consumer-based companies. While roofing wasn’t what I was looking for at my college job fair, I’m glad I found Atlas.

Q. Why should more women consider careers in roofing?
A. Women can do anything men can do. With a labor shortage and potentially more opportunities on the roof and in the office, there’s lots of growth potential for those with the courage to pursue something different.

Q. What do you find most rewarding about your job?
A. Whether it’s a product launch or building a tiny home for veterans, I love seeing things come together in a tangible way.

Q. What do you do during your time off?
A. My friends call me an Energizer bunny because I’m always on the go. I love volleyball, golf, kickball, and boating.

Q. If you could talk to your younger self, what tips would you give?
A. I’d say, “Embrace being uncomfortable because that’s where growth happens.”

Q. What else should we know about you?
A. My career has let me go all over the U.S. and Mexico. I’ve gotten to visit places I’d never have seen otherwise.

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Building An Empowering Environment

Atlas Roofing proudly supports women in the industry through various opportunities, such as sponsoring NWIR at the 2019 International Roofing Expo (IRE).

“Atlas proactively works to create an inclusive, integrated culture that encourages more women to get involved in the roofing industry,” says Stan Bastek, national sales director for Atlas Roofing. “From working on the manufacturing side to being a general contractor to heading up a national organization like NWIR, there are countless opportunities for women to get involved and advance in the field.”