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A GAF Roofing Academy Success Story When Training Leads to a Career

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In Your Community

A GAF Roofing Academy Success Story: When Training Leads to a Career

February 24, 2020

Kimberly Santiago teaches in front of a class

With an overall industry labor shortage, roofers are in high demand. Those contemplating a career in roofing should consider the training provided by the GAF Roofing Academy, where students can learn the skills and industrial knowledge they need to get started in the industry.

Kimberly Santiago, instructor and training manager for the GAF Roofing Academy, is a tremendous example of what the program offers to students. She recently shared her experiences with the program and in the roofing industry in general.

Q: How did you get involved with the GAF Roofing Academy?

There were a few things that kind of pushed me in this direction. I used to be in academia, pursuing a PhD in education, with a minor in Women's, Gender, and Sexuality Studies, graduating with an ED.S in 2018. While studying and teaching, I was also involved with a local nonprofit called Proyecto Mariposas, which provided different opportunities for career development, education, and creative exploration for Latina mothers and daughters. We were very passionate about helping these girls explore alternative and nontraditional careers or pathways. During that same time, I was elected as a Huntington Grant Reader for the Women's Fund in Central Ohio. Many of the grants I was reading were from the construction industry or the trades. That really kind of stuck with me.

I've always been very interdisciplinary and hands-on, and I was at the point in my career where I felt like I wanted to do more. I was working as an instructional designer at a university in Columbus, OH and I landed a side job working with a roofing subcontractor. I started learning about the industry—and I fell in love with it!

One day I decided to just go all in, and I left my job in academia and built my own roofing company from the ground up. I started looking for educational opportunities and found the GAF Roofing Academy. Since this was at the height of the pandemic, the course was offered as an online session focused on residential roofing installation. I took all the classes that the GAF Roofing Academy offered. I was having some success on my own, but GAF really took me to the next level. After about three years of working in my own company, I got the opportunity to teach these courses. This is the perfect combination of all of the things I've done—education, teaching, roofing, and helping the community.

Kimberly standing with GAF CARE certificate

Q: What can students expect to learn from the GAF Roofing Academy?

We're trying to equip people with the skills they need to get into the roofing industry and work in any position they're interested in, whether it's installation, sales, manufacturing, distribution, project management, or insurance, among many other areas.

We teach commercial roofing installation (TPO), residential steep slope installation, shingle systems, ventilation, coatings, sales training, and solar integration. We also partner with solar installation companies that help teach our students.

Because of my experience with my own company, I am in the process of creating a two-day hands-on installation training for residential steep-slope roofing, and then two days of how to sell that roof that you just learned to install. I'm also developing a module related to insurance and restoration.

Q: Who are your students?

Roofing Academy students are 87% male and 13% female. 33% of these students are Hispanic/Latino, 31% African American, 23% White, 2% Pacific Islander, 9% are two or more races, 1% Asian, and 1% American Indian. We teach at-risk youth, entrepreneurs, those who are formerly incarcerated, transitioning military, underemployed, and unemployed. We welcome candidates from all walks of life into the program and encourage anyone who is interested to inquire about attending a session.

Kimberly with her roofing Academy class on the roof

Q: What is the most important thing you provide for students?

I'd say that 60% of our job is placement and 40% is training. We're really focused on providing a career opportunity, not just training. When a student leaves our class, we want them to do something with their lives. We have contractors who come in the last day of class and interview students, and they're often placed that week or shortly thereafter. The key is they leave the course with a job. These are well-paying jobs with benefits that offer opportunities for growth.

In addition, once they have proof of employment, we send them a toolkit focused on the type of roofing they'll be doing, whether it's commercial or residential. We also provide OSHA 10 training as part of the class.

students learn commercial roofing at the GAF Roofing Academy

Q: How much does it cost for students to attend?

It's completely free. So, they get training, they get tools, and they have the opportunity to be considered for a job if that's their ultimate focus. I think everyone comes out winning in the end.

Q: How long is the training?

It depends. We offer one- and two-week courses. The first week may be residential and then the second week will be in-home sales. Sometimes it will be one week residential and one week commercial. Sometimes it will just be one week, either residential or commercial.

Q: What would you say to people who might be contemplating attending the GAF Roofing Academy?

It's life-changing. There are people who are looking for a change and there are people who aren't accepted in other industries because of their background. At the GAF Roofing Academy, all that goes out the window because we believe in second chances and that anyone can be successful.

One of our students—his name is Derek—was formerly incarcerated for many years. He was trained shortly after being released from the prison system and has now become successful in his new sales role, selling over one million dollars in roofing annually.

Q: How do people enroll for the GAF Roofing Academy?

Visit our website at www.gaf.com/roofingacademy where you can find a list of all the courses at each location. Applicants will be asked to provide some general information and register for the classes they want. Applicants will be interviewed to see if they are a good match for the course, as we're looking for students who are in search of employment and growth opportunities within the industry. Those who are a good match will be welcomed to come to class.

The GAF Roofing Academy can give you more than a job—it can provide access to a career. And with continuing job support through the WorkBelt platform, GAF will be there to help!

About the Author

Dawn Killough

Dawn Killough is a freelance writer in the construction, finance, and accounting fields. She is the author of an ebook about green building and writes for construction tech and green building websites. She lives in Salem, Oregon with her husband and four cats.

Meet Austin Teague, recent GAF Roofing Academy graduate who shares his transformational journey from ball field to the roof. Prior to the GAF Roofing Academy, he was involved in sports, worked in customer service, but lacked the experience needed to break into the roofing industry. Once he graduated from the GAF Roofing Academy, doors were then opened for him, leading to well-paying jobs as an installer and later as a salesperson, where he is currently on track to meet his financial goals.Attending the two-week program proved to be a life-changing decision for Austin, providing him with the tools and confidence needed to succeed. The course not only equipped him with technical expertise, but also instilled in him the ability to educate customers effectively. Take a listen as Austin shares his story of how he found clarity and direction in his professional life, enabling him to thrive in the industry and build a successful future for himself and his family.Are you interested in a career in the roofing industry? Look for a Roofing Academy course in your area. Video TranscriptMy name is Austin Teague. I'm originally born in Tyler, Texas. Moved to Washington when I was a kid at ten. Well, prior to joining the Roofing Academy and, you know, taking my skills to that test, I was sports, strictly sports. Everything in my life I would, you know, I'd work a customer service job. I was in the, you know, the retail industry. I worked at Walgreens, but my personal life was hectic. It was football practice, baseball practice. It was always something going on.There was always something to do. Everything when it comes to roofing, for me, started after the Roofing Academy. When I tried to get into the roofing industry before going to the Academy, nobody wanted me because I had no experience. They're going to have to train everybody on the job. But because of the roofing academy, because I knew what I was going to do day one, I knew what my job was. I couldn't run into any hiccups because I knew what showing up day one was going to look like.[00:00:56.770]So they gave me a GAF certificate with my name, the location I trained out of, and then when I graduated. And what I did with that is I took it to every single applicant or job interview I had because I wanted them to know that I have this certificate. Not saying I have it, but also bring it, so they can see it.After the academy, I landed a job at 28 an hour as an installer, which is substantial in this living, making life, making payments. And then after that, I got bumped up to 32 an hour when I was working in New Mexico. And now that I'm sales, I'm straight commission. But in this month, I'm on pace to hit 20,000. Our goal at Tristate is to educate the customers firsthand. So being at the Roofing Academy allowed me to know roofing like the back of my hand. As an installer, as a sales, as an owner, you got to see the value in the systems. And it allowed me in my head to build those value, actually explain it to the customers. Where is this number coming from? Well, it's coming from this material because this material is going to cost more, of course, but it's obviously better.[00:01:58.920]I think someone coming to the Roofing Academy right away, no experience, is going to set you up for success. That's what you want. You want to be set up for success. You want to be as many tools as you can in your tool belt to get you to that point you want to be in life. And showing up to the Roofing Academy, it changed my life drastically. I didn't know what I was going to do. I literally didn't know, if roofing wasn't the pathway for me- what was the next plan?I was just grateful. I mean, I was one day on indeed looking for jobs and I saw the Roofing Academy post on indeed looking for academy students, and I thought, why not? What's two weeks out of my life that I get to change it? If I get an opportunity to change it and that two weeks changed my life. There's no time wasted. You're here from nine to three or nine to four at the latest for your classes.You're with guys that you actually enjoy being around. The guys in my class or in the class today, they're fun guys. They all get to make mistakes and learn from each other. And it just makes me grateful that I got that opportunity to make something of myself. I'm not just another guy on the street.[00:03:00.340]I don't know what my life's going to look like in the next six months, but I guarantee it's not going to slow down. I'm going to work harder than ever. I know I got two kids at home. I have something to push me. I would say that all the success started with the Roofing Academy because my life before the Roofing Academy was kind of on a snowball effect. It had started from when I left college and then came home and it kind of just started snowballing. One thing after another was another problem, another problem. Bills at 18, going into debt. You're 18, your life isn't, you're going to ruin your life already. So you got to figure some out. And I figured it out. I got lucky enough that I found GAF and you know they still treat me well to this day. I have my Academy teacher's phone number and I call them up and help him out from time to time, and he helps me out from time to time.We still get along. And it was two weeks of my life that I knew the guy, and he still gives me a call and checks up on me and tries to: How are you doing in roofing? You still in roofing? You still making a name for yourself? You still doing what you said you were going to do? And I am. It's just good to have someone to talk to. Even if you're in this industry for ten years, I guarantee you GAF CARE will probably still give you a call and check on you. That's just what they do.

The Gulf Region is growing more resilient thanks to a meaningful partnership between actor Anthony Mackie, Marvel Cinematic Universe's next "Captain America," and GAF. Over the last year, as part of the GAF Community Matters initiative, GAF and Mackie partnered to re-roof 500 storm-damaged homes and empower local workforce resiliency through tuition-free GAF Roofing Academy trainings.The 500th roof was recently installed in New Orleans, Mackie's hometown. "A year ago today we started this," he notes, "And to say that, exactly 365 days later, we finished our 500th roof is pretty astonishing. It shows the commitment of everybody who has been a part of this project and made this dream come true."Rebuilding Roofs and Empowering CommunitiesFollowing Hurricane Katrina in 2005, the Gulf Region suffered a string of devastating natural disasters, and many residents found themselves unable to make the needed repairs to their homes before the next storm caused more damage. Ending this cycle and building more resilient communities is a main focus of the GAF Community Matters initiative."We're not only putting roofs over the heads of people that need them," GAF's Chief Communications and Corporate Social Responsibility Officer Andy Hilton explains. "We're also building those roofs in a way that can sustain through the next storm, using state-of-the-art roofing materials that will provide the sustainability, the comfort and the security these families deserve."Safe roofs mean greater resilience, both for the homes and businesses they shelter as well as the individuals who inhabit them. Rebuilding and restoring damaged roofs fosters long-term resilience.Strengthening the WorkforceIn addition to re-roofing 500 new homes in the Gulf Region, GAF committed to provide community members with training around essential roofing skills through the GAF Roofing Academy. The program helps train individuals to support future rebuilding efforts in communities impacted by severe weather and acts as a pipeline for skilled labor, which is currently in high demand."The labor trade is in desperate need of bodies," notes GAF Roofing Academy Instructor Gary Pierson. This is especially true in the storm-ravaged Gulf Region.Mackie joined the GAF Roofing Academy training in New Orleans, which consisted of both classroom and hands-on instruction. As the son of a roofer, he has lots of prior experience and understands the transformative power of skilled work. "Learning a trade like roofing is one thing that can help a community come back, that can help a neighborhood come back, that can help a family come back," Mackie says.The courses are open to anyone looking to enter or re-enter the workforce, including the underemployed, formerly incarcerated, veterans, and others who may face career barriers. The GAF Roofing Academy offers tuition-free, hands-on roofing training to those interested in learning the trade from industry experts. Ultimately, students are equipped with the skills needed to enter the roofing trade and the program assists in placing them in well-paying jobs upon graduation."Teaching the next generation the roofing trade not only helps GAF Community Matters toward their mission, it helps the neighborhoods and the regions they're in," Mackie notes."Knowing the roofing trade provides the opportunity for financial security for you and your family."Looking ForwardThe Gulf Region project hit a milestone when Mr. Joe, a New Orleans resident of over 60 years, had the 500th roof installed on his long-time family home. But it's certainly not the closing scene."This is only the beginning," Mackie shares, after sitting with Mr. Joe on his porch to celebrate the new roof. "Even though we've hit our 500th house today and the stories of all these homeowners are so amazing, there's still so much more to do."The efforts will be ongoing. GAF will continue to strengthen the region by helping residents feel safe in their homes and comfortable in their communities.Curious to learn more about this project and other initiatives GAF is involved in? Explore GAF Community Matters.

When looking to get involved in the trades, a helping hand can make all the difference. With so many options and opportunities to choose from, workers who are having trouble deciding which skills to develop can benefit from the guidance of experienced mentors and industry veterans.That's exactly the role Gary Pierson, a senior instructor with GAF Roofing Academy, knows he was meant to play. His position allows him to educate others and give back to people who remind him of himself when he was younger."I had a typical background of [many] youth who are not destined for college," Gary explains. "I had a little too much energy for most environments and ended up getting into a little bit of trouble." He found himself working in construction and discovered that roofing was a good fit for his energy level and "lack of fear."Gary excelled in the industry, working in numerous exterior construction roles including roofing, siding, windows, and doors. He says that in construction, he found a way to challenge himself, and it showed. "I went from laborer to crew leader to subcontractor and then started my own business by the age of 26," Gary shares.Finding Fulfillment Helping OthersUnfortunately, the 2008 recession affected Gary's business. He found himself back at his previous job where he was a crew leader, but that company was struggling as well. It was a challenging time that left him feeling unfulfilled.After talking with his wife, Gary learned a friend of hers was connected to Habitat for Humanity and began looking for ways to get involved with the nonprofit. He eventually became a construction manager, and while it was a pay cut for him, the benefits he reaped have changed his life."What I lacked in extra income, I made up with more time with family and got a sense of community again," Gary says. "I've lived in this town my whole life. So, I got to build homes for people I went to high school with, people that I've met through social networking, and knowing who I'm building for and seeing the changes they made in their life really made me a better father and husband."During his seven-year tenure at Habitat for Humanity, he took the organization from building one to two homes a year to 10 to 12 homes a year, ultimately building 57 homes in a community of 80,000 people.Connecting with GAFGary knew GAF donated roofing materials for the Habitat for Humanity homes, but it wasn't until he volunteered for a Jimmy and Rosalynn Carter Work Project (Carter Work Project) event in 2018 that he met GAF team members.On the jobsite, Gary noticed many of the volunteers were excited and eager to learn about roofing. Before the day's work began, Gary stepped up to teach them the basics of the trade, helping ensure the roofs would be properly installed and provide years of protection for the homes.It was then that Gary learned GAF was hiring trainers for its CARE program. He says he was surprised to learn such a job existed, but he was happy and fulfilled with his work for Habitat for Humanity. A few months later, Erick Osuna, an operations manager at the GAF Roofing Academy, reached out to Gary. After learning the academy would be teaching at-risk youth, previously incarcerated individuals, and military veterans, Gary jumped at the opportunity.Changing Lives One Student (and Instructor) at a TimeAs one of the first team members hired to teach in the GAF Roofing Academy, Gary participated in developing the program. Four successful years later, he's as invested as ever.Gary stays in touch with his students after they complete the academy and says there's a "beacon of light" in each of his classes. He notes that one of his most memorable students is Demetris Purnell, whose profile video he shares with each new class. "Demetris was one of my students that I met who was previously incarcerated, and he didn't really have a whole lot of hope or feel that there were opportunities available for him," Gary recalls. "Just seeing him taking a shot and how successful he is now is impactful."Many students' stories are just like Demetris'—students whose lives were changed by participating in the GAF Roofing Academy. For instance, Roz Jones says the experience helped her build confidence in herself. Shakyra Worley shares the course was meaningful to her because she learned a skill she can turn into a rewarding career.Gary says making a meaningful impact on his students' lives gives him a feeling of fulfillment every day—but he's quick to note that it's because of the individuals behind the GAF Roofing Academy. "None of this would be possible without the team that we have," he notes. "We have a dynamic team where everybody has something unique that they bring to the table. And I've learned just as much from my peers as I have from the leaders on the team."Paying It ForwardBecause of the commitment GAF makes to communities through its Community Matters initiative, Gary is still able to volunteer for the causes that are dear to him, including Habitat for Humanity and the Carter Work Project, among others.Curious to learn more about the GAF Roofing Academy and the success its graduates have found? The commercial and residential roofing industry is booming, with demand for 19,000 new jobs expected by 2028, and now is the perfect time to begin a career in roofing with the GAF Roofing Academy. Explore all that the program has to offer, and see how you can get started by visiting the GAF Roofing Academy website.

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A GAF Roofing Academy Success Story: When Training Leads to a Career

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