Roofing Alliance Bestows Awards At IRE

A group from Auburn University won first place in Roofing Alliance Construction Management Student Competition. 

Itasca, IL – The Roofing Alliance has announced the winners of this year's Most Valuable Player (MVP) Awards, the recipient of its Best of the Best Award, and the Construction Management Student Competition winners. All were recognized at the NRCA’s Industry Awards and Reception, held during the International Roofing Expo in Las Vegas on January 21.

Most Valuable Player Awards

In the Most Valuable Player (MVP) Awards’ 26th year, six finalists were recognized for their outstanding performance and leadership or outstanding community involvement.

This year’s winners are:

Ariel Lemus – Outstanding Performance and Leadership, Foreman, Wagner Roofing Company, Hyattsville, Md. For over two decades, Lemus has been a cornerstone of Wagner Roofing, bringing exceptional craftsmanship, a calm leadership style, and deep respect for traditional roofing techniques to some of the region’s most iconic buildings. He is not only a foreman but a teacher, shaping the next generation of sheet metal roofers through patience, guidance, and hands-on training.

Kenny Rodriguez– Outstanding Community Involvement, Warehouse Foreman, OMG Building Products LLC, Agawam, Mass. Rodriguez leads with skill, heart, and dedication both on the job and in his community. With 12 years at OMG Building Products, he has mentored new team members, driven operational excellence, and prioritized safety and efficiency. Outside of work, Rodriguez serves as a pastor and volunteers in his community, embodying leadership, compassion, and integrity in everything he does.

Best of the Best Award

The MVP Program goes a step further with one of the MVP winners being named the Best of the Best winner.  The Best of the Best award is an honor co-sponsored by OMG Roofing Products and Professional Roofing magazine.  

This year's winner is Armando Landeros Solis, Superintendent, Commercial Roofers Inc., Las Vegas. With 25 years at Commercial Roofers, Inc., Solis has grown from apprentice to one of the company’s most admired Superintendents. He leads with integrity, humility, and enthusiasm, supporting his crews, mentoring new workers, and always stepping up with a smile. His dedication to his craft, his team and his community truly sets him apart.

Student Competition

The four finalist teams gave oral presentations as the final stage of the Roofing Alliance Construction Management Student Competition.  This year, the teams were tasked with submitting a qualified bid package for the Cannery Casino and Hotel. The oral presentation scores were combined with the teams’ written proposal scores to determine the winning team. 

The Roofing Alliance is proud to announce the top three schools and the best individual presenters: 

Top Three Construction Management Schools:
•  First place: Auburn University
•  Second place: University of Florida
•  Third place: Clemson University

Best Individual Presenters:
•  First place: Remi Nguyen, Clemson University
•  Sophia Petrandis, University of Florida

About the Roofing Alliance

The Roofing Alliance serves as the catalyst for industry innovation, bringing together more than 200 leaders who are dedicated to shaping roofing’s future. With commitments exceeding $18 million, the Alliance funds essential research and training, advances education through initiatives like the roofing minor, fosters workforce development, supports scholarships, and leads impactful philanthropic efforts including its partnership with Ronald McDonald House Charities®. To learn more, visit roofingalliance.net or contact Alison L. LaValley, CAE, Executive Director, at alavalley@nrca.net.