by Anna Barnett | RCAW Executive Assistant

Stepping into a new industry always comes with a learning curve; but every so often, it also comes with a sense of unexpected belonging. My name is Anna and I’m RCAW’s Executive Assistant.

Coming from the non-profit world (rooted in social aid, advocacy, and proposal writing) I expected to enter the roofing industry with a mindset focused on learning systems, terminology, and trade-specific operations. What I didn’t expect was to be so immediately struck by something far less technical, but far more impactful. In just a short time as part of the RCAW Team, one thing has become abundantly clear: this is not just an industry—it’s a whole community.

From team-building events that feel more like reunions than obligations, to networking gatherings filled with genuine connection rather than transactional exchange, there is an indescribable “found family” atmosphere woven into the fabric of this organization. It’s a professional setting that also feels very personal in the best possible way. People showing up for each other—not just in business, but in life.

Equally impressive is the level of employee support. There’s a tacit understanding that success isn’t constructed alone, it’s built cohesively, like a mosaic with many different pieces beautifully working together as one. A philosophy that almost poetically extends internal culture reaching into the broader community base, where giving back is not a superficial checkmark, but a core value.

One standout example is the organization’s ongoing support of the Toys for Tots Foundation, culminating in their highly anticipated Annual Winter Gala & Auction (December 5, 2026). This event isn’t just a celebration, but a meaningful effort to bring joy and relief to families during the holiday season.

That same spirit of service is reflected in initiatives like the Basic Shelter Project, where members come together to provide a new roof to a deserving family. It’s a powerful reminder that this trade doesn’t just build physical structures—it builds emotional ones, too, providing safety, dignity, and security to the community at large.

The commitment to community engagement extends even further. Through the RCAW Young Professionals outreach and student introduction programs where RCAW is actively investing in the future of the trade, opening doors, sharing knowledge, and creating pathways for the next generation. It’s inspiring to see an industry so dedicated not only to its craft, but also to its legacy.

And then, of course, there’s a smorgasbord of ongoing networking events, with something for everyone; each one a reflection of the culture that makes this organization so unique:

• The Golf Tournament on June 12, 2026, promising connection, camaraderie, and a little friendly competition
• The Salmon Derby Competition on July 31, 2026, blending tradition, fun, and community spirit
• RCAW PNW Regional Women in Roofing Day on October 16, 2026, celebrating leadership, inclusion, and the growing impact of women in the trade
• Winter Gala & Auction on December 5, 2026, elegant, impactful, an unforgettable evening of connection, celebration, and giving back

Every RCAW gathering is more than just another get-together, but an extension of values that honor connections as much as results. From an outsider’s perspective, the roofing industry might seem purely structural, focused on materials, labor, and logistics. But from the inside, it’s something much more. Its business rooted in purpose. It’s a network that feels like home. And for someone with a career built on helping communities thrive, it’s refreshing and inspiring to see that mission echoed through a different lens.

Turns out, roofers don’t just build roofs—they’re building something even stronger.

If you’d like more information on upcoming events, visit www.RCAW.com or email Director@RCAW.com or call (253) 561-7229.

Anna Barnett    RCAW Executive Assistant   admin@rcaw.com