Herndon, VA—–  Beacon, a leading distributor of building products across North America, proudly announces Brooke Laizure, owner of Whirlwind Roofing & Construction in Bixby, Oklahoma, as the 2024 North American Female Roofing Professional of the Year!

This prestigious award recognizes exceptional women who are dedicated to their craft, inspire their communities, and redefine the definition of a successful roofing contractor.  With nearly 3,000 nominations received this year, the competition was fierce, and Brooke's achievements truly shone through.

A Passionate Leader, a Dedicated Mentor

Whirlwind Roofing & Construction, a family-owned and operated business, exemplifies the spirit of dedication and quality that runs deep in Brooke's veins.  Beyond her commitment to her own company, Brooke actively champions the advancement of women in the roofing industry.  She is a founding member of the National Women in Roofing (NWIR) and chairs the NWIR Oklahoma Council, co-founded in 2019.  Through NWIR, Brooke empowers the next generation by participating in "Build My Future," a career expo dedicated to introducing high school students to the skilled trades.  Her dedication extends to organizations like Women Accessing Non-Traditional Trades and the American Indian Chamber of Commerce.

A Commitment to Excellence

Brooke's dedication goes beyond community outreach.  She is a lifelong learner, continually honing her craft.  Her Xactimate Level 3 Certification exemplifies her commitment to technical expertise.  Furthermore, Whirlwind is a Fortified™ Home-designated roofing company, demonstrating their dedication to building resilience and safety into every project.

Celebrating Achievements, Inspiring Futures

"We were overwhelmed by the response to this year's campaign," declares Jennifer Lewis, Beacon's Vice President, Communications & Corporate Social Responsibility. "Nearly 3,000 nominations – that's a testament to the incredible women shaping the roofing industry across North America!  Brooke's exceptional work ethic, unwavering commitment to her community, and dedication to empowering other women truly set her apart."

Brooke's humility shines through her acceptance speech: "This award is a humbling honor. I am incredibly grateful for the unwavering support of my family, friends, and colleagues.  This recognition transcends personal achievement; it's a celebration of the rising tide of women leaders in the roofing industry.  I hope my story inspires others to embrace their passions and make a lasting impact within this dynamic field."

The Beacon of Change

The public nomination phase culminated in a shortlist of four exceptional finalists alongside Brooke.  These women – Millie Hindes, Sarah Lechowich, Tomie Kay Morse, and Melanie Knox – represent the depth of talent and leadership within the industry.  Honorable mentions were also awarded to a further eight outstanding women.

This annual award program by Beacon serves not only to recognize exceptional individuals but also to illuminate the transformative role women are playing in the roofing industry.  By celebrating their achievements, Beacon paves the way for a more inclusive and empowered future for the industry as a whole.

To learn more about the inspiring finalists and the North American Female Roofing Professional of the Year program, visit: go.becn.com/femaleroofpro‍

From March 8^th through April 10^th, Beacon solicited nominations of outstanding female roofing professionals. Beacon opened voting to the public from May 15^th through June 5^th. The other top four finalists were:

• Millie Hindes, Watergate Roofing, Indianapolis, Indiana
• Sarah Lechowich, True North Roofing, Cottage Grove, Minnesota
• Tomie Kay Morse, Morse Home Improvement, Dagsboro, Delaware
• Melanie Knox, Restoration Builders, Round Rock, Texas

Honorable Mentions went to:

• Stephanie Baird, Bliss Roofing, Happy Valley, Oregon
• Tori Bobbs, Poseidon Roofing, LLC, Fort Myers, Florida
• Gina Farese, Marcor Construction, West Babylon, New York
• Heather Hitchcock, Royal Roofing, Deer Park, Texas
• Stacy Lytton, Horch Roofing, Warren, Maine
• Katelyn Reynolds, Property Masters, Pendleton, Indiana
• Madelyn Smith, House Works of America, Columbia, South Carolina
• Sarah Wilis, WxTite, Greensboro, North Carolina

To learn more about Beacon’s annual Female Roofing Professional of the Year program, the finalists, and the program rules, visit: go.becn.com/femaleroofpro.

About Beacon

Founded in 1928, Beacon is a Fortune 500 publicly traded distributor of building products, including roofing materials and complementary products such as waterproofing. The company operates over 560 branches throughout all 50 states in the U.S. and 7 provinces in Canada. Beacon serves an extensive base of nearly 100,000 customers, utilizing its vast branch network and diverse service offerings to provide high-quality products and support throughout the entire business lifecycle. Beacon offers its own private label brand, TRI-BUILT®, and has a proprietary digital account management suite which allows customers to manage their businesses online. Beacon’s stock is traded on the Nasdaq Global Select Market under the ticker symbol BECN. To learn more about Beacon, please visit www.beacon-canada.com