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Business as Usual – A Message From Mary

As many may already know, Cornell Roofing & Sheet Metal’s Owner and President, Mary McNamara was recently diagnosed with breast cancer and is currently undergoing treatment. Her prognosis is positive and, if you know Mary, you know she is a fighter who will fiercely battle the disease. Mary remains engaged with the business even during her treatments (no surprise there!), but is putting Senior Vice President, Paul Coussens at the helm to fill in when she is not available.

See below for a message from Mary McNamara on the support she has received and her commitment to ensuring “business as usual”:

“The past few weeks have been a whirlwind. I am humbled by the outpouring of support and kindness I have received from my team, our customers, our vendors, the community and so many family and friends. It truly makes this difficult journey easier. I intend to battle breast cancer every step of the way and get back to business quickly. In the meantime, I am appointing Paul Coussens, our Senior VP, to oversee daily operations during times when I am unable to attend to business. Paul has been with Cornell Roofing & Sheet Metal since 2012 and has the in-depth knowledge and expertise to ensure and maintain the company’s high standards of excellence for project management and customer care.

I want to thank our amazing, dedicated team at Cornell Roofing & Sheet Metal. You are all valued and appreciated. We are a family and that means the world to me. Thank you for doing what you do, and all the support you have given me. I have a job ahead of me to beat this thing and you have yours to take care of our customers. Now, let’s get to work!”

By cornellroofing Commercial Roofing and Sheet Metal Kansas City • Construction • Products & Information • Projects • Tips and Tricks 0 Comments

5 Ways to Keep Your Cool

Summer heat is no joke. Working in glaring sun and high humidity is a grind for all construction workers, but working all day on the roof of a commercial building usually means limited to no shade and intensified temperatures. Taking precautions to ensure our crews are safe in all types of weather is a priority for Cornell Roofing and Sheet Metal. Here are five tips to keep in mind as the summer heats up this year.


Use Sun Protection

Application – and frequent reapplication – of a high SPF sunscreen (SPF 30 or higher) is recommended by the Skin Cancer Foundation and American Academy of Dermatology to reduce your risk of burns, skin cancer and other damage. UPF clothing for construction workers is also available and can help keep you cool while providing protection from harmful UVB and UVA rays.


Hydrate, Hydrate & Hydrate Some More

Be sure to drink plenty of cool, plain water throughout the day. Sports drinks can be good for helping replenishing electrolytes too. Avoid sugary, caffeinated drinks, as they can dehydrate your system and work against you. 


Eat Right

After working in the heat, heavy meals usually don’t sound appealing. They take longer to digest and can make you feel sluggish. Go with lighter meals and plenty of vegetables to give you the energy you need to get through the day.


Take Shade Breaks

Five to 10-minute breaks in the shade can help keep you from dangerously overheating. If you can find a spot with a fan or in an air conditioned space or vehicle, even better! 


Been on the Lookout for Heat-related Illnesses

Heat exhaustion can kick in when the body loses too much water and salt. Even more serious is heat stroke, when the body can no longer thermoregulate. Both conditions are serious. If you or any of your co-workers experience the following symptoms of heat stroke, you should seek immediate medical attention.  

  • Severe headache
  • Nausea and vomiting
  • Muscle cramps
  • Seizures
  • Red, hot, dry skin
  • Lack of sweating
  • Rapid heartbeat 
  • Shallow breathing
  • Confusion
  • Loss of consciousness

Stay safe and keep an eye out for your co-workers as the thermometer rises this summer. For more information on Cornell Roofing and Sheet Metal’s safety practices, visit https://im4.8d3.myftpupload.com/safety-policy/.

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Cornell Projects Among 2022 Capstone Award Winners

Each year, a select group of notable real estate projects that represent excellence in our community are recognized with the annual Capstone Real Estate Awards presented by the Kansas City Business Journal. The field this year was competitive with several projects in the running before a panel of judges. To be honored, each project had to be move-in ready by the end of 2021. Ultimately, the 2022 Capstone Award honored 28 projects across the Kansas City metropolitan area. Cornell Roofing and Sheet Metal proudly managed the commercial roofing for three of these projects:

Harry S. Truman Presidential Library Museum Renovation and Expansion
Category: Architectural Design

The Kansas City Museum Renovation
Category: Architectural Design Category

Kirk Family YMCA
Category: Adaptive Reuse

Cornell Roofing & Sheet Metal congratulates all the winners and is honored to have been involved in the development, renovation and expansion of these projects and so many other Capstone Award-winning properties throughout our history. To see the full list of 2022 Capstone honorees, click here. To learn more about Cornell Roofing and Sheet Metal, visit www.CornellRoofing.com or call 816-252-8300.

By cornellroofing Commercial Roofing and Sheet Metal Kansas City 0 Comments

Priority One: Jobsite Safety

We are serious about safety at Cornell Roofing and Sheet Metal. From our sheet metal shop to projects for the tallest commercial buildings in the Kansas City region, we follow stringent safety protocols to protect our crews and customers.

The process starts even before we bring on new hires. All Cornell Roofing employees complete a Safety Training course during pre-employment orientation in compliance with OSHA requirements. Each employee is expected to obey safety rules and to exercise caution in all work activities. Cornell team members must immediately report any unsafe practice or condition to their supervisor and HR Manager. Such reports are necessary to comply with laws and initiate insurance benefits procedures.

Every person seeking a position with Cornell Roofing and Sheet Metal must have a minimum of his or her 10-hour OSHA Certification, pass a drug test as part of our continued commitment to a drug-free work environment and also pass a physical administered by a third-party company specializing in workplace safety and employee health to ensure they are able to successfully meet the physical requirements of the job.

In our unwavering commitment to make safety our top priority, Cornell Roofing and Sheet Metal engages a third-party safety consultant for independent review of our safety program and all projects. This ensures safety measures and best practices are being followed every step of the way on every project.

To learn more about Cornell Roofing and Sheet Metal, visit www.CornellRoofing.com or call 816-252-8300.

By cornellroofing Commercial Roofing and Sheet Metal Kansas City 0 Comments

Commercial Roofing Outlook

The commercial roofing industry, like all industries, has doubled-down to weather unprecedented business disruptions over the the past couple of years. Companies across the nation like Cornell Roofing and Sheet Metal have been dealing with price increases, project delays, supply chain issues, and worker retention. Yet, the future for our industry looks positive.

Industry analysts predict at least 5% year-over-year growth through 2030 for the roofing industry as a whole. In the commercial roofing industry specifically, sales remain strong. In fact, a recent survey of commercial roofers conducted by Roofing Contractors Media and Clear Seas Research reported that 71% anticipated substantial to moderate revenue growth in 2022.

Cornell Roofing and Sheet Metal is one of those companies forecasting continued growth in our Kansas City market in our 95th year. Over the past few years, we have experienced record-breaking sales and organizational growth year over year, with no sign of that slowing down. Cornell is poised to grow with roofing maintenance, roof replacements and new commercial roofing installs across a variety of segments, including healthcare, education, government and general commercial construction.

To learn more about Cornell Roofing and Sheet Metal, visit www.CornellRoofing.com or call 816-252-8300.


The commercial roofing industry, like all industries, has doubled-down to weather unprecedented business disruptions over the the past couple of years. Companies across the nation like Cornell Roofing and Sheet Metal have been dealing with price increases, project delays, supply chain issues, and worker retention. Yet, the future for our industry looks positive.

Industry analysts predict at least 5% year-over-year growth through 2030 for the roofing industry as a whole. In the commercial roofing industry specifically, sales remain strong. In fact, a recent survey of commercial roofers conducted by Roofing Contractors Media and Clear Seas Research reported that 71% anticipated substantial to moderate revenue growth in 2022.

Cornell Roofing and Sheet Metal is one of those companies forecasting continued growth in our Kansas City market in our 95th year. Over the past few years, we have experienced record-breaking sales and organizational growth year over year, with no sign of that slowing down. Cornell is poised to grow with roofing maintenance, roof replacements and new commercial roofing installs across a variety of segments, including healthcare, education, government and general commercial construction.

To learn more about Cornell Roofing and Sheet Metal, visit www.CornellRoofing.com or call 816-252-8300.

By cornellroofing Commercial Roofing and Sheet Metal Kansas City • Construction • General • General Information 0 Comments

Women in Construction

In March, we not only celebrate Women’s History Month and International Women’s Day (March 8), we also take time to recognize Women in Construction Week (March 6-12). This is a week sponsored by the National Association of Women in Construction (NAWIC) to celebrate the contributions and achievements of women in our industry, as well as the enormous opportunities for growth.

Being a certified Woman-Owned Business Enterprise, Cornell Roofing and Sheet Metal understands the important role women have in our industry. Our Owner and President, Mary McNamara has paved the way for many – women and men – in our rapidly growing industry. Under Mary’s leadership, Cornell Roofing and Sheet Metal has broken records for revenue growth year over year – a huge accomplishment for a company that is nearly 100 years old.

While women make up 47% of the entire employed population, they represent just 10.9% of the workforce in the construction industry. However, we see that tide changing, not only in commercial roofing, but across the construction industry in general. Industry analysts are predicting an additional 2 million jobs will be added in construction in 2022 alone. This is a prime opportunity for women seeking positions in the skilled trades, management, and executive leadership. Women are encouraged to consider construction as a rewarding career path with an abundance of opportunities.

To learn more about Cornell Roofing and Sheet Metal and our team, visit www.CornellRoofing.com or call 816-252-8300.

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Celebrating 95 Years in Business

This year marks Cornell Roofing and Sheet Metal’s 95th year of business in Kansas City. When we were founded in 1927, a lot was happening in the world that would change the course of history:

  • Charles Lindbergh completed the first solo flight across the Atlantic
  • The film, The Jazz Singer opened, ending the era of silent movies
  • Work began on the Mount Rushmore Sculpture of Presidents 
  • Ford Motor Company unveiled the Model A

It appears Cornell is in good company with those who set out to make history and start something great in 1927! 

While much has changed over the years, the values that our company was founded upon remain the cornerstones of our success. Cornell’s dedication to operating with integrity, staying innovative, taking care of our people and our customers, and delivering top-quality commercial roofing projects was, is and will always be what sets us apart. 

We may be in our 95th year, but Cornell is not slowing down anytime soon. In fact, our team has recently expanded by over 250% and we are continuing to break records for growth. With solid leadership and our amazing professional staff and highly skilled crews, we are excited for all the future holds – and the next 95 years ahead for Cornell Roofing and Sheet Metal.

To learn more about Cornell, visit www.CornellRoofing.com or call 816-252-8300.

By cornellroofing Commercial Roofing and Sheet Metal Kansas City • Projects 0 Comments

Getting “Schooled” in Commercial Roofing

Since Cornell Roofing and Sheet Metal was founded in 1927, we’ve completed thousands of commercial roofing and building projects for diverse purposes and industries. In addition to a wide range of various general commercial, healthcare and government buildings, Cornell has developed strong expertise in projects within the educational and academic institution building space.


Cornell Roofing and Sheet Metal has partnered with multiple school districts, colleges and university systems across the Kansas City region. Our crews are skilled in new construction, re-roofing and specialized projects for educational facilities from elementary, middle and high schools to housing, learning, recreational and research buildings on university campuses.


We are extremely proud of our work with these institutions of learning. To learn more about Cornell’s portfolio of work, check out our gallery of some recent projects here, visit www.CornellRoofing.com or call 816-252-8300.

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Cornell Roofing Leadership Feature: Meet The Owner

Mary McNamara, Owner and President of Cornell Roofing and Sheet Metal is from a family of leaders within the roofing industry. In fact, the McNamara name has been a force for three generations, starting with her father, Jim and uncle, Don. But don’t get the idea that Mary had it easy coming up in the industry. She has earned her spot as leader in the commercial roofing space and Kansas City-area commercial construction.

Mary grew up in Michigan and Illinois, earning her BS in Accounting from Northern Illinois University and later her MBA from Rockhurst University in Kansas City. She started in the industry assisting her dad and uncle in their partnership with multiple roofing contractors across the United States to manufacture high-end roofing material. From there, she applied for and earned a key role in launching the company in Kansas City, KS.

In 2007, Cornell Roofing was a customer of Mary’s. When presented with the opportunity to buy the business, she took it. It was a risky move and pushed Mary to her financial limits at the time. With grit, determination, sharp business acumen, and surrounding herself with a rock-solid team, Mary forged ahead to grow the business from 26 to 92 employees.

Cornell was originally established in 1927 and, under Mary’s leadership, is breaking records as they approach 100 years in business. Being a women-owned business in this industry has both challenges and advantages, but in the end, the company must still perform and deliver top-notch quality to succeed.

Mary credits much of her success to her team at Cornell and her background as CFO with the materials manufacturer, “I met some of the best contractors across the nation. They were the leaders in the industry, and it was overwhelming in many ways. Today, I am working with new peers and many of our younger ‘family’ members, and enjoying watching the legacy of our industry move forward.”

In addition to leading Cornell Roofing & Sheet Metal to new levels of success, Mary has held many leadership positions on industry and community boards. Positions include, Director, Midwest Roofing Contractors Association (MRCA); Director, Greater Kansas City Builders Association; Director, Blue Ridge Bank & Trust; Trustee, Teamsters Local 541, Health & Welfare; and Trustee, Roofers Local 20, Pension.

For more information about Cornell Roofing and Sheet Metal, visit www.CornellRoofing.com and or call 816-252-8300.

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Building Kansas City’s Skyline

Over the past 95 years, Kansas City’s skyline has seen a lot of changes. At Cornell Roofing and Sheet Metal, we are proud to have played a part in the growth and evolution of our City. Since our beginnings in 1927, Cornell has been roofing Kansas City commercial facilities, including some of KC’s most iconic buildings.


From Children’s Mercy to KCMO City Hall, One Light to UMKC, to the new KCI Terminal – and countless more projects, our Cornell crews literally go to new heights to deliver top-quality results for our customers. While we are constantly striving to improve by leveraging the most up-to-date, high-performance products, materials and processes, our philosophy for service has remained steadfast through the years. In addition to being the premier commercial roofing contractor in our region, we are dedicated to operating with integrity with all associates, customers and suppliers and become a leading voice in our industry for civic outreach and community involvement.


As we’ve helped build Kansas City’s skyline, we’ve grown our company along the way, by staying true to our core values:

– Operate with integrity with all customers and suppliers

– Offer opportunities for growth and development to our associates

– Deliver top quality products and services to the marketplace

– Develop strong community and civic outreach

– Build a strong and profitable company


To learn more about Cornell Roofing and Sheet Metal, our expertise and the projects we’ve completed, visit https://im4.8d3.myftpupload.com/projects/ or call 816-252-8300.