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Cornell Roofing & Sheet Metal: Taking Teamwork to New Heights

Cornell Roofing & Sheet Metal Co. has been a leader in Kansas City’s commercial construction industry since 1927. What’s the secret to staying in business for over 90 years? The answer lies within Cornell’s four key operating principles of integrity, dependability, quality, and responsibility. The company was founded on these values and the commitment to continually invest in innovation and equipment, and their most valuable asset – their employees. 

 

This dedication to people and creating a positive, rewarding work environment is a key factor in Cornell’s longevity and gives the company a competitive edge in the field. Cornell Roofing & Sheet Metal’s leadership, professional staff, and highly skilled construction crews are experts in the commercial roofing and sheet metal trades. They have literally covered many of the most iconic and prominent commercial, healthcare, educational, government properties in the Kansas City region. Their knowledge and leadership in the industry have raised the bar for commercial roofing and sheet metal work in Kansas City.

 

“Promises made. Promises kept, since 1927,” is a phrase you hear often at Cornell. As a team, they are bonded in their commitment and collective promises to:

  • Finish what they start, on time and on budget;
  • Pay relentless attention to even the smallest detail;
  • Use the very best products;
  • Never cut one corner;
  • Be the roofing and sheet metal company customers can depend on.

 

Being in business nearly 100 years takes a lot of grit, determination, and – most importantly – a culture where your team can thrive. Cornell Roofing & Sheet Metal Co. checks all those boxes. In continued efforts to recognize their talented team, Cornell will soon begin a series on social media in which a staff or crew member will be featured each month. Be sure to follow @cornellroofingandsheetmetal on Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn and Twitter for these spotlight stories and to see some of Cornell Roofing & Sheet Metal’s featured projects in the Kansas City area.

 

By cornellroofing American Subcontractors Association • Charity and Community Involvement • Commercial Roofing and Sheet Metal Kansas City • Midwest Roofing Contractors Association • • • • • • • • • • • • 0 Comments

Earth Day Celebrating 50 Years Today!

Earth Day 2020 is a milestone moment and, also about the enormous challenge we face. There are incredible and vast opportunities to have an impact on our planet and on climate change. EarthDay.Org, has distinguished climate change as the most pressing topic for the 50th anniversary.
Climate change represents the biggest challenge to the future of humanity and the life-support systems that make our world habitable.

Earth Day’s Beginning

The first Earth Day was a unified response to an environment in crisis — oil spills, rivers so polluted they literally caught fire, smog deforestation. On April 22, 1970, 20 million Americans, or roughly 10% of the entire U.S. population at the time, took to the streets, college campuses and hundreds of cities to protest environmental ignorance. But they wanted more, demanding a new way forward for our planet.

Social Impact Into Laws

The first Earth Day is credited with launching the modern environmental movement. Also it was the planet’s largest civic event! The first Earth Day in 1970 launched a wave of action, including the passage of landmark environmental laws in the United States. The Clean Air, Clean Water and Endangered Species Acts were created in response to the first Earth Day in 1970, as well as the creation of the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). Many countries soon adopted similar laws.

While the coronavirus may force us to keep our distance, it should not force us to keep our voices down. The only thing that will change the world is a bold and unified demand for a new way forward. While Earth Day may be going digital due to the CoronaVirus, EarthDay.Org’s goal remains the same: To mobilize the world to take the necessary actions to make a difference. We may be apart, but through the power of digital media, we’re also more connected than ever.

Learn What You Can Do

Today, go to: EarthDay.Org, where you’ll find hours of action in global digital content that drives actions big and small, gives diverse voices a platform and demands bold action for people and the planet.
From the Cornell Roofing & Sheet Metal family to yours, be safe and stay healthy.

By cornellroofing American Subcontractors Association • Commercial Roofing and Sheet Metal Kansas City • Midwest Roofing Contractors Association • National Roofing Contractors Association • • • • • • • • 0 Comments

Covid – 19 Update From Department of Labor

From our Friends at Law Firm Seigfreid Bingham. Thank you!

#covid-19, #coronavirus, #ConstructionKCBy John Vering & Mark Opara

On March 25, 2020 the U.S. Department of Labor published on its website a Model Poster for covered employers to post, email to their employees or put on an internal or external website to meet the posting requirements under the new Families First Coronavirus Response Act (herein Act). The DOL website has a link to Frequently asked Questions about how and where to post the Notice and other options on providing it to employees of covered employers.

In addition, DOL has published Fact sheets on Employee Paid Leave Rights under the Act and Employer Paid Leave Requirements under the Act. Further guidance is contained in three Questions and Answers documents published by DOL on the Families First Coronavirus Response Act, COVID-19 and the Fair Labor Standard Act and COVID-19 and the FMLA. These Fact Sheets and Guidance do not have the effect of regulations and leave a number of important questions unanswered as the April 1, 2020 effect of the Act rapidly approaches. We are advised that DOL does not plan enforcement actions against employers during the first 30 days the Act is in force as long as covered employers are making good faith efforts to comply with the Act.

Where else can I get more information and updated information?
We encourage you to keep updated on the latest developments and guidance being provided by DOL and other federal, state and local authorities including but not limited to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services, the Kansas Department of Health and Environment, and the Kansas City Missouri Department of Health. Regularly review the websites noted above, our firm COVID-19 Resources page and cdc.gov, coronavirus.gov and the CDC’s Interim Guidance for Businesses and Employers. Another valuable resource is the National Governors Association website nga.org which provides valuable resources from every state on COVID-19 and steps employers can and should take to deal with this pandemic.

This article is general in nature and does not constitute legal advice. Please note that the Families First Coronavirus Act presents many novel legal questions, and we encourage you to seek legal advice for the application of this and related laws to your specific situation and please note that legal requirements are changing on a daily basis. Readers with legal questions should consult the authors, (JVering@sb-kc.com), Mark Opara (MOpara@sb-kc.com) or any other shareholders in Seigfreid Bingham’s Employment Law Group, including:, John Neyens, Brenda Hamilton, Shannon Johnson, or your regular contact at Seigfreid Bingham at 816-421-4460.

 

By cornellroofing American Subcontractors Association • Charity and Community Involvement • Commercial Roofing and Sheet Metal Kansas City • Midwest Roofing Contractors Association 0 Comments

Cornell Roofing & Sheet Metal Continues to Raise the Roof

When Mary McNamara purchased Cornell Roofing & Sheet Metal in 2007, little did she know the recession of 2008 was right around the corner. However, under McNamara’s leadership, and with her small team of industry professionals all working together, Cornell weathered that storm.

Learning and Growing

The trials and obstacles they faced, not only as a small business but as a Certified WBE/DBE, meant they had more to prove than most. “When we bought Cornell, we established Four Key Principles: Integrity; Dependability; Quality; and Responsibility.” Mary added, “ These principles, along with the best commercial roofing and sheet metal team in the region, have been the bedrock of Cornell Roofing & Sheet Metal’s Success.”

Major Milestones

Since purchasing Cornell Roofing & Sheet Metal in 2007, Mary is proud to announce they  passed 1,000 jobs in 2019! This continual growth also led to Cornell being named the third largest roofing company in the KC Region. In addition Cornell was named the 23rd largest Woman-owned business in the region. This according to Ingram’s Magazine’s Annual Book of Lists¹.

Giving Back

Cornell has always had a tradition of giving back. Since 2007, #KCBuildersAssociation, #2019KCBuildersAssociationDinner, featuring, #CommercialRoofingCompaniesKC, #CornellRoofingandSheetMetal, as Top Sponsor, #NRCA, #NAWIC #RoofingMagazine, #SnipsMag, #Nice-KC #KCCornell has provided support for a wide range of industry and community-related events. Just recently, this support moved to a new level as Cornell made a $25,000 donation to the The Builders’ Association Scholarship Foundation. Cornell’s recipient was Ethan Wegner.

In all,there were many sponsors and many recipients. The Construction Trades understands that workers will continue to be a

key to success and growth. That’s why The Builders’ Association began the Scholarship Foundation.

The complete group of sponsors and recipients speaks volumes to the efforts being made to introduce more and more young people to what a great career path the construction trades are.

¹ www.Ingram’sMagazine.com


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This entry was posted in American Subcontractors Association, Charity and Community Involvement, Commercial Roofing and Sheet Metal Kansas City and tagged #KCChamber, #NICE-KC, #roofingmagazine, #wbdc, #BuildersAssociationKC, NAWIC, NRCA,

By cornellroofing American Subcontractors Association • Charity and Community Involvement • Commercial Roofing and Sheet Metal Kansas City • • • • • • • 0 Comments

Cornell Roofing & Sheet Metal’s First $25K Sponsorship Goes to The Builders’ Association Scholarship Foundation

At the recent 2019 Kansas City Builders’ Association Annual Dinner, Cornell’s President, Mary McNamara, continued Cornell’s tradition of community and construction #KCBuildersAssociation, #2019KCBuildersAssociationDinner, featuring, #CommercialRoofingCompaniesKC, #CornellRoofingandSheetMetal, as Top Sponsor, #NRCA, #NAWIC #RoofingMagazine, #SnipsMag, #Nice-KC #KCindustry support. “I am proud Cornell is able to give back by contributing our first ever $25,000 donation to The Builders’ Association Scholarship Foundation,”

Mary added, “Our recipient is a very deserving young man, Ethan Wegner.” Missouri Governor Mike Parson was on hand to meet and congratulate the recipients, including Ethan.

A Gold Sponsor, Cornell supports The Builders’ Association as well as many other trade and civic causes. The Builders’ Association Scholarship Foundation, established in 1994, was first discussed in 1990. The Foundation is designated by the IRS as a 501 (c)(3).

This year, there were many deserving recipients who, with their sponsors, were recognized at a special pre-dinner photo shoot.

The fund now exceeds $1,000.000 through the member’s generous donations. Mary added, “This is one of many very important construction trade efforts to introduce, inform and engage the future leaders of our industry.”

One of the biggest challenges facing many industries but especially the Construction Trades, is the lack of an available work force. The nationwide network of trade groups and organizations is doing more than ever to address this pressing issue. Many young people just don’t realize the many benefits available by joining a trade. From a good starting wage to healthcare and insurance support, today the trades look little like the days of old. OSHA, the Occupational Safety and Health Act was only signed into law in 1970. Since then, the impact on the safety, training and certification of workers has been critical in changing the whole complexion of the trades. For more on OSHA, go to: https://www.osha.gov/

If you would like to contribute to The Builders’ Association Scholarship Foundation, please contact Tony Drees for more information.

By cornellroofing American Subcontractors Association • Commercial Roofing and Sheet Metal Kansas City • Midwest Roofing Contractors Association • National Roofing Contractors Association • • • • • • • • • 0 Comments

A Good Year for Cornell

As reported in an earlier post, 2019 was a good year. The Cornell Roofing and Sheet Metal team put a heavy focus on job-site safety, which resulted in ultimate success. This was a year of one of our lowest percentages and a reduction in the rate by which companies’ premiums are based.

With the start of a new year and decade, Cornell is proud to announce ZERO incidents in 2019! President Mary McNamara commented, “Safety is more than a word at Cornell. Keeping our people safe is a mindset.” McNamara added, “ I am very proud of the continued focus on safety and the fact that we attained this great result.”a good year

With Fall Protection the #1 OSHA Standard violated, Cornell’s mantra is: “No one gets hurt today.” Mary added, “At Cornell Roofing and Sheet Metal, we will continue to invest in the time, training, certification support and latest safety equipment needed to help keep our people safe.”

To all the Customers, Trades and Suppliers, Cornell wishes you all a safe and prosperous 2020!

 

By cornellroofing Commercial Roofing and Sheet Metal Kansas City 0 Comments

As 2019 Ends, Growth Continues

growth, success, proud
On the Ingram’s Magazine¹ list of Top Area Women-Owned Businesses, Cornell Roofing and Sheet Metal shows continuous growth from previous years. From the 24th spot in 2017 to number 23 for 2018, Cornell’s impressive growth of over 3-million drove gross revenues well past the 17-million mark.

Now employing close to 100 people, owner Mary McNamara commented “We continue to grow because we keep our promises and deliver quality work with a real team approach.” McNamara added, “Our continued growth in 2019 is a reflection of our people and their commitment to delivering quality work on time and on budget.” When you take into consideration that men still outnumber women in the construction sector by a 10-1 margin, Cornell’s growth as a 100% woman-owned business is even more impressive.

The overall labor shortage in the construction trades has impacted the commercial roofing business in the Greater Kansas City area as well. With so many construction projects moving forward, working smarter and utilizing new technologies and equipment is a necessity not an option. At Cornell, numerous internal initiatives, including utilizing many industry training opportunities, have helped make continued growth a reality.

As 2019 winds up, it looks to be another banner year. Have a safe and happy New Year from our team to yours!

To see more on Ingram’s and Kansas City, click here: www.Ingrams.com

 

 

 

By cornellroofing American Subcontractors Association • Commercial Roofing and Sheet Metal Kansas City • Midwest Roofing Contractors Association • • • • • • • • 0 Comments

Seasonal Commercial Roof Maintenance

After a pretty mild fall season, winter is here. As the weather changes so do the issues your roof must face, which means it is a good time for Commercial Roof Maintenance. Just like your own home, commercial roofing systems need to be inspected for upkeep and maintenance as well. With colder temperatures, snow and winter on the horizon, it’s best to stay one step ahead of Mother Nature and get a professional inspection on your commercial roofing system.

Annual Inspections Are Key

Cornell Roofing and Sheet Metal offers commercial roofing inspections. Our expert roofing technicians suggest an annual commercial roof maintenance standing water on roofing system, roofing system, roof maintenance, commercial roof maintenance inspection and a twice-annual check for minor repairs. All of our inspections include a checklist, records and photos of each inspection for the building owner to have and review. If necessary, we can also create an individual plan of action for any repairs that might need to take place.

Ponding water can be one of the most damaging commercial roof conditions. The added weight is never good and proper slope and drainage needs to be part of the solution.

rust affecting the roofing structureroofing system, roof maintenance, commercial roof maintenance Between each inspection, building owners can use preventative maintenance to ward off expensive problem areas. Cornell offers a Roof Maintenance Program to help in early detection of potential problems. This helps by extending the life of your commercial roofing system. Contact us today to learn more about what we can do to help avoid costly repairs to your commercial roof.

Hear from one of our customers, Twelve Apostles Parish in Platte, City, Missouri. We came to the rescue of their leaky roof that had been experiencing problems for some time; they came to us to aid this problem.

“Bob, I want to thank you and Bill for digging into the roof problems at the church. I can’t begin to thank you enough. I checked the church this morning after the storm last night. Everything looked fine. I do believe that what you discovered under the ridge cap is the probable source of water getting in again…Once again thank you Cornell Roofing,” – Bob Ralston, Twelve Apostles Parish

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By cornellroofing Charity and Community Involvement • Commercial Roofing and Sheet Metal Kansas City • • • • • • • • • 0 Comments

Cornell Supports The Children’s Museum

In 1988, the Johnson County (Kan.) Commissioners formed a study and concluded there was a lack of hands-on, interactive programs for children; The solution was to create a Children’s Museum. A year after the study, Wonderscope, the Children’s Museum of Kansas City, opened and is now celebrating its 30th anniversary. Originally, Wonderscope was a traveling exhibit in the Kansas City area but in 2008, it officially merged with the Kansas Children’s Museum.

Hands-on learning starts at a young age and continues into adulthood; at Cornell, hands-on learning is vital to performance. For this, we are grateful for the Children’s Museum of Kansas City and their support for enjoyable learning. Wonderscope provides fun for children ten years of age and younger, their parents and educators. With the use of dynamic exhibits and programs through integrating the arts, sciences, and literature, they pave the way of learning for children.

The Children's Museum, the museum, children's museum, hands-on

Learn – Play – Grow

At Wonderscope, the team believes children learn best through play. Through fun, imaginative hands-on learning, children can grow to their full potential and thrive. With the involvement of family and friends, interactive learning engages children’s natural desire to learn more about the world around them.

The informal learning environment is filled with engaging play experiences that inspire growth and love for learning in young children. Of course, you don’t have to be a kid to enjoy the experience!

Cornell is proud to support a positive learning environment at the children’s museum and the encouragement of hands-on learning. After all, without hands-on interaction, no roof would be complete. Despite the growth in technology, hands-on learning is still needed in everyday life. There will always be something that technology can’t do, and that is part of what makes us human.

Don’t forget to learn, play and grow, no matter what your age is.

 

 

By cornellroofing American Subcontractors Association • Commercial Roofing and Sheet Metal Kansas City • Midwest Roofing Contractors Association • National Roofing Contractors Association • • • • • • • • • 0 Comments

The MRCA, A Family Affair

Mary McNamara, Owner and President of Cornell, was recently appointed to the Midwest Roofing Contractors Association (MRCA) Board. McNamara continues a tradition of service to the roofing industry from the McNamara family at the regional and national levels.

Humble Beginnings

The MRCA  traces its beginnings to early 1950. For several years discussion of the benefits of a regional organization to represent roofing contractors had been going on. It was after a roofing clinic in Topeka, Kansas on January 12, 1950 that the organization was created.

Then Everything Changed

While conventions have always been a part of the MRCA, they began as a forum for contractors to gather and exchange ideas. In 1965, the first technical research project titled “Don’t Panic – Here’s How to Make a Roof Drain”, was published. Despite how it sounds today, it revolutionized the roofing industry. Overnight architects uniformly adopted the projects recommendations and the industry began changing.

Continuing a Tradition of Service

“ I am Honored to be appointed to the MRCA Board and look forward to collaborating with the many talented members of this

The MRCA, Organization, Midwest Roofing Contractors Association
Rob McNamara

organization,” McNamara stated. Her father, Jim McNamara was President of the Chicago Roofing Contractors Association. McNamara’s Uncle Don, served as president of the organization in 1981 and was awarded its highest honor, the James Q. McCawley Award in 1982. Don’s son Rob also served as its president. Its safe the say this has become a family affair.

MRCA Drives Positive Change

From the first industry altering publication, the MRCA Technical and Research (T&R) Committee was formed and has presented studies that have dramatically impacted the industry. As a result, the industry has seen an improvement of products and architects and specifiers have been influenced and guided to follow sound roofing practices. The MRCA has continually worked to improve the conditions for the roofing contractors and ultimately their customers. For more information visit: www.MRCA.org