From One Generation to the Next
Founder’s Story
A Lifetime in Roofing. A Legacy Built to Be Shared.
Meet Nelson Alvarado Sr.
Nelson Alvarado Sr., President of the National Roof Institute of America, has spent decades building a career, supporting his family, and passing his knowledge of the roofing industry on to future generations.
Nelson's journey into roofing began after serving in the military during the Vietnam era. At 21 years old, he had trained as an electronics technician and was earning a good living, but an unexpected opportunity would completely change the direction of his life.
Through his local church in Tucson, Arizona, Nelson met a Sunday school teacher who was an experienced roofer with dreams of starting his own business. He knew the roofing trade but needed a business partner who could communicate effectively with English-speaking customers. He offered to teach Nelson the trade, and Nelson eventually decided to take the opportunity.
That decision became the beginning of a lifelong career.
From Student to Roofing Professional
Nelson learned the roofing trade firsthand, gaining experience in installation, estimating, sales, customer service, and the business side of the industry. He eventually became the company's salesperson and helped grow the business.
After approximately two years, Nelson was ready to take what he had learned and continue building his own career.
Roofing provided Nelson with something he had been searching for: challenging hands-on work, independence, a sense of purpose, and the ability to provide for his growing family.
Over the decades that followed, roofing became a family tradition. Nelson passed his knowledge on to his four sons, who went on to establish roofing businesses of their own. Today, members of the next generation of his family have entered the roofing industry as well.
Passing the Trade to the Next Generation
Now in his 80s, Nelson's goal is to pass decades of practical roofing knowledge on to people who are ready to build careers of their own.
The National Roof Institute of America was created around a simple idea: skilled trades can create meaningful opportunities, and knowledge gained through decades of experience should be passed forward.
Whether you're graduating from high school, transitioning out of military service, considering a career change, or simply know that sitting behind a desk isn't for you, Nelson wants to help you discover what a career in roofing can offer.
“If your future isn't behind a desk, it may be in your hands.”
At the National Roof Institute of America, students don't just learn about roofing. They learn from decades of real-world experience.
The Story of National Roof Institute
National Roof Institute started as a way to pass down knowledge about roofing to aspiring contractors and business owners. Our founder is passionate about his trade, and after watching his own children start successful businesses in the industry, he knew it was time to train others to do the same.
There are many individuals who have the passion and drive to become successful, but don’t have anyone to walk alongside them and teach them what to do. That’s where National Roof Institute comes in.
Our comprehensive 5-week training program provides you with everything you need to become a roofing contractor, whether you choose to work for a large company or go into business for yourself.
Start Learning Your Trade at National Roof Institute
When you’re learning a new skill or trade, having someone to guide you is invaluable. As a student at National Roof Institute, you’ll never have to figure out your next step on your own. From hands-on training to guidance on finding a job and starting a business, we’ll walk with you every step of the way.
If you’re interested in finding out more about our roofing program, contact us today to get started.