23 Mar From the Rooftop to the State House: Morgan’s Career in Commercial Roofing
Morgan did not set out to make history. She just showed up to work.
At 30 years old, Morgan is a third-generation commercial roofer from Montana, part of a family business her grandfather and great uncle started decades ago. She works alongside her father, uncle, and siblings. What began as a family trade has grown into something much larger than anyone might have expected.
Before moving into the office full-time, Morgan spent four years on the roof. She specialized in TPO membrane roofing systems, heat-welding details, pipes, and flashings with precision. It is skilled, technical work that demands focus and attention to detail. She was good at it.
That hands-on experience gave her a deep respect for the trade and eventually drew her into leadership. Today, she serves as the first female president of the Montana Roofing Association, a milestone that reflects how much the industry is evolving. “The roofing industry is really open to women getting more involved,” she says. And her story proves it.
But Morgan did not stop there. Her involvement in the trades led her to advocacy, and she is currently serving her first term as a state representative from Montana, working on legislation around contractor issues. “Just getting involved and serving and expanding,” she says. “You never know where it is going to take you.”
For anyone considering a career in commercial roofing, Morgan’s advice is practical and encouraging. Apprenticeship programs take around four years, and you earn a paycheck the entire time. By the end, your earning potential can match that of a college graduate without the debt. She also recommends finding a local roofing association, connecting with companies in your area, and simply walking in to ask questions. The industry is welcoming and actively looking for detail-oriented people, women, and younger workers who are not afraid of an honest day’s work outside.
There is also something deeply satisfying about the work itself. At the end of the day, you can step back and know you helped protect everything underneath that roof. That kind of tangible impact is hard to find behind a desk.
Morgan’s journey is proof that a trade career is not a ceiling. It is a foundation.
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