Updates from the RCI-IIBEC Foundation and

RCI Foundation Canada

Thank You to Our Student Hosts!

The Foundations sponsored 39 students to attend the 2026 IIBEC International Convention and Trade Show in Sacramento — made possible through the generous support of donors like you.

Equally essential to this year's success were the 39 dedicated student hosts who took time out of their schedules to welcome a sponsored student, explore the trade show together, share a meal, and participate in an introductory meeting with fellow hosts and students.

2026 Convention Student Hosts:

Jordan Albert, Andy Barriento, Melissa Barrows-Lieb, Jeremy Bridwell, Joe Bukovec, Remo Capolino, Bob Card, Norm Crouse, Mark DeFreitas, Dan DeMeyer, Steve Drennan, Lora Ferrazzo, Robert Fredriksen, Mike Gardner, Jeff Garrison, Arlo Gough, Elizabeth Grant, John Karman, Pete Keener, Ken Leggett, Steven Linscheid, Alberto McAlas, Julie Veale-McDonald, John Mills, Keith Parker, Ralph Paroli, Andre Parnther, Russ Raymond, Ted Sheridan, Joe Sorrentino, Preston Seaward, Violet Spiewak, Ben Scales, Jon Solland, Mark Stevens, Nick Tribble, Diana Vitiritti, Bill Waterston, and Tom Wettstein.

A Note of Appreciation

From: Paul Guzman, Texas A&M University:

I just wanted to take a few minutes to appreciate you for this tremendous opportunity. Being introduced to IIBEC last year through this student sponsorship and the convention as a whole has been extremely beneficial to my career. Through IIBEC, I have been introduced to an entirely new industry — from waterproofing to roofing to weather-resistant barriers — that I never would have anticipated. Thank you so much for this incredible opportunity.

Sincerely, Paul Guzman.

Golf Outing Sacramento — "A Beautiful Day"

Many thanks to the 144 golfers who participated in the Foundations' Golf Outing in Sacramento! The day was an overwhelming success, raising over $63,000 for student programs. Special thanks to SOPREMA and Performance Roof Solutions for their overall event sponsorship.

Highlights included wild turkeys spotted on the course, the crowd-favorite air cannon on hole 17 sponsored by Elevate, and our winning foursome: Nathan Rockwell, Bill Hobgood, Cody Canan, and Shawn Morgan.

Foundations' "Gold Rush" Auction and Reception

This year's auction and reception raised over $31,500 for the foundations. Many thanks to GAF for their generous sponsorship and support!

The evening featured several memorable moments: Tom Smith purchased the week at Bethany Beach, Delaware, for $4,000 and donated it back in memory of Walt Rossiter — a touching tribute that was matched by Scott Hinesley, who then purchased the package. Jeff Garrison won the More Than 100 Ways to Build Better book set, donated by Positive Friction Consulting via Derek Hodgin. And Charles Rehm was the winning bidder on the Country Superstars autographed guitar.

Many thanks to all our donors, winning bidders, and door prize winners!