Her Story
About Shari
Shari Carlozzi is a roofing architectural consultant based in Simi Valley, California, and the owner of Thrive! Technical Services, LLC, a firm dedicated to specification development and helping manufacturers gain and provide proper representation and guidance for construction projects. A graduate of Youngstown State University with a BS in Education focused on Comprehensive Communications, she originally set her sights on teaching before a winding path through advertising, broadcast sales, and fifteen years in automotive marketing led her, somewhat unexpectedly, into the roofing industry nearly two decades ago. What began as an unplanned detour became a lasting passion, as she discovered a genuine affinity for the people and craftsmanship behind the roofing trade. Over the course of her career, Carlozzi has built deep expertise in architectural relationships, specification development, and rooftop safety and fall protection, often utilizing the very training programs and safety protocols she originally taught to contractors, now to architects, engineers, and consultants. She has held roles ranging from marketing consultant, national sales manager and safety solutions director to architectural representative, consistently applying her education background to mentor teams and build structured, repeatable systems for technical training. Her credentials as a Construction Documents Technologist and Certified Construction Product Representative reflect her ongoing commitment to continual learning, even as she continues pursuing further education in specification writing. Beyond her technical contributions, Carlozzi was a co-founder of National Women in Roofing, helping guide the organization from a small grassroots effort into a national network of more than 2,300 members built on education, mentorship, recruitment, and networking. She served as the organization's 2018 National Chair and remains an outspoken advocate for women navigating a historically male-dominated field. Outside of work, she has channeled that same energy into her community, supporting the arts through organizations like the Youngstown Symphony Guild and the Butler Institute of American Art, and advocating against human trafficking. Guided by honesty, integrity, and a persistent sense of humor, Carlozzi continues to mentor the next generation of industry professionals, encouraging them to find their passion, continually educate themselves and pay their knowledge forward.
Her Interview
Ten minutes with Shari
01What do you attribute your success to?
I attribute my success to aspiring to become the best version of myself while still having fun in what I do — why would I give up something I love? I've also stayed grounded by standing up for myself, learning as much as I can, and paying it forward whenever possible to help others grow and find their own strengths. A lot of it comes down to curiosity, gratitude, and the strong work ethic my parents instilled in me from an early age.
02What’s the best career advice you’ve ever received?
The best advice I've ever received is simple: stand up for yourself, learn as much as you can, and pay it forward.
03What advice would you give to young women entering your industry?
I'd tell young women to find their passion, even if it doesn't reveal itself right away, and to pursue work they genuinely enjoy rather than chasing money — that alone won't bring happiness. Learn as much as you possibly can, mentor others, show gratitude along the way, and give back. Think, too, about the legacy you want to leave behind.
04What are the biggest challenges or opportunities in your field right now?
Women in roofing still face daily opposition and a lingering "old boys" culture in what remains a male-dominated industry. NWIR faced plenty of naysayers ourselves, but we proved them wrong. The opportunity lies in the networks and support systems we've built through education, mentorship, recruitment, and networking — National Women in Roofing is a shining example of challenges and victories for women over the past 10 years with more than 2,300 members and still growing.
05What values are most important to you in your work and personal life?
Honesty, integrity, authenticity, and a good sense of humor are the values I hold most important, both professionally and personally.
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