The Academy of Crafts Continues to Grow—Paweł Francuz Named New Ambassador, Ryszard Piwowski Named Honorary Ambassador

The Academy of Crafts is entering the next phase of its activities. During the annual meeting, which took place on August 25–26 in Sokołów, participants discussed plans for the coming months and prepared new training sessions and activities for industry events. The meeting also provided an opportunity to welcome Paweł Francuz to the group of Ambassadors and to honor Ryszard Piwowski with the title of Honorary Ambassador.

The annual meeting is an important event on the Academy’s calendar. It is a time to review past activities, but above all, to plan for what lies ahead. Together, we discussed upcoming training sessions, participation in trade shows and industry events, and plans for the 2026/2027 season. We also determined the scope of the materials and content being prepared, which will be used during future meetings with roofers. There were also discussions about day-to-day work, experiences from previous training sessions, and the needs of contractors.

A new Brand Ambassador has joined this group—Paweł Francuz. He has been involved in the roofing industry for years and gained his first experience working alongside his father. Over time, he developed his own workshop and professional skills, earning the title of master roofer as well as teaching credentials. He actively participates in the roofing community and shares the knowledge he has gained while working on roofs.

Paweł Francuz’s addition to the group of Ambassadors represents another opportunity for collaboration on training and educational initiatives. His practical experience aligns well with the Academy’s philosophy, where skills gained through daily work and the ability to discuss specific problems that arise on construction sites are just as important as technical knowledge.

During the meeting, Ryszard Piwowski also received a special honor. The title of Honorary Ambassador is a recognition of his many years of collaboration and dedication. Ryszard has been part of the Academy for years—he conducts training sessions, shares his knowledge and experience, and is actively involved in efforts to educate future generations of professionals.

He has been involved in roofing and sheet metal work since 1985. He is a master of both trades and a teacher, and over the years he has also been actively involved in preparing young roofers to compete in industry-wide competitions. His experience encompasses both practical work in the trade and educational activities. The conferral of the title of Honorary Ambassador highlights his long-standing contribution to the development of the Academy and the roofing community.

The training courses organized as part of the Academy are primarily hands-on. Participants can learn about solutions used on roofs, refine their assembly and flashing techniques, and discuss the challenges they face on the job with experienced professionals. Another important part of our activities is the training conducted through the Mobile Training Center, which reaches roofers in various parts of the country.

That is precisely the idea behind the Academy—to combine technical knowledge with the experience of people who perform their work every day in real-world conditions. Small groups, direct contact with instructors, and an emphasis on practical solutions allow participants to apply the knowledge they’ve gained later on in their own projects.

In Sokołów, discussions focused on both specific actions for the coming months and the Academy’s future direction. The meeting also highlighted the people who help shape the Academy—Paweł Francuz, who is taking on the role of Ambassador, and Ryszard Piwowski, who was named Honorary Ambassador in recognition of his many years of collaboration.

What is the Academy of Crafts? This is our flagship series of two-day hands-on training sessions, where experience, expert knowledge, and working on real-world solutions take center stage. The sessions are led by experienced roofing masters, and small group sizes allow for direct interaction with the instructors and a personalized approach to each participant. Maximum hands-on practice, minimal theory, and comprehensive training facilities ensure that the knowledge gained can be applied directly in your daily work. Check the upcoming dates and explore the training offerings of the Academy of Crafts. View the training schedule.