GAF

Introduction

‍‍Building for scale: How GAF transformed contractor training through intelligent enterprise automation‍

At GAF, the largest roofing materials company in North America, training isn't optional. Every year, thousands of contractors rely on GAF trainers to teach best practices in installation, safety, and product expertise. Behind the scenes, though, the process of managing these trainings needed a more efficient approach.

More than 1,000 training requests a year were being tracked in a Google Sheet. For GAF's 50+ trainers, most of them ex-roofers rather than spreadsheet pros, managing assignments and updating statuses through the spreadsheet interface was time-consuming and challenging on mobile devices. The system was powerful but needed a layer that would make it accessible for trainers constantly on the road.

That's when Matt Hegge, Director of Customer Learning at GAF, came to us. What started as a request to enhance their spreadsheet with a mobile-first interface has grown into a multi-version journey, now in its fourth phase, that reflects the power of iteration and the strength of an ongoing partnership.

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The breaking point

‍GAF's roofing materials division operates one of the largest contractor training programs in North America. Their challenge wasn't just about technology; it was about serving a unique workforce.

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Their existing system had grown organically over time: a Google Form that fed training requests into a spreadsheet, with a basic Glide app providing mobile access. What was originally designed for maybe 100 training requests per year, was now handling over 1,200 annual events. What was needed was an intelligent layer on top that would make the spreadsheet's power accessible to trainers in the field.

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Version 1: Laying the foundation

‍When GAF partnered with LowCode Agency, our first goal was clear: make the process mobile and trainer-friendly without breaking the backend automations already in place.
We built the first version of their Glide app as a direct response to those pain points. Instead of scrolling through a sheet with 40 hidden columns, each trainer could now log in and see only the trainings relevant to them. Updating status, attendance, and details became as simple as filling a form on their phone.

Admins, on the other hand, gained a full overview: the ability to assign trainings, manage resources, post announcements, and track progress across all teams. A calendar view gave everyone clarity on weekly schedules, while a resource library centralized training materials.

It wasn’t flashy, but it was transformational. For the first time, GAF’s trainers felt like the system was built for them, not against them. And for the organization, Version 1 was proof that a spreadsheet-driven workflow could evolve into a scalable platform.

Version 3: From operational tool to enterprise platform

‍Six months into the partnership, GAF’s confidence in the platform opened the door to more ambitious improvements. Version 3 wasn’t just about usability; it addressed the complex realities of training operations at scale, where different users need different levels of access at different times.
The app began adjusting permissions dynamically: limiting edits when trainings were close to their confirmed dates, while expanding them for internal programs like the Roofing Academy. It was no longer a digital companion; it was becoming indispensable infrastructure.

Core improvements included:

• QR code integration: bridging digital management with in-person training sessions.
• Enhanced editing permissions: automatically adjusting based on training timeline, user role, and automation rules.
• Advanced filtering options: enabling searches by training style (in-person vs. virtual), timeframe, and month.
• Venue name fields: with smarter location logic for CARE Centers, virtual links, or custom addresses.
• Editable option sets: giving admins direct control over categories and statuses without technical support.
• Notification upgrades: including mark-as-read functionality and bulk actions for new training requests.

By this stage, the platform wasn’t just solving spreadsheet chaos, it was already setting new standards for how a national training team could operate. And for both GAF and LowCode Agency, it marked a turning point: this was no longer a project with a finish line, but a system designed to evolve, release after release.

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Ongoing Partnership: Building tomorrow’s platform, today

‍Now, as we work together on Version 4, the vision is bigger than ever. The platform is evolving from a training management tool into a comprehensive operational hub. Automation, advanced reporting, and smarter navigation are at the core of this release.
What started as a tool for managing trainings has become a foundation for how a nationwide team collaborates, plans, and grows.
Instead of thinking in terms of one “finished” app, we’ve built a cycle of continuous improvement: every version takes real-world feedback from trainers and managers, translates it into tangible upgrades, and sets the stage for the next iteration. This strategic approach means the platform is never static; it’s always adapting to GAF’s needs, integrating new capabilities, and expanding its impact across the organization.

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‍Real-world impact across the organization

‍The transformation extends beyond technology. GAF's trainers, who previously avoided the spreadsheet-based system, now actively engage with training management. The app's mobile-first design means they can update training status from airports, job sites, or anywhere their work takes them.
Matt and his co-lead Brian now have the "30,000-foot view" they needed, with calendar views that show team deployment across North America, automated reminders that prevent missed training closures, and badge systems that recognize trainer expertise and mentorship.

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The partnership model that drives innovation

‍GAF's journey illustrates our philosophy of building long-term partnership. Each version addresses new challenges as they emerge, incorporates user feedback from real-world usage, and leverages new platform capabilities as they become available.
The relationship has evolved from client-vendor to true collaboration. GAF provides detailed specifications and user feedback, while we bring strategic insights, technical expertise and creative solutions to complex operational challenges.

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‍Takeaways for enterprise training organizations

‍GAF's success demonstrates several key principles for organizations managing large-scale training operations:

• Start with user needs, not technology capabilities: We began by understanding how ex-roofers actually work, then designed interfaces that match their workflow patterns.
• Preserve existing investments while improving user experience: Rather than replacing GAF's automation infrastructure, we enhanced it with better interfaces and data management.
• Plan for iteration, not perfection: Four versions over eight months, and counting, allowed us to continuously refine based on real usage data and changing organizational needs.
• Mobile-first design is essential for field teams: When your users are constantly traveling, desktop-optimized solutions simply won't drive adoption.

GAF's training management transformation proves that the right partnership can turn operational challenges into competitive advantages. By combining deep industry understanding with iterative development, we've helped them build a system that scales with their business while serving the unique needs of their workforce.


Looking to transform your operations with a solution that grows with your needs? Let’s talk and explore how a strategic approach to app development can turn your biggest operational challenges into your strongest competitive advantages.

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