By Jesse Sanchez. 

Wil-Mar Products owner Mike Bothman explains how stocking compact pipe collars can help contractors complete roof repairs efficiently and build customer trust. 

When a contractor arrives to address a roof leak, preparation can determine whether the repair is completed immediately or delayed by a trip for additional materials. In this episode of Roofing Road Trips®, host Karen Edwards spoke with Wil-Mar Products owner Mike Bothman about how carrying the right repair products can save time, reduce disruption and strengthen customer relationships. 

Mike explained that one of the biggest challenges contractors face is having to disturb additional roofing materials to repair a failed flashing. He said, “I have to pull up this flashing, I have to pull up the shingles or the tiles, so now I’m not just fixing the flashing, I have to fix that area around it.” Removing surrounding materials can increase labor, cost and risk because the contractor becomes responsible for each part of the roof affected during the repair. 

Wil-Mar Products manufactures pipe collars designed to slide over roof pipe vents and address problems around existing flashing without extensive removal. The collars are available in sizes ranging from three-quarter inch to four inches, giving contractors options for a variety of penetrations. Describing the straightforward installation, Mike noted, “Just slide it right over and right on down.” 

Keeping those products on a service truck can also support a more professional customer experience. Drawing from his previous service work, Mike recalled, “They’re like, ‘Do you have it?’ ‘Yes, I do.’ ‘Can we do it now?’ ‘Yes. I can go grab it off my truck. Here’s the price. Done. Problem solved. You’re taken care of.’” Having the necessary part readily available allows the contractor to move directly into the repair rather than leave the property, locate materials and schedule a return visit. 

The pipe collars are made with ethylene propylene diene monomer (EPDM), which Mike described as a durable rubber that resists fading, cracking and becoming brittle over time. Their compact size also allows contractors to carry multiple options without taking up significant space. 

Wil-Mar Products offers free sample sets containing each pipe collar size, allowing contractors to test the products before adding them to their service inventory. 

Listen to the podcast or Watch the conversation to learn more about Wil-Mar Products and request a free sample set through! 

Por Jesse Sanchez, traducido por Jessica Bravo.  

Por qué los contratistas deberían considerar los collars para tubería de Wil-Mar como una herramienta esencial para proteger las penetraciones vulnerables del techo. 

Cada penetración en un techo puede convertirse en un punto potencial de falla. Los respiraderos de plomería, tubos de escape, tragaluces y otras aberturas interrumpen el sistema del techo, por lo que los contratistas deben tomar medidas adicionales para controlar el agua y proteger el edificio que se encuentra debajo. Para Mike Bothman, el nuevo propietario de Wil-Mar, esto hace que los collars para tubería sean una parte esencial del proceso de roofing, en lugar de considerarlos una mejora opcional. Como explica Mike, “No puedes hacer el techo sin esto”. 

Los collars para tubería de Wil-Mar están diseñados para colocarse sobre los flasheos existentes de las tuberías y ayudar a desviar el agua de las áreas vulnerables donde se unen diferentes materiales. Los contratistas y propietarios han utilizado distintos métodos para atender estas áreas problemáticas, pero el objetivo sigue siendo el mismo, crear una solución confiable que ayude a mantener el agua alejada de la penetración. 

Otra ventaja es la facilidad de instalación. Wil-Mar fabrica collars para tubería en tamaños que van desde tres cuartos de pulgada hasta cuatro pulgadas, lo que permite a las cuadrillas seleccionar el tamaño adecuado para cada tubería. De acuerdo con Mike, la instalación prácticamente no toma tiempo. “Treinta segundos, máximo, entre la camioneta y el techo. Una vez que lo sacas del empaque, ya está puesto y listo”. 

Esta rapidez permite a los contratistas atender un área vulnerable sin convertir una reparación o instalación sencilla en un proyecto más grande. También les da a los profesionales de roofing una manera sencilla de explicar a sus clientes cómo están ayudando a prevenir filtraciones. En lugar de presentar el collar para tubería como un accesorio opcional, Mike considera que los contratistas pueden incorporarlo como parte de su proceso estándar de roofing, junto con otros componentes necesarios. Lo describe como “un elemento absolutamente necesario” que ayuda a los contratistas a mostrarles a sus clientes cómo están protegiendo las áreas vulnerables desde el principio. 

A medida que Wil-Mar continúa expandiendo su presencia, Mike espera que los collars para tubería se conviertan en una parte habitual de los proyectos de roofing, algo que los contratistas mantengan en inventario, especifiquen e instalen regularmente para ayudar a proteger el sistema del techo y el edificio que se encuentra debajo. 

Conoce más sobre los collars para tubería de Wil-Mar y por qué deberían convertirse en un estándar de todo sistema de roofing.

By Jesse Sanchez. 

Why contractors should treat Wil-Mar pipe collars as an essential tool to protect vulnerable roof penetrations. 

Every roof penetration creates a potential point of failure. Plumbing vents, exhaust pipes, skylights and other openings interrupt the roof system, requiring contractors to take extra steps to manage water and protect the building below. For Mike Bothman, the new owner of Wil-Mar, that makes pipe collars an essential part of the roofing process rather than an optional upgrade. He emphasized, “You can’t do the roof without it.” 

Wil-Mar pipe collars are designed to slip over existing pipe flashings and help divert water away from the point where different materials meet. Mike explained that contractors and property owners have tried a variety of approaches to address these vulnerable areas, but the goal remains the same: find a reliable way to keep water moving away from the penetration.  

The simplicity of the installation is another reason Mike believes contractors can easily incorporate the product into their standard process. Wil-Mar manufactures pipe collars in sizes ranging from three-quarters of an inch to four inches, allowing crews to select the appropriate fit for the pipe. Mike noted, “Thirty seconds, tops, between the truck and the roof. Once it’s unpackaged, it’s on and it’s done.” 

That speed can help contractors address a problem without turning a straightforward repair into a larger project. It can also give roofing professionals a clear way to explain leak prevention during conversations with customers. Rather than presenting the pipe collar as an add-on, Mike believes contractors can include it alongside other necessary roofing components. He described it as “an absolute needed line item” that helps contractors show customers how they are protecting vulnerable areas from the beginning. 

As Wil-Mar expands its reach, Mike hopes pipe collars become something contractors routinely stock, specify and install on roofing projects. 

Learn more about why Wil-Mar pipe collars should become a standard part of every roofing system!

By Jesse Sanchez. 

Learn how the new owner of Wil-Mar plans to grow the company while preserving the quality, trust and problem-solving approach behind its products. 

For nearly 10 years, Mike Bothman knew Marianne Sumter before fully understanding the business they had built. What began as a service relationship gradually developed into an opportunity for Mike to become the new owner of Wil-Mar. As Mike considered changing directions in his career, Marianne was preparing for retirement. Those conversations eventually led to the acquisition of Wil-Mar’s assets and the beginning of a new chapter for Mike and the company.  

The opportunity appealed to him because Wil-Mar’s products reflect the values he has carried throughout his working life. The company is best known for its pipe collars, which are designed to protect vulnerable roof penetrations and give contractors a straightforward way to address potential leaks. Mike said, “I like helping people, and I like fixing problems, and this pipe collar does just that. Whether it’s an existing roof, new roof or just a replacement for a lesser product.” 

That focus extends beyond the products themselves. Mike believes strong customer relationships depend on clear communication, realistic expectations and consistent follow-through. Mike noted, “I believe in saying what you mean and doing what you say.” For him, growing the company also means ensuring that increased demand never comes at the expense of product quality or dependable service. 

Taking ownership carries an additional responsibility: preserving the history and reputation of a family owned company. Mike recognizes that selling a business requires trust, particularly when that business has been built through years of relationships with contractors and customers. He views his new role as an opportunity to protect that foundation while introducing Wil-Mar to a broader audience. 

Mike continued, “It means a lot to me to be the one that helps carry on, to grab the torch and keep it going.” His connection to the company’s previous owners, along with his own family ties to the Bay Area where many Wil-Mar customers are located, has helped provide a sense of continuity during the transition. 

As Wil-Mar moves forward, Mike hopes to expand its customer base and make pipe collars a standard part of the roofing process. His vision is ambitious, but it remains grounded in the same principle that first attracted him to the company: provide a well-made product that helps contractors solve real problems. 

Learn more about Wil-Mar and its roofing solutions!

By Jesse Sanchez. 

Learn how the new owner of Wil-Mar plans to grow the company while preserving the quality, trust and problem-solving approach behind its products. 

For nearly 10 years, Mike Bothman knew Marianne Sumter before fully understanding the business they had built. What began as a service relationship gradually developed into an opportunity for Mike to become the new owner of Wil-Mar. As Mike considered changing directions in his career, Marianne was preparing for retirement. Those conversations eventually led to the acquisition of Wil-Mar’s assets and the beginning of a new chapter for Mike and the company.  

The opportunity appealed to him because Wil-Mar’s products reflect the values he has carried throughout his working life. The company is best known for its pipe collars, which are designed to protect vulnerable roof penetrations and give contractors a straightforward way to address potential leaks. Mike said, “I like helping people, and I like fixing problems, and this pipe collar does just that. Whether it’s an existing roof, new roof or just a replacement for a lesser product.” 

That focus extends beyond the products themselves. Mike believes strong customer relationships depend on clear communication, realistic expectations and consistent follow-through. Mike noted, “I believe in saying what you mean and doing what you say.” For him, growing the company also means ensuring that increased demand never comes at the expense of product quality or dependable service. 

Taking ownership carries an additional responsibility: preserving the history and reputation of a family owned company. Mike recognizes that selling a business requires trust, particularly when that business has been built through years of relationships with contractors and customers. He views his new role as an opportunity to protect that foundation while introducing Wil-Mar to a broader audience. 

Mike continued, “It means a lot to me to be the one that helps carry on, to grab the torch and keep it going.” His connection to the company’s previous owners, along with his own family ties to the Bay Area where many Wil-Mar customers are located, has helped provide a sense of continuity during the transition. 

As Wil-Mar moves forward, Mike hopes to expand its customer base and make pipe collars a standard part of the roofing process. His vision is ambitious, but it remains grounded in the same principle that first attracted him to the company: provide a well-made product that helps contractors solve real problems. 

Learn more about Wil-Mar and its roofing solutions!

Por Jesse Sanchez, traducido por Alberto Torres. 

Conoce cómo el nuevo propietario de Wil-Mar planea hacer crecer la empresa mientras preserva la calidad, la confianza y el enfoque en la resolución de problemas que distinguen a sus productos. 

Durante casi 10 años, Mike Bothman conoció a Marianne Sumter antes de comprender por completo el negocio que ella y su familia habían construido. Lo que comenzó como una relación de servicio se convirtió poco a poco en una oportunidad para que Mike se convirtiera en el nuevo propietario de Wil-Mar. Mientras él consideraba darle un nuevo rumbo a su carrera, Marianne se preparaba para su retiro. Esas conversaciones finalmente dieron paso a la adquisición de los activos de Wil-Mar y al inicio de un nuevo capítulo tanto para Mike como para la empresa. 

La oportunidad llamó su atención porque los productos de Wil-Mar reflejan los valores que han guiado su trayectoria profesional. La empresa es reconocida principalmente por sus pipe collars, diseñados para proteger las penetraciones en el techo donde pasan las tuberías y brindar a los contratistas una solución sencilla para prevenir posibles filtraciones. Mike comentó: “Me gusta ayudar a las personas y me gusta resolver problemas, y este pipe collar hace precisamente eso, ya sea en un techo existente, uno nuevo o simplemente como reemplazo de un producto de menor calidad.” 

Ese enfoque va más allá de los productos. Mike considera que las relaciones sólidas con los clientes se construyen a través de una comunicación clara, expectativas realistas y el cumplimiento constante de los compromisos. Como él mismo señala: “Creo en decir lo que realmente quieres decir y en cumplir lo que prometes.” Para él, hacer crecer la empresa también significa garantizar que una mayor demanda nunca comprometa la calidad de los productos ni el servicio confiable que los clientes esperan. 

Asumir la propiedad de la empresa también implica una responsabilidad adicional: preservar la historia y la reputación de un negocio familiar. Mike reconoce que vender una empresa requiere confianza, especialmente cuando ha sido construida durante años gracias a las relaciones con contratistas y clientes. Él ve esta nueva etapa como una oportunidad para proteger ese legado mientras presenta Wil-Mar a una audiencia más amplia. 

Mike agregó: “Significa mucho para mí ser quien continúe este legado, tomar la antorcha y seguir adelante.” Su relación con los anteriores propietarios, así como sus propios vínculos familiares con el Área de la Bahía, donde se encuentran muchos de los clientes de Wil-Mar, han ayudado a brindar un sentido de continuidad durante esta transición. 

De cara al futuro, Mike espera ampliar la base de clientes de Wil-Mar y convertir los pipe collars en una parte estándar del proceso de instalación de techos. Su visión es ambiciosa, pero sigue basada en el mismo principio que lo atrajo a la empresa desde el principio: ofrecer un producto de alta calidad que ayude a los contratistas a resolver problemas reales. 

¡Conoce más sobre Wil-Mar y sus soluciones para la industria del roofing!

By Jesse Sanchez. 

New owner plans to build on the quality, service and contractor-focused problem-solving that established the Wil-Mar Products brand. 

The trusted Wil-Mar Products, Inc. pipe collar is entering a new chapter under the ownership of Mike Bothman. During this episode of Roofing Road Trips®, Mike explained how an unexpected service call led to a long-term relationship with the company and, eventually, its acquisition. 

Relationship beginnings with Wil-Mar Products 

Mike first encountered the Wil-Mar team in 2017 while working for an audio and video company. A contractor needed assistance with a custom television installation, bringing Mike to the property and introducing him to the business. “It started very, very small with, ‘Thank you for your purchase. If anything comes up in the future, we’re here to serve you,’” Mike explained. 

That initial project developed into an ongoing professional relationship as the company returned to Mike for additional services. Over the next eight or nine years, he got to know the team before discussions began about purchasing Wil-Mar Products. 

What was attractive about the company? 

As Mike learned more about Wil-Mar Products, he became impressed by the company’s commitment to product quality, attention to detail and responsive customer service. “Their ability to find a solution to a problem and take care of customers really stood out to me,” he shared. Rather than accepting recurring challenges, the team focused on identifying practical ways to address them and provide dependable solutions for customers. 

How Mike's background prepared him to continue a legacy 

Mike’s experience in construction-related work taught him to judge quality by how well the completed work performs over time, not simply by how it looks on the day of installation. “You really need to hang your hat on the quality of the job you do. It’s not just about the quality now or a few weeks from now; it’s about the quality five or more years from now,” Mike explained. 

That long-term perspective aligns with the principles that helped establish Wil-Mar Products. Mike plans to preserve the company’s contractor-built legacy by maintaining its focus on durable products, careful service and solutions that continue performing well after installation. 

Listen to the entire podcast or Watch the conversation to learn more about the Wil-Mar Products acquisition! 

By Jesse Sanchez. 

How this contractor-designed rubber pipe collar continues to solve a common roofing problem across new construction and repair projects. 

Live from the International Roofing Expo (IRE) in Las Vegas, Karen Edwards welcomed Wil-Mar Products representatives Stuart Pendleton and Michael Bothman to The Coffee Shops™ Sound Stage sponsored by SRS Distribution. The three sat down for a conversation focused on products shaped directly by contractor experience from the Wil-Mar brand.  

Wil-Mar Products was founded in the early 1990s and remains focused on a single core solution. The company’s primary product is a rubber roof pipe collar designed to slide over existing vent pipes to create a seal or provide a long-term repair when traditional flashings fail. The collars are made to fit pipe sizes ranging from three-quarters of an inch to four inches. That origin story continues to resonate with contractors in the field. As Stuart explained, crews previously relied on temporary fixes that rarely held up over time. “They were using tape, they were using caulking, they were using mastics and they would just all fail over time,” he said.  

The rubber pipe collar is commonly used across a wide range of applications, including new construction, replacement roofs and re-roofing projects. It is also frequently installed as a repair solution when other types of pipe flashing have already failed. In practice, the appeal is its simplicity. The collar slides up and over the pipe, providing a straightforward installation that does not require additional sealants or complex detailing. 

Wil-Mar Products are sold through roofing distribution and shipped nationwide. While much of the company’s customer base is located in the Bay Area, contractors and distributors across the nation have access to the product. 

For contractors interested in trying the pipe collar firsthand, the brand offers free samples through its directory listing. Sample sets include multiple sizes, giving crews the opportunity to test the product on real jobsites before committing. As Michael noted, “We’ll send you a free sample for you to try out and take a look at and of course call us with any questions.”  

Watch the full interview to learn more about how a contractor-designed rubber pipe collar provides a simple, long-term solution for preventing leaks at roof penetrations!

By Jesse Sanchez. 

Discover what these long-standing products are intended to solve for contractors in the field. 

Roof penetrations and repair work often expose the small details that can cause long-term problems if they are not handled correctly. From vent pipes to tear-off and reroofing repairs, contractors rely on tools and accessories that are designed to work with the realities of roof movement, materials and jobsite conditions. Wil-Mar Products, Inc. focuses on products intended to address those everyday challenges through purpose-built designs. 

The Roofers’ Saw from Wil-Mar Products, Inc. is designed specifically to address that challenge. Described as a hand saw for shake, shingle and slate applications, the Roofers’ Saw is intended to cut nails and staples quickly. The product literature notes that the saw is self-feeding and cuts on the pull stroke, a design approach that can help contractors maintain control while working in tight or elevated conditions. 

For crews focused on repairs and reroofing, speed and precision matter. The manufacturer states that the saw increases productivity for repairs and reroofing, which saves time and money. By targeting fastener removal directly, the tool is positioned as a practical solution for situations where access and efficiency are critical. 

The Roofers’ Saw consists of a wood handle paired with a removable saw blade. Worn blades may be replaced, allowing the tool to remain in service rather than being discarded. This replaceable blade design supports continued use over multiple projects. 

In roofing, incremental time savings can compound over the course of a job. A purpose-built hand saw that addresses common tear-off obstacles reflects a focus on durability and task-specific performance; qualities contractors look for when selecting tools that will see daily use on active jobsites. 

Learn more about the Roofers’ Saw and how it is designed to support faster, more efficient reroofing and repair work!

By Jenny Yu.  

Learn why crews stock Wil-Mar pipe collars in their toolboxes so you can be the contractor who’s always ready. 

When an unexpected leak, last-minute roof job or sudden snowstorm hits, having the right tools on hand makes all the difference. That is why many forward-thinking crews keep stock of Wil-Mar Products, Inc. pipe collars. Wil-Mar's pipe collars help well-stocked contractors reduce response times that other crews might pass up. 

Wil-Mar’s signature product, known simply as the pipe collar, is made of durable EPDM rubber that slips easily down any vent or plumbing pipe and seals tightly without tape or mastic. That simple, secure seal offers a waterproof counterflashing that stays attached even if the pipe shifts with temperature changes. 

With hectic December schedules when homeowners want to address leaks, vent issues and pre-sale inspections before the holidays, crews with Wil-Mar collars aren’t scrambling to order materials; they’re ready to complete repairs on the spot. This results in more jobs finished before the new year and fewer missed opportunities. 

Furthermore, beyond rapid response, Wil-Mar pipe collars protect the roof’s integrity over time. Properly sealed vent penetrations help prevent leaks that can lead to water damage, mold, structural decay or compromised insulation. They also help maintain energy efficiency by preventing air from escaping through unsealed gaps. These benefits make for happy customers, and happy customers can lead to referrals down the road.  

Keep your crew ready and deliver quality, efficient service with a full stock of Wil-Mar pipe collars.  

Learn more about Wil-Mar pipe collars or request a free sample today.