About us
We are in this for you.
We are in this with you.
For us, roofing is personal.
Roofing changed our lives. Finding our way through these processes and establishing our own business has shown us that the roofing industry offers incredible opportunities. It also offers those same opportunities for you! So we are here to make sure you have everything you need to excel in your roofing career. Every instructor here has stood exactly where you are standing now, and we teach you the things we wish someone had taught us.
You can do this! We are 100% for you! And we can’t wait to meet you.
So we had to make it simple.
We have been where you are. We have taken all the steps to pass the roofing exam, get our license, and beyond. And we have found it’s hard to know what to do next! Some days it seemed the system was set against us. And that’s why we started Illinois Roofing Institute, now the largest roofing school in the state, with thousands of contractors trained and licensed.
We made it simple, so you can get licensed and build a new future.
Meet your team
We have been where you are. We have taken all the steps to pass the roofing exam, get our license, and beyond.
I'm one of the founders here at IRI, with 11 years in the roofing industry. I am a proud mom to two boys. When I'm not cooking with them or playing soccer against them (which really means them destroying me at soccer), I spend most of my time helping people like you begin their roofing career. At some point in my journey, I was likely right where you are. I've been through so many of the challenges you face, from working with an ITIN, to all the questions of what paperwork to file and where. I've helped thousands of roofers get their license, and I'm here to tell you two things: One, it's worth it! Don't give up. And two, make sure you surround yourself with the right people. It will make all the difference. …And if you haven't figured it out yet, I'm one of them. Give us a call. You'll know as soon as you speak with us.
With over 17 years in the roofing industry, I've had the honor of working with some of the biggest names in the business. I've gained a wealth of experience in both retail and insurance restoration, and today I'm proud to own my own Commercial Retail Roofing Company and to have founded Illinois Roofing Institute! Personally, I love fishing, boating, and mostly traveling with my amazing wife – experiencing all kinds of new foods and events. And, also personally, I founded IRI for this moment – the one where you decide to get your own license, start your business, and take your first steps into this new world of possibilities that the roofing industry offers. I promise you this isn’t just a job. We cannot wait to see you thrive!
Frequently asked questions
Who are the founders of Illinois Roofing Institute?
Illinois Roofing Institute was founded by Dante Sabel and Dalia Doherty, who have more than 28 years in the roofing industry between them. Dante owns a fast growing roofing company. Dalia has helped thousands of roofers get licensed, including many working with an ITIN. Our classes run in person in the Chicagoland area.
How long does it take to get an Illinois roofing license?
Most people take three to six months, and the average is closer to three. The exam runs six times a year, in odd-numbered months, and you have to register about a month ahead, so the date you book usually sets your whole timeline. Results for your state exam take one to two weeks.
What makes Illinois Roofing Institute different from other roofing schools in Illinois?
We treat our students like family, and we stay with them long after the exam. Passing is the first job and we are good at it, with a 98% pass rate. We help with the licensing paperwork, which is long, and bring in trusted partners for every stage of your business.
Why did you start Illinois Roofing Institute?
We kept meeting good roofers who were stuck. Not on the roof, but on the exam. So we built the kind of school we wish had existed for us: practical, straightforward, and taught by experienced Illinois roofing instructors who know the industry.
