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Professional Roofing: What is the most unusual roofing project you've designed? Dupuis: Redesigning 125 set back roofs on a 62-story tower that was only two years old. The building was occupied, and there were no through-wall flashings installed—they had been overlooked during original construction. We had to find a way to take out water coming in through the walls and move it away from the roof. Previously, the water was flowing under the new roof membrane and feeding into the new offices at the floor level.

Why did you become a roofing professional? I was doing research for a company and was asked to contact a roofing contractor for further information. I enjoyed the conversation and challenge of learning about the industry but was most impressed with the no-nonsense approach contractors have and felt comfortable working with the roofing industry.

What was your first roofing experience? Reroofing a large liquor distribution warehouse that split every built-up roof system put on it. Water damage to the tax stamps on stored liquor was costing the owner and his insurance company hundreds of thousands of dollars. We used a different design approach and worked with the contractor as a team. We solved the splitting problem, but the contractor ended up losing the back end of his tanker to a fire of unknown origin. Go figure!

What are your favorite items on your desk? Any item I can find when I am looking for it.

What do you consider your most rewarding experiences? Working with people; every time the telephone rings, there is an opportunity to help someone solve a problem.

What was your first job? Working on landing barges for the U.S. Navy Construction Battalion. I ended my tour of duty as a member of the navigation staff of a flagship on the Cuban Blockade.

What is your favorite vacation? Australia because of its diverse climate, landforms and people. The seashore and barrier reefs are in a class of their own. Snorkeling there is some of the best in the world.

What are your best and worst habits? My best habit is remembering the small details. My worst habit is my desk is usually out of control—but there truly is order to the chaos.

What is your biggest pet peeve? People who do not follow directions, such as a contractor who looks at the specifications once then loses them and tries to guess or remember the directives.

If you could invite any three people to dinner (dead or alive), whom would you invite and why? Harry S. Truman, Jimmy Carter and Ronald Reagan to discuss the current terrorist situation. I should think that would be an interesting evening filled with insight and, perhaps, direction.

What is the most challenging aspect of your job? Dealing with people who have unreasonable time-frame expectations in which to complete a project.

What is your roofing industry involvement? I am a member of ASTM International, Construction Specifications Institute, National Society of Professional Engineers and American Society of Civil Engineers. I currently am a technical adviser for the Midwest Roofing Contractors Association (MRCA) and NRCA. I also have served as the ASTM task group chairman on roof performance. Recently, I received the James Q. McCauley Award from MRCA.

People would be surprised to know ... I love flying airplanes. It is a different world with few distractions. The challenge is refreshing because things quickly can change.