Details

What is your position within your company? I am general manager of Progressive Roofing Inc., Phoenix.

What is the most unusual roofing project of which you have been a part? There are two. The first was a steel- and concrete-reinforced bunker inside a California military base. I was a foreman for the project, and we installed a four-ply gravel built-up roof on the structure. The clearance between the bunker’s roof and the existing building’s roof was 36 inches—it was difficult. The second was being part of a team that waterproofed a portion of State Farm Stadium, Glendale, Ariz. It was unusual because the entire playing field is mobile and is moved in and out of the stadium for events.

Why did you become involved in the roofing industry? I am a fourth-generation roofing contractor. You could say I was born into the trade.

What was your first roofing experience? When I was 4 years old, my father used to take me to work with him. His instructions were simple: Sit behind the pipe and do not let go until it is time to go. I absolutely loved it!

What is your roofing industry involvement? I am on NRCA’s Industry Image and Outreach Committee and Membership Steering Committee. I have also served on a committee for the Arizona Roofing Contractors Association and donated time to Habitat for Humanity.

What song are you listening to over and over? “Simple Man” by Lynyrd Skynyrd

What was your first job? Delivering newspapers at 9 years old

What do you consider your most rewarding experience? Being a father—there is not a more important role a man could have.

People would be surprised to know ... I was accepted to the Los Angeles Police Department, but I never saw it through because of the academy’s waiting period being too long at the time.

If you could travel anywhere in the world, where would you go? Why? Bora Bora: It has beaches, crystal-clear water, lush jungles, an extinct volcano and gorgeous resorts. There is plenty to explore.

What quality do you most admire in a person? Integrity

What do you consider a waste of time? Sleep. I am not fond of sleeping and get an average of three to five hours per night.

If you could meet any historical figure, whom would you meet? Why? George Washington. He was a fearless leader who didn’t expect others to do difficult things he was not willing to do himself.

What’s the most exciting/adventurous thing you’ve done? Next to fatherhood, rock climbing and rappelling

When you were a child, what did you want to be when you grew up? A gang unit detective

My favorite part about working in the roofing industry … has evolved. Initially, I loved the pride I would get out of installing roof systems faster and of higher quality than my peers. Now, it’s being able to make a difference in people’s lives and help them achieve their goals.

What’s your favorite roofing material to work with? Why? I am partial to wood shingles: It is the first type of roof system that my father, uncle and grandfather taught me to install. The smell of cedar still brings me back to being an 11-year-old boy working with great men.