Details

Christopher Adler, second from left, with son C.J. (far left); wife Lori; daughter Meghan; son-in-law A.J.; daughter Sarah; and son Matthew at Meghan's wedding

What is your position within your company?
I am president of J.L. Adler Roofing & Sheet Metal Inc., Joliet, Ill.

What is the most unusual roofing project of which you have been a part?
We reroofed a tile plant almost 20 years ago. Pipes, units and protrusions were everywhere. You could hardly stand up in most areas. The roof still is performing.

Why did you become involved in the roofing industry?
Every night, I watched my father work late, and I wanted to help him as soon as I could.

What was your first roofing experience?
During a summer while I was in high school, I shoveled gravel onto a conveyor belt for eight hours a day. I never even saw a roof through the entire summer.

What is your roofing industry involvement?
I am a member of NRCA's board of directors, a member of The Roofing Industry Alliance for Progress and a past president of the Chicago Roofing Contractors Association.

What song do you find yourself listening to over and over?
"The Load Out," by Jackson Browne

What three condiments are always in your fridge?
Butter, butter and more butter

If you had a time machine, would you go to the future or the past? Why?
I would go back in time to have dinner with my grandfathers. One I never met, and the other was one of the greatest people I have ever met.

When you were a child, what did you want to be when you grew up?
Although I was 4 feet 10 inches tall and weighed 90 pounds when I graduated grade school, I still wanted to be a professional basketball player.

If you could have any superpower, what would it be? Why?
I haven't thought about this before—maybe it would be the ability to fly like Superman! There would be no more traffic jams to worry about.

Finish this sentence: "Right now, I would love to be …"
On a golf course, probably putting for bogey but still having a great time.

What's your favorite roofing material to work with? Why?
Hot asphalt! Not only are you installing a new roof system, but you're building it right there on the roof ply by ply.

What's the most adventurous thing you've done?
Jumping off a 40-foot cliff into a lake. It was easy then, but I'm way too old to try it again.

People would be surprised to know …
I own a little restaurant and pub in Joliet, Ill.

What are your best and worst habits?
My best habit is I look out for the needs of others. My worst is leaving piles of weeds in the yard when I'm pulling weeds. It drives my wife crazy.

Name one extravagance you allow yourself.
I'm not that extravagant—just ask my wife. I guess it would be just-baked Nestlé^® chocolate chip cookies with a large glass of cold milk every chance I get.

What is your biggest pet peeve?
The amount of time and money our government wastes to get nothing done

What do you consider your most rewarding experiences?
Marrying my wife, Lori, and raising our four kids—C.J., Matthew, Meghan and Sarah

What is your favorite stress reliever?
Playing basketball