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Professional Roofing: What is the most unusual roofing project you've performed?
Elias-Clougherty: The Texaco Visualization Lab, Houston, which houses about $1.5 million of technical holographic surveying equipment. The roof is designed as an oval. We implemented a roofing plan using an elaborate tapered-insulation design with a finished SBS-modified bitumen roof system.

Why did you become a roofing contractor?
My father founded Elias Roofing Co. in 1974, and the company name changed to Aztec Roofing & Sheetmetal when it became a corporation in 1989. He always spoke about the roof systems he installed and how beautifully they turned out. He seemed to have such passion for what he did, and I wanted to be part of it.

What was your first job?
I always have been part of Aztec Roofing & Sheetmetal. I started in 1988 when I still was in high school. While all my friends went to work for large corporations, I wanted to be part of the roofing industry.

What was your first roofing experience?
Inspecting a roof patio for a client when I was about 20 years old. I thought the project was cut and dry, but my father always has had an eye for the smaller details. The patio was on the second floor of an expensive home, and some special attention to the installation was required. At the end of that experience, I learned that meeting the needs of a particular project during the entire process is important even when the installation is not complicated.

What are your best and worst habits?
My best habit is my desire to know as much as I can about my industry. Doing research for the benefit of my clients satisfies me. It is satisfying to let my clients know that if it can be done, I will do it. My worst habit is working through lunch (against my father's wishes). I can go for hours without noticing I haven't eaten. I really have to work on this, but I get so excited about finishing a project or finding a solution to a persistent problem that I forget to eat.

What are the most challenging aspects of your job?
I like to think the industry is all-inclusive. I have, however, come across those who do not understand my desire to be a roofing contractor. Sometimes, it takes several conversations with project managers and property owners to show my abilities and involvement with Aztec Roofing & Sheetmetal. Although it can be exhausting to continuously provide proof of my abilities, I enjoy the moments when I get requests for my professional opinion. There is nothing like that feeling.

What is your roofing industry involvement?
I recently was elected to NRCA's board of directors and have been part of the board of directors for the Roofing Contractors Association of Texas—Houston for several years. I served as president of the Texas association in 2002. In 2001, I served as Houston chapter representative on the State Board of the Roofing Contractors Association of Texas—State Chapter. This year, I sit as a director for the state board of directors. I have attempted to assist the roofing industry with licensing and have gone to my state capitol on behalf of the Texas association and roofing industry to lobby for items that would positively affect them. I also have provided training classes for organizations, such as community associations and insurance companies, in an effort to educate about professional roofing standards.

People would be surprised to know ...
I have a fear of heights. Go figure.