Details

What is your position within your company? I am president of RoofersCoffeeShop,® Sisters, Ore.

What is the most unusual roofing project of which you have been a part? The project was a cedar shake reroof by Interstate Roofing, Tigard, Ore., for Timberline Lodge in Mount Hood, Ore. The 55,000-square-foot ski lodge stands at an elevation of 6,000 feet. It was difficult to get materials to the site while also installing the shakes on incredibly steep slopes. It is a beautiful project.

Why did you become involved in the roofing industry? My dad was a general contractor, so I grew up in the trades, but it was when I applied to Malarkey Roofing, Portland, Ore., as a marketing coordinator that I really fell in love with roofing. Working with Malarkey Roofing and later starting my own marketing agency for roofing, HJE Marketing, Camp Sherman, Ore., I knew roofing was an industry I wanted to be in. I love the people and the purpose of protecting families through strong shelters.

What was your first roofing experience? I worked with my dad in his construction business starting at about 10 years old. He built homes and did remodeling so all three of us kids were involved in tasks on the job sites, including roofing.

What is your roofing industry involvement? I am active in NRCA’s One Voice initiative; do marketing for the Roofing Alliance; serve as an advisory board member for the Western States Roofing Contractors Association and as a trustee with WSRCA’s Davis Memorial Foundation. I also am a founder of National Women in Roofing and Roofing Technology Think Tank. I am proud of being a board member of NWiR and am working on several committees as the organization grows.

My favorite part about working in the roofing industry is ... The people. So many of my friends are from the roofing industry! They are good, kind and hardworking people who are fun to be around.

What song are you listening to over and over? I listen to Ellsworth, Megan Ellsworth’s album, over and over again. I am also a Rob Thomas fan.

What’s the most exciting/ adventurous thing you’ve done? Starting my own business, HJE Marketing, in 1998. It was a dream come true.

What quality do you most admire in a person? Authenticity

People would be surprised to know ... I was a runner-up for Rodeo Queen in Prineville, Ore.

If you could travel anywhere in the world, where would you go? Why? Ireland. My family is Irish; it is the top of my bucket list to experience the beauty and magic of Ireland.

What do you consider your most rewarding experience? Raising two amazing children, James and Megan, with Tim Ellsworth and all of us working together at RoofersCoffeeShop.

If you could meet any historical figure, whom would you meet? Why? Emily Roebling, chief engineer of the Brooklyn Bridge. Her work in this highly technical engineering feat helped empower women to perform in areas other than factories. I would love to meet Emily and talk not only about breaking molds for women but also the thrill of creating such an amazing structure as the Brooklyn Bridge.

What was your first job? I was a lobbyist assistant for the Oregon Catholic Conference, Portland.

What is your favorite food? Sushi