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Professional Roofing: What is the most difficult roofing project you've performed?
Gustafson: The guest house at a residence in Palm Beach, Fla. My six- to 10-member crew installed 225 squares (2025 m²) of Vermont slate on a roof with a 10-in-12 (40-degree) slope. The guest house features 25 large windows that were covered with lead-coated copper dormers we fabricated in our shop. In addition, the guest house has 75 squares (675 m²) of low-slope roof systems on which we mop- and torch-applied various modified bitumen roof systems. The main and guest houses now are on sale for $75 million.

Why did you become a roofing contractor?
My father, Tom Gustafson, was a painting contractor, and I went to work for him after college. Soon after, my father started a roofing division because it was an extension of what we already were doing.

What is your favorite stress reliever?
Jogging.

What is the most challenging aspect of your job?
Growing my business and finding time to fulfill my family commitment.

What was your first roofing experience?
My father's company bought a used kettle, and I had to tear it apart and clean it. After I put the kettle back together, we realized it wasn't worth fixing and had to buy a new one.

What is your favorite item on your desk?
A glass paperweight that contains a picture of my oldest son, Michael, when he was 2 years old.

What was your first job?
I was a bag boy at Winn Dixie when I was 15 years old. I earned minimum wage (about $3 per hour) plus tips.

What do you consider your most rewarding experience?
Raising my sons, Michael, Ryan and Matthew, and daughters, Greer and Paige.

What is your favorite vacation?
A month-long vacation my family and I took in summer 2000 to Maine, New Hampshire, New York and Vermont. My father, who has since passed away, came along for the ride.

What do you consider a waste of time?
Being disorganized.

With which famous person do you identify?
The author Pat Conroy. I love his writing style, humor and won't-quit attitude.

What is your biggest pet peeve?
When someone says he is going to complete something and doesn't follow through.

What are your best and worst habits?
Being detail-oriented is my best and worst habit because sometimes I can be too detail-oriented.

What is your roofing industry involvement?
Gustafson Industries is a member of the Palm Beach County Roofing & Sheet Metal Association and Florida Roofing, Sheet Metal and Air Conditioning Contractors Association. I am past president of both organizations. My company also is a member of NRCA for which I recently was elected a director.

People would be surprised to know that ...
I used to promote rock concerts in Boston.