Details

What is your position within your company? I am founder and CEO of Red Dog’s Roofing, Fitchburg, Mass.

Why did you become involved in the roofing industry? I grew up around the roofing industry. My family worked in the industry for decades and so did many people I knew growing up. After receiving my bachelor’s degree in business administration, I decided to start a company doing roof system repairs and maintenance and eventually got into residential and commercial roof system replacements.

What was your first roofing experience? Being born into the industry, I do not remember my first experience, but something that sticks out to me was smelling tar coming from the kettles when I was a kid.

What is your roofing industry involvement? I currently serve on NRCA’s Residential Roofing Committee and CTE/Workforce Development Committee. I also volunteer locally in north central Massachusetts for the Workforce Redevelopment Board, where I represent the construction industry. Another passion of mine is working with new business owners—I am currently mentoring a few contractors and enjoy working with them and reflecting on my journey.

What song are you listening to over and over? I missed the International Roofing Expo® in Las Vegas this year, so I listened to “Big in Vegas” by Buck Owens that week and have been listening to it during the past few months.

What was your first job? I grew up cleaning job sites, but my first and only nonroofing job was working at Consumer Auto Parts as a teenager, picking orders in the warehouse.

What’s the most exciting/adventurous thing you’ve done? My son and I camped in northern Colorado and enjoyed a lot of outdoor activities together.

If you could travel anywhere in the world, where would you go? Why? Patagonia—I would like to hike that part of the world.

What do you consider your most rewarding experience? Becoming a father and raising my son to become a respectful young man

What’s your favorite roofing material to work with? Why? EPDM. I have always enjoyed repairing and installing rubber roofs. I also enjoy working on low-slope roofs, so that probably plays a part in liking rubber the most.

My favorite part about working in the roofing industry is ... The people. They are always willing to help and support each other. I love to introduce new people to the industry and watch them enjoy it as much as I do.

What quality do you most admire in a person? Loyalty

What is your favorite stress reliever? Meditating and writing

People would be surprised to know... How much I enjoy reading and writing

When you were a child, what did you want to be when you grew up? I always saw myself as a business owner and leader.

What is the most high-tech item in your house? My phone. I am not a technology guy and only use it in a basic way.

If you could meet any historical figure, whom would you meet? Why? Mahatma Gandhi. I would like to discuss his life and mission. I also would like to know how he stayed motivated when he was met with controversy and resistance. I admire how he had to remain resilient under pressure and backlash.