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Professional Roofing: What is the most unusual roofing project you've performed?
Bondarowicz: A six-unit occupied apartment building in Wheeling, Ill. After removing the existing roof system, my seven-member crew removed rotted plywood deck areas. The crew then discovered a 2- by 6-foot (0.6- by 1.8-m) wood framing system was built on top of an old built-up roof (BUR) system. The BUR system was holding about 1,500 gallons (5678 L) of water, and the framing system was floating in the water. The water was pumped off the roof, and the wood framing system and BUR system were removed without a drop of water getting into the structure. The crew later installed tapered insulation covered with a single-ply membrane roof system. This situation made me think about the potential liability we undertake as contractors.

Why did you become a roofing contractor?
I started working for a family friend's roofing company when I was 15 years old. After graduating from the University of Wisconsin—Madison with a business degree, I thought becoming a roofing contractor would allow me to create my own destiny in the business world. It was one of the best choices I have made.

What are your best and worst habits?
Similar to others who are self-employed, my best habit is keeping things organized, taking notes and following through. My worst habit is expecting everyone to be like me; I'm working on that!

What is your favorite item on your desk?
A beautifully framed portrait of my wife, Cathy, and our daughters, Hanna and Faith. I love them with all my heart!

What was your first roofing experience?
After learning a little about shingle roof system installations when I was 15 years old, I thought I could reroof my parents' house to save them money. Big mistake! After the first day, I immediately called the installers at our family friend's roofing company. It would have taken me forever to complete the installation myself!

What do you consider your most rewarding experiences?
God blessing me with my family and allowing me to instill in my daughters the values and beliefs my parents gave me.

Where is your favorite place to vacation?
Southern California, especially San Diego. The weather is beautiful, and the ocean is gorgeous. (I definitely will extend my stay at NRCA's 117th Annual Convention and Exhibit in San Diego!) Cathy and I hope to go to Napa Valley, Calif., this summer and enjoy a few bottles of wine.

What do you consider a waste of time?
I had to ask Cathy to answer this question. She says I think it is a waste of time to be sitting around. She and I love to travel, go out, and spend time with family and friends.

What is the most challenging aspect of your job?
Keeping a positive attitude during difficult economic times. Historically, economic cycles come and go. We must weather them and plan for the future.

What is your roofing industry involvement?
Smart Roofing is a member of NRCA of which I am a director, the National Roofing Legal Resource Center and Chicago Roofing Contractors Association. I have assisted NRCA with training videos and currently am translating safety information from English to Polish.

People would be surprised to know that ...
I speak Polish and have a custom-home building business.