Details

Kubicka

What is your position within your company?
I am Northeast regional sales manager for Polyglass U.S.A. Inc., Deerfield Beach, Fla.

What is the most unusual roofing project of which you have been a part?
When I worked for a distributor many years ago, we sold a substantial job to ship materials to Plum Island, N.Y., which is accessible by boat from Long Island. The contractor chose us for the job because he believed we would be the best distributor to track and confirm each load (this occurred before widespread cell phone use). The only way to bring materials onto the island was by shipping two tractor trailers at a time on a Coast Guard barge. We shipped more than 20 loads of materials during a two-day period without a hitch. The contractor called us the second day to ask whether we could move up the timeline for the last few loads because his workers were ahead of schedule! It took a lot of planning and confirmation to get the job done right, and we did it.

People would be surprised to know …
After I graduated college, I accepted a position as a graduate assistant at Seton Hall University, South Orange, N.J., in the math department. At 22 years old, I was a university professor who taught a basic calculus course to 18- and 19-year-old business and economics majors.

Why did you become involved in the roofing industry?
After college, I interviewed for several technical sales positions. I interviewed with Johns Manville and was hired for a junior sales position working in the Baltimore/Washington, D.C., market. I had to move to another state, and that was fine by me.

Big city or small town?
I would prefer a small town at this point in my life. However, I do enjoy going to Broadway to see a play or Yankee Stadium to watch a baseball game.

What was your first job?
I played a lot of basketball while growing up and frequently needed new shoes because I dragged my left foot doing layups. My parents would not buy me the Converse sneakers I wanted, so I began working as a cashier at an A&P supermarket. I soon started buying clothes with my own money. My parents were smart!

What was your first roofing experience?
In college, a friend of mine introduced me to shingle roofing, and I banged on shingles during several summers and on weekends. For a college student, the work paid well, and I always had a great tan!

What is your roofing industry involvement?
I have worked in the roofing industry for more than 40 years in manufacturing, contracting and distributing. I hope to complete my career at Polyglass U.S.A. I also serve as a member of The Roofing Industry Alliance for Progress' board of trustees. I believe any time you have an opportunity to give back to the industry that has helped you in your career, you should welcome that opportunity.

My favorite part about working in the roofing industry is …
The people—I've met some great, hardworking people in the industry and established long-term relationships. People say once you are in the roofing industry, you can never leave. I believe that's because the people in the roofing industry do not want to leave!

What do you consider your most rewarding experience?
Spending quality time with my family. Although my family sometimes likes to create problems when few really exist, my family still has given me the most rewarding experiences in my life. Right now, I am watching my two children develop their careers. It's good to see the little birds flying!

What is your favorite stress reliever?
I play a lot of doubles tennis on Saturdays and Sundays. Sports are a great way to take my mind off everything else.