Details

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Professional Roofing: What is the most unusual roofing project you've performed?
Dessent: A 24-story condominium cooperative in downtown Chicago. My six-member crew removed 280 yards (256 m) of dirt and landscaping from the building's roof system and installed new waterproofing. Then, the crew hoisted 280 yards (256 m) of dirt onto the roof. While the crew was hoisting the dirt, the building owner asked the crew to hoist a custom-made couch through a window because the couch was too long to fit in the elevators!

Why did you become a roofing contractor?
Dessent Roofing was established by my grandfather, William, in 1911. It seemed like fun to work with my father, Charles, and brothers, Charles and Robert. The money was good; my father always said, "You won't get rich, but you'll make a decent living." What was I thinking?

What was your first roofing experience?
I was sweeping gravel on a 50-story high-rise. Apparently, I was too close to the roof's edge because when the superintendent arrived, he sarcastically told the foreman to put me under the 40- by 30-foot (12- by 9-m) air-conditioning unit to keep me from falling off the roof.

What are your favorite items on your desk?
Pictures of my family; they make me realize how blessed my life has been.

What do you consider your most rewarding experiences?
The births of my three children—Josh, Katie and Zack.

What was your first job?
I was 14 years old and working in a store that sharpened knives and scissors. I got more cuts on my hands than I ever have had in roofing! I earned $2.35 per hour.

What is your favorite vacation?
A family cruise. Josh, Katie and Zack participated in the ship's kids' camp, and my wife, Karen, and I spent the days by ourselves. There were no worries about where the kids might be because we were on a ship!

What do you consider a waste of time?
Doing something twice because someone did it wrong the first time.

What are your best and worst habits?
My best habit is I don't stop working on a project until it's complete. My worst habit is I like things messy but I always know where to find what I need.

What is your biggest pet peeve?
People who don't read and follow directions.

What are your favorite stress relievers?
Watching Josh and Zack play hockey and Katie ride her horse and golfing with Josh and Zack.

What are the most challenging aspects of your job?
Making and keeping money and working with my brothers.

What is your roofing industry involvement?
Dessent Roofing is a member of NRCA of which I am a director and member of the Waterproofing Task Force, Health and Safety Committee, and Fumes Task Force. I also participated on the NRCA/ARMA (Asphalt Roofing Manufacturers Association) Quality Control Document Task Force and helped write The NRCA Roofing and Waterproofing Manual, Fifth Edition.

People would be surprised to know ...
While caught in a tagline, I sealed a nuclear power station 130 feet (40 m) in the air—upside down.