Details

Ekerson

What is your position within your company?
I am marketing and business development manager for Columbia Roofing & Sheet Metal, Tualatin, Ore.

What is the most unusual roofing project of which you have been a part?
In 2016, my company completed a four-layer tear-off project. Building codes typically only allow two layers, so it was a unique project.

Why did you become involved in the roofing industry?
My father founded Columbia Roofing & Sheet Metal in 1996 after working as a roofing professional for years. I started by cleaning the shop and office to earn summer money. I've stuck around because I love the genuine, hardworking people I get to work with and meet every day.

What was your first roofing experience?
My first roofing experience occurred during a "Take Your Daughter to Work Day." My father took me to sales appointments and roof system inspections. I loved climbing the ladder and exploring roofs in downtown Portland.

What is your roofing industry involvement?
I am a recent graduate of NRCA University's Future Executives Institute—Class 7. In July, I started the Oregon chapter of National Women in Roofing. I also attend regional and national expos.

What song are you listening to over and over?
"No Such Thing as a Broken Heart" by Old Dominion

People would be surprised to know …
I enjoy off-roading and shooting with my husband, Chris. We have a Jeep Wrangler we take into the woods, and we ride our ATVs on sand dunes.

If you could travel anywhere in the world, where would you go? Why?
I would road trip to each U.S. state because there is so much beauty in this country I have not experienced.

What do you consider a waste of time?
Worrying about the future and things I cannot change

What is your favorite stress reliever?
I enjoy relaxing at the spa—my favorite place to go is The Allison Inn & Spa in Newberg, Ore.

What's the most exciting/adventurous thing you've done?
A hot-air balloon ride with my husband for our anniversary

When you were a child, what did you want to be when you grew up?
A nurse like my mom. I quickly realized I did not have the stomach for the job.

My favorite part about working in the roofing industry is …
The people I meet—the people in this industry are hardworking, honest and down-to-earth.

What's your favorite roofing material to work with? Why?
Sheet metal—I love the creativity that can be expressed with metal.

What is the most high-tech item in your house?
My husband and I have an Amazon Echo Dot that is connected to the smart light in our baby's room. We can ask the device to dim the lights or play white noise to help the baby sleep.

What do you consider your most rewarding experience?
Ten years ago, my husband and I traveled with our church's youth group to build a house in Mexico. It was great to use our construction experience to help a family in need.

If you could meet any historical figure, whom would you meet?
Betsy Ross because I was told from a young age our family can be traced to her. I would love to know what life was like for her.