Details

Scalo

What is your position within your company?
I am owner of Burns & Scalo Roofing Co. Inc., Pittsburgh; Burns & Scalo Ohio Inc., Marion, Ohio; Cuddy Roofing Co. Inc., Pittsburgh; David Hood Roofing Co. Inc., Turtle Creek, Pa.; Scalo Inc., Pittsburgh; and Scalo Solar Solutions Inc., Pittsburgh.

What is the most unusual roofing project of which you have been a part?
I took part in constructing the roof system on our company's headquarters. The roof system represents the future of rooftop innovation. It includes five types of solar technology, four types of vegetation, multiple daylighting products, and more than 35 sensors that monitor temperature and weather.

What song do you find yourself listening to over and over?
"Wagon Wheel" by Darius Rucker

Why did you become involved in the roofing industry?
Our company is a family business, so from a young age I helped my dad, John Scalo Sr., with every aspect of the business—he didn't shield the challenging parts from my twin brother, Jim, and me. Often, he had us do the worst or dirtiest jobs.

What was your first roofing experience?
At age 13, I worked in the warehouse and was responsible for loading and unloading the trucks and cleaning.

What is your roofing industry involvement?
I graduated from NRCA's Executive Management Institute, Class 2, and I serve on the board of directors for RoofConnect,^® Sheridan, Ark.

People would be surprised to know …
I raced motocross and hare scrambles nearly every weekend with my brother from age 13 to 21. The racing was a great way to bond with our father outside of work.

If you could travel anywhere in the world, where would you go? Why?
I would go to Peogene, a small town located in the mountains of southern Italy. My ancestors are from Peogene, and it is a place of rich history, great food and great wine.

What was your first job?
My brother and I had a grass-cutting business in our neighborhood.

What is the most high-tech item in your house?
My Sonos^® stereo system

What items can you never leave the house without?
My iPhone, iPad and wallet

My favorite part about working in the roofing industry is …
The fact that this industry is always evolving with new technologies, new opportunities and new challenges taps every fiber of my being!

What's your favorite roofing material to work with? Why?
Solar because there is no better product that can cut energy costs, help business owners financially and protect the environment. It's always fun to work on improving the future!

If you could meet any historical figure, whom would you meet? Why?
John Wayne because he was a tough but fair man who stood for what was right. He's a real role model! He also was a Sigma Chi.

If you could have any superpower, what would it be? Why?
I would fly so I could avoid commercial airline delays and be able to look at all the roofs, of course.