Details

Maxwell with his sons, Henry and Gilbert

What is your position with your company?
I am operations manager for Maxwell Roofing & Sheet Metal Inc., Nashville, Tenn.

What are the most unusual roofing projects of which you have been a part?
Our company recently completed three projects—an elementary school, downtown high-rise and office building—using V2T Technology. I think the V2T Roof System is unusual because instead of using adhesives or fasteners, special vents hold the roof membrane in place. The technology is based on the physics of the Venturi effect. The vents use the power of the wind to create a vacuum that simultaneously pulls air from under the roof membrane and pushes the membrane firmly against the insulation and deck.

What was your first roofing experience?
When I was 8 years old, I went with my dad and grandfather to a pre-bid meeting at Wayne Medical Center, Waynesboro, Tenn. During the visit, I climbed a wall-mounted ladder that seemed scary at the time. It probably was only about 20 feet high, but I remember the feeling of accomplishment when I finally reached the rooftop.

Why did you become involved in the roofing industry?
My sister, Kathleen, and I represent the third generation at our family's company. The industry turned into a calling as I was in the midst of a different career path. I felt a passionate responsibility to continue the business my grandfather started and my father worked so hard to grow and professionalize.

People would be surprised to know …
I was a professional chef for more than a decade before my transition into the family roofing business.

What are your favorite stress relievers?
Running or hiking a trail outdoors. I don't want to get too spiritual, but prayer is a great outlet, as well.

What song are you listening to over and over?
Because I have two sons younger than two years, the first song that pops into my head is the "Bob the Builder" theme song.

What was your first job?
My first job was working as a custodian for Maxwell Roofing & Sheet Metal when I was 16 years old.

What is your roofing industry involvement?
Our company is an NRCA member, and I currently am enrolled in Class 8 of NRCA University's Future Executives Institute. In addition, I am a board and committee member for the Midwest Roofing Contractors Association. On a local level, my company is affiliated with the Tennessee Association of Roofing Contractors and has been associated with National Roofing Partners for almost a decade.

What quality do you most admire in a person?
Integrity—people who make sure they do what they say they will

What's the most exciting/adventurous thing you've done?
Jumping out of a plane

If you could have any superpower, what would it be?
The ability to fly though it's a little riskier these days with all the drone traffic

My favorite part about working in the roofing industry is …
The long-term, trusted relationships we have built with clients. It is satisfying to work with a customer on the service side, maintaining his or her roof for a number of years, and then parlaying that relationship into a reroofing project.

What three condiments always are in your fridge?
Spicy chow-chow relish, Dijon mustard and my uncle's lower Alabama white barbeque sauce

What do you consider your most rewarding experience?
Becoming a father has been, far and away, the most life-changing and rewarding experience of my life.