Details

Huntington

What is your position within your company?
I am director of human resources/talent acquisition and development for AAA Roofing Co. Inc., Indianapolis.

What is your roofing industry involvement?
AAA Roofing is a member of NRCA, The Roofing Industry Alliance for Progress and Midwest Roofing Contractors Association (MRCA). I am a graduate of NRCA University's Future Executives Institute—Class 5, and I have served on MRCA's board of directors. In addition, I have attended roofing industry conferences for about 17 years.

What is the most unusual roofing project of which you have been a part?
I installed a roof system on the first grocery store in Antigua, one of two major islands that form the Caribbean nation of Antigua and Barbuda. There were cows roaming around the job site drinking from puddles, and local workers had little concern for safety.

What was your first roofing experience?
When I was 8, I collected and counted nails for my dad during his weekend side jobs. I got a nickel for every 20 nails I picked up.

My favorite part about working in the roofing industry is …
The people and lifelong friends I have made. I haven't met a roofing professional who didn't know how to have fun, and I believe the camaraderie and genuine care for other people I've experienced within this industry makes us a special group.

What music are you listening to over and over?
Dr. Dre's "Chronic 2001" album—it's truly a timeless classic.

What are the most exciting/adventurous things you've done?
I jumped out of a tree about 100 feet above the ocean in Jamaica. During my honeymoon in Costa Rica, I jumped into a ring with a bull, smacked the bull on the nose and ran for my life as it chased me.

People would be surprised to know …
I played Division 1 college rugby and was selected to play for USA Rugby's All-Americans team immediately before becoming academically ineligible.

What do you consider a waste of time?
Working out, dealing with stupid people and watching fake news

When you were a child, what did you want to be when you grew up?
I first wanted to be a priest until I found out I couldn't date girls. Then, I wanted to be a brain surgeon until I found out how long I would have to be in school. Finally, I decided to become a roofing worker just like my dad, who is my hero.

What's your favorite roofing material to work with? Why?
Torch-applied built-up roofing. When it is installed right, there isn't a better low-slope roof system. I've seen built-up roof systems installed 40 years ago that still are performing well with minimal maintenance.

What do you consider your most rewarding experience?
Being a dad. There is nothing in the world comparable to a father's love for his children, and there isn't anything I wouldn't do for my children. Knowing this makes me feel somewhat remorseful when I look at my father's hair and realize I caused it to thin and turn gray.

If you could travel anywhere in the world, where would you go? Why?
I would travel back to Antigua. The island is beautiful, and the weather is always between 75 F and 85 F with a cool ocean breeze. The roads are unpaved, and homes are built out of scrap materials. But the residents have smiles on their faces all day. It's one of the happiest places I've been.

If you could meet any historical figure, whom would you meet? Why?
Donald Trump because he is making history every day