Details

Kirkland

What is your position within your company?
I am president of RJK Construction Co., Willoughby, Ohio.

Why did you become involved in the roofing industry?
There was a high demand for roofing work in my market, and the established roofing companies were failing to meet customers' expectations. I saw an opportunity to make a difference and haven't looked back.

What is the most unusual roofing project of which you have been a part?
The 2013 CertainTeed Exterior Living Spaces Home Makeover was by far the most unique project in which my company participated. A lucky family won a $75,000 exterior home makeover from CertainTeed Corp., Valley Forge, Pa., and my company was selected as the contractor to complete the project. The design process was challenging because we had to design a comprehensive ventilation system that meets modern building codes while maintaining the architectural integrity of a 100-year-old house. In addition, the work was performed in front of a television crew, and our installers had to explain the entire process as they worked. But the project turned out great, and we had the experience of a lifetime.

What was your first roofing experience?
When I was in high school, I helped my now father-in-law install shingles on a small new construction room addition. I must have installed one shingle off-line because I remember I had to tear off and replace a few bundles. My father-in-law was so mad he didn't talk to me the rest of the day.

What is your roofing industry involvement?
I am a recent graduate of NRCA University's Executive Management Institute, Class 3. I also am an active member of the Ohio Roofing Contractors Association.

People would be surprised to know ...
I lived on a roof for two months in Iraq during my service in the U.S. Army.

What quality do you most admire in a person?
The ability to follow through

What was your first job?
I washed dishes at the same small restaurant where my mother worked. She would finish her shift and wait for me to finish mine before she could leave. The experience taught me a lot about life, as well as the sacrifices parents make for their children.

If you could travel anywhere in the world, where would you go? Why?
Anywhere warm as long as my family is with me

What is the most high-tech item in your house?
My Control4^® entertainment and home automation controller

What do you consider a waste of time?
Lack of organization

What is your favorite stress reliever?
Cutting the grass on my Scag Tiger Cat^® riding mower

When you were a child, what did you want to be when you grew up?
A firefighter

What is your favorite food?
Anything that is cooked on a grill

My favorite part about working in the roofing industry is ...
Having the ability to make a positive impact on someone each day

What's your favorite roofing material to work with? Why?
Copper flashing—I love the way new copper looks!

If you could meet any historical figure, whom would you meet? Why?
Gen. George Patton because I admire his strong leadership and ability to inspire lower ranks under his command

What song are you listening to over and over?
"I Hold On" by Dierks Bentley

What do you consider your most rewarding experiences?
Marrying my wife and being blessed with our son and daughter