Leading by example

• Photographed by Davis Hawk at Davis Hawk Studios, Atlanta
• Photographed by Davis Hawk at the offices of Hendrick, Phillips, Salzman & Flatt, Atlanta
• Photographed by Jennifer Jennings Brincat at a Habitat for Humanity site in San Antonio
• Photographed by Aatish Puniani in Barrington, Ill.
• Photographed by David Nevala at the corporate campus of Epic Systems Corp., Verona, Wis., a Dupuis project
• Photographed by Jared Castaldi at the Cira Center, Philadelphia

It's not always just about putting roofs on buildings. There's a lot more to the industry, which is a fact the people on the following pages have always known. What follows is Professional Roofing's tribute to a few unique individuals who have managed to transcend the industry.

The heart and soul

Melvin Kruger, chief executive officer of L.E. Schwartz & Son Inc., Macon, Ga.

Is it because of—or in spite of—his unassuming grace that Kruger managed to single-handedly convince contractors and manufacturers alike to open their coffers to The Roofing Industry Alliance for Progress? With love for the roofing industry coursing through his veins and a firm belief that doing the right thing is the only thing, Kruger not only is one of the most respected roofing contractors but one of the most beloved. The Alliance honored him, deservedly, this year with the creation of the Melvin Kruger Endowed Scholarship Program.

The counsel

Stephen Phillips, senior partner of Hendrick, Phillips, Salzman & Flatt, Atlanta

Just as there's a woman behind every good man, there's an attorney behind every successful roofing contractor. Luckily for the industry, that attorney is Phillips. Steeped in what many consider minutiae, Phillips is by far the leading expert on legal roofing issues. The only nonindustry recipient of NRCA's J.A. Piper Award, Phillips helped found the National Roofing Legal Resource Center and by doing so, has directly assisted hundreds (and indirectly assisted thousands) of contractors.

The philanthropist

Mike Beldon, chairman of Beldon Roofing Co., San Antonio

For many years, Beldon and his wife, Louise, have been quietly pursuing their commitment to philanthropy. Only when pressed will Beldon divulge some of their contributions. Between the two of them, the Beldons are involved with the Jewish Federation, Cancer Therapy & Research Center, Children's Cancer Research Institute, Shelter and Haven for Hope, The Witte Museum, San Antonio Symphony, San Antonio Chamber of Commerce and San Antonio Economic Development Foundation, among many others. Of the couple's commitment, Beldon says: "Both of us come from parents who started with nothing but became successful. They taught us a great deal about our obligations as Jews, as Americans and as humanitarians."

The storm chaser

Tom Smith, president of TLSmith Consulting LLC, Rockton, Ill.

"I love doing field work," Smith says, and that love began during the late 1970s when he observed a school that had its roof blown off. It got him thinking: "Why did that happen, and how can I keep it from happening again?" Thus began his long career in storm damage research. Recognized as an expert in wind damage investigation and analysis, Smith is a lead investigator for the Federal Emergency Management Agency. Since leaving NRCA's staff in 1998 to form his own consulting company, Smith has investigated storms in Alabama, Florida, Kansas, Louisiana and Mississippi. In 2002, he joined the National Weather Service's Quick Response Team.

The scientist

Rene Dupuis, president of SRI Consultants Inc., Middleton, Wis.

The winner of this year's J.A. Piper Award, the roofing industry's highest honor, Dupuis has been a fixture in the industry since the 1970s. Known for his fastidious research into all things roofing-related, Dupuis shows no mercy when reporting his findings. Respected for his honesty and blunt observations, Dupuis has drawn quite a following in the roofing industry. His many speaking engagements are routinely well-attended, and his work on behalf of NRCA and other industry organizations has undoubtedly helped advance the industry.

The trailblazer

Bill Collins, president and chief executive officer of William Wallace Collins LLC, Berwyn, Pa.

In an industry that can be slow to embrace change, Collins is an anomaly. Graduating from the U.S. Naval Academy with a degree in marine engineering, Collins went on to become president and chief executive officer of GAF Materials Corp. From there, he left to head up a special project for Habitat for Humanity following Hurricane Katrina. Now, he is a consultant to Pegasus Capital Advisors, a private equity firm; on the board for Konarka Technologies, a producer of organic photovoltaic films; and a founding member of the Center for Environmental Innovation in Roofing. In addition, he continues to be an active participant in The Roofing Industry Alliance for Progress. Collins' influence in the roofing industry, particularly in the renewable energy arena, is undeniable—he sees change coming before many others. "There is no limit to the amount of good you can do if you aren't concerned about who gets the credit," he says.