Details

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Vice president of Rafoth Sheet Metal Inc., Dubuque, Iowa

Schmitt with his wife, Carol, and children, Jared and Maureen.

Professional Roofing: What is the most difficult roofing project you've performed?
Schmitt: A house in Dubuque, Iowa, that overlooks the Mississippi River. My nine-member crew installed 70 squares (630 m²) of Vermont Slate on the roof system and 5,500 pounds (2475 kg) of copper on two bell towers. In addition, my company designed, fabricated and installed copper finials for the towers; a vented copper soffitt and ridge system; copper gutters; open-faced downspouts; barrel-shaped dormers; and snow guards.

Why did you become a roofing contractor?
I began my career at Rafoth Sheet Metal in 1979 as a foreman and was promoted to superintendent in 1987. I spent the next 11 years of my career estimating, as well as managing projects and personnel. In March 1999, Dave Rafoth, the company's owner, retired and sold the company to his partner, Pat Smith, Rafoth Sheet Metal's president, and me.

What was your first job?
I controlled a bottle-washing machine at a dairy when I was 17 years old. I earned $1.49 per hour. The job helped me realize I wanted to work outdoors, not on an assemblyline.

What was your first roofing experience?
Other than helping friends install shingles on their houses, I installed a three-ply, built-up roof system on Northeast Iowa Community College, Peosta.

What is the most challenging aspect of your job?
Maintaining a steady workload for my employees.

What is your favorite item in your office?
A butcher block I use as a lamp table. The block was used by my family to cut meat we had butchered on our farm when I was a child.

What do you consider your most rewarding experiences?
Working with my son, Jared, on the restoration of the Pentagon's slate roof system after the Sept. 11, 2001, attack. Through the NRCA Pentagon Project, my company was able to give something back to the United States. In addition, my wife, Carol, and I are Court Appointed Special Advocates, volunteers who assist children in the family court system. I also mentor at two Dubuque public elementary schools.

What is your favorite vacation?
My daughter, Maureen, spent one semester studying in Luxembourg while attending Miami University, Oxford, Ohio. Carol, Jared and I visited Maureen while she lived with my second cousin's family in Luxembourg City. We traveled throughout Europe, and I learned a lot about my ancestors and met family members.

What is your roofing industry involvement?
Rafoth Sheet Metal is a member of NRCA, the Midwest Roofing Contractors Association, Iowa Roofing Contractors Association, Master Builders of Iowa and Associated General Contractors of America.

People would be surprised to know that …
I worked as a firefighter and paramedic at Walt Disney World,® Orlando, Fla., for six years.