Details

Karel

What is your position within your company?
I am vice president of operations for Garlock-French Roofing Corp., Minneapolis.

What is the most unusual roofing project of which you have been a part?
A few years ago, my company rebuilt the historical copper solarium on the American Swedish Institute in Minneapolis. We recreated the custom-fabricated copper exterior cladding, including a standing-seam copper roof. No surface on the building was flat, and its rounded corners gave us an opportunity to learn how to reconstruct true craftsmanship from 100 years ago.

Why did you become involved in the roofing industry?
Roofing has been part of my family since before I was born. When I was 16 years old, I started working on roofs during the summer. I'm thankful my dad believed in educating me about roofing by letting me experience it myself. After I earned a business degree, I eventually shifted into the management side of our business.

What was your first roofing experience?
When I was a kid, I helped install a roof system on my parents' house.

What is your roofing industry involvement?
After I graduated from NRCA University's Future Executives Institute—Class 7, I was named to NRCA's board of directors. It has been exciting and educational to serve on various NRCA committees. I am proud to serve the roofing industry in this manner.

What was your first job?
For my first job, I worked as a lifeguard at a local community center. I grew up near one of Minnesota's 10,000 lakes, and I used to be a competitive swimmer. Whether it's swimming, water skiing or fishing, my heart never is far from the water.

What do you consider your most rewarding experiences?
The most rewarding experiences I have usually are associated with service projects. I recently met with Ronald McDonald House Charities (RMHC) in Minneapolis with which Garlock-French Roofing is partnered through The Roofing Industry Alliance for Progress. My wife and I have a son who has eosinophilic esophagitis and we travel for his medical care, so I can relate to what families who stay at RMHC houses go through. I am excited to assist in the upkeep of the building that serves as a much-needed refuge for these families.

My favorite part about working in the roofing industry is …
Having the opportunity to help provide a basic need for people

What's your favorite roofing material to work with? Why?
Copper because the possibilities are endless if you have enough imagination and skill

What is your favorite stress reliever?
My favorite stress reliever is houseboating with my family on the border lakes between Minnesota and Canada. There is no electricity, and cell phone service is difficult to find. It's the most relaxing, peaceful place we have found to escape from the craziness of everyday life.

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

If you could travel anywhere in the world, where would you go?
The Great Barrier Reef