Details

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James J. Smithey (but everyone calls me J.J.)

What is your position within your company?
I am president and owner of Frost Roofing Inc., Wapakoneta, Ohio.

What is the most unusual roofing project you've performed?
Recently, we worked on a roof at the Columbus Museum of Art, Columbus, Ohio. The 70- by 50-foot area we worked on surrounds a skylight and is positioned over the museum's Picasso exhibit.

Why did you become a part of the roofing industry?
I never really considered anything else. Frost Roofing has been family owned and operated since 1928. I always hoped and planned to carry on the legacy.

What was your first roofing experience?
I can remember helping my dad and his friends install a roof on our family's home addition when I was about 15 years old.

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

What is the most high-tech thing in your home?
That's a difficult question—I have gadgets for my gadgets if that tells you anything. I always am interested in the latest technology.

List three words that best describe you.
Honest, assertive, sociable

If you could travel anywhere in the world, where would you go?
Italy

What three things always are in your fridge?
Hot sauce, barbecue sauce and Bass® beer

What is your biggest pet peeve?
Dishonesty

What quality do you most like in a person?
Honesty

If you could invite any three people (dead or alive) to dinner, whom would you invite?
The three previous generations of Frost Roofing owners—R.J., Darwin and Jim

What are the most challenging aspects of your job?
Communication and time management

What is your roofing industry involvement?
NRCA member and director and Future Executives Institute class four graduate

People would be surprised to know …
I used to ride superbikes as a hobby, was a volunteer fireman for eight years and was president of the board for a preschool in our community.