Details

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What is your position within your company?
I am president and chief executive officer of DERBIGUM Americas Inc., Kansas City, Mo.

What is the most unusual roofing project of which you have been a part?
A reroofing project our company did in Kansas City with one of our top contractors and key building owners. It included an ENERGY STAR® cap sheet, thin film photovoltaic system, a vegetated section and recycling of the torn-off roof—an excellent example of a green roof system.

Why did you become involved in the roofing industry?
I have been associated with the building materials and construction industry my entire career, so my transition to the roofing industry was natural and an opportunity that excited me.

What was your first roofing experience?
Helping my father install a roof on a barn on my family's ranch when I was 12 years old

What are your favorite items on your desk?
Thank-you notes from customers expressing appreciation to our team for a job well-done—never forget who pays the bills!

What do you consider your most rewarding experiences?
My 38-year marriage and three children

What was your first job?
My first paying job was working highway construction in the Midwest during my college years.

What are your favorite vacations?
Spending time with my wife in Italy, Las Vegas or Napa Valley, Calif.

What do you consider a waste of time?
Reading and responding to long, redundant e-mails

What are your best and worst habits?
My best habit is having a consistent workout schedule. My worst habit is having a messy desk.

What is your biggest pet peeve?
My biggest pet peeve is poor customer service by any company.

If you could invite any two people (dead or alive) to dinner, whom would you invite and why?
Ronald Reagan because he was one of the great motivational and communicative leaders of the 20th century, and Frank Sinatra because he must have some great stories!

What is your favorite stress reliever?
Enjoying a great dinner and bottle of wine with my wife

What are the most challenging aspects of your job?
Finding excellent people for our business and leading a company through an uncertain and sluggish economic environment

What is your roofing industry involvement?
I am a founding member, as well as a member of the board and Executive Committee, of the Center for Environmental Innovation in Roofing. I also am a member of The Roofing Industry Alliance for Progress and NRCA's PAC Advisory Committee and Industry Advisory Committee.

People would be surprised to know …
My family and I have lived in 15 locations across the U.S.