Details

Maechling

What is your position within your company?
I am founder and CEO of APEX Home Solutions LLC, Maryland Heights, Mo.

Why did you become involved in the roofing industry?
I don't think roofing is something most people plan to do. Following my maternity leave, I was ready to rejoin the workforce when I received a job offer from a storm restoration company. I was drawn to the flexible hours and commission structure because I could work whenever and wherever I wanted while making as much money as I wanted.

What was your first roofing experience?
My first roofing experience was working on a new construction house in Troy, Ill., when I was 18. The house had a two-story roof with a 4:12 pitch, but it felt like a 10:12 pitch at the time. I literally hugged the ridge and slid shingles down to the roofing crew. I was interested in new construction but hadn't seen a roof system installed—it was a great learning experience.

What is your roofing industry involvement?
My company is a proud NRCA member, and I travel about four times per year to attend conferences, seminars and trade shows to learn about the roofing industry and network. I also am a member of National Women in Roofing.

What is the most unusual roofing project of which you have been a part?
The most unusual roofing project I was a part of involved reroofing the West County Assembly of God church in Chesterfield, Mo. When my crew tore off the original 144,000-square-foot roof, we discovered an existing metal roof underneath it overlaid with plywood that had rotted from water damage. We also had to cut ventilation into the existing roof structure.

People would be surprised to know …
Despite the fact I am terrified of heights, I am a B-licensed skydiver and have completed 72 successful jumps.

What's your favorite roofing material to work with? Why?
Asphalt shingles—I've worked with many types of roofing materials, but asphalt shingles are my favorite. I think we tend to gravitate toward what we are good at, and I've installed thousands of asphalt shingle roofs.

What song are you listening to over and over?
"Just Like Fire," by P!nk

What do you consider your most rewarding experience?
My most rewarding experience was assisting an older couple who couldn't afford to fix their house. The house desperately needed repairs, so I secured donated material from CertainTeed Corp., Valley Forge, Pa., and anonymous donations that enabled us to replace the roof, siding and gutters at no cost. It was heartwarming to observe so many strangers stepping up to help a couple in need.

If you could meet any historical figure, whom would you meet? Why?
Abraham Lincoln—the more I read about his life, the more I admire him and his achievements. Also, if you trace my family tree on my mother's side, Lincoln appears there connected to us by marriage. I always thought that was neat.

What quality do you most admire in a person?
Courage. It is not the absence of fear—it's being able to perform in the presence of fear.

What is your favorite food?
Sushi

My favorite part about working in the roofing industry is …
the fulfillment of helping people. I would do this job even if it didn't come with a paycheck. I love it, and it's truly fulfilling to work in an industry I am passionate about.