Every business has a story, and Advanced Industrial Roofing's story starts in 1988 with a pair of close friends and coworkers, Fred Horner and Jeff Rupert. Since the company was founded, they've been serving their local community in Massillon, Ohio, installing roofs and being a strong supporter of local organizations.
The company is a GAF PlatinumElite™ and Commercial Chairman's Circle Contractor specializing in high-quality commercial roofing and architectural sheet metal services. Here's how the business was founded, how it got to where it is today, and the factors that helped the contractors find success along the way.
The History and Journey of Advanced Industrial Roofing, Inc.
Back in the spring of 1988, Jeff Rupert and Fred Horner were coworkers who'd become disillusioned with the direction their current employer was heading. Out of frustration, they decided to start their own roofing company, Advanced Industrial Roofing, to have the freedom to run a company the way they wanted.
They were determined to do it better, with top-level customer service and high-quality roofing installations as fundamental principles for the business. That foundation would go on to earn them a strong reputation in the industry.
"With only $9,000, we initially ran the business out of my basement with a pink desk, a folding chair, and a one-line phone," Horner says. These humble beginnings and strong business values would lead them to a path of success—but not without its challenges.
The first big issue Advanced Industrial Roofing faced was building a private customer base, but a strong emphasis on high-quality roofing craftsmanship would help the company. Their first major commercial customer was Goodyear, which is still an existing customer and hires them to service all their local properties in Akron, Ohio.
Their commitment to excellence when it came to roofing installations would soon prove even more fruitful. As Horner explains, "A management company from New Jersey heard about a new company that was doing excellent work with Goodyear and contacted us to roof all stores in a three-state area."
They knew they'd reached a good spot when they realized they'd been approved by every major manufacturer and were named as the large business of the year by their local community. With this success came even more clients, and they started to prioritize developing a well-trained workforce. This workforce now handles more than 500 customers.
Keeping employees happy is how they've been able to create a successful team of trusted workers at Advanced Industrial Roofing. "I'm always thinking of ways to ensure all employees are making a good living and that their families are well taken care of," says Horner.
Horner also credits GAF's commitment to the industry as a major help in overcoming these issues. From offering high-quality materials that lead to long-lasting roofs and happy customers to helping train the next generation of workers, GAF is here to help.
Horner shares one piece of advice for others who have similar aspirations: "It won't be easy, but it will be rewarding over time to control your own destiny."
How GAF Academy Helped with Community Outreach
Horner is now at the stage of his career where he wants to truly give back to the people in his community who have supported Advanced Industrial Roofing over the past 37 years. As a trusted partner for roofing companies across the United States, GAF has been helping him with that part of the process.
The GAF Roofing Academy and its accredited apprenticeship program have helped Advanced Industrial Roofing reach out to six vocational schools in their area to promote and highlight the industry as more than just a job but also a career. The goal is to help the younger generation of students realize there are career paths that don't just involve a college degree. The GAF Roofing Academy has helped students with no experience get roofing training and find an entry-level job in the industry.
Giving back to local youth groups is where they've really put in a lot of effort. They've sponsored events and groups, like the Boys & Girls Club of America, The Salvation Army, and church youth groups. As members of the Massillon Developmental Foundation, the Massillon WestStark Chamber of Commerce, the Massillon Historical Society, and the Downtown Massillon Association, they've been helping the local community grow and prosper. They also show support for the local Massillon Police Department and their K-9 Unit.
Supporting local groups is a great way to nurture the community and cement your company's reputation as the trusted contractor in the area. The people in your area are more likely to hire or recommend you to others if they notice your support of the community you're part of.
Working with GAF: High-Quality Materials, Training, and Support
Contractors everywhere can benefit from working with GAF by using our premium materials in your projects and making the most of our resources that are available to professionals like you. The journey of Advanced Industrial Roofing is just one of many others that GAF has played a role in, and we're always ready to offer our support.
GAF Roofing Academy offers tuition-free programs with classroom and hands-on training for prospective students who seek a career in the industry. As you look to grow your company and hire more employees, you can connect with some of these trained graduates. Even experienced roofers can benefit from our specialized classes, which can help you provide more accurate estimates or learn about storm restoration.
Visit the GAF CARE Contractor Training Center to learn more about how GAF can help your business grow and prosper.
