Columbia Roofing and Sheet Metal is the September R-Club Roofer of the Month

By Colin Sheehan, RCS Reporter. 

Learn how this company went from doing small roof repairs to building a major business that keeps property owners in the loop. 

Columbia Roofing and Sheet Metal’s dedication to their customers, employees and community is why they are September’s R-Club Roofer of the Month. In this Roofer of the Month podcast series, RCS podcast producer, Megan Ellsworth, chats with leaders Mark Carpenter, Kendall Ekerson and Chris Ekerson to discuss what happens behind the scenes at Columbia Roofing and to learn more about their company history. 

Mark Carpenter started Columbia Roofing and Sheet Metal in his basement in 1996 by doing small, local roof repairs. It wasn’t long until the company developed into what it is today – a highly successful business that focuses on helping property owners understand the processes, financial and otherwise, behind roofing repairs or replacements. 

Mark was joined by his daughter, Kendall, the director of marketing, and his son-in-law, Chris, the general manager, who have both been with Columbia Roofing for over fifteen years.  

“I started in 2002, really not knowing anything about the industry, and worked my way up,” said Chris. “I worked in our sheet metal division for a real long time and worked my way through the ranks.” 

Columbia Roofing is always looking for ways to be innovative as a company. About 12 years ago, they started Columbia Green Technologies leading to the development of the AVRS green roof system, which comes with green roof trays and a full, comprehensive green roof program.  

"We got three patents on it, and eventually sold it off too. We got distribution, we got installations around the United States,” said Mark. "It's still in business today, Columbia Green Technologies.” 

In addition to their green initiatives and quality customer services, Columbia Roofing also makes it a point to celebrate their communities. They regularly give back to and support the very organizations that are making a positive impact on people’s lives today.  

“We support the Alzheimer's Association. My grandfather, passed with Alzheimer's and Chris's grandmother, Nancy, she had a form of dementia when she passed a few years ago, and so it impacts us,” said Kendall. “Not only does it affect our family, but it can affect any of our employees' families at any time and they might need resources or they might need support, and so it's something that we've continued [for] about eight years, maybe even 10 years, we have supported the Alzheimer's Association.” 

Listen to the entire podcast to learn more about how Columbia Roofing and Sheet Metal and why they are the R-Club Roofer of the Month.