To the people who make it possible

By Dani Sheehan. 

During their anniversary celebration, BITEC showcased the people, partnerships and pride behind the company’s first 40 years. 

When BITEC® opened its doors four decades ago, it started with a simple mission: build quality roofing products with good people by your side. Forty years later, that same people-first philosophy was on full display as employees, families, community leaders and longtime partners gathered to celebrate the company’s milestone anniversary. 

Beneath the festivities was a deeper story, not just about forty years of manufacturing excellence, but about the people who built the company, stayed with it and helped it grow alongside the community it calls home. 

A company built by people 

For founder Bruce Shealey, seeing the celebration unfold was a powerful reminder of how far BITEC has come. Reflecting on BITEC’s earliest days, Bruce described the uncertainty of building a manufacturing operation from the ground up. The long days, the sleepless nights and the challenge of creating something new were all part of the journey, but he was quick to point out that it was the people who believed in the vision and worked alongside him that made it real. 

From the very beginning, Bruce said BITEC’s success was never about one person or one product. It was built by employees, neighbors and supporters who helped turn an ambitious idea into an industry mainstay. 

From first employee to CEO 

David Allen knows that story better than most. As BITEC’s first employee, hired by Bruce 40 years ago, David has witnessed every stage of the company’s evolution, from handwritten processes and startup growing pains to the diversified roofing manufacturer BITEC has become today. 

Now serving as CEO, David said one of BITEC’s greatest strengths is not just attracting good people but keeping them. Loyalty is evident throughout the organization, where long-term employees, multigenerational families and a strong core team continue to shape the company’s culture and future. 

A family legacy, a growing future 

Joel Shealey, Bruce’s son and the company’s current president, shared that BITEC has more than doubled in size during the past seven years. What was once primarily known for modified roofing products has grown into a full-line manufacturer offering coatings, single-ply systems, repair products, insulation and deck boards. 

Yet even as the company expands, Joel said BITEC’s roots remain firmly planted in Morrilton. As one of the largest employers in the area, BITEC’s growth has grown alongside the town itself, creating opportunities for local families, supporting community organizations and building partnerships that extend beyond the manufacturing of roofing products.  

Allen Lipsmeyer, mayor of Morrilton, praised BITEC as a corporate partner that consistently shows up, whether supporting local fundraisers, civic organizations or public safety initiatives. Members of the local fire department, including Captain Terry Alvey, echoed that sentiment, describing BITEC as a company that continues to invest in the people who call Morrilton home. 

For The Coffee Shops’ Account Manager Emma Richardson, who spent the day speaking with employees, leadership and community members, BITEC’s impact on Central Arkansas was clear. Families wearing company shirts filled the grounds. Children fed baby goats at the petting zoo, chased giant bubbles and explored hands-on exhibits with local first responders. The aroma of barbecue drifted through the crowd while longtime employees, city leaders and community partners stopped by to share stories. 

“It was really more than family friendly – it was community oriented,” Emma shared. “It felt like the entire town came together to celebrate.” She heard story after story about BITEC’s commitment to giving back, supporting local organizations and creating opportunities for generations of families. 

“What stood out most,” Emma said, “was the pride. You could feel how much people genuinely care about this company, but also how much the company cares about the community that helped build it.” 

If the anniversary celebration proved anything, it’s that BITEC’s next chapter will be built the same way its past was – through strong relationships, local pride and an unwavering commitment to both manufacturing excellence and the people who make it possible.