Menzel finds no glass ceiling at roofing firm

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Pacific Coast Business Times, September 2005
Rod Menzel, 36, went from branch vice president of a bank for eight years to founder and president of Great American Roofing.

Menzel and his wife, Michelle, started Great American Roofing in 1999 in Oxnard. He considers the growth of the company to be his greatest accomplishment: In six years, it has transformed from a startup to a business with $3 million in annual revenue.

Menzel didn’t stop there. He reports that his company goals for 2005 are almost completed, including maximizing production, increasing sales and promoting a healthy, focused, responsible, stress-less, entrepreneurial sales culture. His plans for the next few years include what he calls the “big hairy audacious goal,” which is to build Great American Roofing into one of the largest, most respected home improvement contractors in the area.

In addition to roofing, Menzel has competed six marathons, including the New Your City Marathon. He volunteers as an elder at the Moorpark Presbyterian Church and coaches his sons in Little League Baseball, Moorpark recreational basketball and Conejo Youth Flag Football in his free time.

Menzel received a bachelor’s of science degree from California State University, Northridge in finance and real estate.

He hasn’t moved far, but he has moved successfully from the world of banking to the world of roofing.

Hit shuffle on your iPod. What are the first three songs that come up?
“Down on the Corner” Creedence Clearwater Revival; “The New Style,” Beastie Boys; and “Higher”, Creed.

Who is your business role model?
Ronald Reagan because of his optimism, vision and his ability to inspire people and overcome challenges.

What was your first job?
My first job was at a lumber mill in Northern California. There was nothing worse than cleaning out the hopper in 100-degree heat.