Professional Roofing - National Roofing Contractors Association
Back to MediaNational Roofing Contractors Association, July 2005
Professional Roofing: What is the most difficult roofing project you’ve performed?
Menzel: WOOD RANCH BBQ & GRILL® which is located in The Grove at Farmer’s Market, Los Angeles. The seven-member crew installed a two-piece tile, three-color blend roof system with mortar and booster on a 9,500-square-foot (883-m₂) roof area. The most challenging part of the installation was applying the tile to an 8-in-12 (34-degree) slopped section of 3- by 14-inch (76- by 356-mm) beams located over a patio.
Why did you become a roofing contractor?
After eight years of climbing the banking industry’s corporate ladder, I realized I wanted a challenge and more control over my destiny. My wife, Michelle, and I were expecting our first son, Austin, and I realized if I didn’t start my own company, I would retire as a banker.
What was your first job?
I worked at a lumber mill when I was 17 years old. At the end of each day, I cleaned out hoppers full of redwood sawdust in 105 F (41 C) Northern California heat. “Trust me. You wouldn’t want that job.”
What is your favorite stress reliever?
Training for marathons. I have completed the Los Angeles Marathon four times and entered the New York City Marathon. I hope to complete 10 marathons.
What is your favorite item on your desk?
A picture of Michelle and me with former President Ronald Reagan. It was taken in 1997 at Reagan’s Los Angeles office and reminds me of the power of setting a goal. I wanted to meet Reagan. One month later, Michelle and I met him.
What was your first roofing experience?
Watching my dad, Bill Menzel, and great-grandfather, Jim Rogers, install a wood shingle roof system on my great-grandfather’s ranch home when I was 3 years old.
What do you consider a waste of time?
Wasted trips to a job site for left-behind tools.
What are your best and worst habits?
My best habit is identifying and handling critical work and life issues rather than dealing with trivialities. My worst habit is a lack of patience.
What is the most challenging aspect of your job?
Balancing work time and family time. I don’t always feel confident that I’ve met my business and family obligations at the end of a week. I look forward to weekends to balance this.
What is your roofing industry involvement?
Great American Roofing & Waterproofing is an NRCA member, and I recently attended NRCA’s Industry Leadership Conference. I plan to become more involved with NRCA.
People would be surprised to know that...
I made First Team Academic All-American while playing football at California State University, Northridge.
