Quality products, customer service and industry growth

By Jesse Sanchez.

Sharing insights on industry growth, customer service and the rising demand for long-lasting roofing solutions.

The roofing industry is evolving and so are the expectations of homeowners and contractors alike. Few understand these changes better than Ryan Lephart, vice president of key accounts at Great Roofing & Restoration, who has spent over a decade navigating the highs and lows of the business. From encountering hurricane-induced career shifts to leading award-winning roofing projects, Ryan has seen it all.

Ryan’s entry into the industry came unexpectedly. While attending Ohio State University as a psychology major, he was recruited by a fraternity alumnus after Hurricane Ike caused significant roof damage in Columbus. What started as a college job quickly became a full-fledged career. “I just kind of stuck with it,” Ryan recalled.

Since its founding in 2008, Great Roofing & Restoration has expanded its reach beyond Ohio into Colorado, Michigan and North Carolina. The company has built a reputation for high-quality installations, particularly with specialty roofing products like DaVinci Roofscapes composite slate and shake. Ryan notes that while traditional asphalt shingles still make up the majority of roofing projects, there is a growing demand for premium materials that offer both longevity and aesthetics.

“More people are staying in their homes longer, whether it’s due to interest rates or whatnot,” Ryan said. “We’re seeing a real push in the industry for long-lasting products.”

One such project recently earned Great Roofing & Restoration the prestigious 2024 DaVinci Masterpiece Contractor Project of the Year Award. The job — replacing a storm-damaged roof on Bob Jackson’s estate in Ohio — was anything but ordinary. The home’s previous roof, a synthetic Spanish tile, had suffered extensive damage from a tornado. Jackson wanted a durable replacement that would also enhance the property’s European-inspired aesthetic.

Ryan and his team recommended DaVinci Multi-Width Slate in Smokey Gray, which complemented the existing copper turret and accents. He noted that they kept the copper turret and accenting intact while ensuring all necessary areas were redone, resulting in a strong and visually striking roof. Culminating in a breathtaking, slate-like roof that seamlessly blended with the home’s classic architecture and provided lasting protection.

But the project wasn’t without challenges. Insurance negotiations dragged on for over a year and a half, during which Great Roofing had to tarp the damaged roof multiple times. “His insurance company initially offered $148,000 and when the claim was settled, the final cost was over $330,000,” Ryan explained. “So, it took a year and a half. And we tarped his roof four times during that time period.”

Beyond product quality, Ryan noted the importance of customer service and contractor expertise. “You're not going out there to sell them a roof. I already know they need a roof,” he said. He urges fellow contractors to take a more consultative approach rather than simply pushing products. “Learn first, sell second,” he advised.

Looking to the future, Great Roofing & Restoration continues to expand its footprint and reinforce its commitment to quality craftsmanship. With a growing demand for specialty roofing and an industry shifting toward sustainability, Ryan believes that prioritizing service, knowledge and long-term solutions will define the next era of roofing.

For homeowners navigating the roofing process, Ryan offers one key piece of advice: choose a contractor who focuses on service, not just sales and find someone who asks the right questions and takes the time to understand what you need beyond just putting shingles on your house. With industry leaders like Ryan at the helm, the future of roofing is looking brighter — and more durable — than ever.

Learn more about how Great Roofing & Restoration is setting new standards in the industry!