Roofer profile: Nate Limerick, Allstar Construction

By DaVinci Roofscapes.

Introducing Nate Limerick, sales representative for Allstar Construction, and the recent winner of the DaVinci Masterpiece Contractor 2024 Project of the Year Award.

Everyone living in the St. Paul area knows about the historic Summit Avenue mansions. So, when a fire destroyed a beloved property last year, Nate Limerick was eager to be part of the restoration project. It was more than just a job. It was a passion project.

From plumbing to replacing the massive roof structure, including the prominent “cat-slide” Porte cochere, the remarkable renovation is a true winner. The dedication of the Allstar Construction team, based in Maple Plain, Minnesota, to transform this project back to its former status is why it has been awarded the DaVinci Masterpiece Contractor 2024 Project of the Year Award.

Overview: 2024 Project of the Year

“The composite roof is the only thing that saved this house.” That’s what firefighters told the Sandnes family when a third-floor fire erupted in their historic home.

“The firefighters were very clear,” says homeowner Gina Sandnes. “They said that with any other roofing material the fire would have spread quickly, and the house would have burned to the ground. Instead, because we had DaVinci composite roofing, the St. Paul, Minnesota fire department was able to save a valuable piece of our city’s history.”

When the fire burned through the roof, it refused to spread, because of the composite Class A rated DaVinci tiles. As a result, it remained isolated to a hole just several feet wide on the roof. However, because of the fire’s extensive damage inside the third floor of the home, a new roof still needed to be replaced. What did the Sandnes family choose? Another DaVinci Multi-Width Slate roof in Slate Gray.

The Allstar Construction team was brought in to handle not just the reroofing, but also a new structural system. Along with flooring, walls, plumbing and everything imaginable with a complete historic restoration.

The 1882 home, with its trademark top-to-bottom three-story porte-cochere roof application, is a clear winner for the 2024 DaVinci Masterpiece Contractor of the Year Award.

“We can’t say enough good things about the DaVinci product,” says Gina. “I truly believe the DaVinci roof saved our house. In addition, I’m super happy with Allstar Construction. They’re responsive, kind and trustworthy. All their workers are wonderful and they were just great to work with on this project.”

Insights from a winning roofer

Q: How did you get started in the roofing business?
After serving four years in the U.S. Navy, where I gained valuable experience in teamwork, leadership and problem-solving, I transitioned into the construction industry. A friend of mine, a senior project manager at Allstar Construction, recognized my skills and work ethic. He brought me on board to the Allstar team.

Q: What makes your company recommend DaVinci products over competitive composite products?
DaVinci has an excellent reputation for creating high-quality, reliable products that are perfectly suited to the custom home niche we specialize in. Their company representatives are consistently available to answer any questions, even outside of regular business hours. This level of commitment from a supplier is invaluable. It plays a significant role in helping us succeed on our projects.

Q: How have DaVinci products helped increase sales for your company?
DaVinci has maintained a strong relationship with Allstar for decades. This allows us to remain very familiar with their products and know what it takes to ensure a successful installation that keeps our clients satisfied. Since a large portion of our business comes from word-of-mouth referrals, this partnership allows us to make a lasting impression with our clients’ friends and family when they see the quality of our completed projects.

Q: When selling DaVinci products to a new customer, what are the features and benefits that customers react best to?
Customers appreciate the peace-of-mind that comes with a reliable roof system, knowing it will last a lifetime while also enhancing the appearance of their home.

Q: What made you think that this particular project would be a winning candidate for the DaVinci Masterpiece Contractor Project of the Year Award?
The Sandnes house was a complete rebuild. It presented more challenges than a typical re-roof or new construction project. Additionally, it’s located on historic Summit Avenue, in one of Minnesota’s most prestigious neighborhoods. All of these elements told us it would be a winner.

Q: What’s your dream roofing job?
My ideal roofing job would be installing DaVinci Multi-Width Shake on my own home.

Q: Finally, if you absolutely had to change professions tomorrow, what do you think you’d do?
I currently own Willow Tree Farmstead, a hobby farm. If I had to leave the roofing industry tomorrow, I’d fully dedicate myself to running the farm full-time. While I truly enjoy my work in roofing, the farm has become an important part of my life.