Lessons Learned

by Ron Lloyd, President

Well, it's a new year again and time for the yearly resolutions…no way! I am tired of making resolutions and promises to myself that never get kept anyway. Instead, I have chosen to reflect on some of the things that I have learned and things that I am thankful for.

Having 4 grandkids has taught me some crazy things…things that perhaps I had learned from my own children and had forgotten over the years, such as:

No matter how hard you try, you can’t baptize cars.
When your mom is mad at your dad, don't let her brush your hair.
You can't trust dogs to watch your food.
You can't hide a piece of broccoli in a glass of milk.
Puppies still have bad breath, even after eating a breath mint.

Then there are the "adult" lessons that I have been taught:

Raising teenagers is like trying to nail Jell-O to a tree.
Middle age is when you choose cereal for the fiber, not the toy.
If you remain calm, you don't have all the facts.
You're getting old when you stoop to tie your shoes and wonder what else you can do while you’re down there.
You appreciate the fact that wrinkles don't hurt.

And finally, the lessons learned on the job:

Arguing with an inspector is like wrestling with a pig in the mud…soon you realize that the pig is enjoying himself.
Running a construction company is as easy as herding cats.

HERE'S TO A PROSPEROUS NEW YEAR WITH LOTS OF SMILES, LESSONS, AND LAUGHTER!!

Feeling Lucky in Tough Times

by Max Kerr

I am privileged in so many ways. My career has let me meet and build relationships with people throughout the United States while working in a great industry. We should all feel lucky to live in America and be part of an industry such as ours.

Yet the reports about our industry and the economy make it difficult to find solace. Conversations in too many companies focus on cutbacks, layoffs and pessimism.

During these times, true leadership requires us to be optimistic and share good thoughts with others in our industry. If the news has you down, turn it off. If you are pessimistic about the economy, focus instead on the numerous opportunities around you. If you find conversations dwelling on the negatives, change the conversations.

What the world needs now are fewer pessimists and more attackers of opportunity. Become a person who strives to grow personally and help others through these times.

Assess the market: Try and see the entire landscape of your market. Rather than look at lost sales or downturns, focus on the abundance of sales opportunities to explore.
Shake everybody's hand: Go meet everyone in your market---everyone. Get to know everyone, and let them know you are there to help.
Play for the long term: Stop obsessing about weekly or monthly sales quotas. Keep your mind on maximizing market share over the long term.
Consider yourself lucky: We work in a great industry, live in a great country and the world is a beautiful place. Actions change our thoughts and brain patterns. It is virtually impossible to feel bad if you have a real smile on your face. So offer words of optimism to others, and you will feel them yourself.

I wish you all a successful year in these challenging yet exciting times!!!

A Little Help for Our Friends

Charitable Donations by RR Roofing in 2008

Utah Food Bank
American Cancer Society
Centerville Farmington Rotary
Boy Scouts of America – Eagle Scouts
Children's Health Connection
Innovations Charter School
Highland Park Art Night
Clearfield High School Lady Falcons Basketball

Spotlight: Getting to Know Scott Nielson

Over the past several years we have enjoyed our relationship with Scott Nielson. Scott is the president of Nielson Bodily & Associates PA in Idaho Falls, Idaho. While holding this title Scott was quick to point out that his title of President does not mean much. He has two great partners that assume every bit as much of the responsibility for the firm as he does. "Titles don’t ever come up. We just do it together."

Scott has evolved in his position and work duties quite vastly in the past 37 years. Starting as a draftsman in 1972, he has worked his way up the chain to owner as of 1980 when he became a partner.

While attending Ricks College in Rexburg and BYU in Provo, Scott found that the major he wanted to pursue was not available in any program. This program was Architecture. Instead, he chose Design and Computer Graphics. At this time, computers were in their infancy. Rather than continue on, he joined the Army.

Upon leaving the military, Scott returned to work as a draftsman at the same firm he is at today. Having all good intentions, Scott had planned on returning to school in about a year. He never did return, and instead he was given the great opportunity to take ownership of the firm that he was working at. In 1979, Scott became licensed under the apprenticeship law in Idaho. It was then that he was able to acquire his NCARB certificate. Scott is now licensed in Oregon, Idaho, Montana, Utah, Wyoming and Nevada.

We asked Scott his likes and his dislikes on his job. He enjoys people and the aspect of the work immensely. "I love a satisfied client and usually develop friends with them and the contractors that build the projects." The only aspect of the job Scott dislikes is when it may have a tendency to get in the way of playing.

A Southeast Idaho native, Scott spent most of his years in the little town of Ririe. Once he met and married the love of his life and Ohio native, Gladys, they settled in Rigby, Idaho in the early 70’s. Enjoying the stability of Rigby, they have been there ever since. Having three sons, three daughters and ten grand children, his favorite title to date is "Grandpa." His hobbies include his family, woodworking, skiing, snowmobiling, golf, hiking and his motorcycle.

"I believe that the most significant part of my training has been through being very hands on during the construction phase of our projects in order to be able to follow through with the design. I owe a lot of what I know to suppliers, sub contractors, contractors, and engineers who were willing to share their knowledge with me. There are some great people in our industry who really care about what they do."

Spotlight: Getting to Know Pete Idstrom

As we go about this world in chaos we often find ourselves engrossed in the day-to-day mumbo jumbo of the professional aspect of our lives. We have a tendency to get lost inside the commercialized crud. In our business we have the fortunate opportunity to come into contact with so many people from a very broad spectrum of the globe. It is my pleasure to introduce Pete Idstrom to you all.

Consolidated Fasteners has had the opportunity to have Pete work for them for the past 7 years. In those years, Pete has enjoyed his job immensely. Rather a free spirit by nature, he has the freedom in his position of Outside Sales to see and be seen by not only his coworkers but also by his business contacts. Not having been stuck behind a desk has been as asset to his success.

Originally from Minnesota, Pete went to college at the University of Minnesota. After moving to Salt Lake City in 1989, he finished up his studies at the University of Utah (Go Ute’s) and graduated with a degree in business. Having so many great college memories, when asked he replied, “My favorite college memory is skiing with my wife Julie.”

Enjoying the outdoors is by far one of Pete’s greatest hobbies. This of course is after he performs in his favorite role as husband, father and coach. Having two sons, Pete and Julie are deeply involved in coaching and training in their soccer. When the time permits, Pete enjoys hunting and fishing. The passion and love he has for this is apparent in his previous employment choices as hunting and fishing guide in Alaska as well as a stint in Flaming Gorge on the Green River.

The incredible relationship Pete has with RR Roofing is something that we hold as not only a professional treasure but as a personal one as well. Thank you, Pete, for all you do!

"I’d love to be Spiderman, throwin’ webs, swingin’ through the city!"

Spotlight: Getting to Know Matt Ward

RR Roofing enjoys working with Matthew Ward, Facilities Manager for the Provo North FM Group. This is a position he has held for the past 6 years. Prior to that time, Matt had the opportunity to work as Facilities Manager in Lisbon, Portugal (his wife is from Portugal). Their family lived there for 4 ½ years.

After graduating from Idaho Falls High School, Matt attended Idaho State University in Pocatello. He was awarded a Bachelor’s Degree in Civil Engineering in 1998. He says that training and background have helped to make him successful in his current position.

Not always having the same routine each day is one of the things Matt really enjoys as a Facilities Manager. He says, "There is both office work and field work. I work with great people and for a great cause." One thing he dislikes about his job is making personnel decisions which affect people’s personal lives, such as deciding who should be transferred to other areas. He also does not like doing evaluations for merit increases.

Matt and his wife are the parents of 4 children: 2 were born in Pocatello, Idaho, 1 was born in Lisbon, Portugal, and 1 was born in Provo, Utah. When he has any spare time, Matt is teaching himself to play a Portuguese instrument called a bandola that used to belong to his father-in-law. He also enjoys doing yoga and learning about the stock market.

"If I were a Super Hero I would be Spiderman because he is flexible, can get around very quickly, and he does things to help others.“

Employee Spotlight: Lynda Weed, Marketing Coordinator

I am very excited for the opportunity I have been given to take on a great challenge marketing a roofing company! My name is Lynda Weed and I have recently been hired as the Marketing Coordinator for RR Roofing in the Utah office located in Centerville.

Born and raised in Logan, Utah, I am a little city girl with a bit of country stuck in there. I have been away from Cache Valley for just over 2 years. I don’t miss the fog! Graduating from Logan High School I went quickly into Cosmetology. Just not quite for me. From there I went into "Life." Once I accomplished that, I attended college at Stevens Henager and received my Associates Degree in Office Information Systems with a focus on Business Marketing & Design.

I have very many hobbies, most of which take me outdoors. Camping is definitely a passion. I love to cook! My mom always told me that if you can read you can cook! I have a beautiful dog named Cora that I adore. She is a red heeler/yellow lab mix. Crazy Pet Owner! Nonetheless that’s my girl!

In the past 3 months I have come into contact with and have met so many wonderful people within the same industry as ours and others. I have formed relations in business as well as friends. I have been given opportunities that have opened up doors in other areas of my life, one of which is volunteering at the Utah Food Bank.

There are many aspects of this position that are so incredible. To be involved with a company that is held in such high regard within the surrounding communities gives me a sense of pride and accomplishment. I know in my everyday life I have many beliefs. One of those happens to be integrity. I am pleased to be working with a company that holds that same value.

I would like to thank all of you that I have met up to this point. Your kindness and professionalism has been a very warm welcome. If I have not met you please, feel free to call or email me. Say hello and introduce yourself!

Always,

Lynda Weed
Marketing@rr-roofing.com

“Integrity is the Essence of Everything Successful”
~Richard Buckminster