Close-up

When Rick Birkman, president of Texas Roofing Co. Inc., Round Rock, was approached by Rep. John Carter (R-Texas) about installing the metal roof system on a memorial in Killeen, Texas, to be dedicated to the 13 victims of the Nov. 5, 2009, shooting at Fort Hood, Texas, Birkman didn't hesitate to help.

Birkman contacted Petersen Aluminum Corp., Elk Grove Village, Ill., who agreed to donate SNAP-CLAD™ 16-inch standing-seam aluminum metal roof panels, and Birkman's company donated the labor to install the roof system on the 13-sided memorial with trim custom-manufactured in Texas Roofing's sheet metal shop. The memorial's unique design includes 13 marble columns etched with each victim's name, rank and individual story, and an opening in the center of the roof allows an American flag to be flown.

The Fort Hood Memorial was dedicated March 11 when 13 trees were planted for each of the victims. Each victim posthumously was awarded a national Purple Heart and a Texas Purple Heart by Texas Gov. Greg Abbott.

To submit a photo for Close-up, email professionalroofing@professionalroofing.net or mail a photo to Professional Roofing Attn.: Close-up, 10255 W. Higgins Road, Suite 600, Rosemont, IL 60018. Submittals should include a photo, as well as a description or background for the photo. A $100 gift card will be awarded for the photo that is chosen to be featured in Close-up.

More From This Issue

  • Exemplary service

    Since the mid-1990s, a majority of commerce in the U.S. economy has shifted from hard goods to information and services. As a result, customers now expect instant service, such as receiving itemized invoices for purchases at grocery stores. Taking a cue from supermarkets, contractors can provide exemplary service to their clients by implementing methods to quickly provide repair invoices.

  • A roofing wonder

    Visitors to the Science Pyramid at Denver Botanic Gardens can explore the world of plants and ecosystems using interactive technology. The unique 3,800-square-foot space was designed to mimic nature and includes a complex roof system installed by United Materials LLC, Denver, that encompasses hexagonal concrete-composite panels resembling honeycombs across 16 roof planes in varying slopes and degrees.

  • A better way

    Roofing contractors often must adapt to changes in the roofing industry while continuing to install quality roof systems safely, on time and on budget. Those who can adapt quickly usually are the most successful. Understanding best practices for business management—including business literacy, people management, business growth and leadership development—can help roofing contractors adapt to changes and increase profitability within their companies.

;