None of the Warren Roofing & Insulating Co. workers at a recent roofing job were the least bit surprised to hear that their company was the top-ranked small employer on The Plain Dealer's 100 Top Workplaces for 2016.
HIGHLAND HEIGHTS, Ohio -- Not one of the Warren Roofing & Insulating Co. workers at a recent roofing job seemed the least bit surprised to hear that their company was the top-ranked small employer on The Plain Dealer's 100 Top Workplaces for 2016.
In fact, each of them seemed to have a story about how the company consistently goes out of its way to make them feel valued, appreciated and cared for.
Warren Roofing, an industrial and commercial roofing and sheet metal company founded in Cleveland in 1922, now employs 116 workers in Walton Hills, including some third-generation employees. It first appeared in The Plain Dealer's Top Workplaces in 2014, ranking No. 2 among smaller employers.
On a recent project where they were replacing the roof of a Highland Heights manufacturer, workers were more than willing to brag about their employer. Working long hours with heavy materials in the hot sun isn't the easiest way to make a paycheck, but the employees say they are proud of what they do and whom they do it for.
"They're the nicest people to work for, because they treat you just like family," said John Dunlap, a journeyman roofer who's been with the company for 21 years. From sending an advance crew to check for weak spots on the roof to installing safety rails around the edges before a job begins, "it just feels like they're doing right by us."
Foreman John Wasilko, a 15-year employee, agreed: "It's not an easy job. It's not for everyone." But Warren Roofing regularly shows its appreciation, rewarding its workers with performance and safety bonuses and with gifts cards to McDonald's and Subway for a job well done.
"I've worked at different companies in this trade, and if you're going to do commercial roofing in this area, this is the company to work at," he said.
Randy Bugara, a journeyman roofer and 12-year employee, said the company supplies the workers with everything they need for the job, from hardhats and safety goggles to extra roofing materials. "Anything we need from the shop, if we need it, they'll send it out to us. Other companies I've worked for, they're not as on the ball," he said.
Two years ago, he recruited his younger brother, Alex, into the company, and says he's just as happy there.
Kyle Gutzman, a five-year employee with two small children, said that not only does everyone in the main office know his name, "they know about your family and ask about your kids. You matter to them."
"I plan on retiring from this company," he added.
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Warren Roofing President Trevor Cost Third-generation President Trevor Cost, grandson of company founder Alex and retired president Curt, said: "I spent every summer during high school and college working on roofing crews. My Dad made sure I would never ask someone to do a task that I had not personally done."
"Warren Roofing is different in many ways, but it all starts with the people. From the top down we have industry professionals who take great pride in what they do. When people are empowered and genuinely care, they give their best, their best for their coworkers, the customer and the company."
"A lot of companies look to get the job done focusing on production," he said. "While production is obviously critical to success, how you get there varies greatly among companies. We have the highest standards and commitment to safety. Nothing else matters if our people are hurt. To achieve a safety culture you need to have everyone empowered to make changes to ensure a safe workplace.
"It often takes a while for a new hire coming from a competitor's shop to to understand this point. But when they do, they quickly become loyal and valued members of our team."
"I am proud that we have third-generation employees. While I was born into the Warren Roofing family, my coworkers made the choice to work with us. I think that says more about our culture than really anything else I could say," Cost said.
Other employees surveyed by Workplace Dynamics said: "I feel like I contribute to the success of the company every day."
Still others said: "I have the freedom to do my work without someone looking over my shoulder," and "I am not micromanaged. I am trusted to make important decisions on my own. I love working with my current co-workers!"
"I never feel like I am going to 'work,'" one worker wrote. "It feels like I am going to a friendly environment to accomplish tasks and goals that I enjoy."
When asked if Warren Roofing is hiring, Cost said: "We are always looking for new people. All of our field workers are union affiliates, and we have great training programs for someone looking to learn a trade. We also have a fleet of drivers who service all the company's logistic needs. A clean driving record is a must. Contact the main office or stop in to fill out an application."