Dennis M. Crookshanks

Dennis M. Crookshanks has been in the roofing industry full time since 1979 and currently owns Dennis M. Crookshanks Construction Inc. in Chardon, Ohio. He specialized in residential roofing, primarily installing slate and copper. We are honored to feature him as our RCS'er of the month.

How long have you been contributing to the Forum?
About 4 yrs reading the forum. I'm not really sure that I contribute all that much.

So, How's business?
Excellent. I have a long list of customers dating back to when I started my business who are good for repairs and improvements to their homes, or for referrals for neighbors and friends. I am slowly moving towards getting off the roof and working on the business instead of doing all the work myself.

Who taught you to roof?
My dad and older brothers taught me in the beginning. I learned to be fast and more importantly accurate. It didn't matter if you were the fastest installing your side of the roof. If your valleys were off center or the gap between shingles and flashing was not consistent, there were three other guys on the roof to give you hell. My dad was always more concerned with doing the job right than in making money.

I learned how to solder and do copper work by watching some older union tinners when we subbed for a large commercial outfit. First you light up your charcoal hot pot, then you light up a cigarette and bring out the coffee thermos, after a couple three cups of coffee you solder a couple flashing seams (no more than three), dump out the charcoal at 2:30 and head back to the shop. Works for me.

I've learned a lot just from removing old installations and paying attention to what was done before. If the old roof lasted a long time, it must have been put on right the first time.

Since joining the RCS I've learned a heck of a lot about the business and sales end of roofing. There is a wealth of information and experience on the forum about roofing, although only about half of the contributors have a clue about who should be running the country.

What was the most valuable lessons you learned about roofing?
One size does not fit all. In roofing as in life.

What was the most valuable lessons you learned about being in business Relax and do what you do best. The work will come.

What is the best thing you ever did for your business?
Raised my prices until I started losing work.

What are your biggest concerns being in business in 2008?
That kind of question is best left to the pros like MikeH, Pgriz, Egg, Darryl, etc.

Do you belong to any associations related to your business?
Not at the present time. Because of the niche market I serve and the amount of work I do, I have not had a need for membership in any of the roofing associations. But, I believe if I want to grow the business, it would be an asset to join a few organizations for the networking and educational benefits.

In one word describe the most important trait in an employee?
Curious. As in, "is there a better way to do this job?". Better meaning higher or same in quality, faster, and more economical.