Western Roofing breaks the status quo of your typical roofing company. The longtime commercial roofing business prioritizes community support, customer service, and quality over quick gains. We caught up with Curtis Nicholson, Western Roofing President, to uncover why “doing good” can actually do a business good.

1. Briefly describe your business (what does it provide, who does it serve, etc.)

We are a commercial roofing company. We service all things from flat roofing and reroofing to large-scale shingle complexes. We also look for opportunities to give back to our community. That is why we often offer free services to local organizations in need. For instance, we provided free work for the Foothills Animal Shelter and extended our services to the Rocky Mountain MS Center (RMMSC) for 14 years. When it was time for a new roof, we were able to help RMMSC get the best roof possible at the best price.

2. How did the business start, and how is it going today?

I worked my way up in management and bought the company outright in 2009. Today, it continues to perform at its peak desired level and proudly serves the Denver metro area.

3. What makes your business unique or sets you apart from competitors?

At Western Roofing, we are proud to fill our team with experienced full-time employees. Unlike other companies that may subcontract work, we have the opportunity provide high quality and flexible service. We also specialize in Polyvinyl Chloride (PVC) products to ensure superior protection.

4. What is your proudest achievement as a business owner or leader?

Aside from building a successful business and providing a place for many to work and provide for their families, one of my proudest achievements as a business owner is refusing to back down when failure was at my doorstep. When people say owning a company must be nice, I always jokingly respond with, “It’s great. I get to work whatever 16 hours a day I want.” All the extra hours are worth it to see our business grow.

5. Describe a challenge the business faced and how you overcame it.

There are so many. The most recent were complications from the pandemic, including material and labor shortages and a lack of income, which halted home improvement projects and roof repairs. This led to the challenge of keeping employees busy enough to provide for their families. Overcoming this challenge led to long days and nights, followed by weekends, months, and years of leaving no stone unturned or wasted opportunities. We prevailed where, sadly, others did not, and we are thriving again.

6. What do you think are the most important skills/considerations for running a successful business? What advice would you give aspiring entrepreneurs?

Skills: The greatest skill to have is to not only manage people, but lead them.  

Advice: Keep your hands working and your eyes on the horizon. As John C. Maxwell echoes, “The greatest threat to tomorrow’s success is today’s success.”

7. Why did you choose FirstBank as your banking partner?

After working with several different banks over the years, FirstBank reached out to begin a new banking relationship and we did. I haven’t looked back since and couldn’t be happier.

8. How has your FirstBank relationship helped with your business goals?

With the help of FirstBank, we were able to purchase a commercial property for our business. They also equipped us with a $250,000 line of credit for our working capital needs.

9. What do you hope to see the business accomplish in the next several years?

We strive to provide the same consistency and efficiency that’s helped our business grow since 1996.

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