Welcome to Episode 6 of OSR Road Warriors, showcasing the remarkable travel superintendents who are instrumental in O’Hara’s Son Roofing’s ongoing success. This week, we’re proud to spotlight Kelly Lopez.

Kelly was born in La Vega, Dominican Republic, and completed all his university studies before moving to the United States in 2015. Soon after arriving, he started working in roofing with the help of his friend Gabriel Rodriguez, who taught him the trade and helped him get established in the industry. Kelly now has ten years of experience in both commercial and residential roofing and has been part of the OSR team for the past two years.

Outside of work, Kelly is a professional DJ and volunteers with the Carteret Police Department in New Jersey.

• What’s the most unexpected thing you’ve found on a roof?

Three bullet holes that were causing leaks.

• Describe a time when your problem solving saved the day.

I solved ten leaks in different areas of a building. These leaks had gone unresolved for two years before I fixed them.

• What’s your approach to ensuring safety standards are met on every project?

I follow OSHA regulations and make sure the work is done correctly and safely.

• Is there anything you want to share about your time at OSR?

I am happy working for the best roofing company, OSR.

#commercialroofing #employeeappreciation #industrialroofing #travelsuperintendents

Welcome to Episode 4 of OSR Road Warriors, our exciting interview series showcasing the remarkable travel superintendents who are instrumental in O’Hara’s Son Roofing’s ongoing success and exceptional project delivery. This week, we’re proud to spotlight Didier Calderon.

Didier embarked on his roofing career during the tumultuous days of Hurricane Allison in 2001, spending six impactful months in Houma, Louisiana. He returned to the field in 2008, dedicating another two years to the craft before stepping away again. In 2015, Didier rejoined the roofing industry and has been with OSR since early 2020. Known as the “Road Dog” by his co-workers, he travels extensively from site to site, always prioritizing safety and teamwork.

A passionate fan of the Astros baseball team, Didier also enjoys watching soccer, cheering for FC Barcelona and the Houston Dynamo. He finds peace in watching sunsets by the lake or at the beach, embracing the beauty of nature in his downtime.

His journey has been shaped by strong mentorship, particularly from Steve Chromik and Luke Coleman, who provided unwavering support during their time together on a job in West Pueblo, Colorado, in 2018. Didier understands the importance of looking out for one another, as he believes that everyone has family waiting for them at home. With this dedication and a commitment to safety, Didier continues to thrive in his role as a travel superintendent.

• What’s the most unexpected thing you’ve found on a roof?
  I’ve been on too many roofs to count, and I’ve seen a lot of unexpected things, including a raccoon, three snakes, a fox, and even a bulletproof vest!
• Describe a time when your problem-solving skills saved the day on a construction site
  There was a time when we were facing a big storm and needed to close the entire field. Somehow, with God’s help, we managed to finish and put on the last T-patch just as the rain started. It poured so heavily that we couldn’t even make it to the ladder, but there were no leaks at all!
• If you had to motivate a team of tired and stressed workers, what would you do?
  I’m the kind of person who tries to keep the team happy. When they’re feeling tired, I’ll bring them popsicles, Topo Chico, or ice cream. If it’s really hot, I’ll get watermelon, cucumbers, lemons, salt, tomatoes, and hot sauce to help beat the heat. It’s all about keeping spirits up and making sure everyone stays refreshed!
• What’s your approach to ensuring safety standards are met on every project you oversee?
  I have one main rule that I always emphasize to the team: “Let’s go home the same way we came.” This mantra serves as a reminder to prioritize safety at all times. As a roofer, I also make it a point to learn from the mistakes of others and actively try to avoid them in my own work.
• What’s the most memorable roofing site you’ve worked on and why?
  I believe every roof has its own memorable experiences, but the most unforgettable for me was working overnight on a FedEx roof next to George Bush Airport in Houston. The unique atmosphere and challenges of that site made it truly special.
• If you could magically speed up one part of the roofing process, what would it be and why?
  Wow, that’s a tough yet easy question! I would definitely choose the permit process—it takes forever! LOL.

Didier’s wealth of experience and commitment to getting the job done right is a reflection of the expertise we bring to every project here at OSR.

We caught up with Kiana Rodriguez, to delve into her experiences and insights as a trailblazing woman road warrior.

1. Tell us a bit about yourself.
   In 2020, I high-tailed it from Connecticut to Florida, ditching my snow shovel for a fishing rod and my sanity for a beachside barbecue. Now, I’m all about beachy vibes, boat life, and eating my way through the Sunshine State.
2. What led you to a career in roofing?
   After being laid off as an overhead crane operator, I asked my brother to help me get into the company where he was working at the time. He initially expressed doubts about my ability to perform the job. Determined to prove him wrong, I demonstrated my capabilities and earned his recognition by the end of the day, with him praising me as a powerful woman who excelled in the role. I developed a passion for the trade, and although I occasionally faced discouragement when I failed to meet my professional objectives, I persevered and am now accomplishing everything I knew I was capable of.
3. What advice would you give to other women who are considering entering commercial roofing?
   I would say don’t give up. It will get hard; your feelings will get hurt, but the reward when you reach your goals and earn the respect you deserve is so worth it. People may see you as incapable of doing your job, but prove them wrong every single time. Work hard and always try to learn everything you can to become the best, even if others don’t want you to be. When you become the best, they have no choice but to see and respect you for who you truly are.
4. Have you had any mentors or role models who helped guide you in your career?
   Great question! Everything I have learned in this industry has been thanks to my amazing mentors and my drive and dedication to learning. When I started with no experience, my first mentor was Daniel Secondino, the owner of Premier Building Associates. He saw my potential from the very beginning and promoted and guided me in my journey. Any questions I had while being a foreman after just six months in the industry were always answered, which allowed me to improve each time. Along with a couple of other great people who continue to mentor me and help me grow, I am deeply grateful. THANK YOU ALL!
5. What’s your approach to ensuring safety standards are met on every project you oversee?
   I start each day by being the first one on-site before my subs arrive. This allows me about 30 minutes to conduct a safety inspection of everything. When the team arrives, all equipment has been inspected, and I take a picture of the crew every morning to ensure they are dressed appropriately for the job. I also keep an eye on any unsafe conditions I see, even if it’s not my crew, and I make sure to voice my concerns. I just want everyone to go home the same way they arrived.
6. What’s one thing you always make sure to pack for your travels, both for work and comfort?
   I always make sure to have my mini cooler ready to go with snacks and drinks for the ride. It helps to have cold drinks and snacks at the job site to get me through the long hours at work.

OSR Road Warriors is a series of interviews spotlighting the travel superintendents who play a crucial role in O’Hara’s Son Roofing’s success and operations. This week, we would like to introduce Dustin Terral.

Dustin is a seasoned professional in the construction industry with a remarkable 29 years of experience, including 6 years specializing in commercial roofing. Originally from Waco, Texas, Dustin recently relocated to Durant, Oklahoma, where he has been making his mark since December. As a travel superintendent at O’Hara’s Son Roofing (OSR) , Dustin manages complex projects with expertise and dedication. Outside of work, he enjoys smoking brisket and ribs, playing guitar, and singing in dance halls. When he’s not on the job, you can find him catching up on some well-deserved sleep.

We checked in with Dustin to ask a few questions about his experience on the road:

1. What’s the most unexpected thing you’ve found on a roof?
   A .357 revolver!
2. Describe a time when your problem-solving skills saved the day on a construction site.
   During the new construction, I saw that a high voltage transmission line had been recently installed directly above the site where the building was planned.
3. If you had to motivate a team of tired and stressed workers, what would you do?
   Get them a fruit basket. Who doesn’t like fruit?
4. What’s your approach to ensuring safety standards are met on every project you oversee?
   I find it’s best when observing safety to watch from a distance and blend in to your surroundings. Also, lead by example, of course.
5. What’s the most memorable roofing site you’ve worked on and why?
   I installed a copper dome on a 130-year-old chapel at Ft. Sam Houston.
   
   
6. If you could magically speed up one part of the roofing process, what would it be and why?
   Magically eliminate the need for requests for information (RFIs), cause they disrupt the flow of a job.

7. If you had to choose a historical figure to oversee a commercial roofing project with you, who would it be and why?
   I’d have Jelly Roll join me, so I wouldn’t be the guy sweating the most.

Colby, at 29 years old with a wife and two small children, began his career in construction at the age of 16 as a residential framer. Over the years, he has gained experience across various industries, finding his greatest success in construction. Colby is an integral part of the team at OSR, where his dedication and expertise significantly contribute to the company’s success in delivering high-quality construction projects across multiple locations. His hands-on experience and leadership qualities exemplify the traits that make travel superintendents indispensable in the construction industry.

We checked in with Colby with a few questions about his experience on the road:

• If you had to motivate a team of tired and stressed workers, what would you do?
  When allowed by the General Contractor I bring my Smoker on site and cook lunch for the crew usually brisket and bratwurst.
• What’s your approach to ensuring safety standards are met on every project you oversee?
  PPE checks every morning as we head up to the roof. And routine random checks throughout the day.
• What’s the most memorable roofing site you’ve worked on and why?
  Ace Hardware distribution center in Kansas City, largest building I’ve worked on and we were right below all the planes coming in for a landing at the airport.
• If commercial roofing sites had theme songs, what would be playing on yours?
  100 bad days -AJR
• If you could magically speed up one part of the roofing process, what would it be and why?
  Loading the roof. Hands down