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.