2009 Dynamic Dozen, No. 12: Queen City Roofing and Contracting Co. Inc

A new location in 2005 for Queen City Roofing and Contracting Co. Inc. did more than just offer additional space for employees - it also presented the opportunity for a new way of thinking.

"We really looked at things and rededicated ourselves (to) make sure we could walk the walk and talk the talk with our clients," said owner Larry Stock, who pinpoints the company's move to 3131 W. Chestnut Expressway as a key growth moment. The move coincided with Queen City Roofing's 75th anniversary.

Queen City Roofing dates to 1930 and was a subsidiary of Queen City Woodworks, which made furniture and shipped it all over the country, Stock said. Queen City Roofing became its own company in about 1955 and worked out of the same location at the intersection of Walnut Street and Kansas Expressway until relocating.

Stock, who grew up in Kansas City, has been with the company 30 years. He purchased his first five shares in Queen City Roofing in 1982 and bought the company outright in 1999.

Queen City Roofing specializes in commercial, industrial and institutional roofing, performing not only installation but also repairs and maintenance for clients' needs.

"As a rule, we don't do residential at all," Stock said, noting that the company has done a few standing-seam metal roofs for individual homes in the past.

The company posted 2008 revenues of nearly $5.6 million, up from $5.4 million in 2007.

The company's 27 employees are emphasizing customer service in a competitive construction industry, and there's an ongoing focus on employee training, even though Stock said it's sometimes tempting to try and save money on training during an economic downturn.

"I know the budgets get tight, but I think it's a drastic mistake to cut back on training. ... If anything, it's a time to be increasing that," he said.

Another strategy of Stock's is to move beyond just providing a service to become a partner with clients.

"I think the way to sell more is to sell less and help more," he said.

The next step beyond that, he said, is being a proactive partner with customers on regular maintenance and repairs that prolong a roof's life and prevent emergencies such as leaks that can ruin libraries or interfere with emergency room operations, for instance.

In a tough economy, being proactive is especially appealing to customers seeking value, Stock said.

"We literally try to partner up with the building owner and take care of their roofing concerns and problems ... so they don't have to worry," he said.

That approach has worked with Queen City Roofing customer Bill Gurley, owner of Rebcol Corp., a general warehousing and storage company in Springfield.

Queen City Roofing has done several large roofing projects for Rebcol.

"Service is paramount. They're always out there when I need them," Gurley said.

"I've used them to do some big roofs - 30,000 square feet ... and I've just found them to be an efficient company," he added.

Accessibility is important to Gurley, who appreciates Stock's personal responsiveness to customers.

"I always like talking to the owner or president of the company," Gurley said.

"I just couldn't say anything more than it's an efficient and ethical company."[[In-content Ad]]