Overhead security: apt motto for award-winning contractor

Three generations of the Simon family have worked to make Hartford Roofing Co. Inc., Glastonbury, CT, the successful, multi-branch operation that it is today. Up and down the East Coast from Maine to Florida, as well as in a number of central and western states, Hartford Roofing has earned a track record for expertly handling large and unusual jobs.

Its outstanding qualifications in the four different categories evaluated in SPRI's 9th annual Contractor Achievement Award competition have earned Hartford Roofing first place in our year 2000 competition.

Setting the standard

As its long-time slogan aptly states, Hartford Roofing continues its multi-generational commitment to "Overhead Security."

Founded by Rubin Simon in 1924, Hartford Roofing Co. was subsequently guided by his son, Philip Simon. Philip's son, Ronald, has been with the company since 1976 and is now president and CEO. He looks forward to the future when his sons may join the family business.

That family heritage is acknowledged in Hartford Roofing's corporate brochure, wherein it promises, "When we work for you, we're not just putting a roof on your building-we're putting our family's heritage and reputation on the line."

The company operates branches in Stoughton, MA (headed by President Daniel Ranahan) and Providence, RI. It employs about 550 people in the peak roofing season.

What distinguishes Hartford Roofing, explains Ron Simon, is "our ability to mobilize anywhere within the U.S. with our large capacity for staffing and equipment in order to produce large and unusual projects, in a safe working environment to come in on time and on budget."

After Hurricane Georges, for example, Hartford Roofing went to Puerto Rico to reroof three electrical component plants with flexible membranes.

Attention to detail

Safety, one of the SPRI contest categories, is always a priority for this contractor. In fact, Hartford Roofing has devoted significant resources to its safety program, in terms of both staffing and generous incentives. In his work with the company, safety consultant Rick Kaletsky says he has observed that this contractor's written safety program "is not mere words on paper. It is fully implemented and taken seriously."

Diligent planning also sets Hartford Roofing's work apart. Simon explains, "You make it or lose it in the planning of a roofing job."

Some of Hartford's customers include major building owners like MCI, Lockheed Martin, GE, Sheraton Hotels, Lord & Taylor, and Yale/New Haven Hospital. It has also participated in several seminars for owners, property managers and architects.

Ever since flexible roof membranes hit the U.S. market, Hartford Roofing has been busy installing them. The contractor has applied over 60 million square feet of EPDM, PVC and TPO. They, along with modified bitumens, now make up 60% of Hartford Roofing's annual volume. It is a top-ranking member of several flexible membrane manufacturers' recognition programs.

Among the installation and equipment cost-savers the contractor has implemented are the use of stair towers to access the roof, the use of light towers to extend the work day, and investing in five cranes of its own to keep projects stocked whenever needed. Hartford utilizes AutoCad 2000 to create precise, detailed shop drawings. Hydraulic scale pans eliminate the need for Hartford personnel in a dumpster during tear-offs. And cargo nets help the contractor secure insulation and other lightweight materials.

Contest background

SPRI, the association representing sheet membrane and component suppliers to the commercial roofing industry, sponsors this Contractor Achievement Award each year to recognize and reward excellence among contractors who do at least 50% of their sales in flexible membrane roofing (including modified bitumen). Contractor entries are evaluated in four specific categories: workmanship, safety, innovation and promotional efforts.

Next year's entry binders for SPRI's Contractor Achievement Award will be due in mid-summer. The award includes transportation and lodging for SPRI's January 2002 annual meeting in San Diego. Application information can be obtained by contacting SPRI's headquarters at 781-444-0242.

This article previously appeared in RSI Magazine.