ROSCOE, Ill. — Martin Exteriors was recently named “Small Business of the Year” by the Stateline Chamber. This is the first year Martin Exteriors received this award, but it adds this recognition to its growing list of accolades.

Earlier in 2021, Roscoe, Ill.-based Martin Exteriors was named one of the “Fastest Growing Companies in the U.S.” by Inc. magazine and in late November, the company won two What Rocks Awards, sponsored by the Rockford Register Star, in the categories of Best Roofing Contractor and Best Siding Contractor.

The Stateline Chamber of Commerce is a regional chamber, serving businesses and organizations in Rockton, Roscoe, and South Beloit, Ill. With a mission to help businesses connect with each other, grow their potential and prosper through it all, this is the chamber’s sixth year hosting its Membership Awards Gala.

“We are so honored to receive yet another wonderful recognition,” said Martin Exteriors President Justin Martin. “We love this community we work, reside and play in so receiving the 'Small Business of the Year' award is a huge win for Martin Exteriors. We couldn’t be more proud of our team!”

An awards ceremony was held on Feb. 3 at the Pavilion at Orchard Ridge Farms in Rockton. Awards were presented to New Business of the Year, Small Business of the Year, Large Business of the Year, Pride of the Stateline, Community Service and Cyndy Fogerty Lifetime Achievement Award.

“Our annual gala is where we celebrate and reflect on the past year with our peers,” said Stateline Chamber of Commerce Board President Angi Kolthoff. “Martin Exteriors does great work in our community, providing knowledge, expertise, good people and collaboration. They are the perfect business to win our 'Small Business of the Year' award.”

MCKINNEY, Texas — SRS Distribution Inc. announced the winners of the first annual Premios Éxito (Contractor Success Awards) at the International Roofing Expo in New Orleans, an initiative launched to recognize the talent and contributions of Latino contractors in the United States.

"We are honored to have been the driving force behind this initiative to celebrate Latino contractors, recognizing their tremendous contributions and their journey to success. Our SRS Distribution for Latinos program will continue to support these entrepreneurs, offering the tools, resources and training needed to transform their business," said Julissa Chavez, Latino sales and marketing program manager.

The awards were presented during the cocktail hour at the Alluvial Plaza in New Orleans on Feb. 1. Nominees were submitted by team members from 361 locations across 44 states.

The winner of the Contractor of the Year award was Century Roofing Company of Coralville, Iowa. The owners, Olvin Lanza and Jessica Lopez, are not only customers, but valued friends of the staff at all SRS branches across the state. Their business grew exponentially through their hard work and tireless effort to meet the needs of every member of the community. Century Roofing Company continues to expand its business with integrity and an extraordinarily strong partnership with SRS Distribution/Gannon Roofing Supply.

In the Emerging Contractor category, the winner was Michael Rivas of Mufasa Contractors of Long Island, N.Y., nominated by National Building Supply. An up-and-coming contractor and Latino entrepreneur, Rivas is dedicated to growing sustainably and ensuring his success encompasses his community and family. Rivas is building upon a long family history in construction and a love for architecture with a goal of serving his customers with integrity and high quality.

Nominated by Willoughby Supply, the Community Hero award was won by Carlos Sanchez of Continental Roof Company. Sanchez started Continental Roof Company to create financial stability for his family and to support his community. A large focus for Sanchez and his company is giving back to local charities such as The Dragonfly Foundation, Mentoring Partners, Edge Teen Center, Wounded Warrior, and various homeless shelters.

SRS Distribution is honored to recognize these companies and entrepreneurs that are inspiring examples not only for the Latino community, but the roofing industry at large.

BELOIT, Wis. — Chris Schmidt has joined roofing products and systems manufacturer Mule-Hide Products Co. Inc. as national business development manager. He leads the company’s business development team, which is responsible for strengthening the company’s relationships with building owners, developers, general contractors, design professionals and roofing consultants. He and his team also serve as the key contacts for national and strategic accounts.

A 33-year veteran of the building materials industry, Schmidt comes to Mule-Hide Products from United States Gypsum (USG) Company, where as general manager — building envelope and structural, he led the business unit that included roofing, air barrier and structural panels. He joined USG in 1987, serving in a variety of roles from accounting to sales, marketing, product management and general management leadership. He represented USG on the National Roofing Contractors Association (NRCA) industry executives committee for the past 15 years.

“Chris’ extensive experience, proven leadership skills, and knowledge of the building materials industry — including roofing, building envelope and interior systems — make him ideally suited to lead our business development efforts and help us continue to grow in our traditional roofing space and in adjacent opportunities,” said Mule-Hide Products Managing Director Dan Williams.

Schmidt has a Bachelor of Science degree in accounting and management information systems from the University of Wisconsin–Eau Claire and completed the Emerging Leaders Program (ELP) at the Kellogg School of Management at Northwestern University.

WESTLAKE, Ohio — Diversified Fall Protection (DFP), one of the nation’s leading engineered fall protection solution providers, has completed two acquisitions of fall protection companies: Versatile Systems Inc., based in Valencia, Calif., and Rooftop Anchor Inc. (RTA), headquartered in Heber City (Salt Lake City) Utah.

Versatile is a turnkey provider of fall protection solutions and one of the leading safety system providers on the West Coast; RTA is a leader in rooftop and suspended access fall protection solutions. Terms of the transactions were not announced.

Versatile offers a complete fall protection capabilities portfolio, including engineering, design, fabrication, installation and training. It offers extensive experience in specific California regulations and applications, and detailed OSHA and ANSI certified inspections. RTA designs, engineers, manufacturers, inspects and tests fall protection systems and is one of the leading safety and system providers for rooftop fall protection applications in the United States.

“We’re excited to have Versatile Systems and Rooftop Anchor join the DFP family, as they collectively provide a full portfolio of fall protection services that complements our existing market strengths,” said Jeff Schneid, CEO of DFP. “This combination further expands our organization to better serve our customers in creating safer work environments. These acquisitions are consistent with our growth strategy and demonstrate our commitment to expanding the organization to become the largest turnkey fall protection provider in North America.”

Schneid noted that the combination of these two companies joining DFP offers the marketplace a truly unique three-point value proposition:

1. Turnkey Solutions - Together, they design, install, and service fall protection solutions with in-house teams to ensure the highest levels of customer satisfaction, value, and safety.
2. Product Portfolio - As the combined fall protection leader, they can design and install an integrated fall protection solution for any application in any industry.
3. Direct Partnerships - From coast to coast, they work directly with customers to deliver consistent and repeatable fall protection solutions and services.

Versatile and RTA are the latest entities to join the ever-growing DFP organization. The company recently acquired Fall Protection Systems, Hazelwood, Mo., and Peak Fall Protection, Apex, N.C., further expanding DFP’s national services footprint.

HOMER GLEN, Ill. — Richards Building Supply Co., and SIBCO Building Products announced the agreement to purchase Dayton, Ohio-based SIBCO by Richards Building Supply.

“SIBCO was a natural choice for the addition to our portfolio with their commitment to service and family values,” said Ronald M. Guzior, CEO and president. “We want to thank our customers for trusting us to serve them. It’s because of them we are expanding into the greater Dayton area.”

SIBCO Building Products Inc. President Gary Lytle said Richards Building Supply has a passion for serving customers, solving problems, and doing right by their vendors and employees, which are important facts in the company’s decision to enter into the agreement.

“The addition of the Dayton, Ohio branch allows us to deliver even higher levels of support throughout the greater Dayton area and added convenience for our contractor customers,” said Cory Evans, regional vice president for Richards Building Supply.

Richards Building Supply Area Manager Bill Seech said they are open for business as of Dec. 16, 2021.