Sure Roofing & Waterproofing

Chris Testa: A Sure Trajectory

By James Florence, Diamond Certified Resource Reporter

SAN FRANCISCO — After four decades in the roofing and construction industries, Chris Testa has no regrets about the trajectory his professional livelihood has taken. “I started working in construction while attending college in the ’70s, and from there I got into roofing,” he explains. “What I like about roofing is it’s the finishing touch to any building—it serves both as the protection for the overall structure and its crowning architectural detail. Few people dream of getting into roofing when they’re a kid, and I certainly didn’t, but I ended up here and I’m quite happy I did.”

Today, as sales manager at Sure Roofing & Waterproofing, Chris says his favorite part of his job is meeting and educating homeowners. “Most homeowners don’t know anything about roofing—they look around their neighborhood and that’s their only reference point. That’s why I enjoy educating our clients on roof design and construction, as well as helping them pick products that are going to meet their needs and provide the aesthetic effect they’re looking for.”

Born in England and raised in Canada, Chris resides today in Reno with his wife, Melissa. Outside of work, he spends his time on a variety of hobbies and pastimes. “Growing up in Canada, I played ice hockey and still enjoy playing it today,” he details. “I also do architectural design as a hobby and enjoy doing small projects on my home. Right now, I’m designing a solar roof—I’ve been working on that for a couple of years now.” Additionally, Chris likes taking trips to visit his family. “I have three grown children and four grandchildren. They’re spread out all over, so I do a fair bit of traveling to see them.”

In regard to his professional career, Chris says it’s all about providing solutions. “As a salesperson, I want to be sure that what I’m offering to my clients is going to provide them with real, effective solutions. That’s why I take the time to educate my clients—I want to empower them to make the right choices for their roofs and homes. Ultimately, my aim is to be a problem solver, not just a salesperson.”

When asked the first thing he’d do if he were to retire tomorrow, Chris says he’d fulfill a longtime fantasy. “I would run to the ocean and throw my cellphone out as far as I could. No joke—that’s exactly what I’m going to do when I retire. After that, I’d probably split my time between visiting my family and being a beach bum.”

Ask Me Anything!

Q: What was your first job?
A: Delivering newspapers when I was eight years old.

Q: Music or talk radio?
A: It depends. When I’m driving, I often listen to talk radio; when I’m at home, I usually listen to music.

Q: Did you play any sports in high school?
A: I played badminton and wrestled.

Q: If you could time-travel, would you go to the past or the future?
A: I would probably go back 20 years and buy stock in Google and Microsoft.

Q: What’s your favorite snack?
A: Coffee and a truffle.