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Darryl Simon: From the Rooftops

By James Florence, Diamond Certified Resource Reporter

SAN JOSE — Darryl Simon started his roofing career more than 25 years ago, but it took a little while before he actually got on top of a roof. “While in between jobs, I was hired by a local roofing contractor to drive his dump truck,” he explains. “Eventually, I asked him to train me in the trade, and the next thing I knew, I was a roofer. I felt a lot of pride whenever I drove by a house or building I’d worked on. Plus, I liked working outside and the fact that I was never in one place for too long. I’ve seen some great scenery from all the different rooftops I’ve been on.”

Today, as president of Simon Says Roofing, Darryl says his favorite part of his job is serving his clients. “As the owner of my own company, I like having control over the finished product, as well as the ability to take care of my clients. When a client calls with a problem, there’s nothing to stop me from getting out there and solving it.”

A lifelong resident of San Jose (where he lives with his wife, Marissa, and three of their five children), Darryl says he appreciates the personal and professional perks of the temperate local climate. “In other parts of the country, roofing companies shut down for the winter, but in San Jose, we can basically work year-round, so we’re pretty lucky to be here.”

Outside of work, Darryl devotes the bulk of his time to his primary avocation: sports. “Sports are huge with me and my family,” he affirms. “I spent five years coaching high school sports, and I’m currently head coach of the 12U California Riptide, a girl’s competitive fast-pitch softball team.” Darryl also enjoys sports as a spectator, whether supporting Bay Area teams like the San Francisco 49ers and Giants or rooting for his kids in their scholastic sporting events. “All my kids are in sports, including my oldest daughter who, in her freshman year of college, is second in her softball conference for home runs.” When he’s not watching or coaching sports, Darryl enjoys active pastimes like fishing and dirt biking.

In regard to his professional career, Darryl attributes much of his success to the way he regards his clients. “As a roofing contractor, I meet people from all different walks of life, but when it’s all said and done, I think most of my clients are basically like me: regular people working to sustain their families and lifestyles,” he says. “That’s why I treat every customer with the same level of respect, service and quality that I would expect to receive.”

When asked the first thing he’d do if he were to retire tomorrow, Darryl says he’d get some long-deferred relaxation. “The first thing I’d do is take a two-month vacation. I’d probably go to Hawaii and just spend some time relaxing on the beach.”

Ask Me Anything!

Q: Did you play any sports in high school?
A: I played baseball, basketball, football and soccer.

Q: If you could wear any number on your sports jersey, what would you choose?
A: Number 8, which I wore throughout my entire sports career. It was my first number when I was six years old, and I just stuck with it.

Q: Do you collect anything?
A: Refrigerator magnets. Whenever the softball team goes to a new town for a game, I always try to get a local magnet for my refrigerator.

Q: Pancakes or waffles?
A: Pancakes…but I’d rather have French toast.

Q: What’s your favorite thing to do on a rainy day?
A: Go to the movies.