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Gary Harvey: Raising the Standard

By Caitlyn Stair, Diamond Certified Research Reporter

For Gary Harvey, every roofing project is a reflection of the homeowner’s peace of mind. At its core, he says the trade is about protecting what matters most while delivering a level of service that people can rely on without hesitation.

Gary was introduced to roofing in 1981, when he worked for a friend’s family business during the summer. As a teenager, he was drawn to the work for its hands-on nature and the opportunity to be outdoors. What started as a seasonal opportunity gradually evolved into a long-term career, as he developed skills in installation, problem-solving and customer care.

After spending time away from the trade, Gary’s path eventually led him back in a permanent way. In 1996, after relocating to the Bay Area with his wife to be closer to family, he joined Wedge Roofing under then-owner Ralph Wedge. He initially came on as a roofing contractor and went on to hold various roles within the company, steadily taking on more responsibility. In 2005, he became general manager, a position he held for 18 years while overseeing daily operations and helping shape the company’s growth.

In early 2023, that progression culminated in full ownership, marking the natural next step after decades of hands-on leadership. Today, Gary continues the legacy of a long-standing, family-owned business while guiding it into the future. “There’s a responsibility that comes with continuing a family-owned company,” he admits. “You want to honor what was built while still moving it forward.”

Today, Gary remains deeply involved in Wedge Roofing’s operations. Despite decades in the field, his enthusiasm hasn’t waned. “Every day is a new challenge, with new customers and new horizons,” he shares. “I’m fortunate because I wake up every morning thrilled to go to work. I still have the same passion that I did 40 years ago.”

In addition to his work with clients, Gary is dedicated to advancing the roofing industry as a whole. He regularly teaches at national seminars, leads training courses and mentors younger professionals who are entering the field. “It’s my way of giving back,” he says. “I enjoy sharing what I’ve learned over the years, especially with those who are just starting.”

Gary says he’s passionate about the ever-changing nature of roofing work and the relationships he builds along the way. “No two jobs are the same and no two clients are the same. We’re working on people’s homes, and that requires a level of care and attention that goes beyond the basics. We’re service providers first and foremost, so if we’re not providing the best possible service, we know we need to reevaluate our path.”

This customer-first mindset extends beyond the scope of any single project. Gary strives to be a trusted resource for homeowners, even if it means guiding them toward services his company doesn’t offer. “I never want our clients to call anybody else for anything related to their home,” he affirms. “We want to be that first resource.”

Originally from London, England, Gary moved to the United States as a child with his family. Today, he resides in Petaluma with his wife, Shena, where he appreciates the varied nature of life in the North Bay. “Petaluma has a small-town feel and beautiful scenery, and it’s right in the middle of Marin and Sonoma Counties,” he says. “The people, the culture and the proximity to my office make it a great place to be.”

For the last two-plus decades, most of Gary’s free time has been spent officiating collegiate and national soccer, but he recently retired from running the pitch. Now, his favorite pastimes are relaxing with his family at Lake Berryessa and taking ski trips to the mountains.

When it comes to a professional philosophy, Gary believes in adaptability, forward thinking and self-improvement. Drawing inspiration from a range of influences, he emphasizes the importance of staying flexible and focused on growth. “You need to plan and strategize, but also be ready to adjust,” he offers. “Learn from the past but don’t dwell on it, and always measure your progress against where you were before. The goal is to keep getting better every day.”

Ask Me Anything!

Q: What’s the first thing you’d do if you could retire tomorrow?
A: My wife and I love beach destinations like Turks and Caicos, the Dominican Republic, and Cabo San Lucas, so we’d probably expand that list and explore places like Greece, the Cook Islands, and other parts of the Caribbean.

Q: What’s your favorite sports team?
A: Manchester United F.C.

Q: Are you a dog person or a cat person?
A: A dog person.

Q: If you could time-travel, would you go to the past or the future?
A: The past. It may sound cliché, but I’m drawn to a simpler time.

Q: What’s your favorite thing to do on a rainy day?
A: Be at the office. Rainy days are when we’re busiest, so I enjoy responding to our clients’ needs.