Meet Our Diamond Certified Expert Contributor

Hector Lopez: Making it Look Easy

By Julie Deacon, Diamond Certified Research Writer

Hector Lopez’s path into the roofing industry wasn’t planned, but it quickly became a defining part of his life. He entered the workforce at a young age, first at a local grocery store and then at a construction firm after he graduated high school. He moved on to a tile flooring company, but when the 2008 recession hit, he was laid off within months. Shortly after, he found an opportunity with a roofing company in San Jose, which would become a turning point for his career. “I’ve always had a passion for roofing, so I connected with it right away,” he says.

Over the next several years, Hector built his skills and took on increasing responsibilities, eventually becoming an assistant superintendent. Alongside his full-time work, he pursued side jobs on the weekends and ultimately decided to obtain his contractor’s license.

In 2014, a door opened to something bigger. As Hector prepared to step into a new role as a roofing consultant, a last-minute change in plans gave him the opportunity to pursue a path he had already been working toward. At just 24 years old, he decided to launch his own company—an ambitious move that reflected both his preparation and drive.

The early days of Acme Roofing Services Inc. weren’t easy. While Hector had no shortage of work, building a reliable team proved challenging, especially as a young business owner who needed to earn his clients’ trust. “People questioned it at first,” he admits. “They weren’t sure about going with someone so young, but I gradually hired more guys and built the company.”

Today, Hector is deeply involved in every aspect of Acme Roofing Services’ operations, from sales to project management. While he enjoys the variety of his role, his greatest priority is ensuring stability for his team. “I love making sure my guys have work every day,” he says.

A longtime resident of the Bay Area, Hector currently lives in Gilroy and says he appreciates the accessibility of life in the South Bay. “When it comes to roofing, there are suppliers all over the place because the big cities are connected to each other. I like being able to move freely throughout the region.”

Family plays a central role in Hector’s life. He and his wife, Genova, are raising three children in various stages of development—one is preparing for college, one is entering high school and one is still in elementary school. Much of his time outside of work is spent supporting their activities, but he also makes space for a lifelong passion whenever he’s able to unwind. “I’m really into cars and hot rods,” he details. “I have two 1969 Camaros and two 1969 C10s, so I like working on them or taking them out for a ride when I have time.”

At the core of Hector’s business philosophy is a simple idea: Make it look easy. For him, that means careful planning, organization and attention to detail behind the scenes. “There’s a lot that goes into making it look easy,” he says. “It’s like a puzzle—you just have to make everything come together.”

Ask Me Anything!

Q: What’s the first thing you’d do if you could retire tomorrow?
A: I’d probably go to Europe. It’s a trip I’ve always wanted to take, but I want to enjoy it without rushing.

Q: If you could drive any car, what would it be?
A: A Lamborghini Aventador SVJ.

Q: Do you prefer being somewhere hot or somewhere cold?
A: Somewhere hot.

Q: If you could immediately travel anywhere in the world, where would you go?
A: Mexico. I’m originally from there, so it feels familiar and relaxing. I love the beaches and food.

Q: What’s your favorite local restaurant?
A: Yard House in San Jose.