Ross Roofing & Construction, Inc.

Mike Ross: Roofing Legacy

By James Florence, Diamond Certified Resource Reporter

MARINA — As third-generation owner of his family’s business, Mike Ross has been involved in the roofing trade for as long as he can remember. “My grandfather started Ross Roofing & Construction in 1950, and my dad picked it up from him and ran it for 45 years,” he recounts. “Not surprisingly, I’ve been involved for most of my life. At age 10, I was put to work sweeping the yard and sorting nails, screws, and insulation. I continued to work for the business during the summers through high school and college. After getting my degree in construction management at BYU, I came on full-time and took over ownership in 2005.”

Today, Mike says his favorite part of his job is the day-to-day challenges. “Every roof presents a unique set of challenges for us to solve. A lot of times, we’re dealing with run-of-the-mill issues, but every so often we get a roof that just misbehaves and requires us to do some real detective work to find a solution. I like those kinds of challenges—they keep things interesting.”

A lifelong resident of Monterey (where he lives with his wife, Becky, and their three children), Mike describes some of the attributes he appreciates about his hometown. “First of all, you can’t beat the climate. Also, the people are great, there’s not much crime and the coastline is beautiful. Overall, it’s just a nice place to live.”

Outside of work, Mike spends his free time on a variety of active pastimes. “I’m a Scoutmaster for the Boy Scouts of America,” he details. “I really enjoy getting kids out from behind their Xboxes and PlayStations and into nature, where they can learn new skills.” In addition to his work with the Scouts, Mike enjoys hobbies like surfing, photography and golf.

In his life and career, Mike reflects on his role in his family’s professional legacy. “Being third-generation owner of this business means a lot to me,” he says. “Our family’s name is well-respected in the community for our quality work, and I want to maintain that reputation for as long as I’m here. If and when my kids take over the business one day, I want it to be intact and financially solid when I pass it on to the fourth generation.”

When asked the first thing he’d do if he were to retire tomorrow, Mike says he’d do some charity work abroad. “I spent some time in Africa doing missionary work a few years ago, and I’ve wanted to go back ever since. The people are wonderful there and it was a really neat experience, so I’ll hopefully get another chance to do it again in the future.”

Ask Me Anything!

Q: What’s your favorite snack?
A: My wife’s chocolate chip cookies.

Q: If you could time-travel, would you go to the past or the future?
A: The past. I’m a religious guy, so I’d like to see some of the events recorded in the New Testament.

Q: What’s your favorite thing to do on a rainy day?
A: Usually, I spend rainy days chasing roof leaks, but if I’m not working, I like going to see a movie with my wife.

Q: Music or talk radio?
A: Music.

Q: Do you collect anything?
A: Old coins—I have a pretty good-sized collection.