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Pete Scudder: Outdoor Education

By James Florence, Diamond Certified Resource Reporter

MONTEREY – While he initially got into roofing as a means to supplement his academic career, Pete Scudder soon grew to prefer his outdoor learning environment to the confines of the classroom. “While attending Monterey Peninsula College, I worked part time for a local roofing company,” he remembers. “For about a year, I worked during the day and went to school at night, until eventually I realized that I really enjoyed working a trade and being outside all day.” Shifting his focus toward a full-time career in roofing, Pete entered an apprenticeship program for shingling and subsequently obtained his license. After spending several years refining his skills at various roofing firms, he struck out on his own and founded Scudder Roofing Company in 1982.

Today, after more than three decades in business, Pete says one of his favorite aspects of his job is interacting with people. “I enjoy working together with good customers and good colleagues. We have a great community that supports us, and I’ve had the pleasure of meeting a lot of fine people through this industry.”

Since relocating from his hometown of Walnut Creek to attend college, Pete has remained on the Monterey Peninsula, where he lives with his wife, Karen. Referencing his close proximity to Monterey Bay, he says there’s much to appreciate within his adopted locale. “There’s a lot to do here, including great community events and plenty of outdoor activities. Whether you want to go hiking, do some wine tasting or just lay on the beach, we have it all.”

Outside of work, Pete engages in a variety of pastimes, from hiking and cycling to fishing and cooking. In addition to these personal hobbies, he makes it a point to stay active in his local community. “I’m involved with Voices for Children through CASA, as well as the Boy Scouts and the Marina Rotary Foundation,” he says. “A major goal of these groups is to help disadvantaged youth by pairing them with good mentors and guiding them toward opportunities that lead to a better life. It’s very rewarding to be a part of that.”

In his life and career, Pete believes a willingness to listen to others is a critical ingredient of success. “The best advice I can give is to be patient and listen well,” he affirms. “By heeding the input of customers and colleagues alike, you can learn new ways to improve your business and provide a better all-around service.”

When asked the first thing he’d do if he could retire tomorrow, Pete says he’d get to work on a laundry list of maintenance items. “I have a few things I’d like to get accomplished around the house, but once I get caught up, I might consider taking off to Europe for a month or so!”

Ask Me Anything!

Q: What’s your favorite holiday?
A: Thanksgiving, because it’s all about family and isn’t quite as commercial as some of the other holidays.

Q: What was your first concert?
A: In 1973, I saw Elton John at the Cow Palace in Daly City.

Q: Pancakes or waffles?
A: Pancakes.

Q: If you could drive any car, what would it be?
A: A Porsche 911 Carrera S.

Q: Music or talk radio?
A: It depends. I usually listen to talk radio when I’m driving around for work and music when I’m at home on the weekend.