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Driggs Roofing

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Driggs Roofing

Introduction

Driggs Roofing is a family‑owned and operated company that specializes in residential and commercial roofing solutions within the Pacific Northwest region of the United States. Founded in 1972 by John Driggs, the business has evolved from a small local contractor into a regional leader in roof installation, repair, and maintenance. The company is headquartered in Portland, Oregon, and maintains additional service offices in Eugene and Boise. With a workforce of approximately 120 employees, Driggs Roofing has become known for its emphasis on craftsmanship, client service, and sustainable building practices.

History and Background

Early Years

John Driggs began his career as a journeyman roofer in the late 1960s after completing a apprenticeship program offered by the Oregon Master Roofing Association. In 1972, he purchased a modest equipment lease and established Driggs Roofing and Construction in downtown Portland. The initial focus was on residential flat‑roof installation for industrial and commercial buildings, a niche market underserved by larger contractors at the time.

During the 1970s, the company expanded its service offering to include basic waterproofing and maintenance for warehouses and manufacturing facilities. A key milestone in 1978 was the acquisition of a fleet of heavy‑duty trucks, enabling Driggs Roofing to service larger clients and reduce project turnaround times.

Expansion and Diversification

The 1980s and 1990s marked a period of significant growth. Driggs Roofing added residential shingle and tile roofing services, as well as gutter installation, to meet increasing demand from homeowners. In 1986, the company introduced a modular roofing system for low‑rise commercial buildings, which later evolved into a proprietary product line named “ModuShield.”

By the early 2000s, the firm had broadened its geographic reach to include the entire Oregon and Idaho state markets. In 2003, Driggs Roofing was incorporated as a Limited Liability Company (LLC), formalizing its corporate structure and enabling easier capital infusion through private equity partners. This move facilitated the purchase of additional equipment and the hiring of specialized technicians.

Modern Era

In 2012, Driggs Roofing launched a digital project management platform that integrated scheduling, invoicing, and client communication. The platform, known as “RoofTrack,” was designed to improve operational efficiency and enhance transparency for customers. The adoption of RoofTrack coincided with the company's entry into the green roofing sector, offering energy‑efficient asphalt shingles and low‑slope photovoltaic systems.

In 2018, the firm celebrated its 46th anniversary with a community outreach program that provided free roofing inspections to low‑income households in Portland. This initiative was part of a broader corporate social responsibility strategy aimed at improving housing stability in the region.

Company Overview

Corporate Structure

Driggs Roofing operates under a hierarchical corporate structure comprising the following key divisions: Operations, Engineering, Sales and Marketing, Finance, Human Resources, and Environmental Compliance. The Operations division is subdivided into Residential, Commercial, and Industrial units, each managed by a senior project manager who reports directly to the Chief Operating Officer.

The Engineering division maintains a team of civil and mechanical engineers who design custom roofing solutions for complex commercial projects. Their responsibilities include load calculations, material selection, and compliance with local building codes.

Leadership Team

As of 2025, the leadership team includes:

  • David Driggs – Chief Executive Officer, third generation in the family
  • Maria Gonzales – Chief Operating Officer, former Vice President of Operations at a national roofing distributor
  • Thomas Nguyen – Chief Financial Officer, with a background in public accounting
  • Sarah Patel – Vice President of Engineering, responsible for product development
  • Mark Johnson – Vice President of Sales and Marketing, oversees regional expansion

Workforce and Training

The company employs approximately 120 individuals, ranging from licensed roofers to administrative staff. Driggs Roofing places a strong emphasis on continuous training, offering a 12‑week apprenticeship program that includes on‑the‑job instruction, safety certification, and an academic component on building science.

All employees are required to obtain and maintain industry certifications, such as the Roofing Industry Certified (RIC) designation. The company also partners with local trade schools to provide internship opportunities, fostering a pipeline of skilled labor for the roofing sector.

Products and Services

Residential Roofing

Driggs Roofing provides a comprehensive range of residential roofing services, including:

  • Asphalt shingle installation and repair
  • Architectural metal roofing for modern residences
  • Energy‑efficient solar‑reflective shingles
  • Gutter installation and maintenance
  • Leak detection and waterproofing

The company also offers a warranty program that covers workmanship for a period of 10 years, with a separate product warranty for materials.

Commercial Roofing

Commercial services include:

  • Flat‑roof installation and maintenance using modified bitumen, EPDM, and TPO systems
  • Modular roofing solutions (ModuShield) for low‑rise office buildings
  • Green roof installation, incorporating vegetation layers and permeable underlayment
  • Thermal insulation and radiant barrier installation
  • Roof replacement and renovation for existing structures

Commercial projects often involve complex structural assessments, permitting, and coordination with architects and contractors. Driggs Roofing’s Engineering division routinely performs these assessments to ensure compliance with local building codes and industry standards.

Industrial Roofing

Industrial clients benefit from specialized services such as:

  • High‑temperature metal roofing for factories and warehouses
  • Anti‑corrosion coatings for steel structures
  • Fire‑resistant roofing systems
  • Continuous monitoring systems for large roof spans
  • Emergency repair services available 24/7

Industrial roofing projects typically require coordination with safety regulators and compliance with OSHA standards. Driggs Roofing maintains a robust safety program, including regular audits and training sessions.

Technology and Innovation

RoofTrack Project Management Platform

Developed in 2012, RoofTrack is a proprietary cloud‑based platform that integrates scheduling, material procurement, invoicing, and client communication. The system allows clients to view real‑time project progress, access digital copies of contracts, and provide feedback through an embedded survey module.

RoofTrack’s data analytics capabilities enable Driggs Roofing to identify bottlenecks in the workflow, forecast resource needs, and measure project profitability. In 2018, the platform was upgraded to include a mobile application for field technicians, facilitating instant communication with the office and real‑time documentation of site conditions.

Green Roofing Initiatives

Driggs Roofing has invested in research and development to promote environmentally responsible roofing solutions. Key initiatives include:

  • Development of low‑emissivity (low‑E) asphalt shingles that reduce heat absorption
  • Partnership with a local university to study the effectiveness of green roofs in mitigating urban heat islands
  • Implementation of a recycling program for old roofing materials, diverting approximately 30% of waste from landfills
  • Certification of several product lines under the Green Building Initiative’s “Eco‑Roof” program

These initiatives align with regional sustainability goals and have earned Driggs Roofing recognition from the Oregon Green Building Association.

Safety and Compliance Technologies

Safety remains a core focus for the company. Driggs Roofing employs several technologies to enhance on‑site safety:

  • Wearable hard hats with embedded sensors that monitor impact forces and provide real‑time alerts
  • Laser‑guided scaffolding systems that reduce fall risk during high‑elevation work
  • Automated leak detection systems using infrared cameras during final inspections
  • Compliance tracking dashboards that monitor adherence to OSHA, EPA, and local regulatory requirements

These technologies have contributed to a record of zero workplace fatalities since 2005.

Market Position and Competition

Regional Presence

Driggs Roofing serves a predominantly service area that includes the major metropolitan regions of Portland, Eugene, Boise, and smaller communities within the state of Oregon and Idaho. The company's market share in the residential roofing sector is estimated at approximately 12% within Oregon, while its commercial roofing market share is around 8% in the region.

Competitive Landscape

The primary competitors in the Pacific Northwest include large national contractors such as ABC Roofing Solutions and local firms such as Skyline Roofing. Driggs Roofing differentiates itself through a combination of family‑owned culture, high employee retention, and proprietary technology platforms.

Competitive advantage factors include:

  • Strong brand recognition due to long-standing presence in the region
  • Advanced project management systems reducing project turnaround time
  • Robust warranty and service packages that increase customer satisfaction
  • Strategic partnerships with suppliers for cost‑effective material sourcing

Strategic Partnerships

Driggs Roofing maintains strategic relationships with several suppliers and manufacturers:

  • National roofing materials distributor, securing preferential pricing on bulk purchases
  • Local manufacturers of low‑E shingles, enabling custom product development
  • Technology firms that provide software solutions for project management and safety monitoring

These partnerships allow the company to offer competitive pricing while maintaining quality standards.

Corporate Social Responsibility

Community Engagement

Driggs Roofing has a history of community involvement, including:

  • Annual free roof inspection drives for low‑income households in Portland
  • Participation in local building code workshops to educate small contractors
  • Sponsorship of high school roofing and construction clubs

The company also contributes to local charities such as the Portland Food Bank and Habitat for Humanity, with employees volunteering a combined total of over 1,200 hours annually.

Environmental Stewardship

In line with its green initiatives, Driggs Roofing has adopted several environmental practices:

  • Use of recycled asphalt shingles in new installations whenever feasible
  • Installation of rainwater harvesting systems on large commercial projects
  • Implementation of a “no‑dump” policy that ensures all waste is properly recycled or disposed of in compliance with EPA regulations
  • Adoption of electric delivery vehicles in its service fleet, reducing carbon emissions by 15% relative to diesel vehicles

Employee Welfare

The company offers a comprehensive benefits package that includes:

  • Health, dental, and vision insurance for full‑time employees
  • Retirement savings plans with employer matching contributions
  • Paid time off and flexible scheduling for seasonal workers
  • On‑site wellness program with annual health screenings

Driggs Roofing also provides a tuition reimbursement program for employees pursuing higher education in related fields.

Corporate Governance

Board of Directors

The company is overseen by a board of directors comprising seven members, including senior family members and independent directors with experience in the construction and finance sectors. The board meets quarterly to review financial performance, strategic initiatives, and risk management.

Compliance and Ethics

Driggs Roofing adheres to a formal code of ethics that emphasizes honesty, integrity, and compliance with all applicable laws and regulations. The company has implemented a whistleblower policy that encourages employees to report unethical behavior without fear of retaliation.

Annual audits are conducted by an external accounting firm to ensure financial statements comply with Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP). The company also submits to the Oregon Department of Labor for safety compliance and to the EPA for environmental reporting.

Financial Performance

Financial data over the past decade indicate steady revenue growth. Key figures include:

  • 2014: $12.3 million
  • 2015: $13.5 million
  • 2016: $14.8 million
  • 2017: $16.2 million
  • 2018: $17.9 million
  • 2019: $19.4 million
  • 2020: $20.1 million (recovery from pandemic‑related slowdown)
  • 2021: $21.5 million
  • 2022: $22.8 million
  • 2023: $24.1 million

Profit margins have remained around 12%, with a slight increase to 13% in 2023 due to cost‑saving initiatives and efficient supply chain management.

Capital Structure

Driggs Roofing is privately held, with equity distributed among family members and a small group of private investors. The company has not issued public debt but has maintained a line of credit with a regional bank to finance seasonal project spikes.

Investment in Growth

Capital allocation over the past five years has focused on:

  • Upgrading the RoofTrack platform with AI‑driven project forecasting (2021)
  • Purchasing an additional electric truck to reduce fuel costs (2022)
  • Expanding the Boise office to accommodate increasing commercial demand (2023)
  • Investing in a green roof research laboratory in partnership with the Oregon State University (2024)

Controversies and Challenges

In 2007, Driggs Roofing was involved in a lawsuit alleging breach of contract with a local property management company. The case was settled out of court with no admission of liability. No other significant litigation has been reported in the past decade.

Labor Relations

The company has not engaged in unionized labor disputes; instead, it maintains a collaborative approach to workforce management. In 2019, Driggs Roofing launched a “Workforce Satisfaction Index” that tracks employee engagement and addresses concerns promptly.

Environmental Compliance

In 2016, a temporary violation of EPA stormwater runoff regulations was identified during an audit. The company corrected the issue by implementing a comprehensive stormwater management plan and has remained compliant since then.

Future Outlook

Strategic Initiatives

Looking forward, Driggs Roofing plans to pursue the following initiatives:

  • Expansion into the Washington state market through a joint venture with a local contractor
  • Further development of smart roofing solutions that integrate IoT sensors for real‑time monitoring of structural integrity
  • Increase investment in renewable energy installation services, including photovoltaic systems, to meet growing demand for sustainable building solutions
  • Launch a certification program for third‑party contractors to ensure consistent quality standards across the industry

Industry analysts predict continued growth in the residential roofing sector driven by the aging housing stock and the rising cost of construction materials. In the commercial arena, an emphasis on green building certifications and energy efficiency is expected to drive demand for high‑performance roofing systems.

Driggs Roofing is positioned to capitalize on these trends through its strong regional presence, proprietary technology platforms, and commitment to sustainability.

References & Further Reading

References / Further Reading

  1. Driggs Roofing Annual Report 2023, Internal Publication.
  2. Oregon Green Building Association, “Eco‑Roof Certification Awards,” 2020.
  3. Oregon State University, “Urban Heat Island Mitigation Research,” 2018.
  4. EPA Annual Compliance Report, 2016.
  5. Portland Food Bank Annual Volunteer Report, 2022.
  6. National Association of Roofing Contractors, Market Share Analysis, 2023.
  7. Oregon Department of Labor Safety Records, 2020‑2023.
  8. Financial Times, “Construction Industry Growth Forecast,” 2024.
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