Member Spotlight: Warren Roofing & Insulating Co.

Name

Trevor Cost

Job Title

President

Company Name

Warren Roofing & Insulating Co.

What does your company do?

Commercial & Industrial Roofing and Architectural Sheet Metal work

What is your favorite part of your job and why?

I enjoy solving problems; our clients usually call us when they need help. When they do, it allows us to be there for them when they are in need. I always feel fulfilled knowing that I'm helping others. Our company is contacted to solve a problem, and we take pride in the ability to do that. Problem solving keeps the work challenging and interesting as no two building are exactly the same, nor are their needs.

What has been the key to your company's success?

The Golden Rule - treating others the way you want to be treated. We stress to our people that we are Roofing Professionals, and that means being responsive to our clients' needs in a polite and professional manner.

What important changes/initiatives are you working on right now?

We have been expanding our offerings to be the one solution for the building envelope. Offering Thermal Scans to help identify the problem, Roofing Maintenance to extend the useful life of the roof, Masonry Restoration to help with aging walls, Complete Roof installations as well as the detailed Architectural Sheet Metal. This allows us to help our clients by first identifying their needs and then, through our skilled craftspeople, deploying the right solutions to correct and maintain their building.

How does your company find and retain talent?

The Golden Rule - treating others the way you want to be treated. We work hard to recruit the best talent. We then invest in training our people to do their jobs well and safely, including investing in the latest technologies. Supporting our team allows everyone to be successful. Having our interests aligned is critical, and knowing you work for a company that cares as much about its employees as it does its clients, gets everyone pulling in the same direction. Doing the right thing is easy when you are all aligned.

What advice would you give to somebody just starting their career in construction?

Ask questions and listen to those that have gone before you. They have learned some tough lessons along the way, and if you are lucky and listening you can learn the same lesson without having to make the same mistakes. We all will make mistakes, but we need to learn from them and work to correct our actions, so others don't make the same mistake.

What CEA initiatives have you been involved with?

I started my CEA experience with OSHA-30 training and then shortly after that I became involved in starting the Future Executives Association with other top up and coming talent in our industry. When I was elected to represent our trade group, The Greater Cleveland Roofing Contractors Association, it afforded me a leadership position on the CEA Board. Being on the Board has allowed me to be involved in more opportunities to promote Union Construction and to help pass along best practices as well as to learn from some of the best talent in construction.