Legacies of Leadership
by Lori Williams
Miley Roofing has a 30-year reputation for providing a wide array of roofing services with competence, reliability, and professionalism, for as many years of community-minded involvement, and for being just a great place to work. The company’s success has always relied heavily on the strength of its employees. The old adage is true here; a company is only as good as its people. These people are good, dedicated, and skilled. Some have been with Miley Roofing for over 20 years, largely in part because of the leadership of founder and former owner, Scott Miley. It’s a reputation that continues to draw new workers – completely through word of mouth – even in a climate of labor shortages. When Scott began contemplating an exit strategy several years ago, he patiently waited for someone to come along with the heart to carry on this legacy and reputation. He found it in Troy Quesnel, the current owner as of last April.
“I had been in construction my entire career, as well as a professional ski patroller for Sun Valley, and was looking to invest in a specialty contractor business,” explains Troy. “Two years ago, a mutual friend connected me with Scott and the potential opportunity.” To get a feel for Miley Roofing, Troy went to work alongside the crew. He also shadowed Scott, spent time in the office, in the field, and in the fabrication shop. From the company culture and equitable treatment of employees to the company’s generous support for community activities, Troy knew this company was the right choice for the next chapter of his life. “As a longtime community member raising my family here, I knew I wanted to carry on what Scott had established,” he says. Conversely, it didn’t take long for the team at Miley to see what a good fit Troy himself would be.
“He’s concerned about each member of the crew, making sure they’re taken care of and have what they need to make the job even better as we move into a more advanced age of roofing technique and material.”
–Jimberly Rooney, Operations Manager, Miley Roofing
“Troy is very hands-on with the business, a quality the employees appreciate,” says Jimberly Rooney, Operations Manager. “He’s concerned about each member of the crew, making sure they’re taken care of and have what they need to make the job even better as we move into a more advanced age of roofing technique and material.”
Through the years, the company has seen the evolution of product, technology, and creative craftsmanship within their own team. Miley Roofing has two crews whose main function is re-roofing with the installation of new asphalt shingles or composite shakes, but currently, “About 75% of the projects, both existing roofs or new, are metal,” explains Troy. “Our metal roofing crew also does a lot of exterior metal cladding, such as fascia and siding. We are now using a brand-new metal-forming machine with accessories to be able to install standing metal roofs on some modern architecture projects.” Architecture designs often show up in mountainous environs because they were driven by metropolitan areas with milder climates. Miley Roofing works closely with architects and designers to ensure that what is being designed will have a quality roofing system that won’t leak and one they can warranty.
“We’ve got two crews that do flat roofs, again in response to and adapting our craft to meet the demands of changing architecture in a four-season climate,” says Troy. “Our long-term employees really want to learn about products and excel at techniques. They see the kind of work we’re getting and they are drawn to embracing a specialty craft. It’s really exciting for us to see their ambitions. When I first began spending time in the field, I would quiz them, ask why they were roofers, what was their favorite kind of application and why. That led to fitting each employee to the specialty they actually enjoy doing – then it’s not just a job, it’s a career. We put a lot of thought into each crew and project, making sure that our craftsmen are doing the kind of work they’re good at, that they enjoy, and are proud of.” Adds Jimberly, “At the same time that Troy and I are in the field bidding a job, we are pairing which crew members would be a perfect fit. We always have in mind those who are going to do the most amazing job for the client.”
It’s this culture that speaks even beyond the business to suppliers and manufacturers. Says Cameron Berg, Northwest Regional Manager of Western States Metal Roofing, an industry leader in the manufacture of metal roofing material, “I work with Scott and Troy a lot; they are on top of their game – all the time. It’s pretty hard to find somebody that has it all together like they do. Miley Roofing purchases a lot of Bonderized, Cor-ten, and specialty metals from us, both coil and corrugated, a popular natural material for their clientele.”
“When I first began spending time in the field, I would quiz them, ask why they were roofers, what was their favorite kind of application and why. That led to fitting each employee to the specialty they actually enjoy doing – then it’s not just a job, it’s a career. We put a lot of thought into each crew and project, making sure that our craftsmen are doing the kind of work they’re good at, that they enjoy, and are proud of.”
––Troy Quesnel, Owner, Miley Roofing
But for all the worth of the roofing crews, product, and technology, nothing happens in the daily operations without Jimberly’s organization and oversight. With Miley roofing for 11 years, she maintains the master schedule, oversees the financials, resolves customer concerns, is a one-woman HR, and is in the field selling jobs. “Initially, Scott took a chance on me with the books, and under his training, eventually I became operations manager. Alongside Troy, I continue learning new technology and how to grow the business,” she says. Jimberly also works with suppliers and manufacturers, and recognizes Western States’ daily relationship to the company in making her job easier. “Cameron is so knowledgeable and accommodating to our every need. Western States provides our clients with a vast selection of the highest quality material and always in a timely manner,” she adds. Matte metal finishes in blacks and bronze, as well as natural, are extremely popular in the Sun Valley area with more modern builds. As a result, Western States will be expanding their matte series in the coming months.
As Troy begins contributing to the legacy, the company is updating across the board, implementing new software programs and technology in the office, modernizing procedures, policies, and workflow, and purchasing advanced tools and equipment, upgrading sealers and metal-bending machines. “With more computer-controlled equipment, it makes our work more efficient and precise, with less waste,” says Troy. “From the field to the office we are modernizing operations on all fronts. Scott’s still involved, and he’s a big part of our daily operations. Between the two of us in this community, Scott and I are quite a construction industry powerhouse of relationships.”
Says Troy, “The best part of this transition is that the employees have made it along with me and Scott. I appreciate the team’s acceptance of me as the new leader because I couldn’t do it without them. I know we all want to honor what Scott has built. We are taking something great and making it even better.”
