Month: March 2022

Why Industrial Owners are Turning to Maxwell

Posted on by Kathleen Maxwell

Industrial buildings must withstand tough conditions and remain functional for round-the-clock work. There is often a lot going on in industrial buildings, and facility managers don’t always have the time to keep track of their building’s roof as well as they should. The Maxwell Roofing & Sheet Metal, Inc. team understands the demands put on industrial facility managers, and we’ve designed our maintenance and construction programs with those needs in mind. Here are just a few reasons why industrial building owners are turning to Maxwell to take care of their roofs.

Maxwell inspectors uncover the unexpected.

Roofing problems are not always apparent to people working inside the building. With a roofing inspection from a Maxwell technician, industrial owners get to take advantage of the trained eye of a qualified roofer. Our inspectors are equipped with the best tools and years of experience in order to find problems before they become large enough for the untrained eye to notice. 

Maxwell can help building owners keep up with maintenance. 

Proactive maintenance is the most important thing a building owner can do to protect their roof and their building. While this seems simple, tracking a roof’s maintenance needs requires expertise, persistence, and time. With regular inspections from Maxwell or the use of our roof management program, MAXCare, building owners gain the peace of mind that their roofs are being managed and taken care of without having to track it themselves. 

Maxwell can help get your roof back on track.

Not every industrial building is in great shape when Maxwell gets involved. Buildings that have been unoccupied or that have not been maintained well are likely to have sustained unnoticed damage. Because industrial buildings are designed for heavy use, problems can arise when systems go unused for long periods of time. No matter your building’s situation, Maxwell can help industrial owners ensure that their building remains safe and that their roof investment is protected. 

MAXCare helps industrial owners save money.

Small damage left unattended can become major problems down the line. Preventing this cycle of building damage is what Maxwell does best. Our MAXCare program helps building owners with early detection of roofing problems so they can save costs and stave off any major expenses involved in a roof replacement. 

If you’re ready to learn how Maxwell can help your business, contact Maxwell Roofing & Sheet Metal, Inc. today! Our team is experienced and ready to help.

How to Plan for Maintenance on a Government Building’s Roof

Posted on by Kathleen Maxwell

Government buildings often experience high use and have to last many years beyond the normal lifespan of a different type of building. This makes regular maintenance an absolute necessity for government buildings. Planned maintenance is the most affordable and reliable way to improve the upkeep of government buildings, keeping them in excellent condition for years to come. Yet for many government agencies, planning maintenance can fall by the wayside. Here are a few tips for creating a maintenance plan that works for a government building’s roof:

Choose a trusted contractor.

Reputation and experience matter when it comes to government work. When government buildings need upgrades, choosing a contractor because of their stellar reputation and experience is just as important as going with the lowest price. Government agencies should pick roofers that are invested in the quality of their work and are committed to extending the life of the roof.

Get regular inspections.

Inspections are a painless first step towards proper maintenance. When done regularly, inspections are an inexpensive but essential way to help identify minor roof damage before it becomes a serious (and very expensive) problem. 

Get on a maintenance plan. 

Some roofing companies offer comprehensive maintenance plans for companies and organizations that own multiple buildings. These programs help building owners establish a schedule for routine inspections and maintenance. A regular maintenance plan can help minimize the risk of forgotten maintenance in the course of government turnover and ensure that roofs are cared for despite personnel changes. 

Don’t ignore repairs. 

When budgets are tight, it can be tempting to let small issues go unrepaired. While this may save some short-term budget pain, small roofing problems tend to become worse over time. Rather than putting off routine repairs, fixing problems while they are still minor will help save money over time.

Take advantage of new technology.

Technology has advanced dramatically when it comes to inspections and repairs. Roofing companies can use drones to quickly survey a roof without ever putting a worker on the building and causing a disruption. Roof inspectors can also use thermal imaging to check for moisture and potential leaks. This information can easily be incorporated into roofing reports to make building administration easier.

If you’re ready to learn more about how Maxwell Roofing & Sheet Metal can help with government roof maintenance, contact us today. Our team is ready to answer all of your questions. 

Common Issues with Industrial Roofs You Should Be Aware Of

Posted on by Kathleen Maxwell

Even the most durable industrial roof will experience maintenance and repair issues over the course of its life. These roofs are exposed every day to the weather outside and to the daily grind of industrial work inside, and it’s important to give your roof the special care it needs to function properly. Here we will lay out some of the most common issues with industrial roofs that occur, along with some simple suggestions for how to deal with them.

1. Problems with Roof Penetrations

Skylights, vents, and other roof features require penetrations through the roof membrane and decking. Penetrations, particularly skylights, are prone to cracks and leaks. The more penetrations a roof has, the more opportunities there are for a roof to spring a leak.

2. Thermal Movement

Over time, all roofs expand and contract as the temperature shifts. This is known as thermal movement, where the roof expands during hot weather events and then quickly contracts when it’s cold. Roofers should account for thermal movement during construction, using well-placed supports to prevent the roof from shifting or exposing delicate parts of the roof system. Roofers should look out for signs of thermal movement during their regular maintenance routines. 

3. Weather Issues

Bad weather is beyond the control of a facility manager, but that doesn’t mean that you can’t prepare for it. Extreme temperatures, heavy rain, snow, ice, or high wind can all cause serious damage to a roof. Regular maintenance and a quick response to emergency repairs can help prevent the most extensive weather damage.

4. Equipment Damage

Many industrial buildings house equipment like HVACs on their roof surface. If this equipment malfunctions, it can easily cause damage to the roof. If equipment is not properly secured to a roof, it can lift during heavy winds. HVACs, in particular, can cause water infiltration if they malfunction. To prevent equipment damage, it’s important to have an HVAC contractor regularly examine the equipment. A roofer should then inspect the surrounding roof to make sure there hasn’t been any damage.

5. Human Error 

Industrial roofs often get a lot of foot traffic. Technicians and other workers may often need to climb on a roof to service equipment or perform some other type of task. Having more people on a roof can introduce many problems. Make sure that roofs are properly reinforced in areas where people will be walking, and always have a roofer inspect high-traffic areas for accidental damage.

We Can Help You Protect Your Industrial Roof

If you’re ready to learn more about how you can protect your industrial roof, contact Maxwell Roofing & Sheet Metal, Inc. today! Our team is experienced and ready to help.

How General Contractors Can Improve Customer Relationships

Posted on by Kathleen Maxwell

Construction work requires general contractors to wear many hats, but customer relations is perhaps the most crucial role that a contractor takes on. Keeping customers happy is essential to ensure a steady stream of work in the future. The best way to keep customers excited about a project is to produce quality work, but there are other key factors that can improve a contractor’s relationship with clients. Here are a few tips on how general contractors can improve customer relationships:

Choose Quality Subcontractors

A construction team is only as good as its weakest link, and clients tend to notice mistakes more than they notice parts of the project that run smoothly. Choosing the best commercial roofing contractors and other quality subcontractors ensures that every part of the project will is done correctly, keeping the project on track and customers happy.

Emphasize Customer Service on the Job Site.

Many commercial metal roofing contractors and commercial flat roofing contractors like to arrive on-site, get their jobs done, and leave the rest of the project to the boss. Customers don’t always understand this mentality and expect to encounter knowledgeable, respectful workers at every point in the process. General contractors should choose companies that emphasize customer service and will treat clients well, providing information and answering questions. 

Aim for the Best Quality Materials & Techniques

Using high-quality materials and proper construction techniques helps ensure that buildings last for their expected lifespan. Customers are more likely to turn to a contractor who produces great-looking work that doesn’t fall apart.

Stay on Schedule

Nothing is more frustrating to an eager customer than a delay. Staying on track requires everything from site discipline to managing supply chain issues. Contractors like Maxwell Roofing & Sheet Metal pride themselves on helping general contractors track down difficult-to-find materials and sticking to the schedule no matter what complications arise. 

Respect the Budget 

Customers create a budget for a reason, and general contractors may never know how increased construction costs can affect a customer’s bottom line. Unexpected increases often reflect poorly on the contractor and make customers less likely to recommend them or work with them in the future.

If you’re a general contractor looking for a roofer to help you improve customer relations, contact Maxwell Roofing & Sheet Metal today. Our customer service representatives are ready and waiting to help.

Have a Leak in Your Commercial Roof? Here’s What to Do First

Posted on by Kathleen Maxwell

A leak is a worst-case scenario for a commercial or industrial building owner. Everyone knows leak repairs are expensive, and it can be tempting to try to cope with the leak and avoid fixing it. But like many other roofing problems, leaks can cause more damage the longer they are left alone. The key to saving money on an industrial roof leak repair is to take action as soon as you discover a leak. Here are the steps to take when you have a leak in your commercial roof:

Be able to recognize leaks.

Not every roof leak leads to a dramatic waterfall in the building. Most leaks are much less obvious. Discoloration or mildew on the ceiling or walls of a building are usually signs of a leak. Dampness or even a musty smell can indicate a leak as well.

Find the source of the leak. 

Once you’ve found signs of a leak, the first step is to find out where the leak is coming from. Leaks aren’t always caused by roofing problems. Plumbing or other equipment can also cause water damage. If there is no other possible source of damage, determine what part of the roof may be leaking. Penetrations, rooftop equipment, flashing, and gutters are all common sources of leaks to check.

Protect the building’s interior.

One of the biggest risks a leaking roof presents is damage to the interior of the building. Leaks can damage ceilings, drywall, floors, and even expensive equipment. As best you can, figure out where the leak damage extends to and then take measures to protect those rooms. Remove equipment and put down waterproof covers to protect as much of the interior as possible.

Call a trusted roofing partner.

The sooner a roofer can get to the scene of a leak, the sooner it can get fixed and stop damaging other parts of the building. In the case of a roof leak, time is money. The longer a leak festers, the more likely it is to cause some kind of costly damage. Get in touch with an emergency roofing technician as soon as possible for a commercial roof leak repair. 

If you need help with your roof leak, contact Maxwell Roofing & Sheet Metal today. Our team is ready for your call and eager to help.

Property Managers: Should You Replace Your Roof?

Posted on by Kathleen Maxwell

Roof replacement can, no doubt, be expensive, making it tempting for building owners to wait as long as possible to replace their roofs. But, even the most well-constructed roofs will eventually need to be replaced. For building owners and property managers who may be questioning their roof’s lifespan, here are a few tips to help you know when it’s time to replace your roof and why it’s important.

Why replace a roof? 

Roofs are not just a cap on a building. They provide integral structural support and protect the rest of the building from damage. If a roof isn’t functioning properly, it can put the rest of the building at serious risk of damage. 

For property managers, failing to replace a damaged roof can endanger those inside the building. Damaged commercial roofs can leak and destroy property inside a building. Roofs in serious neglect can even collapse. At the end of a roof’s life, repairs can be extremely costly with little reward. It may just be delaying the inevitable and result in spending the budget on a short-term repair.

Certain structural problems necessitate an immediate roof replacement.

Not all roofing problems require a complete replacement, but there are a few problems that indicate the need for an immediate roof replacement:

  • Wet insulation – If your roof system has water trapped in it, there’s no way to remove it. The only way to fix the roof is to tear out the insulation and replace it.
  • Recurring leaks – Many leaks can be repaired, but a persistent roof leak is usually a sign of a chronic problem that can only be fixed with a roof replacement. 
  • Many leaks – If you are experiencing a large number of leaks every time it rains, it’s likely that your roof is beyond repair.

There are also other reasons to replace your roof.

Even if your roof is not exhibiting any of the major problems mentioned here, there are other reasons that you may want to replace it. Your roof may be reaching the end of its lifespan, which means that the materials may start to deteriorate and cause damage. Your business may also be interested in new roofing technologies like a green roof or solar panels that would require a new roof.

If you’re ready to learn more about roof replacement, contact Maxwell Roofing & Sheet Metal, Inc. today! Our team is experienced and ready to help.

Maxwell Roofing and General Contractors: Why We Make Such a Great Team

Posted on by Kathleen Maxwell

At Maxwell Roofing & Sheet Metal, we often work with general contractors for large construction projects. Over the years, we’ve built up great relationships with contractors all over the Nashville area. Here are just a few of the reasons why general contractors and Maxwell Roofing make a great team:

  1. Maxwell Has a Stellar Reputation

With more than 65 years in the roofing business, Maxwell has been able to survive because of the relationships and reputation that it has built. We are known among commercial roofing contractors for our reliability and professionalism. Contractors know that they can trust us to deliver quality work on schedule and on budget. 

  1. Maxwell Has Experience with Many Different Types of Roof Construction

Need a commercial metal roofing contractor? How about a commercial low-sloped roof contractor? At Maxwell, we are experienced in all types of commercial roofing. From design and material acquisition to post-construction maintenance, we can help general contractors and their clients with all of their roofing needs.

  1. Maxwell Values Safety

For general contractors, sub-contractor safety is always a liability and concern. Maxwell’s roofers receive top-notch safety training, and while on the job they make sure safety is always a priority. With Maxwell roofers, general contractors never need to worry that workers are adhering to the highest safety standards. They can rest assured that will always be the case.

  1. Maxwell Offers Extra Services

Maxwell Roofing doesn’t just do roof construction. We also offer custom sheet metal fabrication, cutting out the middleman for this important roofing material. This service can help general contractors manage supply chain issues and also save money. Beyond the construction phase, Maxwell also has maintenance programs for clients that want to make their new roof last.

  1. Maxwell Puts the Customer First

For general contractors, client relationships are of the utmost importance. With Maxwell Roofing, general contractors can always be sure that roofers will showcase consistent professionalism. Contractors know that they can trust Maxwell to keep clients updated and maintain clear, informative communication at all times.

If you’re ready to get started with your roofing project, contact Maxwell Roofing & Sheet Metal today. Our team is here and ready to help.

Managing Properties: How Maxwell Roofing Can Make Your Job Easier

Posted on by Kathleen Maxwell

Managing properties involves juggling many different problems and maintenance issues all at once. The more property managers can get taken off their plates, the more time they have to focus on other important things. With Maxwell’s MAXCare, property managers can utilize a professional roofing company to provide asset management for their commercial and industrial properties. MAXCare can help with everything from scheduling to budgeting. Here’s how:

Hassle-Free Scheduling with Maxwell

When you’re managing tenants, repairs, and other maintenance, it can be difficult to keep track of roofing inspections and routine repairs. With MAXCare, Maxwell will track the status of every single roof a property management company maintains. You’ll get quick reminders about inspections and we’ll let you know when to expect routine repairs. 

An Easy-To-Use Dashboard

MAXCare tracks everything about a client’s different properties in one simple online dashboard. The MAXCare dashboard is a web-based program that is available from anywhere with an internet connection. With just a simple glance, property managers can get all the information they need about their property’s roofs. 

Best in Industry Reporting

Instead of spending hours pulling together expense reports for investors, MAXCare clients can access ready-made reports on all of their maintenance expenses. The reporting tracked by MAXCare is considered the best in the industry.

If you’re ready to learn more about how Maxwell can save you time, contact us today. Our team is here and ready to help. 

Maxwell Roofing’s 10 Top-Ranking Commercial Roofing Blogs in 2021

Posted on by Kathleen Maxwell

Who doesn’t love a good year-in-review? Maxwell is sharing its top blogs of the year, full of our best roofing tips and tricks. Here is what our audience was interested in 2021.

Top Blogs in 2021:

 

  1. 4 Things to Know About Rooftop Penetration Installation

This blog looks at rooftop penetrations like skylights, fans, and vents. Maxwell discusses what is required in order to install these roof features and when it’s best to add them to a roof. 

  1. What to Know About Commercial Rooftop Bars or Decks

Rooftop bars and decks are excellent for restaurants and hotels, but both features present some unique challenges for buildings. In this blog, Maxwell looks at the different options and requirements for rooftop spaces. 

  1. What to Know About Roof Curb Installations

In this blog, Maxwell discusses the importance of roof curbs for equipment like HVAC systems.

  1. Roof Recover Systems: How to Know if Your Roof Meets the Criteria

Roof recover systems can be a less expensive alternative to a roof replacement system. This blog lays out the requirements for this replacement alternative.

  1. Guidelines for Commercial Rooftop Safety Compliance & Fall Protection

 Safety should be a top priority for all roofing companies. In this blog, Maxwell reviews the best practices for complying with safety guidelines and providing fall protection.

  1. Commercial Roofing Financing Tips

Paying for a new commercial roof can be a challenge for many businesses. In this blog, Maxwell provides some tips for financing this major purchase. 

  1. How Drones are Revolutionizing the Commercial Roofing Industry

Drones allow roofing companies to analyze a roof’s condition without ever setting foot on the roof. This blog looks at how drones are changing the game in the roofing industry.

  1. How Rooftop HVAC Systems Can Affect Your Roof

HVAC systems are crucial for commercial buildings, they can have a major impact on your roof’s health and structural integrity. Read this blog for all the reasons it’s important to consult a roofer when installing one.

  1. Why Rooftop Grease Trap Installation Is a Must

Restaurant grease can cause serious damage to a roof. This blog explores the importance of grease trap installation for restaurants in order to prevent roofing problems.

  1. 5 Eco-Friendly Commercial Roofing Options to Consider

Modern commercial roofs can help companies with energy efficiency. This blog explores options for an eco-friendly roof.

For more of Maxwell’s blogs, visit our website. If you’re ready to get started with a new roofing project, contact our team today.

5 Roof Maintenance Tips for Retail Stores

Posted on by Kathleen Maxwell

For retail store owners, roofs are not typically a top business priority. But while it can be easy to overlook a roof’s upkeep, failing to properly maintain this important building feature can lead to disaster down the line. To ensure that they can be active partners in protecting their building investment, it’s important that retail building owners understand some basic roof maintenance. Here are five roof maintenance tips for retail stores.

  1. Learn to self-inspect your roof.

All retail building owners should have a trusted roofing partner to rely on for periodic inspections and repairs. Still, owners should learn the tell-tale signs of roof trouble and perform regular inspections themselves. Retail owners should look for open flashing details or open seams on a roof. They can make sure there is no debris on the roof and that the drains are all working properly. Finally, retail owners can check for broken or loose metal parts or damage on the roof. These regular checks can help prevent damage between professional inspections.

  1. Weatherize your roof.

The weather threats to a commercial roof change from summer to winter, and building owners should make sure to prep their building every year as the seasons begin to change. Seasonal roof inspections can help prevent ice dams, clogged drains, and other major roof problems before they occur. 

  1. Get problems inspected early.

If retail owners spot problems during their self-inspections, it’s important to get a professional out to look at them as soon as possible. The longer that a roofing problem simmers, the bigger (and more expensive to repair) it will become. Early inspections and repairs are the key to helping a roof last longer and remain safe for customers and employees. 

  1. Keep your roof clean.

It may seem silly to clean something that customers will never see, but roof cleanliness is an important part of maintenance. Debris can punch holes in a roof membrane, trap water, clog drains, or damage HVAC equipment. Regular roof cleaning should be a part of every retail owner’s maintenance routine.

  1. Get a maintenance plan.

On top of routine in-house roof care, retail store owners should consider enrolling in a roof management plan like Maxwell Roofing & Sheet Metal’s MAXCare®. MAXCare® helps building owners schedule maintenance, prepare budgets, and track their building’s condition online. 

Interested in MAXCare®?

If you’re ready to get started with maintenance on your retail store roof, contact Maxwell Roofing & Sheet Metal today. Our team is here and ready to help.

A Step-by-Step Guide to Storm Damage

Posted on by Kathleen Maxwell

Storms are inevitable, and no matter how well you take care of your roof, storm damage is always a possibility. Industrial building owners will likely have to deal with storm damage to their building at some point, so we created this step-by-step guide for what to do in the case of industrial roof damage. 

Step 1: Prep your roof.

Well before a storm is even a suggestion on the weather radar, you should have taken steps to prepare your roof as much as possible. Roof systems are designed to hold up against the elements all day, every day, so keeping a roof in good shape through preventative maintenance will go a long way towards preventing storm damage. Still, bad storms can affect any roof, so it’s important to keep a good insurance policy and have a plan in place for documenting roof damage.

Step 2: Perform after-storm inspections.

Professional inspections should be a regular part of any industrial building’s maintenance plan, but facility managers or owners should also inspect their roofs independently after every storm. The inspector should check for tell-tale signs of damage like open flashing, missing roof accessories, or punctures. They should make sure that the roof is clear of all debris. If the inspection reveals damage, call in a professional roofer for a more detailed inspection.

Step 3: Hire a trusted roofing partner.

After a big storm, roofing companies seem to just pop up out of nowhere. Ignore these new businesses. Industrial roofs require care from a reputable roofer with experience in storm damage. Reputable, longstanding roofing companies are not just better equipped to do the work, but they have experience preparing damage reports that insurance companies will understand and are more likely to approve.

Step 4: File an insurance claim. 

Your roof inspector should be able to help you prepare the information you need to file a claim. If the insurance company tries to deny the claim, the roofing company may also help you negotiate a better deal. Industrial roof owners do not need to settle for the first offer an insurance company makes. It’s better to continue negotiating and get a full roof repair than to settle. 

Step 5: Repair your roof. 

Once the insurance company approves the repair, it’s time to get the roof fixed. For industrial building owners, it’s critical to partner with a roofing company that specializes in commercial roofs for the repair. In most cases, the company that performed your roof inspection will be the best company for the job. 

If you want to learn more about how to handle storm damage, contact Maxwell Roofing & Sheet Metal today. Our qualified team of roofing professionals is ready to help.

Spending Your Budget Wisely: How to Prepare for Roofing Maintenance, Repairs, and Replacement

Posted on by Kathleen Maxwell

As custodians of public funds, it’s important that government agencies prioritize spending their budgets wisely. This is true whether it’s for funding public programs or maintaining public buildings. For many government workers, building maintenance can often become an afterthought, but putting off repairs can cause costly problems down the line.

We’ve pulled together a few basic guidelines for government agencies to use when planning their roofing budgets. 

Be proactive, not reactive.

Many agencies only get their roofs inspected when something is obviously wrong. This out-of-sight-out-of-mind approach can seem appealing. After all, why set aside money every month for building maintenance when you can take care of it later? Well, the problem with reactive management is that it can lead a roof to deteriorate faster or result in more expensive repairs over time. Being proactive with regular inspections and maintenance can help save money over time and prolong the life of a roof.

Track warranties.

Following roof construction, it’s important to keep track of warranties for all the different products that make up the roofing system. If the roof fails early, it is likely covered by one of the manufacturer’s warranties. A reliable roofing partner will be equipped to help handle refunds from manufacturer warranties. 

Don’t put off inspections.

Regular inspections are the first step towards creating a maintenance plan. It’s critical that roofs are inspected throughout the course of their lifetime to ensure that they are functioning properly. Between inspections, it’s also essential that facility managers remain proactive and inspect their roofs for problems. At the first sign of trouble, call in a professional.

Prioritize roof management.

Many government agencies are responsible for multiple buildings. Roof management programs, like Maxwell’s MAXCare®, can help facility managers track multiple buildings at once. These programs provide an easy way to monitor a roof’s condition, plan budgeting, and report on maintenance spending. 

Choose a reputable roofing partner.

The most critical budgeting tool for any government agency is a reliable roofing partner. Reputable roofers can help assist in the management of every step of the roofing process, from construction to maintenance to an eventual re-roof. Choosing a local roofing company with a reputation of quality and respect is the best way to ensure wise budgeting. 

If you’re ready to get started with roof budgeting, contact Maxwell Roofing & Sheet Metal today. Our team is ready to help with all of your roofing needs.

Employee Spotlight: Kathleen Maxwell

Posted on by Kathleen Maxwell

Background: 

Born and raised in Nashville, Tennessee, Kathleen Maxwell says you can call her a “unicorn” in today’s melting pot of Nashville residents who have moved from various places to call Music City home. Bearing the Maxwell family name, Kathleen’s journey to working for the family business was not one she was planning. After graduating from the University of Tennessee in Knoxville with a major in English (Creative Writing concentration) and a minor in Marketing, Kathleen originally had plans to enter the event planning industry. However, after considering the field and being offered several unpaid internships, she realized she needed money, and she needed it quickly. 

She explains, “Many friends kept telling me I should work for Maxwell Roofing, and why not, right? So, after a conversation with my dad about what that would look like, I joined the Maxwell Roofing team as a marketing associate.” At the time, Kathleen had no intentions of making a career at Maxwell Roofing but rather using it as a stepping stone. Fast forward to eleven years later, she has no other plans but to stay put and grow within her role. “I realized how severely underserved the roofing industry is, and I believe that our company is built on a great foundation and that we can consistently position ourselves as a value leader in the service and sales markets of the roofing industry,” affirms Kathleen. 

Since 2013, Kathleen worked in various roles of the company, from a marketing associate to the Vice President of Sales. Now that her father, John Maxwell, decided to take a step back from his role as President and CEO, Kathleen is excited to take on the role of CEO and continue her family’s legacy.

Current Role:

In her current role as CEO, an average day on the job for Kathleen can look very different day to day. She explains, “Our company is focused on strategic growth and pointing our team toward success. No day is the same, but that’s what makes it exciting.” 

While she still heads the sales team, Kathleen’s focus has shifted to an even more strategic vision. “I am looking at the business as a whole and how to grow organically, whereas in the past, I was focused on the department I was managing. As a company, we are focused on how to hire, train and retain the best people. I love coaching, motivating, and supporting our employees, and I enjoy learning from them as well.”

As the first female CEO of Maxwell Roofing, Kathleen is thrilled to take on the role and also feels that it holds an incredible amount of weight. “At my age, I understand that I need to be a sponge. There is so much for me to learn, and I am lucky to have my dad, amongst other colleagues, to advise and mentor me. Being in a male-dominant industry can be challenging and uncomfortable at times, but I love the opportunity to learn and grow as an executive. It is exciting to look forward 10, 20 years and imagine what Maxwell Roofing will be,” Kathleen adds. 

Why Maxwell Roofing & Sheet Metal, Inc. Stands Out:

When asked what she loves about the company as a whole, Kathleen says, “Well, I’m slightly biased, considering my grandfather started the company, but I’d say first that, contrary to my initial naive belief, our roofing company requires the same passion, drive, and goals as any other business, and what we do truly matters.” Kathleen also loves that the individuals who make up the company believe this and stand behind it. 

Something else that stands about Maxwell Roofing to Kathleen is that her team is eager to learn and is open to change and growth. “My team is focused on crushing their goals—both business and personal—and I’m truly grateful for the positive attitudes they bear daily,” she adds. 

With a competitive, hungry, and smart team culture, Kathleen praises her team’s diverse skills in relationship management and roofing expertise, which she has observed to be continually growing with time. “Our goal is to make your roof last longer. By forming partnerships with our customers, we learn about their facilities, roofing needs, and future plans. If we truly understand our client’s needs, it positions us to better assist them in proactively managing their assets, rather than any last-minute major repairs,” says Kathleen.  

Personal:

Outside of work, you might find Kathleen riding her Peloton, hiking, cooking, exploring some of Nashville’s latest eateries, and hanging out on patios. She loves spending quality time with her husband, Clayton, and their Golden Pyrenees Mix, Otto.

The youngest of four siblings, Kathleen serves at Maxwell Roofing alongside her brother, David, who joined the Maxwell team about nine months prior and is the oldest sibling. Her father, John, lives in West Nashville, and the family enjoys having Sunday dinners to gather and catch up on life outside of work. Kathleen is also the proud aunt of five adorable nephews and three nieces, who she says keep her on her toes.

Employee Spotlight: Valerie Bibee

Posted on by Kathleen Maxwell

Born in Ohio, Valerie Bibee moved with her family to a farm in Tennessee as a teenager and has considered herself a Southerner at heart ever since. She attended Draughon’s Junior College of Business where she received a degree in computer programming and then went on to Nashville State Community College for some accounting classes. Before joining Maxwell, Valerie had more than 20 years of accounting and administration experience in the Nashville area.

Current Role

Valerie was laid off from Tradebe Environmental Services in 2020 due to the pandemic and joined Maxwell Roofing & Sheet Metal several months later as a staff accountant. Valerie is part of Maxwell’s three-person finance team, working to keep the company’s books in order. She does everything from routine banking and office management to taxes and OSHA tracking. She works with Maxwell’s commercial roofing clients to make sure that billing runs smoothly throughout the course of a project.

Why Maxwell Roofing & Sheet Metal, Inc. Stands Out

For Valerie, the best part of her job is the team she gets to work with. Because Maxwell is a small, family-owned business, everyone at the company works together as a team. She says each of the Maxwells are always accessible and ready to help with any problems that may arise.

“I love the people I work with,” she says. “They make me look forward to coming to work each day.”

Personal

At home, Valerie has one son, a dog, and three cats to keep her company. She likes reading, fishing, and cooking. She is also an amateur photographer. In her free time, she loves spending time at the lake with her family. Among her family, she’s well-known for telling her signature bad jokes. She never misses the chance to play Scrabble with her mother, who still beats her every single time.