How to Start a Career in Commercial Roofing Construction

If you have driven through Nashville or anywhere in Middle Tennessee over the past few years, you’ve seen the region’s growth firsthand. New developments, renovations, and large-scale commercial projects are happening in every direction. With that growth comes a rising demand for skilled trades.

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, employment in construction and extraction occupations is projected to grow steadily through the next decade, with thousands of openings each year due to both growth and workforce turnover. Roofing, in particular, remains a critical trade. Buildings always need protection, maintenance, and repair. That creates consistent demand and long-term job stability. At Maxwell Roofing, we have seen that firsthand over the past 70 years. 

As a family-owned company, our success has always come back to our people. We focus on building a strong team, investing in safety and training, and creating opportunities for long-term careers. Even during economic slowdowns, commercial roofing continues to be essential work. That stability makes it a great path for anyone looking to build a reliable and rewarding career.

If you’re interested in starting a career in roofing or construction, these resources can help you take the first step.

1. Benefits of a Career in Commercial Roofing

A career in commercial roofing offers more than steady pay. Many roles provide strong wages without requiring a four-year degree, along with health benefits, retirement contributions, and opportunities for advancement.

Beyond the financial side, there is also a sense of accomplishment that comes from working with your hands and seeing a project through from start to finish. No two jobs are the same, which keeps the work interesting. At Maxwell, many of our employees point to that variety as one of the things they enjoy most about the job.

If you want a career where you can earn, grow, and take pride in your work, roofing is worth considering.

2. What Does a Career in Commercial Roofing Look Like?

One of the biggest advantages of this industry is the clear path for growth. Many people start in entry-level roles and learn on the job. Over time, they build skills, take on more responsibility, and move into leadership positions.

At Maxwell, that progression is intentional. We invest in training, mentorship, and hands-on experience so our team members can continue to grow. Whether you are interested in working in the field, managing projects, or supporting operations, there are multiple paths to build a long-term career.

This is not just a job. It is a place where you can develop a skillset that stays with you for life.

3. Qualities of a Commercial Roofing Professional

People enter the roofing industry from all kinds of backgrounds. Some grew up around construction. Others come from the military or completely different fields. What matters most is not where you start, but how you show up.

Successful roofing professionals are dependable, willing to learn, and take pride in their work. They work well on a team and stay focused on safety and quality. They also bring a problem-solving mindset, since every roof presents its own challenges.

At Maxwell, we look for people who care about doing the job right and supporting the team around them. Skills can be taught. Attitude and work ethic make the difference.

4. A Day in the Life of a Service Technician

For service and repair teams, no two days look the same. One day might involve tracking down a leak. The next could focus on preventative maintenance or small repairs.

Our technicians spend time on job sites, working directly with customers, and solving real problems. They often serve as the face of Maxwell in the field. That means communication and professionalism are just as important as technical skills.

If you enjoy hands-on work, problem-solving, and being out in the field, this role offers a fast-paced and rewarding experience.

5. How Maxwell Supports Employees at Every Stage

At Maxwell Roofing, we want to be one of the best construction companies to work for in Nashville. That starts with how we invest in our people.

We provide ongoing training, opportunities for advancement, and a team environment that supports growth. Our culture is built on teamwork, respect, and accountability. We also understand that our employees have lives outside of work, and we aim to create a balanced, supportive environment.

That commitment has helped us build a team that stays, grows, and takes pride in what they do.

Build Your Future with Maxwell Roofing

A career in commercial roofing offers stability, growth, and the opportunity to build something tangible every day. At Maxwell, our core values of quality, teamwork, integrity, professionalism, and service guide everything we do.

If you want to hear directly from our team, explore our employee spotlights to see what it is like to work here. If you are ready to take the next step, check out our current openings.

We would welcome the chance to start a conversation about your future.

 

2024 In Review: A Year of Milestones for Maxwell Roofing

As we wrap up the year, we’re taking a moment at Maxwell Roofing & Sheet Metal to look back on a year full of big achievements, tough challenges, and unforgettable moments. From welcoming the third generation of company ownership to projects that put our skills to the test, this has been an extraordinary year to remember. 

In this blog, we’re excited to share some of the milestones that shaped 2024 for us. We hope you’ll join us in celebrating these accomplishments, the team members who made it all happen, and the clients who put their trust in us every step of the way.

Noteworthy Projects

Nashville City Center: A Rooftop Delivery with a View

One of our most unique projects this year took place at the Nashville City Center, a major office tower in downtown Nashville. In the spring, we faced a challenging delivery, as the only way to get materials to the roof was by helicopter—a first for Maxwell Roofing! This high-stakes operation required three months of meticulous planning and coordination. With 19 off-duty police officers helping to manage traffic and four city blocks shut down, our team worked safely and efficiently to complete the job.

With 15 of our Maxwell Roofing crew members on site, we successfully navigated the complexities of this project. It was truly a team effort, and we couldn’t be prouder of everyone who helped make it a success. This project was an inspiring reminder of how teamwork and careful planning can bring even the most ambitious projects to life.

Nashville City Center office tower building

209 Broadway: Roofing Under the Nashville Night Sky

Another memorable project in 2024 was our work on 209 Broadway, a popular venue that was announced to be the future home of “Jelly Roll’s Goodnight Nashville”. Located on Nashville’s bustling Broadway Street, this project required our team to work around the clock to avoid disrupting daytime traffic. To accommodate these needs, we scheduled material movements for 2 a.m., when the streets were quiet. Coordinating with vendors well in advance, we organized two full tractor-trailer loads to be lifted to the roof in a single night.

We owe a huge thank you to the dedicated crew members who made this project possible: Jose Aquino, Heriberto Llanos Garcia, Alejandro Garcia, Miguel Balderas Castillo, Juan Rodriguez Arrayaga, Juan Peroza Premoli, and Mike Buckingham. Their precision and commitment were essential in making this project a seamless success, and we are grateful to have such talented individuals on our team.

workers at 209 Broadway building construction

Responding to Storm Damage Across Tennessee and Alabama

2024 also brought its share of challenges as our region endured severe weather, including the devastation of Hurricane Helene. Tennessee and Alabama saw widespread storm damage in the wake of the weather. 

As a trusted roofing partner, Maxwell Roofing was on the front lines of recovery efforts. Over the past several months, we’ve worked closely with property managers and building owners to address emergency repairs quickly, helping our clients restore their properties. 

It’s in these moments of emergencies that we feel especially grateful for our team members—the way they’ve leaned in, showed up for our community and clients, and worked tirelessly to help where it’s needed most.

Company Moments and Milestones

A Leadership Transition to the Next Generation

This year marked a monumental shift for our family-owned company as leadership officially passed to the third generation. After 45 years of dedication, John Maxwell entrusted ownership to Kathleen Maxwell Stroop and David Maxwell. Both have worked for Maxwell for over a decade and are deeply committed to preserving a legacy of excellence while exploring new growth opportunities for the future.

With Kathleen and David at the helm, Maxwell is entering an exciting new chapter. Their vision for Maxwell Roofing reflects both respect for Maxwell’s rich history and a drive to innovate and expand. Together, they are dedicated to ensuring Maxwell Roofing continues to make a positive impact on our clients, employees, and communities for years to come.

kathleen maxwell and david maxwell

Featured in the Nashville Business Journal: Addressing Industry Challenges

Labor shortages have posed significant challenges in recent years, and this has impacted the construction industry profoundly. This year, CEO Kathleen Maxwell Stroop shared her perspective on this issue in an article in the Nashville Business Journal

She discussed the strategies Maxwell Roofing has implemented to address these workforce challenges, including investing in employee development and fostering a supportive workplace culture. 

We’re proud to be part of this important conversation and contribute innovative solutions that can strengthen our industry.

Supporting Our Community: Sponsoring the Goodwill Impact Awards

Giving back to our community is a core value at Maxwell Roofing. For the third year in a row, we were honored to sponsor the Goodwill Impact Awards! Goodwill’s mission to transform lives through education, training, and employment aligns with our own values, and we are proud to support their efforts across Middle and West Tennessee. Being part of the Impact Awards allowed us to celebrate and contribute to the important work Goodwill is doing to empower individuals and build stronger communities.

kathleen and david maxwell at goodwill impact awards

Growing and Celebrating Our Team 

At Maxwell Roofing, our strength lies in our people. In 2024, we made it a priority to invest in our team’s growth by recruiting talented new members and continuing to provide valuable skill-building opportunities for our current employees. Our monthly skills workshops have expanded, equipping our crew with new techniques and insights that enhance our work on the job site.

We also believe in celebrating our team’s hard work and dedication. In 2024, we continued our bi-annual company-wide parties to recognize the achievements of our employees and to foster camaraderie among the entire Maxwell Roofing family. These gatherings are an essential part of our company culture, reminding us that every accomplishment is a shared one and that we’re all in this together.

Come Along for the Next Chapter

As we close the chapter on 2024, we are filled with gratitude for the projects, partnerships, and people that have made this year unforgettable. 

  • To our clients: we thank you for trusting us with your roofing needs and allowing us to be part of your journey.
  • To our team members: thank you for your hard work, passion, and resilience. We couldn’t achieve any of this without you!

If you’re seeking a roofing partner who combines expertise with a genuine commitment to clients, we’d love to hear from you. Or, if you’re interested in joining our team, explore our current job openings to see what makes Maxwell Roofing a special place to build your career.

Here’s to more milestones, more memories, and a bright future in the year ahead!