Month: February 2024

Employee Spotlight: Ricky Poteete

Posted on by Kathleen Maxwell

We understand that a high-quality roof is only as good as the team behind it. That’s why we prioritize creating a team-oriented atmosphere where hard work is valued and support is extended beyond the job site. For almost 70 years, our company has been dedicated to fostering an employee-first work culture. 

Ricky Poteete is a shining example of this. He recently celebrated a remarkable 25 years at Maxwell Roofing,

Ricky’s Journey to Maxwell Roofing

Ricky grew up in Nashville as one of ten children. One of his brothers found his calling in the roofing industry, and it wasn’t long before Ricky followed suit and forged his own career path in commercial roofing.

“I really love being outside,” Ricky says, his eyes crinkling at the corners. “I think that’s the first thing that drew me into roofing work.”

Ricky began working with his brother at Burress Roofing—tearing off roofs, removing shingles, and clearing job sites. After spending some years at Burress, Ricky’s brother made the move to Maxwell Roofing in the late ’90s and convinced Ricky to join the team. 

Celebrating 25 Years: Roofs Raised, Memories Made 

Over the years, Ricky’s hands have played a part in shaping the Nashville skyline. He’s helped put the roof on iconic landmarks like the Davey Crockett Tower, the Thompson Hotel, and the Sheraton Hotel, leaving his mark on the city he calls home.

Reaching 25 years at Maxwell might seem like a monumental achievement, but for Ricky, it’s just another day. He stays humble, saying, “I’m glad I’ve made it 25 years at Maxwell. It’s a good company—the best I’ve worked for.” 

What truly stands out for Ricky is the memories and relationships forged during his career. Having worked with hundreds of different Maxwell employees, Ricky emphasizes the enduring culture of Maxwell, even as people have come and gone. “Maxwell is just like family. Everyone is kind and courteous. They’re all part of making it a special place to work.”

In an industry known for its challenges and high turnover, Ricky Poteete’s 25-year journey at Maxwell Roofing serves as a testament to his hard work, dedication, and commitment to teamwork. As Maxwell Roofing grows, we’re proud to celebrate employees like Ricky, who contribute to the memories and relationships that define Maxwell’s unique culture.

4 Roles that Make up a Quality Roofing Team

Posted on by Kathleen Maxwell

Roof construction is a team effort that requires a wide array of people with different skill sets. In this blog, we will highlight a few of the roles in a quality roofing team and explain how to get commercial roofing jobs.

1. Roofer

Commercial roofers are the people actually performing the day-to-day tasks such as tearing off the existing roof, and installing new insulation and membrane. Roofers spend most of their days outside building commercial roofs while maintaining a safe work environment. Though some construction experience is helpful for a roofing tech job, many roofers can also be trained on the job. If you are hoping to take on a larger role in the company, great news! There is plenty of room for a roofer to rise in the ranks of a roofing company by taking on supervisory roles in the future. 

2. Foreman

The next position up the ladder from a roofer is the construction foreman. Foremen manage a job site by setting the schedule and making sure everything runs smoothly on a day-to-day basis. Experience in the roofing industry is a must for foremen, as they need to understand all components of the job. However, people skills are vital, too: foremen are also required to be effective leaders to train and manage their crew.

3. Superintendent

The superintendent is responsible for multiple projects at once. They ensure the foreman follows the daily work plan in place and manages their assigned crews. This position ensures that a project moves in the proper direction safely and profitably. Superintendents ensure that work is done on schedule, within budget, and with the quality and workmanship expected by industry standards. The superintendent meets daily with project leads to discuss project requirements, safety hazards, and resource requirements. 

4. Construction Manager

The construction manager is responsible for the leadership, safety, direction, and profitability of the Construction department.  This includes strategic planning and finishing the job on time and within budget.

Construction managers oversee multiple job sites, managing the big picture of a job. They work with a team of people working on job sites to handle any problems that might come up. Construction managers may have experience in construction or business.

Thinking About Making a Career Change?

Check out Maxwell Roofing & Sheet Metal’s career page to see the exciting opportunities available in commercial roofing.