The roofing industry recently mourned the sudden loss of Rod Menzel, founder of Greatway Roofing in Moorpark, Calif. He was 56.

Hundreds of roofing industry professionals participated in a private memorial last week at Moorpark Presbyterian Church.

“The roofing industry lost one of its brightest lights with the passing of Rod Menzel,” said RC Publisher Jill Bloom, who was in attendance. “A passionate advocate for roofing professionals and an inspiring entrepreneur, Rod built more than successful businesses, he built people, relationships, and community.”

Menzel was born and raised in Lodi, Calif., where he developed a love for family, food, and football -- a sport he lettered in during all four years in high school, and excelled at as a student athlete at Delta College and California State University, Northridge. There, he earned All-America football honors and a degree in business finance. It’s also where he joined the Phi Delta Theta fraternity, and met wife, Michelle. The two married in Encino, Calif., in 1996 and settled in Ventura County.

While his professional career started in banking, Menzel took a leap of faith in 1999 and founded his own roofing company. Under his leadership, the company recently celebrated its 25th anniversary and now employs 28 full-time team members.

Menzel first attended RC’s Best of Success conference in 2007 and often credited his business success to the ideas he learned and implemented while there. He took BOS the stage in 2010 and shared his own story and insights into what made his business approach and brand a model for other roofers.  

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“What is a brand?” Menzel asked from the stage. “It’s not a company’s logo or advertising - those things are controlled by the company. A brand is a person’s gut feeling about a product, service or company. Branding is a company’s effort to build lasting value by delighting customers.”

Roofers will remember Menzel for much more than his presentations, said Bloom.

“His leadership, energy, and commitment to elevating the industry were unmatched, and his legacy will continue through the countless lives he touched,” she added.

Menzel was also a passionate marathon runner, completing 13 races across the globe, according to his obituary. He proudly finished the Boston, Chicago, Berlin, Tokyo, Los Angeles, Long Beach, and San Diego marathons, and planned to complete his sixth and final Abbott World Marathon Major in London this spring.

He is survived by his wife of 28 years, Michelle; his sons, Austin and Brandon; his father, Bill Menzel; and his brother, Jason Menzel. 

In honor of Rod’s faith and his love for Lake Tahoe, donations may be made to Moorpark Presbyterian Church or Keep Tahoe Blue.