Problem Solving for the Modern-day Commercial Roofing Market

Young Gun Clayton Rathjen

By Tanja Kern, Senior Strategic Content Editor

BRADLEY RATHJEN — King Harrell Photography

How long have you been in the roofing industry and how did you get your start?

Clayton Rathjen, 25
Field Superintendent, Madsen Roofing & Waterproofing, Inc.

LOCATION: Sacramento, Calif.

WEBSITE: madsenroof.com

WHAT ARE YOU DOING WHEN YOU’RE NOT THINKING ABOUT ROOFING? Enjoying time with family and friends, traveling and visiting new places.

CR: This will be my eigth year at Madsen Roofing & Waterproofing. It is a family business, so that’s how I got involved, starting straight out of high school.

What are the top reasons why your company or the company you’re involved with is successful?

CR: Quality workmanship, strong reputation and referrals, and safety and professional standards.

Clayton Rathjen (right) said being younger allows him to bring drive, adaptability, and a modern approach
Photo: King Harrell Photography

What are the big challenges in your market?

CR: I would say our challenges are labor shortages and skilled workforce gaps.

Do you see your age as an advantage or a disadvantage in this business?

CR: I see it as a good thing that roofing is an industry built on energy, resilience, and relationship-building. Being younger allows me to bring drive, adaptability, and a modern approach to operations, marketing, and customer communication.

I enjoy building systems that create consistency and accountability. Roofing can be unpredictable due to weather, labor variables, and material supply issues, so having strong processes in place makes a major difference.

What area of the roofing business are you most passionate about? Why?

CR: I am most passionate about operations because I enjoy building systems that create consistency and accountability. Roofing can be unpredictable due to weather, labor variables, and material supply issues, so having strong processes in place makes a major difference.

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Tanja Kern covers economic trends and the intersection of architecture, design, and construction for Roofing Contractor, with an emphasis on the forces reshaping the industry. She develops and amplifies content that connects roofing professionals with the intelligence they need to compete and grow.

With more than 20 years of experience, Tanja has written for national business, consumer and trade publications. She holds a Master of Science in magazine publishing from Northwestern University's Medill School of Journalism.