David “Bruce” Fryer first worked for a Nashville, Tenn., architectural firm out of college and then one of the world’s largest general contractors before being transferred to California to work on two hospitals and an industrial project. “There I met and eventually went to work for a commercial roofing contractor,” said Fryer, 52, CEO of Fryer Roofing Company Inc. of Fresno, Calif.

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David “Bruce” Fryer first worked for a Nashville, Tenn., architectural firm out of college and then one of the world’s largest general contractors before being transferred to California to work on two hospitals and an industrial project. “There I met and eventually went to work for a commercial roofing contractor,” said Fryer, 52, CEO of Fryer Roofing Company Inc. of Fresno, Calif. “Circumstances drew me away from my then roofing contractor employer, and a longtime rival encouraged and helped seed my new roofing business.”

Founded Aug. 1, 1983, Fryer Roofing Co. does 95 percent commercial work. About 40 percent of the company's work is new construction, 40 percent re-roofing, and 20 percent repair and maintenance.

The company, which has an office staff of 10 and field employees numbering 40, recently replaced the roof on Selland Arena in Fresno. “We were awarded the contract to re-roof the landmark arena used for Fresno State basketball, Fresno Falcon ice hockey, and a popular venue for concerts and entertainment for the area,” Fryer said. “Complexities of the job included winter weather work scheduling, working around entertainment and sporting event schedules, asbestos removal and disposal, keeping the building watertight throughout construction; and accessibility issues that included limited use of grounds and height restrictions.”

Fryer’s company removed the existing single-ply, built-up roofs and insulation from the metal roof deck, made repairs to the deck where necessary, and then installed two layers of 2.5-inch polyisocyanurate insulation, one-half inch DensDeck, and a Sika-Sarnafil 60-mil PVC roofing system.

“Regardless of economic conditions, it is important to keep in touch with your customers and let them know that you are there,” Fryer said. “Be responsive to their needs and offer them the benefit of your expertise. Provide options and do not assume you know what they want or what they need. Ask questions.”

Due to passage of California’s Title 24 in 2005, Fryer has experienced a dramatic shift away from traditional built-up roofing to single-ply and Title 24-compliant BUR and Modified Bitumen Systems. “We perform various waterproofing and deck coating systems and have a standalone Service Department that offers emergency services 24/7,” he said. “We work with a number of local and regional distributors and national manufacturers who offer quality products and share our philosophy of customer service. Life is too short to deal with those who don’t.”

Fryer has discovered that honesty, integrity and professionalism quickly gain customer confidence and help set you apart from the competition. “The customer is important to us and we try to make their experience seamless and positive so that they will return,” he said. “Sounds so simple, but how many do it or do it right? Not many.”

Fryer’s main interests include serving two terms as a Vice President of NRCA and his two-term appointment as President of Roofing Contractors Association of California. “My industry involvement keeps me hopping and has been personally rewarding,” he said. “(But) my second interest is cars. I am working on my new Corvette wrapped in a 1968 Camaro RS body with a boosted 450 HP LS2 engine, LS-1 T-56 6-speed manual transmission, 12-bolt POSI with 4.56 gears, Corvette brakes, HRE wheels, and Eagle 245/40F, 275/35R tires, and near show quality interior and paint. It is a beautiful beast, and did I mention really fast?”