The economic downturn has been especially tough on the construction industry, but the roofing segment has been more resilient than most. Despite of the tough economy, some independent distributors have had record years recently. Two representatives of independent distributors, Earl Ward, president and CEO of NEMEON, Inc., and Richard “Rick” Pogue, sales manager and owner of Arrowhead Building Supply, Inc., shared their thoughts on the market with Roofing Contractor.

“In early 2008, Arrowhead Building Supply boldly chose not to participate in the current economic recession,” said Pogue. Headquartered in St. Peters, Mo., Arrowhead Building Supply just opened its newest location — its sixth branch — inLowell, Ark. The 3.5-acre facility includes 30,000 square feet of warehouse space and a showroom featuring a variety of different products, including home facades complete with sidewalks, landscaping, and decks. There’s even a street sign at a crosswalk that reads “Arrowhead Way” and “Arrowhead Lane.”