Paul Janssen and Duane Nelson are two industry veterans who capitalized on their own strengths to take the helm of Rayco Construction five years ago. Founded by Ray Ellis in 1978, the Minneapolis, Minn.-based company does commercial and residential roofing and service and maintenance work. Janssen and Nelson purchased the company from Ellis when he retired, and despite a tough economy, Rayco has continued to grow every year since.

Looking back, it now seems like a natural progression for two men who were born into the roofing industry. “My dad owned his own roofing company, so I started there and I worked with him for a while,” Janssen said. “I also did some inspecting work before coming to Rayco Construction. I’ve been here roughly 25 years.”