search
cart
facebook twitter linkedin youtube instagram Spotify Podcasts Apple Podcasts Spotify Podcasts Apple Podcasts
  • Sign In
  • Create Account
  • Sign Out
  • My Account
  • NEWS
  • TOPICS
    • Cool Roofing
    • Event News
    • Latinos in Roofing
    • Low Slope
    • Legal
    • Metal
    • Project Profiles
    • Roofing Supply Pro
    • Roofing Safety
    • Steep Slope
    • Sustainable Roofing
    • Technology
  • EXCLUSIVES
    • Best of Success
    • Contractor Profile
    • IRE Show
    • Roofing Contractor of the Year
    • Top 100
    • Young Guns
    • State of the Industry
    • Century Club
  • MULTIMEDIA
    • Videos
    • Podcasts
    • Interactive Spotlights
    • Roofing Quizzes
    • IRE Videos
    • Webinars
    • Photo Galleries
  • PRODUCTS
    • New Products
    • Featured Products
  • COLUMNS
    • Editor's Note
    • Exit Planning
    • Legally Speaking
    • Safety Advice
    • Technical Details
    • Guest Column
  • EVENTS
    • International Roofing Expo
    • Webinars
    • Best of Success Conference
    • Industry Events
  • DIRECTORY
    • Associations
    • Distributors
    • Manufacturer/Supplier
    • Business Services
    • Get Listed
  • MORE
    • Roofing Contractor eNews
    • RC Store
    • Roofing Supply Pro
    • Custom Content & Marketing Services
    • Market Research
    • Sponsor Insights
    • Company Spotlights
    • Classifieds
      • Auctions
      • Business For Sale
      • Business Opportunities
      • Equipment For Sale
      • Positions Available
      • Products
      • Safety
      • Software
      • Services
      • Training
    • Contact Us
  • EMAGAZINE
    • eMagazine
    • Advertise
      • Media Kit
      • Editorial Calendar
      • Contact
    • Archive Issues
  • SIGN UP!
Low Slope RoofingRoofing Contractor Profile

Contractor Profile: McDowall Company

120 Years and Five Generations Later, McDowall Company Plans to Stick Around for Years to Come

By Courtney Dobson
Contractor Profile McDowall Company

McDowall Company boasts an impressive five generations of roofing contractors.

Contractor Profile McDowall Company

McDowall Company’s long history has prepared them for commercial projects of all sizes. “We are a full service contractor so we can take care of them 100 percent from start to finish,” said Owner John McDowall.

Contractor Profile McDowall Company

Owner John McDowall (white polo) is pictured here with son Matt (L) brother and co-owner, Lawrence (R), and other McDowall employees.

Contractor Profile McDowall Company
Jobsite and historical photos courtesy of McDowall Company. Photos of staff courtesy of Tyler Mumm.
Contractor Profile McDowall Company

McDowall Company’s long history has prepared them for commercial projects of all sizes. “We are a full service contractor so we can take care of them 100 percent from start to finish,” said Owner John McDowall.

Contractor Profile McDowall Company
Contractor Profile McDowall Company
Contractor Profile McDowall Company
Contractor Profile McDowall Company
Contractor Profile McDowall Company
November 3, 2016

When George A. McDowall started his roofing company in 1895 in Joliet, Ill., times were far different than they are now. To put that into perspective, that year, baseball legend Babe Ruth was born; Olympia Theatre — the first theatre to be built in New York City’s Times Square district — opened its doors; and the first ever American automobile race took place in Chicago’s Jackson Park.

Fast forward 53 years to 1948: Harry Truman is elected to office; Babe Ruth passes away, and the current edition of McDowall Company takes root in St. Cloud, Minn.

Now, five generations and nearly 121 years later, McDowall Company is still flourishing, and showcasing what it really means to remain successful in a competitive market for over a century.

John McDowall, current president and CEO, began his roofing career at a young age — sweeping the shop, loading up the work trucks and keeping the office tidy. Following his high school graduation, he began working full time on a roofing crew, and the rest is history.

“I am a fourth generation family business owner, and my son, Matthew, has joined the team, which represents five generations of McDowall’s in the roofing business,” said McDowall, who owns and operates the company with brother, Lawrence.

“It’s a passion. Family comes first, whether it’s in the office, field crew, whomever. We’ve been around and plan to stay around,” said Matt McDowall, operations manager and fifth generation roofing contractor.

McDowall Company moved to its current location in Waite Park, Minn. in 2007. Its 145 workers are a part of the Roofers and Waterproofers Local 96 and the Sheet Metal Worker’s International Association Local 10. The company focuses on commercial business, 60 percent of which is reroofing, and 40 percent new construction.

Building on Culture

With an unmatched amount of experience under their belts, the team at McDowall Company knows how to operate business effectively. Building on 100+ years of business culture and construction expertise, the company houses several different divisions, including a roofing maintenance department focused on building relationships with customers. It’s a very important aspect of the company’s success, given that these longstanding customer relationships play a large role in generating revenue.

With a marketing plan in place described as “old school,” McDowall focuses on working with repeat customers, and providing them with the best service possible. In turn, those customers spread the word about the company’s top-notch quality and service.

“The customer sees the value we can provide and they start to trust McDowall Company to help with their roofing needs,” John McDowall said.

And that value begins with properly educating and training employees. To do this, manufacturer reps are brought in to explain specific products, as well as their application and installation techniques. Taking training one step further, employees at the company receive anywhere from three to five years of schooling specific to their trade, and an additional 6,000-8,000 hours of on-the-job training. Specific foreman training also takes place in the spring and fall each year.

“When the customer’s roof reaches its service life, we can work with them to identify a new roofing system that meets their needs. We are a full-service contractor so we can take care of them 100 percent from start to finish,” McDowall explained. To further insure superior standards are met, internal daily inspections are completed by foreman and supervisors.

Being involved with prominent associations like the National Roofing Contractors Association and the Midwest Roofing Contractors Association has helped educate McDowall on the latest changes and challenges happening in the industry. He also regularly attends conventions for the helpful interactions they present with other contractors.

A Century Strong

Proven procedures and the idea of going the extra mile for customers have kept the company running proficiently for over a century. “We have been in the roofing business for a very long time and our customers know we strive for excellence on the projects we work on for them,” McDowall said.

And that means finding the best solution possible on all projects, even the puzzling ones.

“We seek the challenging projects,” said McDowall. Including one at Saint John’s University in Collegeville, Minn., where the team completed the removal and replacement of a Corten standing seam, steep slope roof with a new copper standing seam roof. The new roofing system, coordinated by multiple sub-contractors, was designed to last 100 years and includes lightning protection and tuck-pointing.

Other notable projects include a roof replacement on Xcel Energy’s St. Anthony Falls hydro dam, and work on the CentraCare St. Cloud Hospital expansion in 2012, one of the largest new construction projects in Minnesota following the completion of Target Field in April of 2010.

McDowall Company’s powerful focus on fostering customer relationships means being there not only from start to finish, but also long after the job is complete. McDowall explained the importance of educating building owners, and growing that connection with them as customers. “Develop strong relationships with the building owners and contractors. Focus on earning their trust that you will provide a product that was properly installed and that you will be there for them in years to come.”

KEYWORDS: Allied Roofing commercial roofing contractor contractor profile Minnesota Residential Roofing Contractor

Share This Story

Looking for a reprint of this article?
From high-res PDFs to custom plaques, order your copy today!

Courtney dobson author
Courtney Dobson is the Managing Editor of Roofing Contractor. She attended Oakland University and graduated with a degree in journalism.

Recommended Content

JOIN TODAY
to unlock your recommendations.

Already have an account? Sign In

  • Roofing Contractor Group Publisher Jill Bloom

    Physics, the Power of Authenticity and You

    In February's Publisher's Note, Jill Bloom describes a...
    Columns
    By: Jill Bloom
  • The Family Food Fare supermarket in Midland, Mich.

    ‘Rooftop Ninja’ Discovered Living on Roof, Inside Grocery Sign

    A bizarre tale out of Midland, Mich.: a woman dubbed the...
    Roofing News
    By: Bryan Gottlieb
  • A before and after heat measurement comparison

    How Hot is Too Hot in the Attic?

    If the ventilation is working, how hot should the attic...
    Sustainable Roofing
    By: Paul Scelsi
You must login or register in order to post a comment.

Report Abusive Comment

Manage My Account
  • eMagazine Subscription
  • Sign Up for the eNewsletter
  • Online Registration
  • Manage My Preferences
  • Subscription Customer Service

More Videos

Sponsored Content

Sponsored Content is a special paid section where industry companies provide high quality, objective, non-commercial content around topics of interest to the Roofing Contractor audience. All Sponsored Content is supplied by the advertising company and any opinions expressed in this article are those of the author and not necessarily reflect the views of Roofing Contractor or its parent company, BNP Media. Interested in participating in our Sponsored Content section? Contact your local rep!

close
  • An overhead view of a residential block
    Sponsored byCBIZ CompuData

    From Spreadsheets to Strategy: How Roofing Companies Can Transform Financial Operations

  • Snow Guard Solutions for Metal Roofs by S-5!
    Sponsored byS-5!

    Safeguard Your Building: How Snow Guards Prevent Costly Roof & Property Damage

  • A hand holding a wooden block that reads 'EVOLVE'
    Sponsored byWatercress Financial

    Embracing Change: A New Era for the Roofing Industry

Popular Stories

Agentes de ICE arrestaron a casi una docena de empleados de una empresa de techos en Lowell, Massachusetts. Los arrestos son parte de una redada federal más amplia contra la contratación no autorizada y las violaciones migratorias en Boston.

ICE Redondea a Equipo de Techos Afuera de Boston

Florida has become the focal point for construction-site raids, attracting national attention and altering labor dynamics throughout the industry.

Florida Emerges as the Epicenter of ICE Raids

QXO CEO Brad Jacobs will share the company’s strategic vision today at the Wolfe Research Global Transportation & Industrials Conference in New York following its acquisition of Beacon Roofing Supply..

QXO’s Brad Jacobs Charts Growth at Wolfe Research Conference

Roofing Contractor Webinar

Events

December 3, 2025

The Premier Roofing Conference: Best of Success

Join roofing professionals from across the nation at the 2025 Best of Success conference, the ultimate destination for roofing professionals seeking the latest industry insights and networking opportunities. Pick up strategies for critical challenges like workforce shortage with innovative solutions, explore the latest advancements in roofing technology and sustainable practices, and gain valuable insights from industry leaders on navigating the evolving roofing landscape.

View All Submit An Event

Related Articles

  • Northern Virginia Roofing Company, Inc.

    Contractor Profile: Northern Virginia Roofing Company, Inc.

    See More
  • Dynamic Alliance

    Contractor Profile: Dynamic Alliance, LLC

    See More
  • Paramount Builders

    Contractor Profile: Paramount Builders, Inc.

    See More

Events

View AllSubmit An Event
  • February 27, 2025

    2025 State of the Industry Report: Roofing Contractor

    On-Demand This webinar is a must-attend for all roofing contractors who are looking to understand market insights related to current and future installation trends.
  • April 17, 2025

    Homeowners Survey: A Roofing Customer’s Journey

    On-Demand Roofing contractors can use this information to better understand what factors influence a homeowner's contractor selection process. At the same time, they'll explore ideas to improve customer communication and operational efficiency that grow profits.
View AllSubmit An Event
×

Be in the forefront of the roofing industry!

Join thousands of professionals today. Shouldn’t you know what they know?

JOIN NOW!
  • RESOURCES
    • Advertise
    • Contact Us
    • Directories
    • Store
    • Want More
  • SIGN UP TODAY
    • Create Account
    • eMagazine
    • eNewsletter
    • Customer Service
    • Manage Preferences
  • SERVICES
    • Marketing Services
    • Reprints
    • Market Research
    • List Rental
    • Survey/Respondent Access
  • STAY CONNECTED
    • LinkedIn
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • YouTube
    • X
  • PRIVACY
    • PRIVACY POLICY
    • TERMS & CONDITIONS
    • DO NOT SELL MY PERSONAL INFORMATION
    • PRIVACY REQUEST
    • ACCESSIBILITY

Copyright ©2025. All Rights Reserved BNP Media.

Design, CMS, Hosting & Web Development :: ePublishing