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
      • Enter Roofing Contractor of the Year
    • Top 100
      • Enter the 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 RoofingSteep Slope RoofingYoung Guns in Roofing

Young Gun Charlie Dunigan: Bridging the Gap in an Effort to Be the Best

By Andrew Dietderich
Young Guns - Charlie Dunigan

When it comes to the pros and cons of being the young president of a roofing company, Charlie Dunigan generally has a good fix on the situation.

March 7, 2019

When it comes to the pros and cons of being the young president of a roofing company, Charlie Dunigan generally has a good fix on the situation.

Sure, there are disadvantages, says the president of Jackson, Mich.-based North-Ply Contracting Co.

But for the most part, it has worked in favor of Dunigan and his company.

“I serve as a good mediator because I can relate to both younger and older generations,” says Dunigan. “We work together and respect each other’s point of view. The greatest benefit is that I am not much older or younger than our workforce.”

Charlie Dunigan, 32

President

North-Ply Contracting Co.

Jackson, Mich.

north-plycontracting.com

As one of RC’s 2019 Young Guns, Dunigan offered some insight into his career and company — specifically, where both have come from and are headed.

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

C.D.: I have been in the roofing industry four years, and in the construction industry for over 15 years. I started working for my family’s construction company when I was in high school during the summers. After college I worked for a national contractor as a project engineer. I then returned to my family’s underground construction company as a project manager/estimator. Prior to starting North-Ply Contracting I worked for a commercial roofing company. Milestones in my career including starting a successful company in 2015, receiving the Gold Medal for Quality from a major manufacturer, as well as successfully transitioning from a project estimator to a business owner and operator.

RC: How long has your company been in business and what its story?

C.D.: North-Ply Contracting Co. was founded in 2015 by Tom Adams and I. Today, North-Ply Contracting employs 12-15 full-time employees.

RC: What are the big challenges in your particular market and how is the company addressing them?

C.D.: There are many challenges in our particular market. One that is a daily challenge is building a dependable workforce. We are striving to hire and retain great workers by providing competitive wages, training and benefits. From the start of North-Ply we have developed a culture of quality workmanship and professionalism. We adapt and set ourselves apart from our competitors.

RC: How has your company changed in recent years? Have you implemented any new programs that have helped your business be more productive?

C.D.: Our company has changed quite a bit from its founding. We have implemented safety and roofing system training, and several other programs focused on labor retention and performance. Our standard operating procedures allow us to not have mistakes, limits the amount of time for payment/invoicing, and allows us to focus on upcoming projects.

RC: What types of new technology have you recently adopted? What are some technology trends you are seeing, or what do you hope to see in the future?

C.D.: We do pre-construction, progress and post-construction photographs and videos for our customers utilizing drone technology. We use Field Force Manager for jobsite management and True Roof for roof inspections/service. Lastly, we have been using a sales CRM from early on in the business, to track customers, sales, and secure work.

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

C.D.: I would say there are advantages and disadvantages. Advantages would be that I can relate to our workforce, they are generally young adults. I see my age as an advantage because most of our customers were young entrepreneurs as well. 

RC: Are you involved in any trade associations, youth contractor councils, professional organizations that you’d like to highlight? How has that helped you in your career and why is it important to you? 

C.D.: We became active in many associations immediately. We are members of the NRCA, and many local and state organizations as well as serving on nonprofit boards and community organizations. This has helped in my career immensely by learning. Learning the roofing industry, meeting new people, and partnering on projects.

RC: What’s next? What are your future plans for the business? 

C.D.: The plan for our business is to continue to build our reputation, becoming the roofer of choice. We are a growing company, and we want to grow at the pace that allows us to continue to perform exceptional work. 

Read about the other 2019 Young Guns

KEYWORDS: commercial roofing contractor Millennials Residential Roofing Contractor workforce

Share This Story

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

Ad mug 233x300

Andrew Dietderich is the managing editor of Roofing Contractor and can be reached at dietdericha@bnpmedia.com.

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...
    Editor's Note
    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

Subscribe For Free!
  • 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
  • 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

QXO closed its acquisition of Beacon Building Supply on April 29, 2025.

QXO Closes Beacon Acquisition, Rebrands Immediately; Jacobs to Ring NYSE Bell

New executive orders signed by President Trump will likely further constrict an already tight labor market for the construction industry.

New Executive Orders Will Further Squeeze Labor Force

President Trump’s trade war is causing real harm to the construction sector, including roofing contractors.

Trade War Fallout: Contractors Are Delaying Projects and Cutting Crews

Roofing Contractor Webinar

Events

May 22, 2025

Remote Teams 101: The New Way to Hire

Our industry experts will guide you through what remote hiring and outsourcing should look like, how it can help you grow, and why it’s easier (and less scary) than you might think. If you want to save time, find great talent, and grow your business, this is one session you don’t want to miss!

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

  • Chris Gore

    Young Gun Chris Gore: A Young Gun Exactly Where He Wants to Be... for the Long Haul

    See More
  • Alex Zimmerman

    Young Gun Alex Zimmerman: Looking to Change the Roofing Industry for the Better

    See More
  • YG_Img01_1170.jpg

    Young Gun Rae July: Never Be Afraid to Ask Questions

    See More

Events

View AllSubmit An Event
  • 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.
  • 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.
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