Lowell "Buddy" Merritt is celebrating 10 years at Wisconsin-based Quality Roofing Inc. on May 13. Merritt was a metal foreman for the majority of his career at QRI, and is currently a service and leaks technician.

"Years of being in the construction field led me to this company," said Merritt in a written statement. "I like being able to turn old into new, as well as working outside and building things. Being on different projects, there is always something new to learn and figure out. I enjoy taking a coil or a pellet of metal and fabricating it into something new."

Pat Begotka, owner of QRI, said the company offers 24-hour emergency service, and Merritt has often responded to customers at a moment's notice in terrible weather and during odd hours.

"His concern and expertise provides our customers with the very best. We really enjoy working with him," Begotka said.

During his first decade at QRI, Merritt has been involved in a plethora of different projects. He enjoyed working on the UW-River Falls Athletic Facility and Ellsworth School projects, and expressed how he appreciates working for a company that cares for its team members.

"My 10 years at the company was only possible because Pat and Mark [Begotka] understand life happens," Merritt said. "What I mean by that is there are always obstacles and struggles in life and they are always able to help work around or through them. So I thank Pat and Mark for making it possible for having a great 10 years and looking forward to another 10 years."

To learn more about a career with Quality Roofing, visit QRoof.com.