Rast Bryant, general manager for Lloyd Roofing’s Southwest Florida region, was honored as a 40 Under 40 recipient by Business Observer.

The weekly business newspaper, which circulates from Tampa Bay through Naples on Florida’s Gulf coast, annually honors 40 rising stars in their respective industries, as well as those making a difference in the community. Honorees were recognized Oct. 12 at an awards celebration in Lakewood Ranch.

“It’s gratifying and humbling to be recognized alongside this group of impressive, talented individuals,” Bryant said. “Business Observer profiled all 40 honorees, and you can’t help but feel encouraged about the future after reading about the young entrepreneurs, community leaders and innovators who live and work in Southwest Florida.”

Bryant, 37, joined Lloyd Roofing in 2021 after spending more than a decade at local firms offering roofing, contracting, consulting and real estate services. Under his leadership, Lloyd Roofing’s annual revenue is 22 times higher than the company earned in Southwest Florida before his arrival. After Hurricane Ian devastated the region in September 2022, Bryant deployed emergency response teams into hard-hit areas, quick action that allowed businesses to reopen and residents to move back home. Lloyd Roofing completed more than 1,000 commercial and residential roofing repairs and replacements in the 12 months following Hurricane Ian.

“After a hurricane, the stress and frustration of dealing with insurance companies, adjusters, contractors and permitting delays can be overwhelming,” Bryant said. “In these types of situations, residents and businesses just want a roofing company that’s honest, responsive and gets the job done. We were happy to step up as roofing first responders and help restore a sense of normalcy quicker than anyone expected.”

Bryant attended Florida Gulf Coast University and has led community engagement projects supporting Lee BIA Builders Care, Habitat for Humanity and FGCU’s construction management degree program. He has volunteered for programs, initiatives and events for Abuse Counseling and Treatment, Community Cooperative, The School District of Lee County and Golisano Children’s Hospital of Southwest Florida.

Business Observer’s profile of Bryant is available online at BusinessObserverFL.com/news/2023/oct/12/40-under-40-2023-rast-bryant.