One of the most interesting and most challenging tasks our editorial staff faces each year is choosing the winners of our Roofing Contractor of the Year awards. The annual award celebrates roof-contracting firms that employ industry best practices, provide a safe and challenging work atmosphere for employees, and excel at quality workmanship and customer service.

Every year we get a large number of excellent nominees, and the hard part for our panel of judges is singling out just one company in each category for the award. In the end, we are thrilled to announce our winners: Chandler’s Roofing of San Pedro, Calif., and Riddiford Roofing of Arlington Heights, Ill.

Chandler’s Roofing, owned by Brian Hicks, won in the residential category. “It is a true honor to have our company and team recognized for the great work and service Chandler’s Roofing provides each and every day,” Hicks said. “It is not often that you get the chance to be recognized within your industry, or by your peers. This truly is a once in a lifetime opportunity and an award we’ll wear proudly.”

Riddiford Roofing won in the commercial category. The company’s president and CEO, George Riddiford, said, “The Chicago Area Roofing Contractors are the finest in the country. To be selected among our peers is truly an honor.”

Our motto for the award is ‘We’re not looking for the biggest contractors out there — we’re looking for the best.’ We feel we have honored two of the industry’s best in 2011. Next year, nominate your company by filling out the form on our website. Who knows? You could be on the cover in 2012.

For the complete story on the Residential Winner, Chandler’s Roofing, click here.

For the complete profile on the Commercial Winner, Riddiford Roofing, click here.