RAISINGTHEROOF WITHLARRYNEESE

A behind the scenes interview with a business on family, faith, and fortitude.

“I have been a roofer by trade all my life, with some of the country’s best firms,” Larry explains from his desk surrounded by framed concert posters, showcasing the multiple fundraising events they have hosted at his corporate headquarters. It is hard to think, by looking around at their fleet of vehicles and prominent US1 location just north of Midway, this St. Lucie County based, Owens Corning® “Platinum” certified roofing company opened just eight years ago.

“We grew smart, and we grew right,” Neese owner shares with pride. “Nowadays there are 48 full time employees working with us and we are debt free with plans to open our next location in Brevard County this summer.” Though they are moving forward with a little extra pep in their step these days, the company did start with humble beginnings as Larry and his wife, Christine of 30 years, worked side by side in the beginning recovering from the housing market of 20082012. Yet, with perseverance and a dedication to providing a worryfree roof, done right the first time; the company grew and found new office that was blessed with a great location and space for a stage, thus a new phase of Larry Neese Roofing was born.

“At some point, all my four sons have worked at the company. Now, two work full time and hold important positions which makes Christine and me grateful.” Derrick, 26 has worked for four years full time and heads up the roles of General Manager and Sales Manager. “It’s a role he takes a lot of pride in especially with the fact that we have virtually no complaints about issues with jobs not having enough materials or poor attitudes even with the hot Florida sun,” Neese shares.

The youngest of the Neese boys also works at the company, Joshua 22, has been with the company for three years and serves as VP of Operations handling all the scheduling of the jobs with the customers and the crews. Proud dad, Larry Neese shared, “Even after our most recent set of storms there were zero issues about leaks or damages to any of the roofs, we had completed which is over 5,000 roofs in just 8 years”

The oldest son, 28, Jeremiah has a passion for roofing too and works with the area’s top vendor for supplies that keeps him engaged in the industry. Whereas Stephen at 24, is the only son who lives and works outside of Florida. Residing in Ohio with his wife, these two will be giving Larry and Christine their first grandbaby this December.

Two and half years ago, the company was doing so well, Christine left working in roofing and took on a position with the Clerk of Court. Shortly thereafter, having known the Neese family well for years thanks to the successful Martini Network, Veronica Kolibab joined on as the Business Development Officer. Thereby giving Larry the opportunity to work more extensively of the corporate structuring and growth of the company, while also being able to fine tune the branding.

Giving back is a big part of what the Larry Neese Roofing mission is, having grown up in a family of travelling missionaries, Larry feels fortunate to have knowledge and connections to share. Active with Project Lift, Larry, Derrick and his son, Jeremiah specializing in the supplier end of the business, teamed up to work hands on with the at-risk youth being mentored in the program to teach them roofing skills annually. “It is a small roof they use at Project Lift and my boys worked alongside kids showing them why each step and each shingle was important in the process; it made me so proud,” Neese confided.

Though, it was the revolutionary idea to host “Music & Mingle” networking concerts to help his out-of-work musician pals during Covid that has really paid off. To date, Neese Roofing has raised many thousands of toys and dollars for great causes like Toys for Tots, helped the Humane Society, Graceway Village, Youth Agriculture, and Veterans program and many more. Christine’s 50th surprise party in the showroom with over 125 people in attendance is the event that made him the most pleased; “it was a full month early and she had no idea! “With the new Brevard location opening soon, the Larry Neese Roofing company will keep its corporate offices in Fort Pierce and looks forward to providing more quality jobs and roofs throughout the region now including the Space Coast.