A Family Business With Local History Take Their Talent And Ambition Coast-To-Coast
CUMBERLAND – In 2014, Chris and Tatyana Smith bought Nelson Roofing & Sheet Metal Ltd, a company with almost four decades of solid reputation across BC already under its belt. Launched in the Comox Valley in 1980 under Russ and Sharon Nelson, it was eventually taken over by Russ’ son, Lyle, in 1999, becoming the largest roofing and cladding contractor north of Victoria.
Chris and Tatyana Smith
Joining as a project manager and eventual co-owner in 2006, Chris Smith already had a strong relationship with the business before making it his own. Chris and his dedicated team of professionals put their best foot forward immediately, pulling down the largest contract in the company’s thirty-five year history, a roofing contract for two hospitals in Campbell River and the Comox Valley. It was a promising start, and with a momentum that has continued even through the difficulties of global pandemic.
Nelson Roofing & Sheet Metal Ltd provides the highest quality installations of roofing systems for commercial, residential, industrial and institutional clients, as well as specializing in architectural wall cladding and HVAC systems. With branches in Cumberland, Campbell River and Powell River, their team of ticketed journeymen, talented apprentices, experienced roofers, office staff, mechanics and more have the resources and know-how to tackle any project, with the ambition to bring their services to every territory and province in Canada.
Russ and Sharon Nelson
Chris elaborates on this goal, “We have over sixty vehicles, loyal suppliers, full-time safety coordinators and metal forming machines at our disposal. We have the team and talent to take Nelson Roofing national, and have already completed projects in Alberta, Nunavut and the Yukon.”
He hasn’t forgotten the company’s roots, however, nor have local, longtime local clients. “We’ve had customers who remember our work from decades ago reaching out to us once more to re-roof their homes,” Chris explains. “They remember the quality service we provided, the strong warranty and above all, the workmanship that went into keeping their homes dry.”
A new metal roof for the Cliff Mahlman Fire Hall in Elphinstone via the Nelson Roofing & Sheet Metal team
In fact, a significant portion of their business comes from repeat customers who happily pay for the high-quality service Nelson Roofing provides. Maintaining this relationship with the local BC community goes beyond their paid work, however. Chris and his team, including Shingle Roofing Systems Manager John Lewis have worked closely with GAF and Local 276 to donate roof systems to Habitat for Humanity. Nelson Roofing also participates in Social Procurement initiatives that originated in Cumberland, paying even further into the company’s local ties.
Nelson Roofing & Sheet Metal Ltd provided roofing systems to Habitat for Humanity, a testament to their dedication to community service
As many in the construction industry have struggled through the uncertainty of COVID-19, Nelson Roofing has continued to soldier on, taking contracts and serving their community. In a recent statement to his team on the future in the face of pandemic, Chris was optimistic.
“We built this business based on doing the job better than anyone else, listening to our employees and exceeding our customers’ expectations. If we continue to build on the things that make us Nelson Roofing, like our strong values, our quality craftsmanship, our culture of safety, and our customer focus, then I see no reason why we won’t be here for another forty years. I am proud to be at the helm of this company as we look to the future.”
www.nelsonroofing.com