[Editor’s Note: Responses lightly edited for clarity.]
Childhood friends Steve Kunkel and Jason Reinke didn’t go very far from their
hometown of Hebron, Neb. (pop. 1,441) to establish a thriving commercial
roofing business. In the winter of 2003, the two buddies took their
shared vision roughly 100 miles northeast to Lincoln and formed
Stonebrook Exterior. They set out to create a company that would
efficiently and effectively address all roofing needs for commercial
facility owners.
Through its dedication to customer service and
unwavering pursuit of high-quality installations, the company has
flourished into one of the most reputable and influential roofing
enterprises in a volatile and growing market. Co-CEOs Kunkel and Reinke
recently recounted how they did it and what they’re looking forward to
next in this exclusive Q&A with RC.
RC: How did you get involved with roofing?
Steve Kunkel (SK): I started at the age of 9, working with the family-owned business.
Jason Reinke (JR): I started building houses from the ground up in high school.
RC: How did you get involved with roofing?
SK: We
rebranded in 2018 and built a new office headquarters in 2020. We’ve
also expanded to Denver and Florida, both through acquisitions.
RC: How is your company structured?
JR:
We have a RECON (Residential Construction); a NUCON (New Construction);
BROOKINS (Insurance Division); StoneCare and MasterCare (Service
Divisions).
RC: How do you keep your employees safe?
JR:
The safety of our people is paramount. We have ingrained a safety-first
mindset into every aspect of our operations. We start each daily,
weekly, and monthly meetings with a focus on safety to prioritize its
importance. Our comprehensive safety program includes site-specific
safety plans for each project we undertake, tailoring measures to
address potential hazards and establishing emergency protocols.
SK:
Overall,
our safety program and initiatives demonstrate our dedication to
maintaining a secure work environment. Through regular safety meetings,
monthly awards, ongoing training, and daily huddles, we foster a
safety-focused culture that prioritizes the well-being of our team.
RC: How do you create a good working atmosphere for employees?
JR: We
offer STONEBROOK UNIVERSITY, Level 10 Meetings, lunchbox lunchclubs,
holiday parties, and a benefits package. We have an incredible company
culture at Stonebrook. We have countless fun company outings like golf
outings, barbeques, lake days and tailgates.
We also have amazing
holiday parties [and] various internal contests with prizes like chili
cook-offs, coloring contests for employees’ kids, etc; food truck
Fridays, crew appreciation barbecues at the shop, as well as our
lunchbox employee appreciation trailer that we use to provide lunches
for our field teams occasionally.
Stonebrook Exterior
Headquarters: Lincoln, Neb.; three other locations in Nebraska; offices in Colorado and Florida
Specialty: Low-Slope Roofing, Steep-Slope Roofing, Metal Roofing, Siding, Wall Systems, Gutters, Masonry, Custom Metal Fabrications
Number of Employees: 242 union
Website: stonebrookexterior.com
RC: How do you ensure quality workmanship?
SK:
We
ensure quality workmanship by implementing stringent quality control
measures, conducting regular inspections, and providing ongoing training
to our skilled workforce. We also build relationships with customers
through open and transparent communication, delivering exceptional
customer service and consistently exceeding their expectations.
RC: How has your company adapted to all the recent changes in our business climate?
JR: The
company faced significant challenges during the COVID-19 pandemic and
economic crisis, including disruptions to supply chains, project
cancellations or postponements, decreased demand, and ensuring the
safety and well-being of our workforce. To adapt to the challenges, our
company implemented strict health and safety protocols, adopted remote
working arrangements where feasible, utilized digital communication
tools, and closely monitored and adjusted our project timelines and
budgets. We also proactively engaged with clients to address their
concerns and explored alternative revenue streams.
RC: What are some attributes of your company that make it successful?
SK:
It’s our core values:
- Everyone is Important: Our people bring purpose and passion to our organization. We work as a team, and every individual is valued and important.
- Honesty and Transparency: Honesty and Transparency are key in our company, forging a system of accountability for everyone.
- It’s What We Do: Stonebrook is a lifestyle. Our team extends to our families: family-first. We’re all about starting and sustaining action.
- We Do it Right: Always strive for excellence. We expect a high level of quality from every product, service and experience we deliver.
RC: What types of marketing programs have proven successful?
SK:
We [use] both traditional and digital channels. Our online presence is
enhanced through targeted online advertising and engagement on social
media platforms. We also utilize print media, participate in trade
shows, and prioritize referrals and word-of-mouth marketing to build
trust and credibility within the community.
In addition to our
comprehensive marketing strategies, we leverage various physical
marketing tools to enhance visibility and engage with potential clients.
Our yard signs create visibility and serve as contact points for
inquiries, and our truck wraps turn our vehicles into moving billboards,
increasing brand recognition.
RC: Any advice to share with fellow roofers?
JR: For
other roofing contractors, my advice is to prioritize safety, invest in
ongoing training for your workforce, and foster strong relationships
with clients and suppliers. You should also embrace technology for
efficient project management, maintain financial resilience through
contingency planning, and remain adaptable and responsive to the market.
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