Putting a Lid on Storm Damage
Braving the Elements: Storm-Tested, Client Approved
When a Category 5 hurricane slammed into Southwest Florida, Norm Dopfer didn’t panic; he paid attention. “We had so many customers calling in and coming into our office saying they had zero damage to their shingle roof, or only a couple of ridge caps missing,” says Norm Dopfer, President and CEO of Roman Roofing.
“I was just thoroughly impressed.” It was a defining moment for the company he founded in 2015, proof that investing in the right products, training, and service standards pays off when it matters most. What began as a small residential operation has since grown into one of the top roofing companies in the U.S., driven by data, innovation, and what Dopfer proudly calls “white-glove service.”
Weathering Markets, Strengthening Foundations
Over the years, the company’s dedication to doing things the right way—not the easy way—has earned it national attention. Roman Roofing was ranked No. 152 on the Inc. 500 list in 2019, a remarkable feat that recognized it as one of the fastest-growing private companies in the nation. Since then, it has been named an Inc. 5000 honoree five times and, in 2023, achieved the distinction of being the 39th top roofing company in the United States by revenue, solidifying its place among the industry’s elite.
While Roman Roofing’s early years were centered on residential roofing, Dopfer and his leadership team quickly identified gaps and opportunities within the broader construction ecosystem. “We’re always evolving,” Dopfer notes. “If something makes sense, we move toward it. If it doesn’t, we pivot.”
Today, the company operates across several integrated departments: residential, commercial, and service. Each is built to meet the unique demands of Florida’s weather-beaten property market, offering scalable solutions that range from single-family roof repairs to large-scale commercial builds and ongoing service programs. This strategic diversification has allowed Roman Roofing to maintain stability through market fluctuations while continuing to serve a growing base of loyal clients.
Storm-Ready and Service-Oriented
Over the past two years, Roman Roofing has significantly expanded both its commercial and service departments. For the team, the emphasis on service is as much about practical strategy as it is about community responsibility.
“Living in Southwest Florida means constant rainfall and a storm cycle. We wanted to give homeowners an option for small repairs before they’re ready for a full roof replacement,” he explains. The service department now handles everything from inspections and minor repairs to preventative maintenance, building trust and long-term relationships along the way.
On the commercial side, the company is experiencing “tremendous growth,” especially in the multifamily and large-scale development sectors. Roman Roofing is increasingly partnering with reputable builders and developers, working on projects that span from airports to high-rises across the state—and even beyond.
“We’ve been fortunate to land some large commercial and multi-family projects. We even have a couple government projects at the federal and state levels,” says Dopfer. “Partnering with large developers that build for their portfolios is a safer investment. These companies are unaffected by the normal Highs and Lows in the real estate cycles.”
Investing in People First
While many roofing contractors struggle with the ongoing skilled labor shortage, Roman Roofing has sidestepped the worst of it by building from within. “Early on, I saw the chaos and turnover at other companies,” Dopfer recalls. “We committed to training.”
That commitment has paid off. Some crews have been with the company since its inception. Many started green and have grown through extensive training supported by Roman Roofing’s key partners, including GAF, ABC Supply, and others. Training extends beyond installation to encompass communication skills and business knowledge, ensuring a professional experience from initial contact to project completion.
“We like to look at ourselves as a white-glove service roofing company,” Dopfer says proudly. “Roofing isn’t just a commodity. We love what we do, and we want our customers to feel that at every touchpoint.”
A Reputation Earned, Not Bought
Much of Roman Roofing’s growth has been driven by word of mouth rather than large-scale marketing expenditures. The company’s reputation is its greatest asset and its most significant responsibility.
“We’ve never had huge marketing budgets,” Dopfer says. “Our customers refer to us because we do what we say we’ll do. And with every new referral comes higher expectations.”
These expectations fuel a culture of excellence. Roman Roofing sees every job as a chance to exceed what was promised. Even minor jobs, like a recent case where an estimator identified a non-roof leak using a thermal camera, are opportunities to build goodwill. The grateful client left five glowing reviews and has already referred new business to Roman Roofing.
“We’d rather be busy keeping people happy than sitting back and hoping the market turns in our favor,” Dopfer adds.
Data-Driven Decisions, Human-Centered Leadership
A key turning point in the company’s evolution came when Dopfer’s brother joined as Chief Operating Officer. With a military background and an eye for detail, he introduced a data-centric approach to operations, tracking everything from lead conversion rates to appointment set ratios.
“That was a big shift,” Dopfer admits. “When you’re working in the business every day, it’s hard to work on the business.”
With a formal executive team in place, Roman Roofing can now do just that. The team utilizes data and AI to evaluate performance and forecast growth, enabling Dopfer to make informed strategic decisions without being bogged down in day-to-day logistics.
“It’s made a huge difference,” he says. “It’s not just about saving money—it’s about saving energy, reducing stress, and spending more time with my family.”
Technology at Every Touchpoint
Technology has reshaped the roofing industry, and Roman Roofing has leveraged this shift. From drones and thermal imaging to advanced CRM systems and AI-powered analytics, every facet of the business is now underpinned by modern tools.
“We’re using large-scale drones for pressure washing, thermal cameras to assess moisture levels, and digital tools to eliminate the need for dangerous climbs,” says Dopfer. “It’s about safety, professionalism, and delivering better outcomes.”
Technology also helps Roman Roofing stay ahead in product innovation. The company has invested heavily in GAF’s Timberline Solar shingles, an integrated solution that eliminates many of the headaches associated with traditional solar installations.
“It’s one warranty, one installer, and one system,” Dopfer explains. “We’ve had a lot of customers who were burned when their solar company went bankrupt. Now we can offer something reliable, energy-efficient, and built to last.”
Strength from the Inside Out
While products and processes remain vital, Roman Roofing places equal importance on infrastructure and team development. The company’s executive structure gives department heads autonomy while fostering mentorship and growth. Rather than hiring externally for leadership roles, Roman Roofing develops its talent from within, cultivating a culture of loyalty, opportunity, and continuous improvement.
“We want our people to know there’s room to grow. They’re not stuck in one position,” Dopfer says. “That’s been a huge morale booster.”
These internal investments also create consistency for customers. Familiar faces and long-term staff contribute to a reliable and trustworthy brand.
Engineered for Extremes
Southwest Florida is no stranger to hurricanes, and Roman Roofing vividly recalls a pivotal moment when the company’s reputation faced its ultimate stress test. “We took a direct hit from a Category 5 hurricane,” he says. “I was worried about all our shingle roofs.” With winds reaching up to 170 miles per hour and the eye of the storm passing directly over some of their completed projects, the concern was more than justified. For a company built on trust and long-term client relationships, the stakes were incredibly high, not just for the integrity of the roofs themselves, but for the confidence Roman Roofing had worked so hard to earn.
But when the storm passed, the results spoke volumes. Thanks to Roman Roofing’s long-standing partnership with GAF and their use of the company’s HDZ shingle—a product engineered with unlimited wind-speed warranties—the damage across installations was minimal to none. “We had customers calling in amazed that they had no damage or only a couple of ridge caps missing,” Dopfer says. “It was a proud moment.”
For the Roman Roofing team, it was more than just proof of product performance; it was validation of years of careful planning, professional installation, and a commitment to using only high-quality materials. That experience not only reinforced Roman Roofing’s approach but also further strengthened client trust, demonstrating that the company’s promises don’t just sound good on paper; they hold up in real-world conditions, such as a hurricane.
Focused on the Future
Looking ahead, Roman Roofing remains focused on the fundamentals: customer service, innovation, and leadership.
“There are a lot of new roofers and a lot of private equity coming into this space,” he says. “But no matter what changes, we’re going to keep doing what we do best, treating people right and staying adaptable.”
Future plans include expanding the solar department, enhancing vendor relationships through API integrations, and fine-tuning every aspect of customer interaction using AI. The goal is simple: maintain Roman Roofing’s position as Southwest Florida’s premier residential and commercial roofing provider.
“We’re the residential leader here in terms of volume and reputation,” Dopfer says. “We plan to keep it that way.”
AT A GLANCE
Who: Roman Roofing
What: An A+ BBB-rated exterior remodeling company specializing in residential and commercial roofing, solar installations, storm damage repair, and gutters.
Where: Cape Coral, Florida, servicing the Southwest Florida region.
Website: www.romanroofing.com
