by Kathy Tretter
“People are in rough patches right now.”
So says Brian Hellberg, owner of Armored Roofing, a homegrown Spencer County business that wants to give back to the community.
Hellberg spent 20 years in the roofing industry before striking out on his own. A resident of Richland, many of those years were spent on massive projects, often with a historic preservation focus on churches, universities and similar projects.
Just over two years ago he founded Armored Roofing, bringing all his contracting experience to his newly adopted community and county.
Hellberg has found his people and his purpose in Spencer County and possesses a strong desire to give back by using his training, skills and connections to help his neighbors.
Knowing that economic hardships abound, he gave it a lot of thought and decided to launch a new community initiative he is calling the “Your Local Roof Hero”. He explains, “The purpose of this program is simple: To assist homeowners in Spencer County who may be facing financial hardship or difficult circumstances and are in need of minor roofing repairs. We are offering volunteer labor and assistance at no cost for qualifying situations, with the goal of helping protect homes and families in our local community.”
This is how it works: People can nominate a family member, friends, neighbor or themselves.
Know a senior citizen with shingles that are flapping? Nominate him.
See a mom struggling to make ends meet whose roof is leaking?
Nominate her.
He does not have set criteria and will make determinations on a case by case basis, not just for one household but for each nominee.
It’s simple to nominate someone (and that someone can be you). Visit https://www.roofarmory.com/community-commitment and hit the button labeled “Submit Nomination”, which takes you directly to the online contact form. The bottom of contact form will have a check box to click and mark if it is a request for the community Roof Repair Hero so they know the intent of the requestor.
“I’ve seen a strong need,” Hellberg says, which was what prompted him to create this program in the first place.
In addition to shingle replacement, roof repairs will include sealing of any roof penetrations, and also repair of deteriorated pipe flashings. Hellberg explains, “This way it does not just limit our residents to shingles alone since these are also small issues that can cause extensive damage if not maintained.”
He continued, “As a locally owned company, I believe small businesses have a responsibility to give back in meaningful ways. This program was created as a way to serve our neighbors directly and make a tangible difference where it’s needed most.”
He explained his company will front the cost of materials and labor. He knows roofing and realizes this is an area in which he can provide the most benefit. He is not restricting the number of beneficiaries by setting limits. “As of now I want to help as many families as I can,” he notes.
Hellberg notes it’s not unusual after a major storm for roofing companies from out of the area to descend on the community and then skedaddle just as quickly. Some are fly by nights that may take advantage.
“My family lives here. My kids go to school here [a son at South Spencer High School and daughter at Luce Elementary].” He adds, “As a proud member of the Spencer County Chamber of Commerce, I believe strongly in supporting the community that supports local businesses.”
If you know someone who could use some help with a roofing problem or you yourself are in need, reach out by phone or email.
Visit his Facebook page (facebook.com/RoofArmory), his website (www.roofarmory.com) or give him a call (812-646-5483) to nominate someone who could use the help.
Featured Image: Brian Hellberg, owner of Armored Roofing, stands by his work Truck.
Hellberg gets to work high above ground level.
