Roofer profile: Adam Galis – Burns & Scalo

By DaVinci Roofscapes.

A roofing award 70 years in the making.

For 70 years Burns & Scalo has played a significant role in commercial and residential roofing throughout the Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania area. In 2025 their outstanding work reroofing the historic 1897 brick Administration Building at Mt. Aloysius College in Cresson, Pennsylvania with a DaVinci® Single-Width Slate roof earned them a DaVinci Masterpiece Contractor Project of the Year Award.

The roofing project was such a success for the college, that Burns & Scalo has already been awarded a second project in 2026. This time they’ll replace old roofing on the huge campus Chapel with DaVinci composite slate to match the administration building. Leading the way on both projects is Adam Galis, vice president at Burns & Scalo.

Adam, how did you get started in the roofing business?

Actually, it was when Burns & Scalo recruited me. At the time, I wasn’t actively looking to move into roofing, but the opportunity to work with a company that’s known for its innovation, professionalism and long-term vision really pulled me in. From day one, I was surrounded by people who take a lot of pride in doing things the right way, and that made it easy to dive in and learn quickly. It’s been a great fit, and being here today receiving this Project of the Year Award from DaVinci® Roofscapes really reinforces that I landed in the right place.

What’s the best part of a roofing job for you? 

My favorite part is watching our team execute. Seeing our crews, project managers and partners take a complex job and deliver it at a high level and perform it safely is what makes me proud of the work we do.

When selling DaVinci products to a new customer, what are the top three features and benefits they react to best?

The realistic look, durability and lightweight aspect of the tile compared to natural slate.

What makes your company recommend DaVinci products over competitive composite roofing products? 

The DaVinci Roofscapes product consistently delivers on the things that matter most to our customers and our team. The quality, durability and long-term performance are proven, and the aesthetics are unmatched. DaVinci gives clients the look they want without sacrificing reliability.

How have DaVinci products helped increase sales for your company? 

DaVinci products have had a real impact on our sales because they allow us to offer clients a premium, durable and visually striking option that stands out in the market. The realism of the materials and the variety of styles make it easier for customers to choose our solutions over competitors, particularly in the high-end residential and specialty segments.

What made you think that this particular project at Mt. Aloysius College would be a winning candidate for the DaVinci Masterpiece Contractor Project of the Year Award? 

The design and complexity of the building, along with its historic architecture, was such that the DaVinci slate dramatically elevates the aesthetics of the building. A winning entry is defined as providing “Outstanding Visual Impact” and we think that is exactly what this project has accomplished.

Let’s have some fun. Identify one structure in the United States that you’d really love the chance to re-roof and tell us why. 

If I had the chance to re-roof one structure, it would be The White House. It’s an icon of our country and a building with immense historical and cultural significance.

If you absolutely had to change professions tomorrow, what do you think you’d do? 

This is a really challenging question to answer considering I love what I do and the company I work for. However, if I had to choose, I think owning a craft brewery would be really cool. Or possibly owning a hockey rink, since I’ve played hockey my entire life and still play today along with coaching my sons’ team.

Finally, Adam if someone gave you $5 million and said you had to give it to a single charity today, which charity would you pick and why?

That’s easy. The Make a Wish® organization for children. I think being able to contribute to something that grants wishes and provides incredible experiences for kids with critical illnesses is awesome.