Roofer profile: Elliot Emann – Washington Roofing and Construction

By DaVinci Roofscapes.

An interview with DaVinci Project of the Year winner Elliot Emann of Washington Roofing and Construction.

If you’d asked Elliot Emann as a teenager what his career would be, he would have pointed straight down the road – literally. Starting at just 15 years old, he was following in his father’s footsteps in heavy highway construction. Life changed though when he got married and had a child. He began feeling like he was seeing more asphalt than he was of his own family.

At the same time, a friend told him he’d be a natural in the roofing business. It took awhile, but he took the leap. Just four years later Elliot and his wife Anne launched Washington Roofing & Construction in Labadie, Missouri. In only two short years, they’ve watched it grow faster than they could ever imagine. From long days paving highways to leading a rapidly expanding company side-by-side with his partner in life and business, Elliot’s journey has been wild, humbling and insanely rewarding.

Elliot, what’s the best part of working in roofing for you?

It’s watching the whole project come to life — seeing weeks of planning, coordinating and problem-solving finally take shape right in front of me. There’s something satisfying about that moment when all the moving pieces lock into place and the roof looks exactly how we envisioned it.

But the real payoff? The customer’s reaction. That first look when they step outside, see the finished product and you can literally watch the relief and excitement hit them. Knowing we delivered not just a roof, but peace of mind — that’s the part that gets me every time.

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

We recommend DaVinci because it combines the elegance of premium roofing, the strength of advanced composites and a level of reliability that sets it apart in the industry. For homeowners seeking beauty, performance and long-term value, it’s one of the best roofing investments available today.

When selling DaVinci products to a new customer, what are the top features and benefits that impress them the most?

New customers respond most to the beauty, durability and low maintenance — the three pillars that make DaVinci one of the most compelling premium roofing options on the market. Homeowners are immediately drawn to how realistic DaVinci products look. The textures, shadowing and color blends replicate natural slate and cedar so closely that most people can’t tell the difference, even up close.

Customers react strongly to DaVinci’s performance ratings — Class 4 impact resistance, Class A fire rating and high wind ratings. In regions with hail, harsh winters or intense summer heat, these numbers matter. And then, when our customers learn that DaVinci doesn’t split, warp or absorb water — and that color fading is minimal — they quickly understand the long-term savings. Plus, the lifetime limited material warranty reinforces that they’re making a lasting investment.

How have DaVinci products helped increase sales for Washington Roofing and Construction?

DaVinci has helped increase our sales by offering a premium product that boosts project value, strengthens our reputation, generates referrals and satisfies homeowners who want beauty, durability and peace of mind. It's not just a roofing option — it’s a strategic growth driver for our company.

What made you think that the A-frame-style Unnerstall home in Missouri would be a winning candidate for the DaVinci Masterpiece Contractor Project of the Year Award?

We believed this project deserved consideration because it combined architectural complexity, a stunning aesthetic outcome and a perfect alignment between DaVinci’s strengths and the homeowner’s vision — resulting in a roof that is both a technical achievement and a visual showpiece.

Elliot, can you identify one structure in the United States that you’d really love the chance to re-roof and tell us why?

Easy – the White House. Not just because it’s one of the most iconic buildings in the world, but because it represents American craftsmanship, history and pride all in one place.

Imagine being part of the crew responsible for protecting a landmark that’s stood through wars, presidencies, national celebrations and every imaginable storm. The level of detail, precision and coordination required would be unmatched—and I’m all about a challenge that pushes you to operate at your absolute best.

Plus, how many people can say, “Yeah, I installed the roof over the Oval Office” – that’s a bragging right that would never get old

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

I’d dive into architecture. I’ve always been drawn to the way great buildings blend creativity, engineering and purpose. Roofing gives me an appreciation for the bones of a structure — but architecture lets you shape the entire vision from the ground up.

The idea of sketching out designs, solving structural puzzles and bringing something totally new into the world? That would scratch the same itch I get from watching a roof project come together — just on a much bigger canvas. Architecture feels like the perfect mix of art, science and hands-on creativity… and that’s exactly the kind of challenge I thrive on.

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

I’d choose an organization dedicated to helping children, especially those facing tough circumstances they never asked for. Kids are the most vulnerable among us, and the situations they’re born into can shape the rest of their lives.

Whether it’s providing safe housing, access to education, quality healthcare or simply giving them a support system they can rely on, investing in children creates a ripple effect that lasts for generations. Helping a child isn’t just changing one life — it’s changing every chapter that comes after.

For me, there’s nothing more meaningful than giving kids the chance to grow, dream and succeed, no matter where they started.