Roofing the way to community

By Jesse Sanchez.

How a team effort gave a Lake Oswego woman a new roof.

When a desperate phone call reached Stephanie Baird, the general manager of Bliss Roofing, she knew something had to be done. The call came from a woman seeking help for her friend, Lorna, a retiree living on a fixed income, whose roof was in such disrepair that daylight peeked through gaping holes. Government aid had fallen through, and time was running out.

That’s when Stephanie, a 31-year veteran of the roofing industry and a founding member of the Oregon Council of National Women in Roofing (NWIR), decided to mobilize her network. What followed was a remarkable example of industry collaboration and generosity, proving that when businesses set aside competition, communities thrive.

“She had called a couple of times. I wasn't really sure if I was going to be able to make anything happen,” Stephanie admitted. “I don't think this is really something that we can take on, but I'm getting ready to go to an association Christmas dinner. Let me reach out to other industry associates and let's see if we can make this happen.”

It didn’t take long for the project to gain momentum. With leftover shingles from a previous NWIR job, a donation from CertainTeed was secured. Malarkey Roofing Products stepped in to provide underlayment, while other industry partners — SRS Distribution, ABC Supply and Pacific West Roofing — pitched in with materials, labor and additional support. “It wasn’t just one company — we all came together to make this happen,” said Rachel Garcia, chair of the Oregon Council of National Women in Roofing and a representative from Malarkey. By the time the final piece of flashing was installed, six different companies had worked together to provide Lorna with a brand-new, fully funded roof.

The actual installation, however, was anything but simple. What initially seemed like a standard roof replacement turned into a grueling four-day endeavor. The original roof was rotting, with layers of cedar shakes and shingles beneath it. “It was a nightmare,” Stephanie recalled. “There was vegetation growing from her cedar. It was literally falling apart around her. It was probably one of the worst jobs I’ve ever walked on.”

Despite the challenges, the sense of fulfillment far outweighed the effort. Lorna’s emotional reaction — hugging every person on-site, including the news crew that covered the story — demonstrated the impact of the project. “It was just heartwarming,” Stephanie said. “It was cute. She made the video. She made the article. She made it, literally when I watched it. That made it right there.”

The project also highlighted a larger movement within the roofing industry: the importance of cause marketing and community engagement. According to Stephanie, companies that prioritize giving back see tangible returns — not just in goodwill, but in business growth. She said, “As soon as the article ran, within 15 minutes, we had people calling. Looking to get an estimate for a roof because she was so cute.”  

For companies or individuals looking to start their own community outreach efforts, Stephanie advises reaching out to local home building associations or organizations like NWIR. “I think going to your local home building association is usually the best part.” she said. “I have been kind of the ringleader for the group on the community outreach. And so I just put it out there. They just don't always want to be the ringleader of it. And so here's what I got. Here's the project. Here's my list of items that I need and people sign up for it. It’s kind of amazing.”

Join the movement to give back by partnering with organizations like NWIR or your local home building association to help those in need!