Stepping up to the challenge

By Emma Peterson. 

This roofing company gave a member of their community the best Christmas present she could’ve asked for; a long awaited reroof. 

David Barnett of Barnett Roofing knew as soon as he heard Lois’ story that he wanted to help. Lois, a widow in Knoxville, Tennessee was looking for a new roof — six months ago. She had been in contact with a supposed roofing contractor, however, she explained to Wate TV that, “He said he would start the following week. But he never came back that week. It wasn’t until I heard from him again on Memorial Day that he said he needed an additional $500 for the dumpster.” That was on top of the two-thirds of the almost $10,000 contract Lois had already paid. 

Luckily for her, David heard her story and wanted to put her mind at ease. And it wasn’t just Barnett Roofing that stepped up to the challenge, David explained, “We heard about that on the news through your program. We’ve called all our manufacturers and reps; they’re all kicking in – different suppliers in town are kicking in supplies. We’re kicking in leadership and labor. Everyone will get paid like usual.”  

His 10-member crew worked from dawn to dusk to make sure that she got the long-awaited roof. Lois was incredibly grateful, “I love it, it is absolutely wonderful. I can’t believe it. It has made my day. It just totally has made my day.” Not only did the crew want to get the roof on efficiently, they made sure that the job was done with care. Project manager Ron Schwanke explained a bit of their process, “We tore it right down to the roof deck. We replaced a total of 11 sheets so far. We put an ice and water barrier on the eaves.”  

With her new roof, Lois no longer has to worry about the safety of her home. She couldn’t contain her gratitude, “It is just absolutely wonderful. From the bottom of my heart, I can’t thank them enough. It is the best Christmas present I’ve ever had I think.” 

Photo source: Wate TV