By Emma Peterson. 

How a focus on communication and teamwork has helped this family business grow and thrive for over a century.  

This month, we want to highlight Sutter Roofing as our May 2026 Roofer of the Month. Founded over 120 years ago, Sutter Roofing is one of the oldest and largest roofing and sheet metal contractors in Florida. And over all that time they have remained a family-owned operation, seeing generation after generation continue the legacy. To learn more about Sutter Roofing and how they have achieved long-lasting operational excellence while maintaining strong customer relationships, we brought Sutter’s VP of Service and Maintenance, Michael Black, and their Liquid Applied Service Manager, Aaron Vento, on for an episode of the Roofer of the Month podcast. 

Sutter Roofing’s story actually started in Clocksburg, West Virginia. As Michael explained, “We’re a fifth-generation family-owned business. We’ve been in business since 1902, originally from Clocksburg, West Virginia. We are coming up on our 47th year here in the state of Florida and are one of the largest commercial roofing contractors in the area with around 300 employees and about 60-80 admin people.”  

Their services cover everything that could be needed for a commercial roof – from medical projects to the new USF Bowl Stadium being built in Tampa. They also have a robust service department that boasts 34 crews. Michael shared, “We specialize in going out and dedicating our crews and services to each of our customers. We don't use subcontractors that often, only when we have to. And we try to listen to what our customers say, listen to what their wants are and then execute on what they need to get done.” 

Internally, this culture of individual care continues. Aaron explained:  

After every project, our teams go get lunch together and we go over the pros and cons of the project that was just finished. And not a lot of crews get the opportunity to sit down and reflect like that. But I think it’s big for camaraderie as well as giving everybody buy-in to the project and accountability...And that’s just one example of the team culture we have a Sutter. You can be the newest guy here; it doesn't matter. If you have an idea, let's all talk about it. 

Michael added, “It’s all about communication. Internally and with clients...We always talk and we're always brainstorming on what we can do next, how we can do better. The ultimate goal is customer service here at Sutter Roofing. And you can't have that unless you have excellent communication, both externally and internally.”  

Learn more about Sutter Roofing by listening to the whole podcast with Aaron and Michael.

By The Coffee Shops™. 

Sutter Roofing won a top coatings award for its Van Wezel project, highlighting the value of coatings in restoring and protecting iconic structures against extreme weather conditions. 

Sutter Roofing has been recognized for excellence in roof restoration, earning first place in the 2026 Commercial Roof Coating Category by Coatings Pro Magazine for its work on the iconic Van Wezel Performing Arts Center. The award-winning project, featured in the publication’s July 2025 issue, showcases the company’s expertise in delivering durable, high-performance coating systems under challenging conditions. 

Selected as one of three finalists nationwide at the AMPP Annual Conference & Expo, the project reflects Sutter Roofing’s commitment to quality and precision from start to finish. Sutter Roofing’s Liquid-Applied Division was tasked with revitalizing the well-known cultural landmark, a project that required both technical precision and aesthetic consideration. 

Completed in late 2024, the work took place during an especially demanding period marked by multiple hurricanes over a four-month period. Despite weather disruptions and logistical challenges, the team maintained progress and delivered a high-quality result. The ability to execute under pressure demonstrated the company’s commitment to consistency, problem-solving and craftsmanship. 

According to Sutter Roofing, the project emphasized that roof coatings are about more than application alone; performance, longevity and asset protection were central to the system design and execution. From thorough surface preparation to final inspection, crews followed a disciplined process to ensure the coating system would stand up to harsh environmental conditions. 

The Van Wezel project also illustrates the growing role of liquid-applied roofing systems in commercial applications. By extending roof life and enhancing durability, coatings continue to provide building owners with cost-effective alternatives to full replacement. 

This recognition highlights the strength of Sutter Roofing’s field teams and reinforces the importance of execution in achieving long-term performance. For contractors across the industry, the project serves as a strong example of how expertise and resilience can deliver award-winning results. 

Learn more about Sutter Roofing and their award-winning approach to roof coating design!

By Jesse Sanchez.

Learn how a 24-year-old roof was revitalized, overcoming storms and steep challenges with skill and innovation.

Restoring a roof isn’t just about protecting a building — it’s about preserving history and meeting challenges head-on. That’s precisely what was accomplished with the recent restoration of the 24-year-old Sarnafil PVC roof at the Van Wezel Performing Arts Hall in Sarasota, Florida. For Aaron Vento, fluid applied roofing division manager at Sutter Roofing, this project was more than just another job — it was personal. “I was part of the original crew that installed this roof with another company 24 years ago,” he reflected. “It was a unique experience to return and restore it.” The restoration was a collaborative effort, with Sutter Roofing leading the project and Gaco providing the advanced coatings that brought the roof back to life.

The scope of the restoration was substantial. The project included both steep and low-slope roof sections, totaling over 45,000 square feet. The steep slope, covering 30,500 square feet with a challenging 7:12 pitch, required Gaco’s custom-color A47 acrylic coating for a seamless finish. Meanwhile, the 15,350-square-foot low-slope sections received Gaco’s bright white S4200 silicone, ensuring enhanced durability and energy efficiency for decades to come.

The elemental challenges faced were just as significant as the hard work itself. The team battled through a tropical storm and two hurricanes during the project timeline but managed to complete the restoration two weeks ahead of schedule. Their adaptability and dedication showcased not only technical expertise but a commitment to delivering excellence under pressure.

Every step of the process was meticulously planned and executed. Crews began by pressure washing all surfaces, repairing voids and punctures in the existing single-ply membrane and applying advanced coatings tailored to each roof section. These efforts culminated in a 10-year full Labor and Material Warranty, offering long-term protection and peace of mind.

This restoration wasn’t just about aesthetics — it extended the life of the roof and provided a durable solution for the years ahead.

Have a closer look at how this large-scale restoration project came together — including the challenges faced and the remarkable transformation!