This recognition reflects far more than just a vote of confidence; it validates a clear and intentional path of growth.

Auburn-based and family owned Guardian Roofing, Gutters & Insulation is proud to announce its recognition as a Gold Award Winner for Gutters in the 2025 Best in the PNW, as conducted by The Seattle Times. This award underscores the company’s continued commitment to excellence, customer satisfaction and community trust across the Pacific Northwest.

“We are deeply honored to be selected by our community in the Best in the PNW,” said Mat Rzucidlo, president of Guardian Roofing, Gutters & Insulation. “This win is a tribute to our team’s dedication and the loyal support of our customers. We strive every day to deliver best-in-class service, and this recognition motivates us to push even harder.”

The Gold Award for Gutters comes at a pivotal moment for Guardian, following its strategic expansion into K-Guard gutters, a seamless, clog-free system designed to combine superior functionality with curb appeal. The decision to add K-Guard to Guardian’s service portfolio was intentional — part of a long-term strategy to elevate the company’s offerings and meet the growing needs of homeowners seeking reliable, maintenance-free gutter solutions. By integrating K-Guard, Guardian not only expanded its services but also positioned itself as a market leader in the gutter industry, demonstrating foresight and innovation in a highly competitive home services market.

Best in the PNW, now in its third year, celebrates what makes the Pacific Northwest unique and exceptional. More than 10,000 businesses, organizations and individuals competed across nearly 300 categories in 2025, with over 944,000 votes cast and more than 359,000 ballots submitted by over 216,000 people. The program highlights the businesses and people locals love and trust.

For Guardian, this recognition reflects far more than just a vote of confidence; it validates a clear and intentional path of growth. With the addition of K-Guard gutters, Guardian has expanded its reputation beyond roofing into a full-service provider for roofing, gutters, attic insulation and more. This evolution shows that Guardian didn’t just stumble into becoming “the best” — the company set out to raise the bar in gutter services and achieved it through innovation, craftsmanship and customer-first service.

As Guardian grows, it remains committed to the values that have defined the company since its founding: investing in its workforce, prioritizing community involvement and delivering the highest quality solutions to homeowners across Washington and Oregon.

About Guardian Roofing, Gutters & Insulation

Founded in 2005, Guardian Roofing, LLC is an award-winning professional roofing contractor in the Portland and Seattle markets serving Washington state counties of King, Pierce, Snohomish, Kitsap, Clark and Thurston; and now Oregon counties of Marion, Washington, Multnomah, Clackamas and Yamhill, as well.

Founders Lori and Matt Swanson have more than 60 years of combined roofing experience and employ a team of more than 100 skilled and professionally certified craftsmen who assist customers with their roof, gutter, attic, masonry and skylight needs. In 2024, Guardian Roofing, Gutters & Insulation, an A+-rated company by the Better Business Bureau, was named as a top 100 Roofing Contractor in the U.S. by Roofing Contractors Magazine. The family-owned company was also recognized in 2022 as one of the fastest-growing private companies by the Puget Sound Business Journal. For more information, visit www.GuardianHome.com. Licenses: WA UBI 604-059-205 | FEIN #81-4469822

Every Washington State-based Guardian team member played a part in the planning and execution of the complete roof replacement for the Moore’s

When Guardian Roofing, Gutters & Insulation named Fred and Rebecca Moore of Lake Stevens as the 2025 recipients of their annual HALO Project, it sparked more than just community pride - it ignited a company-wide movement of compassion, collaboration and purpose.

Every single Washington State-based Guardian team member, from field crews to office staff, played a part in the planning and execution of the complete roof replacement for the Moore’s, making the initiative a true labor of love and a cornerstone of the company’s culture. This annual project, now in its seventh year, isn’t just about replacing roofs - it’s about lifting spirits both inside and outside the company.

“At Guardian, the HALO Project has become something we all look forward to,” said Lori Swanson, owner of Guardian Roofing, Gutters & Insulation. “It brings out the very best in our team. We don’t just give back - we grow stronger together. This project unites us around a common mission and reminds us why we do what we do.”

Fred Moore, a Vietnam veteran, retired pastor and active member of a local motorcycle ministry, and his wife Rebecca, a school bus driver and youth mentor, have spent their lives serving others. Though they never had biological children, they lovingly raised two daughters from their church community under a roof that is now dangerously deteriorated.

Despite Fred’s severe respiratory issues and Rebecca’s mobility challenges, they’ve tried to keep up with repairs - until the roof’s condition and their health made that impossible. When the Guardian team learned their story through a heartfelt nomination, there was no hesitation.

“Fred and Rebecca have spent their lives giving,” said Swanson. “They’ve cared for their community and built a family with faith, love and resilience. It’s our honor to come together as a company and make sure their home is safe and secure for the years ahead.”

Guardian’s HALO Project reflects the company’s deep commitment to creating real change. It also serves as a powerful internal morale booster, reminding employees that their work has purposes far beyond the job site.

“This isn’t just a one-day install,” said English Bryant, office & dealer finance manager at Guardian. “Every department is involved. From the first phone call to the final shingle, we’re all in. It’s truly one of the most inspiring, community-driven, impactful and uplifting things we do as a company.”

Support from valued industry partners - including Owens Corning, Sound Building Supply, Beacon Building Supply, Velux Skylights, Miles Resources and Service Partners - helped bring this project to life, allowing Guardian to continue its mission of restoring hope one roof at a time.

This year’s HALO Project was completed during National Roofing Week, reinforcing Guardian’s belief that roofing is more than just a trade - it’s a way to build stronger communities from the top down.

“We are hopeful that as our company grows, we will be able to continue helping even more families for many, many years to come,” concluded Swanson.

More about Guardian Home’s HALO Project and past winners:
https://www.guardianhome.com/guardian-roofing-halo-project

About Guardian Roofing, LLC

Guardian Roofing, LLC is an award-winning professional roofing contractor in the Seattle market, serving homeowners since 2005 in the counties of King, Pierce, Snohomish, Kitsap and Thurston. Founders Lori and Matt Swanson have more than 60 years of combined roofing experience and employ a team of more than 100 skilled and professionally certified craftsmen who assist customers with their roof, gutter, attic, masonry and skylight needs. Recognized in 2022 as one of the fastest-growing private companies by the Puget Sound Business Journal, Guardian is rated A+ by the Better Business Bureau and has been named a top 100 Roofing Contractor in the U.S. by Roofing Contractors Magazine. For more information, visit www.guardianroofing.com.

By Jenny Yu.  

Through the Halo Project, Guardian Roofing gives back to their community with free roof repairs and replacements for families in need. 

Since 2005, Guardian Roofing has provided the Pacific Northwest community with roof, gutter and insulation services. Every year, they give back to their community through the “Halo Project,” named in 2018.  

Through the Halo Project, Guardian Roofing gives a homeowner or family in need a new roofing system, free of charge. Last year, the Sorensen family in Lakewood, Washington, were the lucky recipients.  

Steven Sorensen, a military veteran, was a helicopter rescue pilot in the Vietnam War and now works as a TV repairman. His wife, Penney, is a seamstress. Though in his 80s, Steven would still get on their roof to try and stop recurring leaks. Their daughter nominated them for the Halo Project, and their whole community rallied behind them. 

Matt Swanson, owner of Guardian Roofing along with his wife Lori, told New Day Northwest, “Underneath the roof, the plywood that the roof was attached to was actually failing. So, no matter how hard Steve tried, he wasn’t going to be able to fix it. So we tore the roof off, put new shingles on and finished the project with a new set of K5 gutters. They should not have to worry about their roof from here on out.” 

Lori added, “It's such an honor to give back to a veteran for all their sacrifice and risking their life for us and our country. It was great.”  

Matt and Lori expanded Guardian Roofing into Wilsonville, Oregon, and plan on offering two Halo Projects, one in Washington and one in Oregon, in 2026.   

“It's just exciting because we can bring it to more people, and it's our first multi-state branch,” Lori said. “We know breaking ground in the new community gives us opportunities to give back to that community as well.” 

When asked what the Halo Project means to them, Lori shared, “Our job as roofing contractors is to keep people safe and dry. When that’s compromised, when your roof is failing, and you need help, and you don’t know where to go and you don’t have the means to do that, we’re bringing them such a sense of peace of mind and relieving that stress. It’s really special to be able to do that.”  

“We always talk about the recipient, but the true recipient is us,” Matt added. “And the neatest part of the program is watching how excited and fulfilled our team gets... It reminds our people how important what we do is. Because they get to go out, and they get to see somebody in need and they get to put a roof over their head. That's something that they'll always take with them.” 

Image source: New Day Northwest

By Emma Peterson.

Count down the top 10 articles published at The Coffee Shops™ in the last month!

In April we heard stories from all over the industry that inspired us, both for our next projects and for the power of our community. In an article by Coffee Shops writer Jesse Sanchez, we learned about how Central States Manufacturing is pushing the envelope far beyond just metal roofing with their new 3D building designer — a user-friendly digital tool that lets contractors, designers and even curious homeowners configure full metal structures online. We also heard from Guardian Roofing, Gutters & Insulation about protecting homes from heavy rain, mold and water damage this spring.

This month, our friends over at Owens Corning also announced the reaching of an industry-first shingle recycling milestone! This is the culmination of a 2022 initiative to manufacture recycled shingles and is the first commercial-scale trial of its kind to succeed. Gunner Smith, roofing president at Owens Corning, explained, “As a market leader, we take our responsibility to solve our industry’s biggest challenges and make the world a better place seriously and we remain committed to our shingle recycling aspiration.”

Continuing the theme of caring for our communities and world, readers loved Hannah Ford’s article about three deserving Michigan households that were gifted new roofs for free. The first story highlighted the efforts the Owens Corning Roof Deployment Program and Schoenherr Roofing to help two homeowners, Navy veteran Javion Hollins and former Detroit police officer Derrick Cannon. The second story features a Flushing, Michigan company, Guns NHoses Roofing, and the brand-new roof they donated to a family in a 132-year-old house. On a similar note, there was another heartwarming story out of Dover, Delaware that made our top article list for April. It highlights a collaboration between Roofs from the Heart (RFTH), GAF, Bank of America and G. Fedale Roofing and Siding to gift a community-member in need a new roof!

Check out all the top articles!

Five honorable mentions to read:

10 - Quality products, customer service and industry growth by Jesse Sanchez

9 - Building smarter: A revolution in metal construction by Jesse Sanchez

8 - Safety first: Managing crane operations near power lines on roofing sites by Cotney Consulting Group

7 - Roofs from the Heart provides full roof replacement to Dover resident with support from GAF and Bank of America

6 - A roof over their heads by Hannah Ford

And, what you’ve all been waiting for, the April Top 5 list!

5 - Owens Corning announces industry-first shingle recycling milestone

4 - The Coffee Shops welcome JobTread!

3 - Owens Corning Roofing celebrates Platinum Preferred Contractors’ service and success at its 20th Annual Platinum Conference

2 - Guardian Roofing, Gutters & Insulation shares the ideal seasons to install gutters in the Pacific Northwest

1 - Roofer profile: Tarren Kalapis, X-Factor Exteriors By Rocky Mountain Snow Guards

Protect your home from heavy rain, mold and water damage before it’s too late.

Spring in the Pacific Northwest marks the transition from the heavy rains of winter to the lighter showers of the warmer months — but that doesn’t mean the wet weather is gone. In fact, spring can still bring significant rainfall, and without proper drainage, homes are at risk of water damage. Guardian Roofing, Gutters & Insulation, the trusted name in roofing and home services throughout the Pacific Northwest, promotes that gutter installation during ideal seasons is crucial for protecting your roof, siding and foundation from the cumulative effects of constant moisture.

“Gutters help channel water away from your home, reducing the chances of leaks, erosion and even structural issues, The best time to install gutters in the Pacific Northwest is late spring to early fall (May – September). This period offers the most favorable weather conditions, with less rain and milder temperatures, making installation easier and more efficient.” says Guardian Co-Founder Lori Swanson.

Beyond protecting the physical structure of your home, gutters play an essential role in maintaining a healthy living environment. Excess moisture around the home can lead to mold growth, rot and mildew, especially in basements and crawl spaces. In the Pacific Northwest, where humidity and rainfall are high, these problems can escalate quickly. A proper gutter system helps prevent water from pooling near the foundation, which keeps indoor air quality higher and helps homeowners avoid costly repairs down the line.

Spring is also an ideal time to install gutters because the weather is more favorable for home improvement projects. With winter behind and summer storms still weeks away, contractors have more availability and conditions are safer for roof and exterior work. By acting early in the season, homeowners can ensure their gutters are in place and functioning before the next big rain hits—offering peace of mind and long-term protection for one of your most important investments.
Guardian shares some key timing considerations:

• Spring (May – June): A great time to install gutters after winter damage assessments and before the heavy summer growth of trees.
• Summer (July – August): Ideal for dry conditions, ensuring a smooth installation with minimal weather-related delays.
• Early fall (September): A last opportunity before the rainy season starts, helping to prepare for heavy autumn and winter rains.
• Late fall to early spring (October – April): Frequent rain and potential freezing temperatures can complicate installation, making it harder to secure and seal gutters properly.

If you need gutters replaced urgently, the professionals at Guardian Roofing, Gutters & Insulation can install them year-round, but scheduling in the drier months will lead to the best results.

About Guardian Roofing, LLC

Founded in 2005, Guardian Roofing, LLC is an award-winning professional roofing contractor in the Portland and Seattle markets serving Washington state counties of King, Pierce, Snohomish, Kitsap, Clark and Thurston; and now Oregon counties of Marion, Washington, Multnomah, Clackamas and Yamhill, as well.

Founders Lori and Matt Swanson have more than 60 years of combined roofing experience and employ a team of more than 100 skilled and professionally certified craftsmen who assist customers with their roof, gutter, attic, masonry and skylight needs. In 2024, Guardian Roofing, Gutters & Insulation, an A+-rated company by the Better Business Bureau, was named as a top 100 Roofing Contractor in the U.S. by Roofing Contractors Magazine. The family-owned company was also recognized in 2022 as one of the fastest-growing private companies by the Puget Sound Business Journal. For more information, visit www.GuardianHome.com.

Throughout the Pacific Northwest, Guardian Roofing uses their skills and resources to provide security and peace of mind for families and organizations in need.

Guardian Roofing, Gutters & Insulation, the trusted name in roofing and home services throughout the Pacific Northwest spent 2024 giving back to the community through an expanded scope of charitable giving to reflect the company’s growing commitment in supporting the local community and enhancing the lives of those in need.

In 2024, Guardian Roofing’s HALO Project celebrated six years of giving back to the community by honoring military family and Lakewood residents Steven Sorensen and his wife Penney, during Guardian’s signature annual community initiative that provides free roof repairs or replacements to deserving individuals and families in need. Through nominations and community support, the program helps ensure safe and secure homes while giving back to those who have faced significant challenges.

In April, The powerhouse women of Guardian Roofing, Gutters & Insulation partnered with the Seattle Chapter of National Women in Roofing and Rebuilding Together South Sound for the SHE BUILD  project, installing a brand-new roof for a woman in need. Guardian CEO Lori Swanson emphasized the collaboration's mission to provide safe and healthy homes while showcasing the strength of women working together. As an Owens Corning Platinum Preferred Contractor, Guardian Roofing, Gutters & Insulation utilized the Platinum Gives Back program to secure donated shingle products, completing the project with a full roof system upgrade.

In addition to the HALO project and SHE BUILD, Guardian will continue to support the community through the following organizations:

North Seattle Little League, a community-based youth baseball and softball organization dedicated to fostering skill development, teamwork and sportsmanship among players of all levels. Serving families in North Seattle, it provides a fun and supportive environment for children to learn and grow through America's favorite pastime.

Paint the Barn Pink in Seattle, a local breast cancer awareness campaign aimed at supporting patients, promoting early detection, and funding research. With community-driven events and striking pink displays, the initiative unites Seattle residents in the fight against breast cancer while fostering hope and solidarity.

Seattle’s Dog PAK Giveaway, a community-driven initiative focused on supporting dog owners and their furry friends through free resources and gear. By distributing items like leashes, toys and pet essentials, the program strengthens the bond between pet owners and their dogs while promoting responsible pet care in Seattle.

The Tacoma Athletic Commission’s Tribute to Champions, an annual event celebrating the achievements of local athletes, coaches and contributors to sports in the Tacoma-Pierce County area. This event highlights excellence in sportsmanship and community impact, honoring individuals who inspire through their dedication and success.

The Roofing Contractors Association of Washington’s Toys for Tots Drive, an annual effort to collect and distribute toys to children in need during the holiday season. By partnering with the Marine Corps Reserve, the association fosters community spirit and brings joy to families across Washington state.

National Women in Roofing (NWIR), a nonprofit organization dedicated to empowering and advancing women in the roofing industry through education, networking and mentorship. By fostering a supportive community, NWIR works to elevate women’s roles and contributions within the traditionally male-dominated field of roofing.

And Seattle Preparatory School, often referred to as Seattle Prep, is a private Jesuit high school located in Seattle, Washington. Founded in 1891, it is known for its rigorous academic programs and focus on forming students into leaders of service and character.

Knowing the goodwill starts at home, the leadership at Guardian Roofing, Gutters & Insulation have been keeping employees engaged with their Back-to-School September backpack drive as well as providing holiday hams for 19 years on Thanksgiving and Christmas.

"At Guardian Roofing, we believe in supporting our neighbors and building a stronger community," said Lori Swanson, founder of Guardian Roofing, Gutters & Insulation. “We’ve built our business on integrity and reliability, and we’re honored to be able to give back in a way that can make a lasting impact on our community. Throughout the Pacific Northwest, we’re using our skills and resources to provide security and peace of mind for families and organizations in need.”

About Guardian Roofing, LLC

Founded in 2005, Guardian Roofing, LLC is an award-winning professional roofing contractor in the Portland and Seattle markets serving Washington state counties of King, Pierce, Snohomish, Kitsap, Clark and Thurston; and now Oregon counties of Marion, Washington, Multnomah, Clackamas and Yamhill, as well.

Founders Lori and Matt Swanson have more than 60 years of combined roofing experience and employ a team of more than 100 skilled and professionally certified craftsmen who assist customers with their roof, gutter, attic, masonry and skylight needs. In 2024, Guardian Roofing, Gutters & Insulation, an A+-rated company by the Better Business Bureau, was named as a top 100 Roofing Contractor in the U.S. by Roofing Contractors Magazine. The family owned company was also recognized in 2022 as one of the fastest-growing private companies by the Puget Sound Business Journal. For more information, visit www.GuardianHome.com.

Guardian Roofing, Gutters & Insulation’s dedication to superior craftsmanship, reliability and sustainable practices stood out among a competitive pool of roofing contractors.

Guardian Roofing, Gutters & Insulation is proud to announce its recognition as the Best of Business Rate 2024 Roofing Contractor in Auburn, Washington. This prestigious honor underscores the company’s unwavering commitment to delivering exceptional quality, customer satisfaction and innovative roofing solutions to the Pacific Northwest.

Business Rate is an innovative platform designed to enhance how consumers and businesses utilize online reviews. Unlike traditional review aggregators, Business Rate prioritizes the 100 most recent reviews of a business, with special attention to those posted within the last 90 days. This approach ensures that rankings by category and location reflect the most accurate and up-to-date consumer experiences. By focusing on recent feedback, Business Rate empowers users to identify top-performing businesses with confidence, providing a clearer picture of current service quality and customer satisfaction.

“We are truly honored to receive this award,” said Lori Swanson, founder of Guardian Roofing, Gutters & Insulation. “This recognition is a testament to the hard work of our team, who go above and beyond to ensure our customers receive the best roofing solutions and an unparalleled experience. Our mission has always been to protect homes and families by providing roofs that stand the test of time.”

Guardian Roofing, Gutters & Insulation has built a strong reputation in the Pacific Northwest for its comprehensive range of services, including roof repair, replacement, inspection, maintenance and gutter solutions. The company prides itself on using high-quality materials and state-of-the-art techniques to meet the unique needs of each homeowner.

The Best of Business Rate 2024 award reinforces Guardian Roofing’s position as a leader in the roofing industry and reflects the trust and support of its loyal customers.

About Guardian Roofing, LLC

Founded in 2005, Guardian Roofing, LLC is an award-winning professional roofing contractor in the Portland and Seattle markets serving Washington state counties of King, Pierce, Snohomish, Kitsap, Clark and Thurston; and now Oregon counties of Marion, Washington, Multnomah, Clackamas and Yamhill, as well.

Founders Lori and Matt Swanson have more than 60 years of combined roofing experience and employ a team of more than 100 skilled and professionally certified craftsmen who assist customers with their roof, gutter, attic, masonry and skylight needs. In 2024, Guardian Roofing, Gutters & Insulation, an A+-rated company by the Better Business Bureau, was named as a top 100 Roofing Contractor in the U.S. by Roofing Contractors Magazine. The family-owned company was also recognized in 2022 as one of the fastest-growing private companies by the Puget Sound Business Journal. For more information, visit www.GuardianHome.com.

By Dani Sheehan. 

She Build provides critical repairs for women-headed households and women-focused community spaces to empower women to maintain safe and healthy homes, make a difference in their communities and build a supportive community network. 

On April 27, 2024, the National Women in Roofing (NWIR) Seattle Council got together with Rebuilding Together South Sound, Owens Corning, Beacon Building Products, Fields Roof Service and Guardian Roofing, Gutters and Insulation to provide a new roof for a local homeowner. The homeowner had inherited the home in 2018 from her mother who had lived there since 1981 – a single, senior woman of color unable to manage the roof concerns herself due to disabilities from a workplace injury. Thanks to the efforts of the above team, and coordination by Tracy Wendt from Beacon, this homeowner received a brand-new roof on She Build Day. We caught up with Tracy in a recent interview to learn more about the rainy-day endeavor and how NWIR is changing lives through their partnership with Rebuilding Together South Sound. 

In her everyday work at Beacon, Tracy supports the North Central region which includes Illinois, Indiana and Wisconsin, but she lives in Tacoma, Washington. She explained, “For me, being involved with the Seattle chapter of NWIR is really important. I spent a good ten years of my roofing career in the Pacific Northwest and, while I know the Beacon community here, understand the contractor base, and our customers, it’s not a region I support. Being involved in giving back helps tie me to the local community.” 

This year was her second year stepping in as lead for the project. Even though she doesn’t feel like the time commitment is particularly overwhelming, the payoff is immense. When she thinks about the importance of this project each year and what it means for women specifically in the construction industry, she immediately highlighted the network of women in NWIR and how amazing it is to talk to others with similar backgrounds. But above that, she added, “Working for a company who allows me to go do these things is really unique and it truly reflects the culture [at Beacon]. Beacon is championing women and encouraging me to participate, helping me solidify the female network within my community.” 

Despite the rain, the project went off without a hitch again this year. Currently working in a finance role, she really appreciates getting to be reminded of the operational process and how each company comes together to facilitate the installation. It gives the NWIR Seattle Chapter more exposure and time to come together, but mostly, it’s the joy she sees from the homeowner at the end. She shared, “Seeing the homeowner and their happiness about the community coming together and helping them. That’s the best part.” 

Annual contest contributes to the community by gifting a new roof to a deserving local family

Guardian Roofing, Gutters & Insulation, a family-owned business in Auburn, has for decades had a deep-rooted commitment to community and social responsibility. The pinnacle of their dedication materialized in 2018 with the launch of the Guardian HALO Project, an annual contest where deserving local families are nominated to receive a new roof or roof repair. The company has recently announced the opening of nominations for the 2024 Guardian HALO Project.

Lori Swanson, the owner of Guardian Roofing and Gutters, emphasizes their belief that with great blessings comes great responsibility. Given the support from their team, clients, and the community, they consider it an honor to use their unique business position to gift a new roof system to a local family facing financial challenges.

Swanson notes that a new roof system can range from $16,000 to $80,000, depending on factors like scale and materials used. Beyond the immediate improvement in quality of life, the long-term impact and value provided by a new roof make this program a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity.

The Guardian team, led internally, will select a local homeowner in dire need of major roof repair or replacement. The community is encouraged to nominate themselves or others through the Guardian website for a chance to receive this life-changing prize.

Over the past five years and five rounds of the Guardian Halo Project, Guardian Roofing & Gutters has generously awarded four new roofs to local families. Luke De Monnin, HALO Project Manager for Guardian Roofing, Gutters & Insulation expresses the profound connection the project fosters between the team and the community. From the selection process to project completion, the passion invested each year goes beyond providing a free roof — it marks the beginning of a lasting, close relationship with the recipient family and the entire community involved. The HALO Project remains a major highlight of their year, and they are excited to continue this impactful initiative in 2024.

For more information and to submit nominations, visit Guardian Roofing Halo Project. https://www.guardianhome.com/lp_pg/guardian-roofing-halo-project/

The meaning of HALO

“We believe it is important to understand the basis of this project to understand how deep its reach is,” says Swanson.  “Simply put, the ‘H’ stands for helping, this can include helping the community, families, or simply enriching others’ lives. ‘A’ stands for achieving a purpose and successfully filling a need. ‘L’ stands for lasting, not only a company that lasts but fostering lasting relationships as well. Finally, ‘O’ stands for overcome meaning completing people’s needs that resulted from outlying obstacles.”

Partner manufacturers, distributors, and industry professionals who contribute their services or products to the Guardian Halo Project include Owens Corning, Sound Building Supply, Beacon, Velux and more.

About Guardian Roofing, LLC

Guardian Roofing, LLC is an award-winning professional roofing contractor in the Seattle market, serving homeowners since 2005 in the counties of King, Pierce, Snohomish, Kitsap and Thurston. Founders Lori and Matt Swanson have more than 60 years of combined roofing experience and employ a team of more than 100 skilled and professionally certified craftsmen who assist customers with their roof, gutter, attic, masonry, and skylight needs. Recognized in 2022 as one of the fastest-growing private companies by the Puget Sound Business Journal, Guardian is rated A+ by the Better Business Bureau and has been named a top 100 Roofing Contractor in the U.S. by Roofing Contractors Magazine. For more information, visit www.GuardianHome.com

By Lauren White. 

The first-ever PNWIR event did not disappoint! 

Amidst power poses, product demos, networking opportunities and expert advice from industry professionals, the first-ever Pacific Northwest National Women in Roofing Day (PNWIR) was something else.  

The kickoff to PNWIR Day was a networking event and dinner. McKay Daniels, the CEO for the National Roofing Contractors Association (NRCA) joined us as a guest speaker to talk about the state of the industry, share info about CTE funding and chat with everyone who made it to this inaugural event. The networking and catching up continued after dinner with everyone looking forward to what the next day held. 

Greeted with a full breakfast buffet, coffee and tea, attendees found their seats to get the day started. RoofersCoffeeShop was happy to share a table with the Cool Roof Rating Council (CRRC). Three women from the CRRC journeyed north from Portland to be with us in Tukwila, Washington – Sarah Schneider, deputy director; Beth James-Bourgeois, program manager; Audrey McGarrell, project manager.  

It was a full day of amazing speakers, demos and topics. Lee Lipniskis, founder and CEO of Levello Construction, started off the day with her talk of “Leading Like a Lady.” After a quick outfit change from her regular black blazer to a sequin jacket, in order to be her authentic self, she shared her journey of deciding to start her own company. She talked about what it means to not only be your authentic self, “like a disco ball” today in her sequin jacket, but also what it means to be an authentic leader – innovative and creative, empowering others, self-motivated, self-knowledge, purpose, let go of control, love.  

Four elements of what she has identified are critical to leading like a lady are: 

1. Self-awareness – Be introspective with your core values, identity, emotions and motives 
2. Strong moral code – Create a process to consistently self-regulate between your core principles and the judgements you express 
3. Balanced processing – Objectively analyze the information from all angles before making a decision 
4. Relational transparency – Be open and honest in presenting your true self to  

Her parting message to everyone, “You have the capacity to become an authentic leader. It is a life-long process, but you have been sculpted by critical life events that lead to growth and greater authenticity.” 

Part of being an authentic leader and your authentic self is taking care of your own mental health and that of your crews. Mandy McIntyre, owner of Level Up Consultants, talked about mental health first aid and the crucial role it has in the roofing industry. According to Mandy,  

more construction workers die from suicide and overdoes each year than every workplace-related fatality combined. Mental health is the silent safety hazard; it takes more than a hard hat to keep a head safe.  

She has identified a mental health action plan for companies to implement:  

1. Leadership engagement – Create a culture of support 
2. Awareness – Recognize mental health as a safety and wellness initiative and have mental health toolbox talks, offer free screening tools and support employees’ efforts to get help and promote self-care. 
3. Communicate – Reduce the stigma. Don’t be afraid to bring up issues related to stress, depression, anxiety or suicide. It could be the difference between life and death just by talking to someone and listening to them. 
4. Education and support – Provide information about free screenings from Mental Health America, mental health first aid for roofing through Level Up Consultants, and having the 988 suicide and crisis lifeline number accessible. 

Then we got our hands dirty! Multiple rooms were set up with different products from KARNAK, and Viking Products Group for us to work with. 

After lunch, the rest of the day was filled with panels and financial advice. A male panel spoke about what it means to be an ally and an advocate for women in the roofing industry. That was followed by a women’s panel of powerhouse leaders in the PNW roofing industry – Wendy Marvin, owner of Matrix Home Solutions; Rae Fistonich, director of steep-slope operations of Chinook Building Envelope Services; Lori Swanson, owner of Guardian Roofing & Gutters; Kendall Ekerson, director of marketing and events of SA Roofing. Moderated by Brittany Wimbish, CEO of Fields Roof Service, the panel covered what it means to be a leader versus a boss, how hard it is to maintain work/life balance and the importance of finding balance and setting goals for yourself.  

“A leader versus a boss is we before me,” Wendy 

“Being a leader means you’re inspiring people to want to work with you,” Rae 

In a male-dominated industry, women often feel pressured to have to do it all and prove themselves day after day. This leads to burnout. No matter what industry you work in, work/life balance is vital for: your overall health, your mental health, the health of your company and the health of your employees.   

In terms of work/life balance, the panel had these nuggets to share:  

1. Work/life balance is different for everyone 
2. Define it for you and make that balance work for you 
3. A healthy mind is a healthy body 
4. Your mental health matters more than the company 

That being said, they brought up the concept of “garbage hours.” Meaning, if you don’t take the time you need for yourself, your output will be garbage. Make time for yourself and set goals for yourself, like you normally do for your business. Those goals could be leaving your work phone in your car at the end of your workday so your attention is on your family, taking a walk, scheduling a massage for yourself, eating lunch away from your desk or something else that benefits you and helps you fill your cup. 

After some raffle prizes (I won a tool set!) and final words, the day came to a close. Being a regional event, many people drove home, but a few of us were either flying or driving out the next day or lived close enough to stay and have dinner together. Picture this, business owners, contractors, distributors and manufacturers all based in the PNW sitting at the same table and literally breaking bread – no competition, no jealousy, just kindness, support and love for each other and the industry we call our own.  

As Lee put it, “Empowered women empower women.”