Up on the roof

Am I doing the right thing?” How many business owners have asked themselves this question at some point in their professional journey? Mario Juarez, owner of CRS Roofing, found himself alone on a rooftop overcome with self-doubt, asking himself this question just one year after starting his business in 2019. What happened next changed everything. But first, let’s go back to the beginning.

“I immigrated to the U.S. from Mexico in 2001 and began working at one of the largest roofing companies in Northeast Ohio,” Mario says. “I was learning from one of the best and became very skilled at my job. Eventually I worked my way up to manager.”

Mario loved his job, the company, and the people he worked for. But after doing some side roofing jobs for friends, he thought it might be time to strike out on his own.

“I told my boss I would continue in my role for one year, then I would be leaving to start my own business,” Mario says. “I don’t think he believed me.”

Eleven months later, Mario gave his notice and started CRS. 

“I got back up on the roof with some buddies and my oldest son,” Mario says.

Just a year later, Covid hit, jobs were scarce, and Mario found himself alone on that roof, questioning his future. 

“I prayed a lot,” Mario recalls. “I questioned my decision to leave my old job and was overcome with the responsibility of my own family and the families of my crew.”

A week later, Mario got a phone call from some past crew members wanting to work for him. One successful job led to another and word of their quality and reasonably priced work got around. Today, Mario has three crews doing the job the way he has taught them—the right way. 

“I personally train everyone and hold my crews to the highest standards,” Mario says. “All crew members are full-time CRS employees. My son now manages crews in the field and my daughter handles social media.”

Mario says he learned from past experiences in the roofing business, including how to treat customers. It was always his intention to treat people the right way, not as a number, and give them the highest quality job for the best price. 

“I have no intention of overcharging people,” Mario says. “Bigger companies often do because they are just that, a big company taking as many jobs as they can. But when you do this, you lose control and quality suffers.”

Mario says CRS can do the same job with high-quality materials and superior installation for much less. 

“Roofing is an expensive job, but my crews will do the job the right way for a fair price and help out a lot of people in the process,” Mario says. “This has always been my goal.”

Mario explains there are different levels of roofing shingles. For example, there are 30-year, 50-year, lifetime shingles, and metal and slate roofing materials. 

“Everyone uses the same materials,” Mario says. “It’s the quality of installation that’s the difference and where CRS shines. It’s much more than just nailing shingles to the roof. Our crews are full-time, trained professionals, unlike many companies.”

Mario says most roofing companies will give customers an inflated price then bid the installation out to the cheapest subcontractor crew they’ve never met, which is often not trained and have no experience in roofing. 

“I’m proud to tell customers my guys are the best because I trained them,” Mario says. “And they are continually learning the latest techniques and improving their skills.”

Mario educates both his employees and his customers. 

“I explain every step of the process so when our crew arrives, you know just what to expect,” Mario says. “We provide a professional job from preparation to completion with a thorough clean-up of your lawn, driveway and walkways. And we won’t disappear. We’re available for questions or return visits for any issues.”

Along with residential and commercial roofing, CRS offers gutter, siding and window services. All employees are insured, accredited and certified to OSHA standards. 

“We’re working hard to build this company and educate consumers about the CRS difference,” Mario says. “My wife and seven children have stuck with me through this journey and everything I do is for them and for my customers.”

To answer that question from years ago, yes, Mario, you are doing the right thing.

For information, call CRS Roofing LLC at 440-290-7020, email contact@crsroofingllc.com or visit the website CRSRoofingLLC.com. Ask about $500 senior and military discounts.