Two long-standing local companies with over 70 years of industry experience are moving forward with a new ownership group.
Wm. Green Roofing, renowned for its three decade-long commitment to quality craftsmanship and customer service in residential, commercial, and industrial roofing, and O'Brien Fabrications, a provider of custom metal solutions including commercial HVAC systems, welding, metal roofing and siding, and fabrication services are looking to build on a strong foundation that has been laid out in Guelph and surrounding areas.
Founders and former owners, Bill and Stephanie Green say the decision to pass along the operation of both companies was a family one.
“This was a decision made by my wife Stephanie and I together, and we always wanted to pass it along to the senior employees of the company.”
Long term employees Scott Brookes, Bryce Ferris, Matt Wickie, and Bill’s son-in-law Dan Mohle now take over the day-to-day operations, bolstered by a core of experienced staff.
Keeping the company in familiar hands should come as no surprise to Guelph customers. Since 1986, the team has earned a solid reputation for its reliability and expertise in the roofing industry.
Scott Brookes, who takes over as president for the new companies, said a company’s name – especially when attached to a family – is “invaluable.”
And with a focus on delivering top-notch services and building lasting relationships within the community, both Wm. Green Roofing and O’Brien Fabrications have navigated the challenges of a competitive market while maintaining a dedication to craftsmanship and pride.
Bill says it’s a “good position” for the new companies to be in.
“We’re quite proud that there’s been a good clientele that’s been attached to our name,” he said. “And we're fortunate that we have a good following here in Guelph and the surrounding area.”
“For the most part, there's a lot of our clientele that keep coming back because of our reputation. And that part of it makes the job easier.”
Similarly, O'Brien Fabrications, established in July 1989, has steadily grown from its modest beginnings to become a presence in the metal fabrication sector.
Boasting a team of skilled fabricators and a comprehensive range of services including commercial HVAC, welding, metal roofing and siding, and specialty metals, O'Brien Fabrications has earned a reputation for precision and professionalism over the past three decades.
Brookes, who has been working alongside Bill during the merger, brings over 30 years of roofing industry experience to the table.
And he knows that clients expect quality, not to mention consistency in how they deliver their services.
“The biggest thing in the roofing industry is reliability,” Brookes said. “To stay in business this long, you have to put on a quality product, and you have to build up a reputation.”
“If there are any issues, customers can be confident that you're going to stand behind your work.”
That’s a big reason why Brookes plans to keep the ship steady, streamline the company to make sure there’s no overlap, and focus on their core products and established way of rolling those services out to the community.
"With the reputation that both companies have built up over the years, there’s no need for massive change,” Brookes said. “We know it’s a formula that works.”
Wm. Green Roofing and O'Brien Fabrications have individually built a solid portfolio of projects spanning across various sectors. That includes expertise serving universities, hospitals, schools, and industrial facilities, where their work has earned them a reputation as trusted partners in large-scale construction and renovation projects.
And now as the new company takes shape and prepares itself for a busy year ahead, Bill says he’s excited about what the future holds for the team of 60-plus workers.
“They’ve planned well and estimated well, so 2024 is looking to be a good year,” Bill said. “A good repertoire of work is lined up.”
But until work ramps up again in the warmer months, Bill says he’s still not done checking in at the office to keep touch with his former colleagues.
“They’re keeping me around for a bit, mostly to help out on the operation side and act as a mentor to some of the newer people. There’s always plenty of work for me to do and keep busy.”
As the newly merged partners embark on this new chapter, clients in the Guelph region can expect the same dedication to quality, dependability, and customer satisfaction that have been hallmarks of Wm. Green Roofing and O'Brien Fabrications throughout their histories.
Interested in learning more about the company? Visit their website by clicking this link.
If you’re interested in joining the Wm. Green Roofing or O’Brien Fabrications team, contact them by following this link.