Joe Hamstra, President
In the evolving world of roofing, Joe Hamstra emerges as an advocate for quality and integrity. For Joe, it's about more than just roofs; it's about stewardship, ensuring longevity in every project, benefiting both homeowners and the environment.
“Making roofs last longer is the most green thing you can do.” — Joe Hamstra
Joe has bright aspirations as to what the future of "Hamstra" holds. He mentions that they're trying new things, and he's looking at better ways to maintain roofs. He's excited about a soy-based product that can make roofs last longer. Joe feels it's essential to stay informed about the latest in roofing. He believes in taking good care of roofs to make them last, which is not only good for homeowners but also better for the environment.
“The biggest impact we can have on our industry is probably honesty.”
Joe Hamstra discussed the challenge of 'storm chasers' in the roofing industry. For him, honesty is paramount. He highlighted how these opportunistic businesses chase insurance payouts, often compromising roof quality. Joe is dedicated to upholding the industry's integrity and applauds insurance companies changing their policies to deter such practices.
“My father said I could work for him the moment I could carry a bundle of shingles up a ladder. So I tried in sixth grade and could not do it. I tried in seventh grade and still couldn't do it, finally, I tried again in eighth grade and I was able to get it up the ladder. So summer of eighth grade was the first summer I worked for my dad.”
In 2002, when he was just 21, Joe Hamstra experienced a life-changing event: he fell off a roof during a snowy day, breaking both his legs. This accident changed the trajectory of his life, pushing him from hands-on roofing into office tasks, which he found frustrating. But life has its way of coming full circle. In 2012, when Joe's dad passed away unexpectedly, Joe found himself in charge of the family business. Looking back, he realized that the years he had spent in the office, absorbing knowledge from his father, had unwittingly prepared him to take over. What once felt like a curse turned out to be a blessing in disguise, equipping him with the tools and understanding needed to run the business.
