Birthdays: their annual occurrence brings with it not just celebration, but an opportunity for reflection. Chairman of the Board and G.Fedale Roofing and Siding founder Glenn Fedale celebrated his earlier this month. And, as our family-owned company is coming up on 20 years in business, we thought it timely to take a look back.
He was just 23, when Glenn launched our company out of an Edgemoor, DE garage. Today, we operate out of four locations. Our main office is located in Newport. We have a Pennsylvania presence in North Wales, and more recently in Chadds Ford. Lewes, Delaware facilities opened up at about the same time as our Chadds Ford location. We’re in the process of adding a new facility in Georgetown. And our workforce is nearing 100 employees. Glenn’s success as a young entrepreneur was highlighted on CNBC’s Blue Collar Millionaire in 2015.
Fearless when it came to heights, Glenn had spent his teen years helping his uncle raze roofs. He eventually went to work for D. Shinn Roofing, a commercial roofing company in Claymont, but realized there was a niche to fill in the residential roofing market. His skill was already in demand, as extended family were calling upon him for roof repairs. When his own fledgling business started getting noticed, brother Allen was called upon for weekend help. Still in college at the time, Allen’s eventual degree in business management would serve him well. Before long, Adam would join forces as would Glenn Fedale Sr., lovingly referred to as Popa G. Brothers-in-law, cousins, aunts, and uncles would follow.
Glenn recalls the words of encouragement from his former employer. “He said to me, ‘If you do good work, you’ll always have work.’” And work they’ve had. Growth has been intentional, but thoughtfully planned. And always, keeping customer service at its core.
By 2015 Allen said, the company was bursting at the seams and Glenn brought Adam and Allen into leadership roles as partners. Today, Allen serves as COO, Adam as CEO. Their father is the Director of Business Development. Glenn, as the majority owner, has a vital role when it comes to big company decisions and meets with the leadership team regularly.
“Everything we do is an effort towards growth, but without rapid expansion. I would really like to see our footprint get bigger in the four-state area we cover,” said Glenn.
Yet even so, its rate gives Adam room for pause.
“I get surprised every time we get called by another customer. I shouldn’t be surprised, but I am. We have some of the best people in the industry – from marketing to sales – and, product. …It fills me with gratitude.”
The Fedale family is a large one; the trio of brothers shared their home with seven sisters, mom and dad growing up. And that family dynamic is a strong one, with lessons learned in youth providing a solid foundation under the workplace roof.
“We just deeply value relationships. And we know the relationship we have with our family pays off. It carries into business with our employees,” said Allen.
The Golden Rule, accountability, strong work ethic – these are among the tenets that the brothers echo. Popa G. is quick to acknowledge his pride: “They’ve grown personally and have maintained that ‘I’ve got your back’ attitude towards each other. That closeness translates from when they were young into the business. It makes me proud.”