b'On DeckON DECKJOHN JENSONGAF Midwest Regional Sales DirectorLow SlopeJ ohn grew up in St Paul, MN where he immersed himself in all things athletic, playing varsity football, wrestling, and baseball. Today Johns hobbies are golfing, fishing, and being a miserable Minnesota sports fan. Someday! says John.As a kid, he also enjoyed spending time with his family. My father was always building something, so on weekends my brothers and I were taught the skills of DIY trade before we could realize how important those skills would be! Today I love doing home projects, especially tile work. Its pretty close to indoor roofing! John was awarded a wrestling scholarship to Bemidji State University but found out quickly he was not ready for school. In 1981 he joined Single Ply Systems, Inc., a company that specialized in thermoplastics. This was an 80% travel position, and after 5 years I decided to take a job with a leading Roof Consulting firm, Roof Spec, Inc. This change CONTACT USGAF allowed me to stay home more while really learning the how and why things worked ANDOVER, MINNESOTAPH: 612.799.0357 or did not work. I greatly enjoyed investigating system failures and finding remedies. WWW.GAF.COMJohn then decided to enlist in the United States Marine Corp in 1985 where he trained as a Sniper. After my discharge I tried going back to school but kept finding reasons to stay on the roof. It was a better fit for me. I loved standing back and looking at what we as a team were able to accomplish that day. In December of 2006 John started his career with GAF where he has been happily working ever since. In 2013 GAF sent John back to school where he received his BA in Business Management in 2016. I am so blessed to work for an organization that can see how working for the greater good of the industry helps us all. The support and education GAF has given me cannot be summed up.John and his wife Beth began blending their families together in 2014 giving John 6 children, 5 stepsons, an adopted daughter, and 3 grandchildren! I am so proud of all of them. Family time and traveling with my Beth are what drives me each day. She is my best friend, and I am blessed to have the love of each of my children.John has been a staunch supporter of the industry and MRCA for many years faithfully serving on the MRCAs Advisory Council and exhibiting at their Annual Conference all while sponsoring and attending MRCAs events. It isnt about the sales or monetary benefits that being a part of this organization brings, its the deep meaningful friendships I have developed. Sitting in rooms learning about what truly matters to them. Lets face it. There isnt a formal school to attend to learn what we learn by being involved. Its all trial and error and the help of mentors willing to share their knowledge. It is important to be involved in something that gives back to the industry.12 www.mrca.orgMidwest Roofer'