b'MRCA Memeber Independent Roofing CompanyA CENTURY OF ROOFINGO mahas oldest roofing contractors story started with Independent Roofing Company founder, Arthur Kersawe in 1919. In the beginning, IRC focused primarily on residential roofing. However, when Kersawes son-in-law, Robert Dreibus, came on board in the 1950s he introduced low slope commercial and industrial roofing to the organization. Dreibus purchasedthecompanyin1959,afterthe passing of Kersawe, continuing the growth of IRCs commercial division.In 1976, Dreibus sold the company to Bud Padon who had been in the industry for several years. Bud served as MRCA President in 1978. Another large piece of Independent Bob Swanda joined the company in 1975, beginningRoofing Companys success comes from as a truck driver and over the years working histheir dedication to their customers. Over way up to General Manager and Partner. In 1997the last century IRC has been able to Bob joined the Midwest Roofing Contractorsposition themselves to do primarily private Association as a director and was elected to thenegotiated work. One relationship that executive committee in 2000, serving as MRCAstands out is Mutual of Omaha. In the President in 2004. Bob then went on to serve as1980s Bob Swanda made a handshake the MRCA Foundation President from 2005-2011,deal for a large project with Mutual during which time he was presented with the 2008of Omaha, which lead to numerous McCawley Award. As the current President andprojects, and a relationship that still Owner of Independent Roofing, Bob has continuedstands today, although there is a lot to innovate and grow the company, developingmore paperwork involved! This switched a sheet metal division and a dedicated servicethe focus to creating many more similar department.relationships and allowed for IRC to be able to choose if they wanted to Recently, IRC finished its largest project to date,participate in the highly competitive Cloisters on the Platte, a religious retreat centerpublic bid market.located right outside of Omaha. The retreat centerThisyear,asIndependentRoofing is situated on a 930-acre plot of land overlookingCompanycelebratestheir100-year the Platte River. The work Independent Roofinganniversary, they are setting their sights on completed consisted of multiple roof systemscontinuing growth and the future of the including slate from Evergreen Slate Co., Missioncompany. Bob Swanda notes, The mission tile from Ludowici Roof Tile, .090 mil EPDM fromof our 100th anniversary doesnt solely focus Firestone Building Products, as well as tons ofon celebrating through reflecting on our exquisite custom copper work. The project was trulypast. The aim is to include a focus on our a team effort and incorporated every departmentfuture success while connecting with our at IRC.associates and clients to celebrate their Bob states that one of the most important aspectsefforts in helping us become what we that has contributed to the companys longevityare todaya successful and growing, is the employees. Independent Roofing has manyfull-service roofing company. long-term employees, some that have been with the company for over 40 years. Independent Roofing has also started a succession plan to ensure the viability of the company for the next 100 years. Bob plans to continue to stay involved and up to date on any changes in the industry or technology. We will continue to invest in our people, technology, and equipment to make sure we are producing the best product we can. www.mrca.orgMidwest Roofer 35'