All-Around Company: Specializing in retrofit, A-Lert Roof Systems is a complete roofing provider
by Jonathan McGaha | 30 July 2012 12:00 am
Over the past 25 years, A-Lert Roof Systems in New Braunfels, Texas, has installed more than 20 million square feet of metal roofing for more than 1,500 customers. This experience has helped them earn a reputation as one of the leading metal roofing contractors in the country.
As part of a family of construction-related enterprises held by Garrett, Ind.-based Centurion Industries Inc., which includes A-Lert Construction Services, Fredonia, Kan.; A-Lert Building Systems, New Braunfels; TFC Canopy, Garrett; and Centurion Safety, Decatur, Ill.; A-Lert Roof Systems specializes in being a single-source company for standing seam metal roofs.
Focus on Retrofitting
In the beginning, A-Lert’s focus was on commercial retrofit applications, but over the years the company has grown into the military and new construction markets. “We have progressed from the early days of being solely a contractor to now being a complete roofing provider with in-house design and manufacturing,” says Chad Petro, vice president of sales and marketing at A-Lert Roof Systems.
Although 90 percent of its business is retrofit roofing, A-Lert does a significant amount of new construction projects and architectural applications. Specializing in both small and large retrofit projects throughout the U.S. has been the company’s “bread and butter,” and what it is best known for in the industry, explains Petro.
While A-Lert is mainly a metal roofing provider, the company also offers a wide variety of other products for interior and exterior projects, including aluminum composite material (ACM), structural steel, sheet metal, plastics and wood.
A-Lert strives to be a resource in the roof selection process, allowing customers to weigh their options and choose the roofing system that best fits their needs. Petro says that the company is a big proponent of metal roof solutions and metal construction products for their durability, longevity and long-term value compared to other roofing materials. “History and a multitude of independent studies have shown that metal roofs provide the highest quality and best value,” he says.
Petro goes on to say that the biggest challenge is educating potential customers on the advantages of retrofitting with a metal roof as opposed to maintaining the status quo. “Fixing a problem for good often has an initial higher cost than patching a problem and hoping it doesn’t come back,” he says. “As an industry, it is important that we educate our customers and help them see past the initial bill but understand the true cost of a roof including maintenance, replacement costs and energy savings.”
With its in-house capabilities to design, manufacture and install roofing systems, A-Lert provides customers with a turnkey solution for standing seam metal roofs. Petro explains that very few retrofit metal roofing companies possess the background, experience and know-how to provide that type of turnkey capability. “We manufacture, install and warranty our roof and truly become partners with our customer and take responsibility for every project’s success,” he says.
Quality Assurance
Throughout the years, A-Lert has made a variety of improvements to its roofing systems, which have improved the quality and consistency of its installation. “We now manufacture over 90 percent of all the products we install, reducing our costs, and giving us greater control of quality and delivery,” says Petro. In addition, A-Lert is an Energy Star company and offers all of its roofs in cool colors for maximum energy efficiency.
Petro goes on to explain that manufacturing and installing its own system allows A-Lert to provide the highest quality roof and be a low-cost provider. “Customers appreciate that they can make one phone call and know they are getting a quality product from a quality company,” he says. Additionally, Petro says that customers place great importance on A-Lerts ability to custom-fabricate its standing seam metal roof systems, reducing the opportunity for water intrusion and providing an aesthetically pleasing product.
Commitment to Customers
While equipment, technologies and techniques have changed over the years, A-Lert has consistently provided customers great value and great service, Petro explains. “Since the beginning we have had a commitment to the core values of integrity, employees, partnerships, unrelenting customer service and safety. We work hard to be known for doing the right thing, not just the expedient thing. We place great importance in surrounding ourselves with good people. We take pride in providing an excellent work environment where employees can grow and achieve their professional goals.”
Relationships are important, and A-Lert strives to cultivate strong and lasting partnerships with its employees, customers and suppliers, all who are vital to its success. “We also have continued in our belief that we must provide our customers the best service and product at the very best value possible,” says Petro. “No successful venture is built without some mention of good old-fashioned hard work.”
This commitment to its customers and employees has helped A-Lert grow year after year. As much of the company’s business is repeat business or referrals, Petro explains that this is a reflection of the quality work and high level of customer service A-Lert’s employees provide. “The most important thing in life and in business is to treat people right, and it’s not hard to do,” he says. “It doesn’t cost anything and everyone can do it: Be fair. Be honest. Be trustworthy. Be generous. Respect others.”
In terms of the future, Petro says the company is optimistic of where it is headed and anticipates continued growth. “We will continue to stand by the customers, markets and core values that got us to this point, while looking for new opportunities to expand,” he says. “We take great pride in the relationships we have built and the work we have done but we are constantly striving to be better.”
A-Lert Roof Systems Profile
Year Founded: 1975
Location: New Braunfels, Texas
Markets Served: Government, Military, Schools, Churches, Hospitals, Commercial
Services Offered: Manufacturing and installation of standing seam metal roofing and components for retrofit and new construction.
Company Profile: A-Lert, a division of Garrett, Ind.-based Centurion Industries Inc., is a leader the design, engineering, manufacturing and installation of standing seam metal roofs throughout North America. In addition, A-Lert provides a full line of metal building components including curved panels. We have extensive experience in new and retrofit construction for government, military, schools, municipalities and churches. Centurion has three other divisions, A-Lert Building Systems, A-Lert Construction Services and TFC Canopy, each providing a unique service to the industries they serve.
Management Team:
Neil Berry, President
Chad Petro, Vice President of Sales and Marketing
Trae Berry, Director of Operations
Eddie Arrisola, Facilities and Transportation Manager
Source URL: https://www.metalconstructionnews.com/articles/all-around-roofing-company/