West Haven Roofing Company Celebrates 50 Years In Business

WEST HAVEN, CT — As Quality Roofing Services in West Haven celebrates its 50th anniversary this month, founder and president Danny Young is focused on navigating the company through the coronavirus pandemic and hoping the next generation of his family will build on the foundation he established.

Quality Roofing Services, a commercial roofing company at 599 Island Lane in West Haven, started somewhat on a whim over a long weekend, according to Young. When he was 23, after four years of service in the U.S. Air Force and a brief stint with a local roofing company, Young decided over a Fourth of July weekend that he could succeed in the commercial roofing arena on his own.

“When I started my business, I thought that if I worked hard, was honest and willing to do whatever it took, I could be successful,” Young said in a news release. “What I have learned in 50 years is if you do those things, treat your employees the way you want to be treated and always do your very best to do what you say you will do, you can not only be successful in this business but find great joy in being part of the experience.”

While much has changed in the business during the past 50 years – moving from kettles of hot tar for built-up asphalt roofs or propane torches that fused bituminous felt roof membranes to the modern whir of a dozen screw guns you hear today, Young said the basics remain the same. The importance of people, teamwork, and interpersonal skills are what make these massive projects come together, according to Young.

“During my time in roofing, the materials we use and the techniques we employ to adhere roofs to structures have changed considerably,” Young said. “What has remained constant are the human factors which make projects succeed: communication, cooperation and a focus on details.”

Longtime customer David DeMaio, owner of Branford-based Pat Munger Construction Company, agreed.

“You need to know about the materials you are applying; how to prepare the roof deck, navigate schedules and come up with solutions for unexpected problems - that's the cost of entry for this business,” DeMaio said. “But the reason they’ve succeeded, and the reason we’ve worked so well with Danny and Quality Roofing is their approach to this business and how they are as people, as a family. We share the same core values and company culture - integrity, open communication, hard work and doing what’s right for our customers and our employees.”

Young said one of the larger projects his company has been involved with over the years was the Hamilton Standard, now United Technologies, plant in Windsor Locks.

“It was a big, complicated built-up asphalt and gravel roof to be sure,” Young said. “But the thing I most remember about it was thinking that all those space suits NASA astronauts had worn over the years were manufactured right below where we were working.”

Young is currently focused on navigating the company through the turmoil of the coronavirus pandemic, which has led to a downturn across the construction sector. However, he’s navigated unsteady waters before and will soon return to what is next for Quality Roofing Services, the news release states.

“My hope for the future is to continue to grow this company, so I can provide the opportunity for the next generation of Young's to build on the foundation that I have established. I’m also hoping to climb less ladder rungs on a daily basis,” Young said with a smile.