Roofing company selects new CEO

SARASOTA — Crown Roofing has named Kelly Wade CEO of its suite of companies and consultant to Crown Capital Management. 

Wade was brought on to achieve growth for Crown Roofing and Waterproofing and Crown Residential Services by leveraging her sales, marketing and strategic development background and executive management pedigree, according to a press release. 

“We are excited to bring Kelly’s experience and style to Crown,” says Guil Geneau, co-founder and former president of Crown Roofing, in the statement. "She has created structured, sound organizations that have proven to be highly successful at growth. I’m personally proud of what we’ve created at Crown, but I recognize the need for an effective leader to take us to the next level.” 

Wade’s career spans 27 years at a diverse set of companies. Before joining Sarasota-based Crown Roofing, Wade served as CEO of North American Roofing Inc., one of the largest national commercial roofing companies. The firm was based in Asheville, N.C., and subsequently Tampa. Prior to North American Roofing, Wade was the managing director of The Goss Agency, an advertising agency based in Asheville. She was also marketing and business development manager at Mannington Mills in Salem, N.J., the second-largest flooring manufacturer in the country.  

“We looked long and hard to find the right person to lead the company," says Chris Copeland, co-founder, consultant and former CEO of Crown Roofing, in a statement. "We wanted the industry experience, but more importantly we wanted the right fit. Kelly brings an unbelievable personality and confidence. And her reputation in the industry for being the first female CEO of a national roofing company and leading the sale of that company is impressive.” 

Crown Roofing and Waterproofing and Crown Residential Services posted $113 million in revenue in each of 2018 and 2019, up  57% from $72 million in 2019.  The firm, with 550 employees, serves Central, South and Southwest Florida. It has offices in Tampa, Fort Myers, Orlando and Pompano Beach. Crown Roofing and Waterproofing specializes in commercial new construction, re-roofing, solar, disaster response and maintenance. Crown Residential Services offers residential new construction, re-roofing, solar, disaster response, service and maintenance.

“I am thrilled to be joining the team at Crown," says Wade in the statement. "What Guil and Chris and the employees have done in a short number of years is impressive. I plan to work with the team to build upon that foundation to grow the business substantially over the coming years. I’m grateful for the opportunity and ready to go.”