The holidays are here, and chances are, you've seen the stores putting out all the baking needs. Festive sprinkles, colored frostings, chocolate chips, and candies galore adorn the entryway displays, and people are stocking up for Christmas baking.

We have a question for you though; How often, when pulling out those ingredients each year, have you heard the words "Can I help?" asked excitedly by your children? It's no secret that the kitchen tends to draw little ones (and even older ones!) in, but it's also well-known that baking with kids can be messy and take a good deal longer than it would if you were just left to your own devices. After all...isn't it quieter and cleaner to work on your own while the kids watch a favorite Christmas movie?

Maybe. Well...probably.

However, this year, we encourage you to bring your kids into the kitchen! Why? Well, here are some reasons experts say baking together can be beneficial for you and your kids this holiday season (even if the ingredients aren't necessarily on the healthy side)...

Family Bonding. Cooking and baking together gives you a common goal to work toward, and then everyone can enjoy taking pride in the results! Instead of everyone being engrossed in phones, tablets, video games, or the television, you're all engaged together. Some great conversations can take place around the kitchen island!

Hands-On Learning. Cooking offers practical application of math skills through measuring, weighing, following directions (recipe reading) and even reading temperatures! It's a great way for young students to continue what they've learned in the classroom over holiday breaks. For older kids, it helps give hands-on practice with life skills. You won't always be there with them to make the Christmas cookies or Grandma's famous cake!

Passing down traditions. Speaking of Grandma's famous cake, many families have recipes that have been made during certain holidays for generations. Letting your children participate in creating these recipes, and allowing them to see slips of paper in loved ones' handwriting or recipes clipped from old magazines, , you are passing down a love of, and appreciation for, family history without even realizing it. Tradition is often passed through the family line on a plate!

Time to talk. How often are your children attempting to talk to you, or you to them, with a phone, work project, or household task taking part of your attention? Being in the kitchen offers an opportunity to shut out the world around you and just focus on spending time around the mixing bowl with your family.

Share the gift of giving! Baked goods are a great way to show someone you care! Teach your children about the joy that can come from working hard to make something for someone else. It's a wonderful way to incorporate a lesson in what Christmas is supposed to be about.

We hope this year you'll consider making family time in the kitchen a new tradition of your own if it isn't already. Don't consider yourself a "chef extraordinaire"? Don't worry! Your kids won't care if it's a from-scratch recipe, or a box of cookie mix and some pre-made frosting. The memories made together go FAR beyond the results that come out of the oven. As a family owned business, EZ Roofing Systems believes that taking time for the ones you love is important. We encourage you to use this holiday season to make memories with the ones you love, and find ways to share the joy of the season with others.

Merry Christmas to you and yours from everyone at EZ Roofing!

September 11th is now commemorated as Patriot Day here in the US, and it's a reflective time for us to remember the lives lost in 2001, the brave men and women who served in rescue efforts, and the impact that day continues to have on our entire country. While the day itself is a commemoration of an important event, it's not the only day we should focus on patriotism and our gratitude for the spirit of America that binds us all together just like it did 21 years ago.

We believe patriotism can be shown in even the smallest of ways, and is something we should all strive to carry on in our everyday activities. A few of our favorite ideas include:

• Writing a card to a veteran. Our veterans have sacrificed much to protect and serve our country, and many of them come back with both physical and emotional scars after serving overseas. For those who end up hospitalized and/or in rehabilitation facilities, the days can feel lonely and long. There are many programs that facilitate cards being sent to these veterans from fellow citizens who simply want to let them know how much they are appreciated. This is a great way to involve your kids and make patriotism a family affair. Make homemade cards, or pick up a handful of inexpensive encouragement notes when you're at the store. A small gesture on your part could mean the world to a veteran who has come home.

• Volunteer for holiday events. Many communities celebrate major US holidays (Independence Day, Labor Day, Veterans Day, etc.) with parades and/or local events. These are largely volunteer based, and are a great opportunity for you to put your patriotism into practice, and meet people in your own neighborhood at the same time!

• Pass it down. Patriotism must be passed down, and if we aren't bringing up our next generation to appreciate our country and the values it stands on, we can't expect them to value it as adults. Have conversations with your children about what it means to be patriotic, and how kindness, brotherhood, selflessness, hard work, and honesty are just a few of the values America is supposed to stand for. By putting those values into practice on their own, they are carrying on patriotism and spreading it to others as well.

EZ Roofing Systems is proud to be a business that calls America home. We are thankful for those who serve, and who have served, our country and for all who live and work to keep it running each day. We hope you'll join us in remembering how much we love America not just on the 4th of July or September 11th, but all year long.

This week, EZ Roofing Systems had the honor of participating in the Epcar Luau Trade Show at the Legoland Beach Retreat. This event was a great time for business owners in our area to network with one another, and with local realtors, which is always great for boosting your business (and your morale)! The trade show was a huge success, and it had us thinking about the importance of building relationships in your community, and how to make that happen, no matter where you live! Here are some ways we like to network in and around Winter Haven (our town) and ideas for implementing it where you are too!

Watch the News! While local events don't often make it onto prime time television (unless you live in a big city!) your local news outlets like newspapers, magazines, and online resources are a great place to find out what's going on in your area. Expos, trade shows, fairs, farmer's markets...there are plenty of great ways to connect with locals and other business owners at these types of events. Sometimes they have a specific focus (i.e., they are only open to business owners from a certain industry) but others are open to everyone! The trade show we attended this week was focused on realtors as guests, but was open to vendors/businesses from a wide variety of industries, from Spas and AC techs, to our very own Bob the Roofer.

Know Where the Locals Go. Local residents of your area are the best way to build a community around your business. They will begin to see you as more of a neighbor or friend, and that means they're more likely to use and recommend your business when a need arises. Learn which hangouts are favorites of the locals and make that a focus. Go in frequently to enjoy a meal, grab a drink or just relax and chat. These connections go a long way as you build your brand within your immediate area and beyond.

Join A Club for Business Owners! Finding a group of fellow business owners isn't always easy, but there are clubs and networking groups to simplify the process. Local chapters of networking groups (like BNI are a wonderful way to quickly meet and socialize with lots of other professionals at one time, while also building a base of referrals and contacts. We are proud to be a part of our local BNI chapter, and encourage small business owners to be a part of one in their own area. It's a great investment in your business!

EZ Roofing Systems loves being part of the Winter Haven community and it's a pleasure to serve clients that we consider neighbors. We believe in running our business with honesty and integrity, and are proud to carry that reputation in our town. Call us for ALL of your roofing needs!

Halloween is just a couple of weeks away. Kids (and adults) are picking out the perfect costume and preparing for lots of fun, and PLENTY of candy. While some families will still be participating in traditional trick-or-treating in nearby neighborhoods, other families here in Polk County might not yet feel comfortable going out in droves to take part. What's more, there are children and adults in our community who have never been able to participate in a traditional way (even before the pandemic) due to limiting factors like varying physical abilities, food allergies, or difficulty going out at the traditional time on Halloween. Perhaps more than ever before, we could all use the fun and magic that comes with a holiday, and making sure everyone in our community can participate matters to us! Here are three ways you can make Halloween more inclusive this year, both for your family and for those around you:

Offer allergy-friendly treats. Having a separate bucket of stickers or small trinkets and toys is a great way to provide an alternative option for kids who have allergies or are too young to enjoy typical candies and sweets. Often, allergy-friendly treats are differentiated with a teal bucket, but if you don't have one, just put a label out (or tell people yourself if you're present!) so parents will know how to help their child choose best.

Make your setup accessible for everyone. If trick-or-treaters must make it up your driveway, over uneven pavers, up stairs, etc. to get to the treats on Halloween, it doesn't make it easy for ghosts or goblins who might be limited by walking difficulty or being wheelchair bound. If you set up a candy station at the end of your driveway or walkway, you make sure ALL spooky visitors can get to the goods, which they (and their families!) will appreciate.

Consider BOOing your neighbors! If you know there are families in your neighborhood who can't trick or treat in the traditional way because of health risks or work schedules, you could bring a big smile to their face by BOOing them...in the nicest way possible of course! Pack up a basket with fun Halloween treats, a spooky craft, and/or some fun activities like bubbles or sidewalk chalk, and leave it on their doorstep with a note letting them know they had a ghostly visitor to bring a little holiday fun. Anonymous or not, you can feel good knowing you spread some happiness!

EZ Roofing Systems is excited to see Winter Haven come out in full force to celebrate a fun holiday AND celebrate our neighbors this Halloween. Community matters to us, and that’s why we are proud to provide quality service with respect and integrity at the core of our business. We believe in treating each client as a neighbor, making sure they feel confident that we have their best interest at heart, and will provide a fair quote, solid work, and reliable customer service. We make choosing a roofer in Central Florida “EZ” when a repair comes your way. Give us a call!

With just a little over a week left until Valentine's Day, many of us are busy making preparations for showing the ones we love just how much we care. It's no secret though that this year's holiday looks different than years past. No crowded restaurants, no big parties, no surprise cruises or last-minute vacations and no large-scale community events will be making their way onto the calendar. However, the reason for the day still rings true, and it's a good reminder that love isn't something you buy, but rather, something you show...and you can show it in SO many ways.

Here are some fun ways you can celebrate (safely) with the ones you care about most this holiday, whether it's your sweetheart, your kids, or someone else that's special in your life:

• Do a "ding-dong and dash" surprise! This could be dropping off dinner, a homemade valentine card, a special dessert, or a bouquet of roses, but the idea is to ring the doorbell, and run away quickly after leaving the surprise at the recipient's front door. This is a fun way to show your love to an aging parent or loved one stuck at home, or to surprise someone who is currently in quarantine and can't celebrate the way they usually would.

• Classic candy and cards...with a twist! While we all remember exchanging homemade valentine's and treats with our classmates, teachers, or coworkers in years past, this year the tradition might need a little tweaking. Instead of homemade goodies that could seem risky to some people, opt for store-bought candies or treats that are safely and individually wrapped. Put plenty of extra effort into your homemade card to give it the unique and special element that the treat will be missing this holiday!

• Make early reservations, or enjoy a candlelight dinner at home. Restaurant reservations will fill more quickly than usual this year since most dining spaces are operating at limited capacity. Reserve your table as soon as possible, or make plans for a romantic dinner with candles for your sweetie at home. A simple setup on your own patio makes it feel more special than eating at the kitchen table, and if you add in takeout from their favorite place and a decadent dessert, they're sure to be just as happy as they would be in a 5-star local eatery!

• Give back! Showing love to others is one of the best ways you can celebrate the holiday of love. Many community charities are in need right now, and donating to a local food pantry or shelter, or volunteering your time and energy (if you feel safe to do so) is a wonderful way to love those around you and bring yourself tons of joy in the process.

EZ Roofing Systems is proud to be part of the Polk County community, and we can’t think of a better place to live and love. While many of our holidays and traditions have looked different over the last year, we know that our resilient and resourceful friends, neighbors, and clients always find a way to celebrate the love and joy behind each holiday in whatever ways they can. We hope these tips and tricks will make Valentine’s Day 2021 just a little bit brighter for you, your family, and those around you!

2020 was certainly one for the books wasn't it? Over the last year, we have experienced unprecedented circumstances in our communities, states, our country, and around the world. The way we work, communicate with one another, go to the store, and even celebrate holidays changed in a matter of days, and we're still adjusting to this new "normal" we find ourselves in. We're reminded though that one thing hasn't changed in our own community, and that's something we believe could change the world, no matter what circumstances come our way.

It's kindness.

Kindness keeps us connected whether by screen or in person, even when a mask hides our smile. Kindness keeps local businesses running because their friends and neighbors are committed to helping them through this time. Kindness helps teachers and students alike as they push forward on this journey they weren't prepared for.

It's ALWAYS best to choose kindness. With the changes we've experienced over the last year though, it's easy to wonder how we can show kindness in 2021 when so many things are still different than they were before. The ways we might have connected with others in the past are no longer viable options, and it can be hard to adjust your focus and see other ways of doing things in the midst of your own chaotic life. That's why we've put together these 3 easy ways to extend kindness throughout the coming year, no matter what it holds.

Choose Your Words Wisely

A kind word holds power, yet how often do we purposefully share them with those around us? Throughout the coming year, look for moments to interject a word of kindness or encouragement. Your waitress, your checkout attendant, your child's teacher, your lonely neighbor, the mom in your playgroup, or your own family members could all use uplifting reminders of how much they are appreciated. Remember, our words aren't just spoken. What we write (or share) online holds just as much power, and we can make (or break) someone's day with what we put out there for others to see. Choose wisely.

Support Your Local Businesses

This last year has been especially hard for local businesses, and many of them are headed into 2021 wondering how they'll keep going. Keep in mind, these shops, restaurants, and service-providers go far beyond just the owner. Their families, their employees (who also have families) and their many customers who depend on them also need them to stay afloat, and YOU can play a part in making that happen. Make it a resolution this year to shop local as much as possible. Instead of grabbing food from a drive-through window on the way home after a busy day, opt for takeout from a local dive instead. When it's time to buy teacher gifts, birthday presents, valentine surprises, or even household needs, keep our own downtown shops in mind first. When we pay them, we’re not only putting more money in the pocket of some wealthy international CEO...we’re paying for a child's soccer gear, daycare, college savings, or putting food on someone's table.

Take Action

Perhaps this is one of the most impactful ways we can show kindness in the months ahead. Take action and be a part of making our community a better place. Volunteer with our local nonprofits who need help more than ever right now. Check on friends and neighbors, and be the one who shows up to deliver a load of groceries, get their mail, walk their dog, help with virtual learning, or simply bring a cup of coffee and a listening ear. Reach out to those who are hurting and offer, in addition to kindness, some hope and encouragement that they are seen and heard, and that you care. While words are important and matter in a big way, actions definitely speak the loudest, and our choice to show kindness with our own two hands could be the pivotal point for someone who needs a little extra help right now.

EZ Roofing Systems is committed to making kindness a focus of our own business in the year ahead. From the members of our own team, to each customer or potential client we come into contact with each day, our goal is to leave them a little happier and a little more at peace than they were before, and that we will have a reputation of respect, integrity, and yes, kindness here in the community. We want to be an example that any profession can wear kindness well, even roofing. Here’s to this New Year from EZ Roofing Systems!

WINTER HAVEN May 11, 2020 -- EZ Roofing Systems LLC has been selected for the 2020 Best of Winter Haven Award in the Roofing category by the Winter Haven Award Program.

Each year, the Winter Haven Award Program identifies companies that we believe have achieved exceptional marketing success in their local community and business category. These are local companies that enhance the positive image of small business through service to their customers and our community. These exceptional companies help make the Winter Haven area a great place to live, work and play.

Various sources of information were gathered and analyzed to choose the winners in each category. The 2020 Winter Haven Award Program focuses on quality, not quantity. Winners are determined based on the information gathered both internally by the Winter Haven Award Program and data provided by third parties.

About Winter Haven Award Program:

The Winter Haven Award Program is an annual awards program honoring the achievements and accomplishments of local businesses throughout the Winter Haven area. Recognition is given to those companies that have shown the ability to use their best practices and implemented programs to generate competitive advantages and long-term value.

The Winter Haven Award Program was established to recognize the best of local businesses in our community. Our organization works exclusively with local business owners, trade groups, professional associations and other business advertising and marketing groups. Our mission is to recognize the small business community's contributions to the U.S. economy.

SOURCE: Winter Haven Award Program

CONTACT:
Winter Haven Award Program
Email: PublicRelations@2020onlinebestofannouncement.com
URL: http://www.2020onlinebestofannouncement.com

We are now a few weeks into the COVID-19 crisis here in Polk County, and now that a full shelter-in-place order has been put out by our government officials, we're likely looking at a few more weeks of being homebound with our families. Sure, for the first few days it might have felt pretty nice...plenty of time to catch up on movies, enjoy long days in your loungewear, and not having to leave the house. However, it gets old pretty quickly, especially if you have kids at home.

So, EZ Roofing Systems is here to come to your rescue! Here are some fun ways to spice up the days at home, and make quarantine a time for making good memories with your family (and not just memories of Netflix). 

Theme Your Day Around the Theme Parks! 

Plenty of families saw their Spring Break plans of hanging out at Disney World or experiencing the fun of Legoland go down the drain quickly as Coronavirus loomed over us all like a dark cloud. While you can't experience the parks right now, you can bring some of the fun home! Thanks to technology like YouTube you can experience the "rides" from your living room couch. Make a full day of it! Start out by working together to recreate your favorite theme park meal at home, enjoy a treat that you associate with the park (you can order Mickey Ear ice cream through your local big box store now!) and spend some time on the rides as a family. Was Legoland your destination? Those rides are online too! Wrap up the day with a Lego building challenge and some fresh from your kitchen apple fries! 

Make Your Backyard a Destination 

If you have a pool, this is pretty simple. Set it up like a getaway! Put out your best pool furniture and accessories, keep a stock of fun drinks and snacks on hand in coolers by the pool, and make it a point to actually schedule a time to "go" to your pool. Organize pool games for your kids, order some fun new pool floats and toys/activities online, and make it your own personal water getaway. Don't have a pool? Your backyard can be just as fun. Sprinklers, obstacle courses, grill outs, etc. can be made "special" just by putting in a bit of effort. A great idea we're seeing from families with kids? A backyard campout, complete with s'mores, hot dogs, and late night stories. The temps are perfect for enjoying it without being miserable before sunrise. 

Go Out and Enjoy Yourself...from Your Car. 

While you can't go out to stores, restaurants, etc. right now, you can go out and drive. Plenty of neighborhoods are doing "bear hunts" by placing teddy bears in windows, and others are putting together egg hunts for Easter in the same way. Whatever your scavenger hunt includes, make it fun by putting together al list of places you want to stop and get meals and treats throughout your day. Many of our favorite local hot spots are offering drive through or curbside pickup. You'll be enjoying time out of the house, and supporting our local business owners at the same time! 

We know this isn't an ideal time for our friends and neighbors right now, but know that we are here alongside you, doing our best to keep things as encouraging as possible and making the most of these days. All of us here at EZ. Roofing Systems know that Polk County will bounce back stronger than ever when this is over, and we'll all have a better appreciation for our jobs, our family, and our community. Stay safe and stay well! 

COVID-19, or Coronavirus, is now a worldwide pandemic, and as it starts to have a greater affect on us here in the US, many business owners and employers are worried about how they'll stay afloat, and how they will continue to pay employees on staff. See, employers don't just see their staff as faces in a crowd. They see mortgages that need to be paid, mouths that need to be fed, and vehicles that need fuel in order to get to jobs, doctors appointments, and more. The pressure on employers in general is high, but for small, local businesses, it can be crushing during a time of crisis such as the one we face now. 

Those of us here in Polk County are facing days, or even weeks, of quarantine at home and with bars, restaurants, and other social gathering sites off limits, it's easy to hole up in our houses with grocery delivery and Netflix and wait for everything to blow over. However, if we fully pull back from our local businesses, they'll have no choice but to close their doors long-term, and THAT will punch our economy hard enough that we ourselves feel it as life returns to normal. So, what can we do as friends and neighbors to make sure our local businesses continue to survive (or even thrive!) without putting ourselves or others at risk? 

• Purchase gift cards! Gift cards and gift certificates don't require that you use them now, but the money goes into the pocket of the business owner and lets them keep the lights on. Consider purchasing a few as early birthday or holiday gifts for friends or loved ones, or buy a few for yourself to use throughout the coming months. If the business offers curbside pickup or delivery options, using the gift cards for those services can be a win-win. You get an easy dinner after being cooped up with the family all day, and local businesses can continue forward. 

• If businesses offer pickup or delivery options, use them! Many local restaurants and service providers are offering this for a limited time even if it's not usually in their list of provided options. They'll bring food out to your car in a secure manner, or deliver it to your front door. From dry cleaning and tax paperwork, to dinner from your favorite local joint, you can continue with life in a semi-normal state without compromising your own health or the health of others around you.

•  Take advantage of discounts and promotions. To keep customers coming in the door (or rather, pulling up to the curb), many businesses are offering special promotions or discounts for this time frame. Take advantage of them while they last. You get a great deal, and the business gets to keep at least a percentage of their income. 

• Shop local when possible. We know it's easy to click that button for the large-scale delivery services and big box stores, but the local grocery store down the street hasn't had a customer all day. Your order will be one click among millions if you choose the big box store, but could put food on the table for the local business owner. If you can, shop local during this time. Many stores are providing pickup options they wouldn't other wise make available, so you can still support small business without breaking your social distancing protocol. 

• Don't cancel your regular services if they don't put you and your family at risk. We understand not having in-home services continue during this time, but when it comes to your outdoor providers (exterior pest control, landscaping and lawn services, roofing, pressure washing, pool cleaning...the list could go on!) there is no need to call of your scheduled appointment. These businesses count on you to keep their doors open as well, and having your regularly scheduled service means less impact for the economy as a whole. Plus, you can keep some semblance of "business as usual" in your own home. You can still use your pool, your home will stay in good condition, etc. 

EZ Roofing Systems is here and still serving clients throughout Polk County at this time. We continue to provide the quality, personalized care you've come to know and expect from us. If for some reason you need to reschedule a previously scheduled appointment with us for a roof inspection, or a meeting regarding a roof replacement or repair, please feel free to give us a call and we'll discuss options, alternate dates, etc. Let us all remember that we are in this together as a community, and will make it out on the other side alongside all of our small business owners we depend on to make Polk County what it is. 

Christmas is a magical time of year, and no one can deny that there seems to be a certain bit of "cheer" in the air during this season. Whether it's the twinkling lights and upbeat carols, or anticipation of what's to come on Christmas Day, something makes us happier, more positive, and kinder at this time of year. This holiday season, EZ Roofing Systems is taking time to focus on just what makes this time of year so special, and how we can extend out the spirit of Christmas all year long. 

So, what does make the holidays so wonderful? 

First, we take time to focus on what actually matters. This time of year is when we step back from the hustle and bustle of work and monotony and look for opportunities to spend time with the ones we love. Making memories becomes the theme of the season and we carve out moments to bake the cookies that would ordinarily stay in the cabinet to avoid the mess, to stop for that warm cup of hot chocolate with our significant other and actually spend time cozied up in the coffee shop instead of running through the drive-thru, or to chat with our neighbor by the mailbox instead of rushing back into the house. By being willing to make time for people and memories, and not just rushing through our day-to-day, the spirit of Christmas tends to feel warmer and we feel more connected to each other. That's something we can certainly take to heart and spread out throughout the year. 

Christmas is when we focus on contentment as well. Yes, it's easy for us (especially our kids and young people) to focus on that Christmas list, whether it's going to "Santa" or to mom and dad, but overall this is the season when we focus on what we have instead of what we want. We recognize that others are less fortunate, we make charity and giving a goal, and we express thankfulness for our many blessings. Why though, do we quickly forget this when the Christmas trimmings are put away and life returns to “normal.” Practicing a spirit of contentment and gratefulness all year long is a wonderful way to extend the cheer of the holidays and to help charitable organizations function at their best all year, instead of hitting a high during the month of December and struggling during months afterward. 

Finally, Christmas is when we tend to go the extra mile. Graciously smiling at the person who cut in line at the grocery store instead of scowling and throwing out a negative comment, lending a hand to the young mom struggling with a stroller and her bags while opening a door, or "paying it forward" by picking up the tab of the person behind us in line are all ways we show "Christmas spirit" during the holidays, but sadly, by using the excuse of a holiday as our motivation, we lose out on the joy that would come from putting out this type of kindness 365 days a year. 

We believe the world be a better place if we all sought to make Christmas last all year long. Let's remember what makes this season special long after the cookies are eaten and the presents have been forgotten, and do our best to make our homes and our communities reflect the spirit of the holidays every day. We spend time "up on the rooftop" each and every day, so thoughts of the Christmas holiday and the mystery and wonder surrounding Santa is never far away. This year, we're making it our goal to let that be a reminder to treat each customer and client with a smile, a cheerful countenance as we do business and offer services to them, and by giving back to our community when the opportunity comes our way. Won't you join us? Let's work together and make spreading kindness "EZ" this year by simply remembering to keep a bit of Christmas spirit alive 365 days a year. 

We know all about Bob Mistretta as the licensed roofer in Polk County that bends over backwards to help people out when they need a roof repair or a new roof. He is an honest roofer and will not take your money and run. He cares about his reputation as a businessman, but let’s dig a little deeper and find out a little bit more about our favorite roofer from none other than his wife, Erin Mistretta. 

How did you and Bob meet?

It’s a funny thing. We were both born in the Boston, Massachusetts area and ended up working together at a psychiatric hospital as mental health workers at Cleo Wallace Center in Colorado Springs, CO. working with kids. We were both employed as caseworkers and did group sessions with the kids, handled their medications, did crowd control, etc. Bob started there before I did working with the adolescent boys. I mostly worked with the pre-teen girls at the Center.  One day I noticed he was wearing a Patriots sweatshirt and a Red Sox hat. How about that? We were both from Boston. Bob invited me out for beer and chicken wings, and the rest is history.

Why did you guys to move to Winter Haven, Florida?

It was 1999 and Bob’s parents lived here and as their youngest child, they wanted us to be closer to them. Bob agreed to think about it and told his mom and dad…” If you can find us a house and jobs - we will move.  One month later we were driving a U-Haul to Florida.” If you would have told me that we would have moved to Florida from Colorado, I would never have believed it!

How did roofing enter the picture?

His dad and older brother had been working in construction for many years flipping homes and doing renovation projects. Bob originally went into the roofing business working for the company United Roofing. This is where he learned all the tools of the trade and gained his vast amount of knowledge, skills, and experience.  

What was the defining moment where he started EZ Roofing Systems?

After working for United Roofing and flipping houses with his dad, Bob was ready to start his own roofing business. It was pretty cool because then the roles were reversed and his dad started working for him. 

What does Bob do when he’s not on a roof?

He loves coaching the Winter Haven Kicks (who just won the State Championship) and Winter Haven High School girl’s soccer team.

How does Bob relax? 

If you can get him to sit still, he enjoys watching his teams play: Patriots, Red Sox, Bruins, and the Celtics. He is all about supporting the Boston teams! He enjoys getting together with his Fraternity brothers for a reunion and hanging out in Vegas with them.

How is Bob handling the thought of Jordan (his only daughter) graduating high school?

It’s just part of life, and he’s so proud of her. Truth be told, it’s me (Erin) that is in a ball of tears on the floor. We are so close that I can’t imagine her leaving, but I’m so excited for her to study at a university in Florida. She has so many interests right now, and we can’t wait to see where she attends. 

What is something else you can tell us about Bob?

Bob is the most honest and funniest person I’ve ever met and is good at everything he does! He is successful and is such a hard worker. I’m so thankful that I met this man in Colorado so many years ago. 

Erin has gotten soft over these years and doesn’t think she can ever go back to the days of cold weather. When I asked her where she thinks she and Bob will end up? 

We aren’t really sure, but we love Winter Haven. Who knows…maybe we will end up as snowbirds. 

We are quickly approaching the 1-year anniversary of Hurricane Irma here in Florida, and while we might not be along the southern coast of Florida (where the state was hit the hardest), Polk County sustained its fair share of damage from the storm, and there are families and businesses still attempting to rebuild and recover. It was estimated that over 18,000 structures sustained some sort of damage in Polk, with some being completely destroyed altogether. From churches, schools, and local organizations, to people's homes and livelihoods, our county was affected in a big way. However, the heart of Polk County also shined through during this hard time, as neighbors came together to help one another in the biggest time of need. Those with power opened their homes to friends and neighbors, offering AC, a fresh cup of coffee, laundry facilities, and a place to find respite. Restaurants, shelters, churches, and other large-scale spaces also opened their doors, welcoming in those who had nothing left. We saw businesses and individuals out sacrificing their own time and resources to clear trees, repair homes, etc., and selfless actions like these are what make us proud to be part of this community. 

It was during this time that we at EZ Roofing Systems got a firsthand look at just how much suffering was going on in our area, as we headed out to repair overwhelming numbers of homes and buildings, and were able to see just how much individuals and groups had lost in this storm. It sparked our desire to give back in some way, and that's where our cruise giveaway started. We wanted to brighten the year of at least one deserving neighbor, and thank them for supporting our business even during their biggest time of need. This past spring, we were honored to open the giveaway on our social media platforms, and were thrilled to have such a huge response. On April 2nd, we drew our winner's name, and got the joy of announcing to Ashley Haas that she and a guest would be heading to the Bahamas on us! It was wonderful to feel, in some small way, that we were brightening our community with this giveaway. 

EZ Roofing Systems doesn't plan to let our "pay it forward" movement fade. We are brainstorming new ideas and will be planning more giveaways for the future, so make sure you follow us on one (or all!) of our social media pages so you don't miss your chance to participate. We can't wait to spread more joy throughout our own little area of Central Florida by using our business platform to give back to Winter Haven and the surrounding communities. Thank you for supporting EZ Roofing Systems!