Sky is the limit for metal roofing company located in Blockhouse

PETER SIMPSON For the lofty heights he has taken his South Shore metal roofing company during the past six years, Johnny Wall deserves a good measure of respect, maybe even an award for successful entrepreneurs.

In 2012, Wall helped his future father-in-law complete some reno projects on his rental properties, including a few metal roofs

Wall enjoyed the experience, so when those projects were finished, he convinced his uncle to assist him with installing metal roofs.

During the fall of 2012 they installed six roofs together.

Walls Metal Roofing was launched the next year and the young entrepreneur — equipped with a rented truck, a few basic tools, a strong work ethic and his faith — was on the fast track to success.

In 2013, the company completed 35 roofs. Homeowners faced with replacing their asphalt shingle roofs began to consider the benefits of a long-lasting metal roof and asked Wall to provide quotes.

A year later, Wall and his team installed 75 roofs. In 2015 they did 120, followed by 200 in 2016 and 300 in 2017.

Last year the number of metal roof installations soared to more than 425.

For those keeping score at home, that’s 1,155 installs in just six years, a phenomenal market share.

Growing up in a close-knit, hard-working Mennonite family in Manitoba, Wall and his four brothers didn’t spend time watching TV or playing video games. Their world was the outdoors.

“I spent my youth being constructive and creative, building things that will stand the test of time,” said Wall, in a re- cent interview.

“When I was eight years old I built a treehouse. Someone sent me a photo of it recently and it’s still safe to use. During my teen years I built two black spruce cabins.”

Three of Wall’s brothers now own their own businesses, while the fourth brother works with Wall.

“Our work ethic was instilled in all of us at an early age and it remains strong today,” said Wall.

“My brothers and I work hard, and we attract that type of person to our South Shore entrepreneur soaring to new heights

Peter Simpson Johnny Wall and his crews have installed 1,155 metal roofs since Walls Metal Roofing was launched six years ago. The32-year- old South Shore entrepreneur operates out of an 8,200-square-foot warehouse, production facility and showroom that he built on his property in Blockhouse.