Les Sims, CPRC, President, Armstrong Roofing Inc., Palatka Les has been involved in the roofing industry for 22 years and serves as Vice President on the FRSA Executive Committee, a Trustee on the FRSA Self Insurers Fund and the Educational & Research Foundation and as a Board member for the FRSA Credit Union.
If you could spend time with three people (living or not), who would they be and why? John Adams, a strong patriot that had to follow George Washington. Elon Musk, I need some insider information. Walt Disney for his expert foresight and guidance.
How did you get started in the roofing industry? After returning home from the military, I met a very interesting young lady that I later married. Her Dad owned Armstrong Roofing and hired me in a starting position as a laborer (obviously to keep an eye on me) and we went from there. As positions opened up, I climbed the ladder and eventually ended up as owner and President. What a ride it’s been.
How long have you been involved with FRSA? Since 2004.
What’s your favorite part of the job? I enjoy meeting new customers and creating relationships that will last through the next generation. I also enjoy being a problem solver, which never ends and can make or break a project or company.
What advice would you give to someone interested in joining the roofing industry? Without ambition one starts with nothing. Without work one finishes nothing. The prize will not be sent to you, you have to win it every day.
What’s the most unusual roofing project that you’ve been a part of? I’d have to start with 9/11. We were removing parapet steel framing on a commercial building and getting early reports of the attack on the World Trade Center which were vague and left a lot of uncertainty. What a day in history. The project itself was a little tricky, but the conditions over the next few weeks changed our lives for a while. What do you consider a waste of time? Sleeping, driving and typing. This bio took me half an hour to complete! Thank the Lord for talk to text. What’s your favorite vacation? Anywhere with salt water and friends. Everything else can be purchased. What is your dream job? I am living the dream now and enjoying every minute of it.
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FLORIDA ROOFING | May 2022
What do you personally find most rewarding about being involved with FRSA? I find the friendships and relationships very rewarding. You meet all walks of life and are able to better yourself by learning from mistakes and successes of others. Where else can you approach industry titans and leaders and talk to them one-on-one? They will generally help you to grow and succeed.
What’s your favorite pastime activity? I really enjoy working dogs for what they are bred to do. You see a drive in them to succeed under any circumstance. I also enjoy catching (not fishing) and most, but not all, hunting. Lately, I have really enjoyed watching my children spread their wings and fly into this world. When I leave this earth, I’ll leave knowing that I left my kids in a better situation and place. Where would be your ideal place to live and why? Here and now! I love my life and my achievements and couldn’t think of a better place than Florida to live. What other activities and organizations are you involved with? I have sat on numerous local government and private boards over the years but none I enjoy more than FRSA and the FRSA-SIF. What would surprise others to learn about you? I have six toes on one foot. That’s a lie but would make a great barstool discussion. FRM