Biography of Thomas Balkins
Founder, President, and CEO of Westurn Companies
Thomas Balkins built his professional path through steady work, field experience, and disciplined leadership in the roofing and construction industry. He did not inherit a company or step into an executive role without preparation Instead, he developed his expertise over more than 40 years of direct involvement in construction operations and business management Beginning as a trades apprentice in the 1970s, he gained practical knowledge that later shaped his approach to risk, workforce development, and large-scale growth
Thomas is best known as the Founder, President, and CEO of Westurn Companies and its numerous subsidiaries Under his leadership, the company expanded from a local contractor into a national enterprise with active business in 26 states and offices in over 40 cities. His management approach focused on operational structure, measurable systems, and consistent service delivery across diverse markets
Building a National Enterprise
He founded Westurn in 1983 and personally took on responsibilities that many leaders delegate to others. Thomas sold projects, hired employees, purchased materials, dispatched crews, trained teams, and inspected completed installations This hands-on involvement allowed him to
design systems that functioned effectively in real job-site environments His operating philosophy centered on accountability and practical execution.
As the organization expanded into new geographic regions, Balkins built national sales teams to support the expansion. He structured teams capable of generating $28 million to $48 million in annual sales per state or region At times, he managed more than one strong-performing market simultaneously, reinforcing company standards while overseeing operational performance.
By the early 2000s, Westurn reached $48 million in annual sales in Minnesota alone, and later exceeded $94 million nationally. Cumulative sales across all Westurn companies and subsidiaries surpassed $1 8 billion In the middle of this sustained growth, Thomas Balkins remained directly involved in strategic planning, contract negotiations, and system development to ensure responsible scaling.
Throughout his career, he negotiated mega contracts and insurance settlements totaling more than $400 million in personal sales He personally maintained relationships with more than 900 national builder accounts whose trades consistently generated repeat business These partnerships reflected dependable performance and long-term professional trust.
Operational Discipline and Scale
Thomas combined revenue generation with structured operational management. He directed national purchasing operations and established direct purchasing relationships with nearly all major roofing manufacturers in the U.S. and Canada. This approach strengthened pricing control, material availability, and scheduling consistency during both standard production and high-demand periods
He also implemented proprietary logistics systems supported by fleets of conveyor trucks, boom trucks, tractor-trailers, and forklifts Balkins ensured that crews had reliable access to equipment and materials required to complete projects efficiently in every region. This level of preparation supported consistent production year after year
A formal quality control system was introduced and reinforced through direct instruction. He personally trained employees and contractors to meet the company's established standards for artistry and accountability. These systems contributed to the successful completion of over 243,000 roofing projects across the United States and supported operational consistency at scale
By 1999, Westurn averaged more than 16,000 roofing installations annually The company was consistently listed among America’s largest residential roofing contractors for 10 consecutive years. Industry recognition included placement on RSI Magazine’s Top 10 Roofing Contractors
list, and interviews focused on disaster recovery and large project execution Thomas Balkins maintained disciplined leadership throughout this period of industry acknowledgment.
Reputation Before Results
He emphasized long-term credibility over short-term results Westurn maintained an A+ rating with the Better Business Bureau for decades The company earned the BBB Torch Award twice and was placed on the BBB Honor Roll for 18 consecutive years, during which it had zero complaints
Thomas developed strong working relationships with insurance carriers, adjusters, and property owners by supporting fair and thorough claim negotiation practices This reputation enabled the company to operate effectively in new construction and restoration contracting, including high-volume production during catastrophic response situations.
Leadership Style and Influence
He describes himself as a builder and teacher Thomas trained sales professionals, project managers, and operational leaders directly, often working alongside them in the field to reinforce expectations and standards. Many individuals who progressed through the organization later started their own successful companies using the systems and discipline they learned
Clear communication and accessibility defined his leadership style. Balkins ensured that employees understood responsibilities, performance expectations, and paths for improvement This clarity allowed the company to expand nationally while maintaining alignment and internal accountability.
Education and Perspective
Thomas studied building trades early in his career and later completed coursework in anthropology and biology at the University of Minnesota Duluth, the College of St Scholastica, and Hamline University. Although his primary professional focus remained construction and business leadership, this educational background influenced how he approached systems, organizational behavior, and long-term planning strategies