A roofing crew built like the work demands.
Steel & Slate started in 2003 with one truck, two ladders, and a refusal to subcontract. Twenty-two years later, we still don’t. Every roof is built by W-2 employees on payroll. Every quote is signed by a foreman who’ll be on the job.
We started with one truck. We never wanted ten franchises.
Tom Caldwell spent fourteen years climbing other people’s ladders before he started Steel & Slate in a one-bay garage in Quincy. The plan was simple: hire roofers as employees, pay them like skilled tradespeople, and never bid a job we couldn’t personally stand behind.
Twenty-two years later, the plan hasn’t changed. We have twelve crews, four foremen who came up through our apprenticeship, and a 92% callback rate. Most of our work comes from referrals — neighbors who saw the truck and came knocking.
Four things we don’t bend on.
Crews on payroll
No subs, ever. Our roofers are W-2 employees with health benefits and 401(k) — because flaky labor builds flaky roofs.
Fixed-price bids
The number on the contract is what you pay. No “discoveries,” no change orders unless you ask for one.
50-year warranty
Every replacement is registered with manufacturer-certified materials. We come back at year 1 and year 5 to re-inspect, no charge.
Magnet-swept site
We run a magnet over your driveway and lawn at the end of every job. You won’t find a stray nail — guaranteed in writing.
A short history of a long climb.
One truck, one ladder
Tom Caldwell incorporates Steel & Slate Roofing in Quincy, MA. First job: a 12-square asphalt tear-off on a triple-decker.
First major storm response
After Tropical Storm Hanna, we put 38 emergency tarps on roofs in three days. Won the local hardware-store referral pipeline that year.
Apprenticeship program launches
Started a paid 4-year apprenticeship. Today, three of our four foremen came up through it.
GAF Master Elite® certified
One of fewer than 3% of US roofers to hold the certification. Lets us issue the 50-year Golden Pledge® warranty.
4,200 roofs and counting
Twelve crews. Four foremen. One promise — same as 2003.
Foremen who climb the roof with you.
Every estimate is signed by the foreman who’ll run your job. You’ll know their name, their cell, and where to find them at 7 a.m. on day one.
Tom Caldwell
Founder · Master Roofer
Marcus DeLeón
Operations Foreman
Brendan O’Hare
Storm Response Lead
Aaron Fields
Commercial Foreman