OUR HISTORY
The History of Great Lakes Roofing and Insulation
The History of Great Lakes Roofing and Insulation began back in 1985 when Great Lakes Roofing was formed as a subdivision of Frank Taylor Lumber and Development. It was based out of Straits Building Center in St. Ignace, MI.
Our Founders
Craig Miller
Craig Miller has been co-founder and co-owner/owner of Great Lakes Roofing and Insulation Systems for nearly 25 years.
From De Tour Village, MI, Craig attended Lake Superior State University and received a Bachelor of Science in Accounting. Craig began working at Taylor Lumber and Development, eventually becoming a construction manager before he, alongside Kevin Kenney, became co-owner of GLR in 1999. Taking control of the insulation systems side of the business, Craig has been integral to the success of GLR.
With 49 years of experience in the construction industry, Craig acts as the insulation manager for GLR, overseeing current jobs and crews.
Craig is married to Traci Miller and father to three children: Teryn, Bailey and Rayne. In his free time, Craig raises Golden Retrievers. He enjoys traveling with his family, especially visiting warmer climates.
Kevin Kenny
Kevin Kenney was co-founder and co-owner of Great Lakes Roofing and Insulation Systems alongside Craig Miller for nearly 25 years.
Kevin graduated from Michigan State University with a package engineering degree in 1983. Kevin worked as a crew member for the GLR division of Taylor Lumber and Development, becoming integral to GLR since its inception. Kevin, alongside Craig, became co-owner of GLR in 1999, continuing to develop the roofing side of the business.
Kevin has been married to his wife Lois for 34 years. Lois is a certified public accountant who assists with the accounting of GLR. He has four sons: Keenan, Nathan, Randy, and Eddie.
Kevin retired at the end of 2023 and looks forward to enjoying the benefits of retirement.
Timeline
Because of the necessity for expansion Great Lakes Roofing purchased its own facility in Sault Ste. Marie, Michigan, separating itself from its Building Center sister companies.
In February of 1991, an office and warehouse were purchased in Grayling, Michigan to better service its growing list of customers in the Lower Peninsula.
Blown in cellulose insulation was added to Great Lakes Roofing’s line of products and services.
Great Lakes Roofing was incorporated solely under its own name as Great Lakes Roofing and Insulation Systems, Inc. (GLR&IS) when Craig Miller and Kevin Kenney purchased the business from Frank Taylor. Kevin brought 20 years of roofing experience to the management team, while Kevin’s experience with Taylor Lumber and Development building hotels, condos, and restaurants broadened GLR’s capabilities.
GLR added several additional membranes as well as shingle and metal roofing to its line of roofing products. Blown fiberglass insulation was also added at this time.
Due to Michigan’s declining economic environment GLR changed its mission statement to include a more travel-oriented sales and work force. In order to expand our reach efficiently, staff and equipment were added to facilitate this philosophy. A service department with dedicated repair personnel was implemented to insure our clients still received the best possible service response.
The new philosophy to expand our coverage area is a success as GLR attains the coveted John R. Burt Award from Duro-Last for sales in excess of one million dollars for the first time in its history.
GLR opened an office in Vero Beach Florida to meet the increasing need of quality commercial roofers in the East and Central areas of the State.
GLR purchased a spray foam insulation rig and began offering a full line of insulation products to serve both the residential and commercial needs of its customers. GLR has increased sales volume every year since its inception in 1986 and through the end of 2018 have installed around 13 million square feet of Duro-Last membrane.
Why GLR? VISIT OUR BLOG
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If you need a new roof, roof repair, maintenance, or anything in between, Great Lakes Roofing and Insulation Services has got you covered. Call us at (906) 647-2916 or fill out your information in our convenient contact form. We hope you’ll become another one of our repeat customers.
