Establishing Excellence
The Foundational Years of Heritage Roofing
Heritage Roofing was founded in 1986 by Ray Klassen and Russ Howard in Nelson, BC, where it still maintains its base of operations. Over the next 23 years, Ray and Russ established Heritage Roofing as a cornerstone in the community, known for its commitment to quality and exceptional customer service. In 2009, Rick Dawson, a longtime employee who had worked his way up from the ground, purchased the business. Rick’s deep understanding of the company’s operations and his dedication to the founding principles of quality and service helped ensure Heritage Roofing continued to thrive in the Kootenay region.
Leadership Transition and Modernization
Continuing Innovation and Quality into the Future
As Rick Dawson approached retirement, the importance of keeping Heritage Roofing a locally-focused business with its core values intact was paramount. In 2023, Rikki and Gabe Tyler, local construction business owners with a natural affinity for Heritage Roofing’s mission, took over the operations. They introduced modernizations in processes to keep the company competitive and technologically advanced while remaining true to its foundational values of quality, safety, and customer service. Rick stayed on in operations for a year to facilitate a smooth transition for clients, while Eric Klassen, son of founder Ray Klassen and a veteran in the roofing industry since 2004, stepped in as the new operations lead. Eric brings decades of roofing experience and a lifetime of insights from observing his father manage the business, ensuring Heritage Roofing’s legacy continues with a commitment to its time-tested core values.
