From The Frontlines Of Vietnam To The Frontlines Of
Central Florida Roofing
How We Went From A Family-Owned Small Business
To A Woman-Owned, State-Wide Powerhouse
Five years… that’s the average a Central Florida roofing company lasts. Just five.
Whether it’s because of stiff competition, high overhead costs, or an inability to deliver exceptional customer service, they simply don’t make it.
Then, you have Universal Roof & Contracting – we’ve been around for more than 30 years.
So, what makes us so special?
We’re always focused on YOU. The most important aspect of any roofing project is you, the customer. So, we founded our company on essential core values that ensure we always keep you front and center.
And those values come from the heart of who we are – a veteran and family-owned and operated company.
1966 – 1972: From The Army To Home Construction
Our founder, Ken Mellick, was always an ambitious young man. In 1966, he had one monumental week in which he graduated high school, turned 18, and enlisted in the United States Army.
The following year, he was sent to Vietnam as an elite member of the E Company 75th Rangers. During his time in service, Ken earned a Silver Star, Bronze Star, and Army Accommodation for Valor.
And it was here that he began embracing the core values that would later shape the entire culture of Universal Roof & Contracting.
After retiring from the Army, Ken moved back home to Washington with his wife, Joan, and their six children. He worked as a building inspector until opening his own custom home-building company in 1972.
1972 – 1993: The Transition From Home
Construction To Roofing Excellence
While Ken’s first foray into owning a business wasn’t focused on roofing, he did install quite a few. Things were looking good for the Mellick family – the business was successful, and everyone was happy.
But then, the unthinkable happened – Ken was hit in a head-on car accident caused by an intoxicated driver. Unfortunately, he was told he would never climb another ladder again.
After losing his business and financial stability, he decided it was time for a fresh start. So, they moved to Florida in 1988.
And though Ken thought he was starting over by selling life insurance, the home improvement industry quickly called him back…
You see, in 1992, a hailstorm struck the local area…and Ken and his son, Jared, responded to the call for roofing help. They quickly became the top reps at a local roofing company only to find they would not be paid appropriately.
So, they left to form their own company in 1993 – Universal Roofing Group.
2015: A New Generation Steps Forward
Over the years, every member of our family has worked in some capacity for Universal Roof & Contracting. And in 2015, we made the decision to become more than just the average roofing company.
That year, Ken passed the company on to his son, Jared. And under Jared’s leadership, the entire team decided right then to become the best. That meant looking and acting like the best while serving our community.
At Universal Roof & Contracting, we’re all family – even those of us who aren’t physically related by blood. And that’s how we treat our customers.
Today: Veteran-Founded, Family-Owned, And Woman-Run
Ken officially retired in 2022, leaving his children in charge of operations. Jared remains the CEO today, while his sister, Jade, is the President.
Jade has been devoted to roofing just as much as anyone else in the family. She got her start climbing on roofs with her dad when she was five. While she left the fold long enough to attend nursing school, she quickly came back to climb the ranks of the company.
Just like her dad and brothers, she’s a licensed roofing contractor, making this a genuine family business. And she still makes time for her own blossoming family. Jade married her high school sweetheart, and they have four beautiful children.
For over 30 years, we’ve proudly served the Central Florida region – and we’ve done it as a single business, operating under our own licenses. For you, this means working with an ESTABLISHED, honorable company that cares.
Get Started On Your Roofing Project Today
Do you need expert residential or commercial roofing services? Turn to the professionals at Universal Roof & Contracting for a top-tier roof replacement or roof repairs in Central Florida. We have all the options you need to protect your home or business and add to its exterior beauty.
