At 100, Rockville roofing firm used to challenges, owners say

H.T. Harrison and Sons has endured two world wars, the Great Depression and 18 American presidents. It even managed to bounce back after burning to the ground in the 1970s. But the current economic downturn has the family-owned and -operated business cautious about the future and reevaluating its business outlook.

"We're not in a position to do any long term contracts - everything is short term," said owner and president of the company Wayne T. Harrison. "If we start a project now, the cost of materials by the time we're finished will have gone up. Everything is skyrocketing."

The roofing and sheet metal company was founded in 1908 by Harrison's grandfather, Herbert T. Harrison Sr., in Richmond, VA. It moved to Maryland in 1933. Harrison's father, Wellford T. Harrison Sr., 92, still provides estimates from his Florida home, where he retired several years ago.

"I think we're here to stay, but the economy may wipe out a lot of our competitors," Harrison said. "If someone offers you a lifetime warranty, be careful because they might not be around to fix your roof."

In 1977, the company, then located in Germantown, burned to the ground.

"We lost everything," Harrison said. "But Virginia Roofing sold us three trucks for $900 - basically gave them to us. They said they wanted to see us get back on our feet because we were good, honest competition. Other roofing companies helped us out, too."

The company took the opportunity to relocate to its current location on Stonestreet Avenue, nestled in a shady lot that backs up to the Metro rails at the Rockville station.

The 85 employees do more than build roofs and make repairs, Harrison said. They also produce roofing materials from sheet metal, which other roofers buy.

Harrison feels his family's company has lasted as long as it has in part because it gives back to the community.

"We did historic preservation work on the Frederick Douglass House," Harrison said.

The house is a National Historic Site, part of the National Capital Parks-East in the District of Columbia.

Harrison also said the economic slow-down, which includes a collapse of the housing market, has caused a change in the kind of contracting services people want.

"What we're seeing is a lot of renovations instead of people moving," Harrison said. "They're trying to increase their home's value."

Harrison's wife, Capri, is confident that customers' changing needs will not mean the end of H.T. Harrison and Sons.

"There will always be a need for roofing," she said.

"It's a family business. I started carrying shingles when I was 14 and saved up until I bought the company from my father," Harrison said. "The Rockville community has been good to us."