Lehman Roofing

Owners:   Todd Lehman
Founded:  2006                                                                       
Location:   2005 Allens Lane

In 2006 Todd Lehman seized the opportunity to start a new roofing company in Evansville and approached the ISBDC for assistance.  Less than four years later Lehman Roofing, Inc. is expanding its facilities and has been awarded its third seven figure contract to date, this time for Evansville’s new arena.

Since its inception four years ago, Lehman Roofing has expanded its services by creating a sheet metal division and adding nearly two dozen employees to the initial eight.  The original location on Mt. Vernon Avenue was getting cramped for the emergent enterprise, so Lehman looked to expand.  The new space at 2005 Allens Lane will boast a 2,000 sq. ft. office and 5,000 sq. ft. warehouse to accommodate the current thirty plus employees and up to seven crews.  The space will also provide ample room for future growth, something the flourishing company will no doubt need.

The arena contract was a coup for the small business.  Lehman Roofing had narrowly missed several other multi-million dollar contracts, and it seemed that the arena would be no different.  However, when the lowest bidder was disqualified, the job was awarded to Lehman.  “We’re very excited about doing a project for the city,” Todd Lehman commented when discussing the arena.  They are scheduled to begin this project November of this year.  The owner was also optimistic about the impacts of the arena, which he anticipates will transform downtown Evansville. 

So why is this small roofing business thriving in the midst of an economic downturn?  The Lehman name was a major contributing factor.  “When Evansville residents think about quality roofing, they remember the Lehman name.  This reputation has helped make us who we are.”  The Lehman family has 150 years combined experience, which was an asset when Todd Lehman, a graduate of Purdue University with a degree in Construction Management, started his company.  Lehman also emphasized the contributions of the company’s employees, commenting that “we’ve got great people here.  That is what makes us successful.” 

The ISBDC also contributed to the success of the roofing company.  “The business plan they helped me put together was very useful” Lehman stated, “not just with the bank but also with the bonding company which allowed us to bond the projects we wanted to pursue.”  Throughout the process Lehman worked with Business Advisor Pete Sabella, whose enthusiasm “reinforced that I was doing the right thing.”  

Todd Lehman is focused on the future for his business.  “We will continue to provide commercial and industrial roofing systems as well as architectural sheet metal services that we have established.  We also want to maintain constant growth,” the owner stated when asked about the direction of his business.  As for other entrepreneurs struggling to succeed in this economy, Lehman suggested that they remember to be flexible.  “They should be willing to change their strategy, the way they pursue their market,” he recommended; an approach that has worked quite well for Lehman Roofing.