By: Ali Elizabeth Turner
Chris and Michael Muse began working in the construction industry when they were teenagers, and learned every aspect of the trade. Together they have 30 years of experience roofing, and also have done framing as well as cement work. They have always worked together, except for the time that Chris served in the armed forces in Korea, and in 2018 they launched River City Roofing Solutions. They started off with the desire to do “small and good,” rather than “huge and mediocre.” They have grown quickly in the last two years, have exceeded their goals, and have an unwavering commitment to “do it right the first time.”
In the construction world, it is no secret that roofing companies are often fly-by-night and do shoddy work. In North Alabama, where storms and storm damage are just a part of life, it is not at all uncommon for there to be a knock on the door after a storm with a representative from a roofing company that no one has ever heard of promising quality roofing at an unbelievable price. There is an old adage which says, “If it sounds too good to be true, it probably is,” and that is seldom truer than when it comes to roofing companies. Chris, Michael, and the River City Roofing Solutions team are out everyday having to “repair the repairs” of these poor excuses for roofing companies, and are highly motivated to change the world of roofing in North Alabama, one customer at a time.
Michael is in my BNI group, and I have learned more about roofing in the few months he has been a member of Limestone Leaders than I have known in my life. One of the things that “chaps his hide” is when roofing companies don’t help or educate their clients as to their options, and don’t interact with the insurance companies. Michael has told many times at Tuesday morning meetings how he has been able to sit down with a client and speak to their insurance agent with the result being that the homeowner saved thousands of dollars. He’s been told things like, “I feel more comfortable; you explained it.” Chris told me that he feels that there are only a few roofing companies in North Alabama that “do it right,” and he and Michael are committed to being the best at what they do.
As I sat in their office, I was struck by how they are just as determined to do an excellent job for a middle-income home as they are for a luxury custom home. One of the things they have done recently is purchase software that accurately portrays the building and predicts the total cost of a project. The Muse brothers have made a point of requiring life-long learning for themselves and their staff, and they have attended several types of additional training in Memphis, Nashville, Orlando, and in Atlanta.
Chris and Michael taught me that what sets them apart is that they will always check the decking of any roof, and never just “shingle over anything.” They even provide clients with two sheets of decking for free with every roof replacement. All work is guaranteed for five years, and if there is something that wasn’t done right the first time, they’ll take care of it. “We start off by using the right products,” said Michael, and they explain to the homeowner the importance of the proper shingles, underlayment, decking, and structural soundness. They also teach about some of the environmental issues that are important to good roof care, such as keeping leaves from piling up. This is important because the leaves can cause water to back up under the shingles which can result in leaks.
I asked Chris why I should choose River City River Solutions if I need my roof replaced. He thought for a moment and then simply said, “Knowledge. Being able to explain everything to the customer and answer all their questions so they can make the best decision.” The owners go to the sites and are highly involved in each project. Michael also told me that they have perfected a process of training their installation team that causes work to be consistent, and something they will stand behind. They are also excited to be in the business, and show no signs of slowing down. Michael summed it up well when he said, “The other day some friends asked me if I would quit this business if I won the lotto. I had to tell them, ‘Not a chance. I wouldn’t shut down.’” I know that it’s because River City Roofing Solutions genuinely loves what they do and the people they serve. Call them today for a no-obligation sit-down meeting where you can choose your next step with confidence.
By: Ali Elizabeth Turner
