by Susan Slater

 As Celeste Toj Yat prepares to celebrate the one-year anniversary of her Dade City roofing business, she is clear about what she wants the company to become. Her goal is not to be the biggest roofing company in the area. It is to be the most trusted.

Celeste opened the locally owned business after years of working with her husband, Carlos, in roofing subcontracting. Together, they worked on projects for several roofing companies and learned the trade from the crew side of the business. “If they can do it, I can do it,” she said. She learned the details of roofing. Today, Celeste owns the company, while Carlos serves as the roofing specialist. Their team includes two crews and about 10 employees.

The company installs shingle, metal, TPO and modified bitumen roofing systems, while generally avoiding tile roofs. Celeste says the company’s hands-on approach helps homeowners know exactly who is working on their property. She and Carlos are involved in explaining the process step by step, giving customers better communication and stronger quality control.

That personal attention comes from experience. Having worked as subcontractors before becoming business owners, Celeste and Carlos understand what can go wrong when homeowners are unsure who has been sent to do their roof. Celeste wants customers to feel confident that they are receiving honest advice, quality craftsmanship and a company that stands behind its word.

If a problem arises, Celeste says she goes back to the job herself. Sometimes, she even gets on the roof. The company offers a five-year workmanship warranty and often installs GAF shingles, a well-known roofing product manufacturer whose warranty resources emphasize roofing protection. The company also offers a $200 referral bonus for each referral.

A Florida native and mother of three, Celeste says she loves the heat and is proud to serve local homeowners. Nearly one year in, her mission remains simple: build roofs, build relationships and build trust. ♥