Christiansen Roofing collapses under poor economy

The roofing company owned by Winnebago County Board Chairman Scott Christiansen will shutter its doors amid financial woes.

The commercial and residential roofing company incorporated with the state in 1988, according to Illinois Secretary of State records. It employed more than 100 people at one time, but has struggled financially for about a decade. It was down to about 10 employees at the time Christiansen made the decision to close. Most others had moved on because there wasnt enough work for the company, he said.

The economy has just been so tough. Its the worst weve ever seen it and thats construction in general, Christiansen said. Were just not able to continue.

For his part, Christiansen said he hasnt managed the day-to-day aspects of the business since he was elected as county chairman in 2004 and dedicated himself full time to the county role. Professional managers were hired to run the company. He said his employees did a good job, but the businesses financial struggles are a symptom of a poor economy one thats been especially hard on construction.

Its been especially hard on mid-sized contractors like Christiansens company because they havent been able to sustain the amount of work needed to stay afloat through the downturn, said Glen Turpoff, executive director of the Northern Illinois Building Contractors Association. Residential roof remodeling has some recent peaks, Turpoff said.

But as far as commercial new roofing entities, there hasnt been new roofs to build. And people are putting off maintenance as long as they can possibly put it off, Turpoff said. Therefore, the squeeze has been enormous.

Christiansens company primarily focused on industrial and commercial customers. He said the state of Illinois still owes the company money for work done at the University of Illinois in Champaign.

Ive put a good share of my life into it and so has my wife, Christiansen said. Theres just nothing out there and the work you do youre concerned about being able to get paid on it because its like everybodys hanging by a thread.

Christiansen hasnt filed for bankruptcy or other financial protection yet. He said its not needed at this point, but may be in the future.

The works not there and we put every dime weve got back into the business, Christiansen said. We hoped the economy would turn around and its just not turning around quick enough here.

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Christiansen Roofing collapses under poor economy