Longevity in Business: 60 years of roofing at Tilsen

They all serve the same purpose, but each roof presents its own challenge. Its a challenge Tilsen Roofing gladly has taken on for 60 years.

We work hard to select the appropriate materials and methods when installing new roofs, replacing old roofs or maintaining existing roofs, said Dave Tilsen, 47, president.

The company counts hospitals, utility companies, food processing plants, manufacturing facilities, hotels and homeowners among its customers.

Tilsen Roofing was founded by Tilsens father Cyril Cy Tilsen, who served as a pilot on a B-17 Flying Fortress during World War II, completing 29 missions from Molesworth, England. When he returned to the States, Cy Tilsen began working for a local contractor selling roofing jobs, his son said. In 1953, he took out a $5,000 loan from Madison Bank and Trust to start Tilsen Roofing.

The company installs roof systems as part of new construction and replacement projects on both low-slope and steep slope structures and offers repair and maintenance services including emergency response, Dave Tilsen said.

Dave Tilsen literally grew up in the business.

As a young child I would occasionally work by picking up the yard, cleaning truck cabs and other jobs, he said. He worked on roofing crews while attending UW-Madison and joined the business in 1989 as an estimator/project manager after graduation. Cy Tilsen retired in 1989.

Dave Tilsen continues to be active in the roofing industry trade associations, having served as president of the Midwest Roofing Contractors Association and the Wisconsin Roofing Contractors Association. He serves on the board of directors of the National Roofing Contractors Association.

The primary function of a roof has been and continues to be keeping water from entering a structure, Tilsen said. But the industry has changed dramatically.

Today, along with waterproofing/weatherproofing, the roof is looked at as a location for energy production as photovoltaic solar systems and wind turbines are being placed there, he said. The roof is also becoming increasingly green, both literally and figuratively with vegetative systems (green roofs) being constructed.

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Longevity in Business: 60 years of roofing at Tilsen