For most homeowners, a roof is a nearly invisible part of the house — until a heavy downpour arrives, strong winds begin to howl, or freezing winters and scorching summer heat put it to the test.
For William Rickles, a U.S. Army veteran and owner of Four Families Roofing in Franklin, roofing means much more than shingles and repairs. “When we work on a roof, we are protecting a family’s home, memories, security and future.”
Lessons Learned Early
The story of Four Families Roofing began with a 9-year-old boy working alongside his father and uncle, helping the family earn a living. It was there that Rickles learned some of his earliest lessons about discipline and responsibility.
“Roofing taught me that if you cut corners, water finds them every single time. Life works the same way,” he said.
After serving during Operation Desert Shield, Operation Desert Storm, Operation Enduring Freedom and Operation Iraqi Freedom, Rickles continued working in the construction industry. Over time, he became convinced that something was missing in the roofing business.
“Too many companies were built around speed, pressure, insurance money and sales gimmicks instead of honesty and craftsmanship,” he said.
That realization inspired him to start his own company — one built on integrity,, professionalism, long-term relationships with customers and his Faith.
“We genuinely care about doing things correctly, even when nobody is watching,” Rickles said.
A Focus on Quality
Four Families Roofing places a strong emphasis on complete roofing systems, proper ventilation, code compliance and manufacturer specifications. The company is an Owens Corning Preferred and a GAF-Certified Contractor.
Owens Corning started in the 1800s as a glass producer and later turned into one of the world’s leading insulation and roof shingle manufacturers. GAF, formerly General Aniline & Film, is the leading roof manufacturer in North America, and the largest since 1886.
To help ensure quality workmanship, the company uses technology such as drone inspections to improve safety and identify potential issues without causing unnecessary damage to the roof.
“We spend more time educating customers than selling them,” Rickles said. “A roof is not cheap, and homeowners deserve to understand exactly what they are paying for.”
Building for the Next Generation
Despite the company’s growth, Rickles said family remains his greatest motivation.
The name Four Families Roofing is directly connected to his four children, who inspire him to build a business that can serve future generations.
A particularly important source of inspiration is his son Riley, who has Asperger syndrome. Rickles said thinking about Riley’s future became one of the driving forces behind the company’s development.
“I’m building this company for Riley to always have a place to work, surrounded by great, honest, hardworking men and women to protect him when I’m gone,” he said.
For Rickles, success is measured by more than revenue or the number of completed projects. “If I leave my kids a good name, I feel like I’ve accomplished my goal as a father,” he said.
Earning Community Trust
Rickles said one of the moments he realized the company had become more than just a business was when customers began turning to him for more than roofing services.
“Customers started calling us not only for roofing work, but for advice, guidance,” he said. “When people begin recommending you to their parents, their church family or their children, that changes things.”
Faith and Service
Rickles’s military service continues to influence his approach to work today.
“Attention to detail saves lives in combat — and in roofing, attention to detail protects homes and families,” he said.
The principles of accountability, discipline and leadership came from his years in the Army, while his moral foundation comes from his Christian faith.
Rickles is a member of a prayer group at Holly Springs Baptist Church, which he describes as one of the greatest blessings in his life.
“War can harden a man. Faith reminds me not to stay hardened,” he said. “I try to lead this company with honesty, compassion and fairness while still maintaining standards and accountability.”
More Than a Business
What began as a way to help his family make ends meet has evolved into a lifelong mission — one Rickles hopes will be worthy of passing down to future generations.
“We are not trying to be the biggest roofing company,” he said. “We are trying to be one of the most trusted.”
