Problem Solvers: From silence to support, local contractors offer help after roofing business fallout

(Update: adding comments from contractors)

BEND, Ore. (KTVZ) -- After KTVZ’s Problem Solvers reported on a Central Oregon homeowner who said he paid a deposit to 541 Roofing before communication stopped, two local contractors are stepping up to help.

KTVZ News first reported on Martin Stadtmueller, who said he hired 541 Roofing to replace his roof and paid a deposit; but instead of getting a new roof, he was left with stress, uncertainty, and no answers.

“Ultimately went with 541 Roofing. Hired them, paid a deposit, and then things got really quiet,” Stadtmueller told the Problem Solvers. “I tried everything imaginable and I did not succeed in getting through to them.”

Stadtmueller said he still does not know exactly what happened, but said another roofer he has since hired told him the company went out of business.

“It’s something I’d rather not spend all my time thinking about,” Stadtmueller said. “I just wanted a roof.”

After seeing KTVZ’s Problem Solvers report, All Concepts Exteriors and Greenlee Roofing both reached out, saying they wanted to find ways to help homeowners who may have been impacted.

Tucker Pies, owner of All Concepts Exteriors, said when he heard about the situation, he began contacting material suppliers and manufacturer partners.

“As soon as I heard what had happened on the news, I reached out to my material manufacturers and my material suppliers and kind of started having the conversation about what can we do,” Pies said.

Pies, a Bend native, said his company is exploring options with its suppliers and partners to help affected homeowners complete roofing projects without creating an additional financial burden.

“What we’re working together with our suppliers and manufacturers to do is kind of help cover those costs of material up front,” Pies said. “That way, if they’ve already paid a deposit, they don’t have to pay a second deposit to get that done.”

In a written statement, Pies said many families trusted a contractor with their hard-earned money and are now facing uncertainty, financial stress, and concerns about protecting their homes.

“While every situation will be different, our goal is simple: to help our neighbors find solutions and restore some trust during a difficult time,” Pies wrote. “We believe the community should come together when local families are hurting, and we want to be part of that effort.”

Greenlee Roofing is also offering assistance to qualified homeowners who experienced financial loss related to an incomplete roofing project associated with 541 Roofing.

Greenlee Roofing said it is offering no-profit roof replacement proposals for qualifying homeowners. Those homeowners would still be responsible for the direct costs of completing the project, including labor, materials, permits and company overhead, but Greenlee Roofing would waive all profit on the project.

“Our focus is on homeowners who may have suffered financial loss and still need a roof over their heads,” Hobie Smith, director of sales for Greenlee Roofing, said in a statement. “As a local company, we believe it’s important to step up and help our neighbors when we’re able, and this is one way we can do that.”

Nicholas Greenlee, owner of Greenlee Roofing, said the company wanted to help mitigate some of the hardship homeowners may be facing.

“I’ve been through a hardship in my life, whether it’s financial, medical. I’ve always had people around me in my community step in and help me in some way,” Greenlee said.

Greenlee said the company’s purpose has always been rooted in helping people.

“Our purpose was to help people, and that’s still who we are today,” Greenlee said.

Both companies said each homeowner’s situation will be reviewed individually. Homeowners may need to provide documentation showing they were affected and then work directly with the contractor to determine possible next steps.

Pies said for him, the issue feels personal.

“I’m a Bend native. I was born and raised here, so this is my town,” Pies said. “And when you screw with homeowners in my town, you screw with me too.”

Affected homeowners who want to contact All Concepts Exteriors may reach Tucker Pies at (541) 639-7911 or Tucker@allconceptsroofing.com.

Homeowners interested in contacting Greenlee Roofing may reach Hobie Smith, director of sales, at (541) 316-9567 or hsmith@greenleeroofing.com.

Both companies told the Problem Solvers they hope their efforts are a first step toward helping impacted homeowners gain peace of mind and complete needed roofing work.