Chris Lampien, president of Great Lakes Roofing, discusses a culture of purpose with the company he loved enough to buy from its founder
When the carnival-like atmosphere of the Republican National Convention descended on Milwaukee last July, the novelty appealed to Chris Lampien, principal of Great Lakes Roofing, who considered heading downtown to experience the hubbub firsthand.
And why not? A major political party rarely comes to your proverbial backyard for its quadrennial nominating event. Still, judgment overruled curiosity in the end, offering insight into the 46-year-old Wisconsin native.
“Part of me wanted to go down there and see what it was all about,” he says, acknowledging the gridlock that invariably comes with a high-profile event, “but the logical part of me took over and said, ‘Don’t do it, it’ll ruin your day’; it was very busy around town.”
The man knows himself. Another thing to know about Lampien is that he’s quick to learn and quick to apply those lessons. That insight is evidenced by the fact that, within nine years of being hired by Great Lakes’ founder, he purchased the company he now oversees.
Some call it grit, others say determination. However you characterize it, Lampien’s ascent to company president in 2021 was born of equal parts experience, resilience and timing. That last point is relevant as Lampien didn’t set out to have a career in commercial roofing. Following technical school, Lampien started his profession as a residential home builder. And there, he found success — until intervening circumstances forced his hand.
Read the full magazine spotlight here: https://www.roofingcontractor.com/articles/99833-contractor-profile-great-lakes-roofing-corp?fbclid=IwY2xjawE-7GNleHRuA2FlbQIxMQABHcgJD9D7hCzhZ7J8yv3GFgbl_zTikv_kBT5eEH8549a6joSodt9bVhrVzw_aem_0dxFEdajXxygmD6kVb16OQ
