Mt. Prospect roofing company wants to give away a roof

Jim Peterson Jr. says a strong sense of community is a key part of his family’s business.

Peterson is vice president of Peterson Roofing Inc., a Mount Prospect-based company started by his father, Jim Peterson Sr., in the late 1970s. The younger Peterson said his father has always been committed to being a good member of the community.

“Our philosophy is, we don’t just work here,” Jim Peterson Jr. said. “We also live here, shop at the stores here, spend time in the parks with our families. So we feel very connected.”

To make good on that commitment, the company is implementing the national “No Roof Left Behind” campaign here in the Northwest suburbs this year. The program provides a free roof to a deserving resident.

“The idea is that we want to pick someone who’s made a unique contribution to the community,” Peterson said. “A local veteran, for instance, or a teacher or coach who’s made a difference.”

The company is accepting nominations until July 19. Four finalists will be chosen and their stories displayed on Peterson Roofing’s Web page. The public will be able to vote between Aug. 2 and Sept. 6. The winner will be announced on Sept. 9.

To be eligible, a nominee must be a resident of Cook County, owner of the home he or she lives in, and current on his or her mortgage payments.

“We just started getting the word out, and the response has already been overwhelming,” said employee Mike McKenna. “It’s great. You feel like you’re part of something good — neighbors helping neighbors.”

Jim Peterson Sr. started the company in 1978, when he was 19 years old. It grew into a thriving business that recently moved into a state-of-the-art facility on Kensington Road.

For information about the No Roof Left Behind campaign, go to petersonroofinginc.com/help-us-give-back.