Kent Gardner, President of SRS Building Products, has lived every chapter of the roofing industry. From a blue-collar upbringing in Sugar Creek to leading one of the largest distribution networks in North America, Kent’s story is about discipline, responsibility, and staying steady when everything around you speeds up.
In this conversation, Kent and Josh talk about the leadership lessons forged in the military, the early days of SRS, the realities of private equity in the roofing business, and why relationships still matter even as technology and AI reshape the industry. Kent also shares why he believes the roofing industry is on the verge of a major surge and what leaders should be preparing for now.
Kent’s journey is a reminder that steady, grounded leaders create the conditions for teams to thrive. You show up, you listen, you lift people up, and you stay focused on the long view.