Earlier in their careers, the Prchal brothers did not set out to launch a roofing company. What started as an effort to help a family member with a solar panel installation business has turned into a Connecticut-based, tech-enabled roofing company that is projected to generate just under $30 million in revenue this year. Andrew Prchal, […]
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Earlier in their careers, the Prchal brothers did not set out to launch a roofing company.
What started as an effort to help a family member with a solar panel installation business has turned into a Connecticut-based, tech-enabled roofing company that is projected to generate just under $30 million in revenue this year.
Andrew Prchal, 28, is president and Eddie Prchal, 32, is CEO of Stamford-based Gunner Roofing, which was recently named to Inc. magazine’s 5,000 fastest-growing private companies list for a second year in a row.
Gunner Roofing was born in 2018, after the Prchal brothers, who had construction experience, were asked to help put on new roofs before their brother-in-law installed solar panels. They were brought in to replace unreliable roofing crews.
After a few jobs, however, work dried up, so the brothers decided to strike out on their own to search for new business.
After hearing that some homeowners would pay for part, or all of a job just to have roofing crews not show up, the brothers thought they could do better.
“So, Andrew and I just completely pivoted and went direct to homeowners,” for roofing jobs, Eddie Prchal said.
They eventually launched Gunner Roofing, which they say has evolved into more of a technology company that happens to do roofing, windows and siding.
Their key differentiator is a patent-pending technology platform that allows customers to get quotes and schedule jobs completely online, without any in-person visits. It’s a rare offering in the roofing business, the brothers said.
They use software they’ve built over several years. It leverages satellite imagery to take roof measurements down to the inch for precise quotes, then local roofing crews carry out the installation.
Through the Gunner website, customers can enter information and have a quote within an hour. The measurement technology is actually more accurate than hand-measuring, the brothers said.
“We built everything for the customer experience,” Andrew Prchal said. “Your experience of having to get multiple quotes in-person was an area we saw as problematic. With our technology, you can get a quote, schedule and even pay online without any contact, if you prefer.”
Growing sector
The Prchals have tapped into an industry that’s expected to experience steady growth in the years ahead. The U.S. roofing market generated $26.2 billion in 2022, and is estimated to reach a valuation of $39.64 billion by 2031, which is equal to a 4.2% compound annual growth rate, according to Astute Analytica.
Gunner Roofing has grown at a much faster pace in recent years.
The company ranked No.793 on Inc. magazine’s latest 5,000 fastest-growing private U.S. companies list, reporting 622% revenue growth over a three-year period, from 2000 to 2023.
It generated $19 million in revenue last year, the brothers said, performing about 1,500 jobs. Gunner has grown to about 100 employees, including project managers as well as tech, HR, marketing and recruitment professionals.
Gunner oversees projects from start to finish, including procuring materials, dumpsters and certified crews, and handling customer contracts. It relies on thousands of subcontracted roofing crews throughout the country to do installations.
The brothers said they vet all subcontractors to ensure they are licensed and insured. Gunner’s project managers also inspect their work on-site.
Gunner offers roofing, siding and window services, primarily for residential properties with some commercial projects as well. One of its clients was Young Pharmaceuticals, which used the company for the installation of a unique Spanish-style tile roof and copper gutters on its Wethersfield headquarters.
CT is home
The Prchals are Arizona natives who now call Greenwich home. Their headquarters is in nearby Stamford. The company also has offices in Cromwell and New Jersey, and operates in 14 states.
Eddie Prchal attended the University of Arizona, while Andrew went to Arizona State University. Neither earned a degree, but both have experience in previous business ventures.
Eddie Prchal started a smoothie and nutrition store concept while at the University of Arizona and helped co-develop and launch a water filter business with his brother.
Andrew Prchal also worked at a law firm in Arizona, where he developed marketing, brand-building, distribution and customer service skills.
The brothers have aggressive national expansion plans that include opening more offices across the country.
However, the founders said they are committed to keeping their headquarters and a strong presence in Connecticut, where friends and family gave the brothers the initial $10,000 they needed to launch.
“Connecticut is our home,” Eddie Prchal said. “This is where we want to base this business long-term.”
