PRI-Premiere Roofing Inc.

Agapito Chavez-Reyes: Life on the Roof

By James Florence, Diamond Certified Resource Reporter

LIVERMORE — Most people work a few different jobs before discovering their permanent livelihood, but for Agapito Chavez-Reyes, roofing is the only job he’s ever had. “I got into roofing at age 15, right after I first came to the U.S.,” he remembers. “I started out cleaning jobsites and carrying materials for the roofers, and I gradually worked my way up through the ranks. Several years in, while working as an officer for a roofing company, I encountered a situation where we neglected to do something for the client, but since I wasn’t the owner, I didn’t have the power to make it right. It was then I realized it would be better to start my own roofing business, so that’s exactly what I did.”

Today, as owner of PRI-Premiere Roofing Inc., Agapito says his favorite part of his job is working with homeowners. “I really like the sales side of the business because it gives me a chance to connect with our clients. I enjoy explaining the various products to homeowners and helping them find roofing systems that meet their needs.”

Originally from Michoacán, Mexico, Agapito resides today in Tracy. Outside of work, he enjoys spending time with his wife, Saida, and their son and daughter. “I like being spontaneous with family activities,” he says. “I’ll ask my daughter what she wants to do and we’ll just hit the road. We also like going to the beach and hiking and camping in the mountains.” When he’s not having fun with his family, Agapito can often be found reading up on the latest developments in the roofing industry.

In regard to a professional philosophy, Agapito describes the value that happy employees bring to a business. “I truly believe the only way we can have happy clients is by keeping our employees happy,” he says. “Some businesses put all their focus on making customers happy but neglect their employees’ needs. However, if your employees aren’t happy, they aren’t going to do their best work or serve customers as well, so customer satisfaction is going to go down. That’s why keeping our employees happy is number one for us.”

When asked the first thing he’d do if he were to retire tomorrow, Agapito says he’d invest in a beachside property. “My wife and I have a dream that will hopefully come true: to buy a house near the ocean. As I mentioned, we love the beach, so that would be our getaway house.”

Ask Me Anything!

Q: What’s your favorite local restaurant?

A: Maria Maria in Danville.

Q: Do you have a favorite movie?

A: I like movies set in historical times and places—like “Gladiator,” for example. I find history fascinating.

Q: Are you an early bird or a night owl?

A: An early bird.

Q: What’s your favorite holiday?

A: The Fourth of July. We love to go out and celebrate as a family.

Q: What’s your favorite family tradition?

A: Every time our family gets together, there are always tamales, menudo and pozole. Along with that good food comes good times.