H.W. Taylor founded Standard Roofing Company in Montgomery, Ala., in June 1945, with his brother, W.L. Taylor, joining him as a partner two years later. The post-World War II economy was robust and the firm grew quickly, moving from Montgomery-area residential roofing jobs to commercial jobs and then to local government projects at Maxwell Air Force Base.
Robbins Taylor, son of founder H.W. Taylor, joined the firm in 1948 following his service in the war and subsequent graduation from college. It was then that Standard Roofing’s community involvement really began to take off.
Robbins Taylor eventually became president of the Montgomery Area Chamber of Commerce, during which time he led the effort to establish an Auburn University campus in Montgomery. He was active in his church, the Red Cross, the local school board and the YMCA.
Taylor’s servant leadership naturally carried over to his role at Standard Roofing, and the company followed suit with its outreach efforts.
Today, Standard Roofing is proud to be a Tocqueville Society member of the United Way, an honor reserved for individuals or companies that annually donate more than ,000 to the organization. It doesn’t stop there.
The firm also has partnered with the American Cancer Society, Catholic Charities and Big Brothers Big Sisters, just to name a few.
Additionally, the company has donated labor and materials for more than a dozen local Habitat for Humanity projects.
Each year, during fiscal year planning, the company sets aside a budget specifically for philanthropy and plans how to use those funds in the upcoming year. Some of that money goes to annual commitments like the United Way, but there’s always room in the budget for simpler things, such as donating a roof to a community member in need.
Standard Roofing’s more than 150 employees don’t shy away from community service. They coach youth sports, are involved in their local churches and support various other philanthropic organizations on their own time, in addition to volunteering at company-sponsored events.
“Our employees do the right thing on their own,” says President Pete Taylor, Robbins’ son.
As the company has expanded across the south (currently serving Alabama, middle Tennessee, Georgia and northwest Florida), it also has expanded its portfolio and services, working for universities, public school systems, commercial companies and even health care facilities on roofing projects as well as waterproofing and masonry repairs.
Still steadily expanding after more than 70 years in business, one thing is for certain: Standard Roofing’s exceptional dedication to the communities it serves is a constant force of good.
