Executive Bios | Management Bios | Sales Bios | Production Bios | Administration Bios

Executive Bios

Paul LaNue

President

Career: I have been an entrepreneur since a teenager, first cleaning restaurant kitchens then moving 'West Young Man' and building a commercial carpet cleaning company. I moved into sales with Universal Roofing in 1992 until they closed. I spent the next 7 years with Scott Roofing. In 2001 I was recruited to help build Lyons Roofing. After 4 years revenues increased over 400% at which time my wife and I purchased the company in March of 2005.

Personal Background: I was born and raised in Miami Beach, but spent much of my early years with my family in Barranquilla, Columbia. I came to Arizona in 1976. I have 1 sister and brother-in-law in Florida, 2 grown children and one in HS. My wife is my partner in life and crime!

Likes/Dislikes: I love deep sea fishing, cooking and eating it! I am the grilled fish master.

Personal Background

Ken Zinser

CEO

Career: My initiation into construction was back in high school and college. One of my first jobs was boarding up HUD houses in Detroit. I also had my own concrete construction company. Both of these gave me a great incentive to finish school. I have an MBA from Michigan State University and I am also a CPA. Even though my formal background is more finance and accounting, I’ve never been the bean counter type. I’ve been able to balance a business operations perspective with a technical background. I’ve been in the roofing and construction industry for over thirty years and have held all the &ldqou;C” positions – CEO, COO, and CFO. I have a pretty simple business philosophy of building a great team in the spirit of mutual respect and trust.

Personal Background: I am originally from the Detroit area, but I’ve been in the Phoenix area for about 25 years. I’ve been married to Kim for over thirty years and have three grown children, Kristina, Kenny and Kevin (yes, all “K’s”). I am the youngest of four brothers and one sister. My mom (Lucy) is my hero.

Likes/Dislikes: I like anything chocolate. I enjoy all outdoor activities, including hunting, fishing and hiking, and I work out on a regular basis. I actually enjoy doing home remodeling projects and I’m pretty darn good at all aspects of construction.

Personal Background

Rhonda LaNue

Executive Vice President

Career: Varied and diverse. I waited tables well into my 20's and loved it. I began my career with Sprint when they were still owned by Southern Pacific Railroad and had about 700 employees total! I spent the next 13 years in the telecommunications industry in sales. I went back to school and pursued my degree in Organizational Communications with a minor in Spanish from ASU West graduating in 2000. I spent 5 years in software training and loved it until buying a roofing company!

Personal Background: I was born and raised in NY and don't think I talk funny! I have 2 sisters back east. I moved to AZ in 1978, met the love of my life in '88, and forfeited half my brain cells to my son in '94. (At least I knew where they went!)

Likes/Dislikes: I love animals, especially my doggies, quiet time at home, my garden, meditation and my friends. I am passionate about life and education, common sense, morals and values. I dislike lack of responsibility, anchovies, bad drivers and litterbugs!

Personal Background

Robert Dishmon

Director of Operations

Career: My career in roofing goes back to 1980. For my first 5 years I was a licensed contractor and installed the roofs myself. I then spent the next 25 years acquiring skills in most aspects of the industry including Superintendent, Production Manager, VP of Operations and Director. My path included Universal Roofers, new home production and commercial roofing as well as most recently with American Solar Electric gaining extensive knowledge in solar and solar integrated roofing systems.

Personal Background: I am an Arizona Native.

Likes/Dislikes: I like all outdoor adventures, backpacking, white water rafting, boating and wildlife viewing and adventures. I dislike weekends in the city.

Family: I am married to my high school sweetheart, Stacie, for 30 years. We have a son Jason who is a Mechanical Engineer, and a daughter, Danielle, who is a Pharmacist. Both whom excel in their careers and whom we are very proud of.

Personal Background

Management Bios

Andy Gutierrez

Controller

Career: While working as a tech in the public safety communications industry I discovered a love for numbers and moved into an accounting role. I accepted a controllership position at a construction company and eventually started my own firm specializing in construction.

Personal Background: I'm a second generation Phoenix native. The only person in the family with enouygh sense to get out of the heat has been my little sister, who moved to Grand Junction, CO. Six years ago I met my partner Shawn and we live with our three dogs and four cats in Laveen.

Likes/Dislikes: like reading, writing, and learning in general. As an avid supporter of the sustainability movement, I believe that business can be profitable and responsible. I dislike mean people, dishonesty, and climbing radio towers.

Personal Background

Ann Pepper

Director of Business Development

Career: I have been in some form of sales or business development for 25+ years. I can't really be that old! I love Sales, what other career choice allows you to dig in and learn such varied industries. I have sold food products to chefs with US Foods, Candy to distributors for M&M/Mars, Clinical supplies to dentists for Smarthealth, Cosmetic Medical Devices to plastic surgeons for Medicis Pharmaceuticals and now Roofing Systems to commercial clients of Lyons Roofing. What a ride. Truth is, the critical factors for success in all of these endeavors remain the same. Work hard for your clients, care about their needs, be honest and forthright, do what you say you are going to do and you will never have to ask for the business. I am proud to work for Lyons Roofing as it is clear we share the same values.

Personal Background: Yo, I am from the Bronx. Yes, I was born and raised in New York City. 30 years later…millions of people follow me everywhere I go. I love living here- although I have my heart set on a summer home in Canon Beach Oregon someday. I graduated from ASU with a BS in business management and marketing. Go Devils. My husband Jene and I have been married for 20 years and have two great kids, Andrew and Jack. Jack often spends time in the summer at Camp Lyons and his favorite thing- books! Andrew is a self proclaimed band geek. He is on the drum line at Chaparral HS and constantly is beating his mental song on his own chest. We also own a small café in North Scottsdale called the Dragonfly Café. No it is not Asian food- it is New American cuisine and it is really my husband's mistress in a way.

Likes/Dislikes:I don't like generally, negative people. I find them exhausting. I don't like Okra. Oh, and I don't like that I can't drive in the carpool lane with my hybrid- oh the travesty of it all. I like to cook, but not to clean. I wouldn't call myself an artist, but I do like to do crafty stuff. Our family shares a passion for the National Parks and hiking. I like to read, but don't seem to find the time. I like to laugh to tears most of all.

Personal Background

Wendy Miller

Production Manager

Career: Most of my career has been spent in the automotive industry holding various positions from service advisor to marketing manager and general manager. In 2008 I was given the opportunity to change industries and that's how I landed at Lyons Roofing.

Personal Background: Born in Port Washington, Wisconsin as an only child. Spent most of my life on the South Carolina coast until moving to Arizona in 1997 when my son Jacob was a year old.

Likes/Dislikes: I get teased because I don't eat any condiments! Yes, no mustard, catsup, mayonnaise or creamy dressings. It makes ordering fast food difficult and frustrating because most don't understand 'plain'!

Personal Background

Bill Davis

Safety Director

Career: Safety director at Tri Chord Builders, Project Safety Manager at Weitz Company, Safety Manager at American Solar Electric.

Personal Background: Born in McKeesport, PA, and spent 21½ Years in U.S.A.F.

Family: 5 year old son and 18 year old daughter attending Community College.

Personal Background

Sales Bios

Dan Wolf

Project Specialist

Career: I have been in the roofing industry for 17 years. I spent 12 years in California where I helped run RoofTime, Inc. I have been with Lyons Roofing as a Project Consultant since 2006.

Personal Background: I was born in San Diego and I have lived in St. Louis, MO, Cleveland, OH, Long Island, NY and Camarillo, CA, before coming to the desert in 2003. I met my wife working at McDonalds. I have been married 23 years (to the same woman). We have 2 children, well they are grown, 21 and 23, both go to ASU. My oldest is going to graduate next year, thank goodness!

Likes/Dislikes: I like going to the movies, watching a good football game, (hopefully the Chargers win) and I am an avid reader. I dislike sloppy joes and pot stickers.

Personal Background

Julie Moore

Commercial Project Specialist

Career: I have been in the roofing business for over 20 years, both residential and commercial.

Personal Background: I was born in Denver, CO and am a big Denver Broncos fan. I have 5 siblings who all live in Denver. I have eight nieces and nephews and one stepson, who lives here in Arizona.

Likes/Dislikes: I like football, golf, reading, Mexican food and margaritas. My favorite TV shows are 24, The Mentalist, Grey's Anatomy and yes, American Idol. I dislike seafood, (zits and cold sores ha ha) and grouchy people.

Personal Background

Jonathan Smith

Project Specialist

Career: I started in roofing 1978 for family to work my way through college – still in roofing, college not so much! I worked at Universal Roofers and Scott Roofing then started my own company in Payson. Now I enjoy working here at Lyons Roofing.

Personal Background: Born and raised in Mesa, and moved to Payson to raise my family.

Likes/Dislikes: Anything outdoors. I enjoy hunting, fishing, hiking and shooting.

Family: I've been married to my lovely bride for 31 years. We have twin boys and a daughter who has given us a granddaughter who is now 2 and a grandson who is 1, and they are both the apples of my eyes.

Personal Background

Steve Cornwell

Project Specialist

Career: I grew up in a family business. It was a small roofing company that my father started back in 1976 (Courtesy Roofing). I have worked from the smallest to the largest companies in town. I have been with Lyons Roofing since 2006 and I really feel like I am at home.

Personal Background: I am a second generation native to the state of AZ – the Cornwell name came from England. I have lived in the East Valley my whole life. My wife and I have 4 kids – 2 boys and 2 girls.

Likes/Dislikes: My whole family is into sports and the outdoors. My family and I do a lot of ATV riding and outdoor activities.

Personal Background

Brian (BJ) Johnson

Commercial Project Specialist

Career: Spent 27 years at Universal Roofers. I was a journeyman roofer, Foreman, Superintendent and General Superintendent. The next 12 years were spent at Centimark Roofing as Operations Manager and Branch Manger. I then did a short stint at Progressive Roofing for 2 years serving as on site superintendent on out of town projects.

Personal Background: I was born and raised in Phoenix AZ. I was just married last year but have 2 adult daughters.

Likes/Dislikes: I like golf, traveling, fishing, scuba diving. Mexican and Cajun foods are always good. My real dislike is wearing suits!

Personal Background

Craig Walker

Project Specialist

Career: I’m 3rd generation in construction. I started roofing in 1970 and served a 3 year apprenticeship with the union and graduated with honors to journeyman roofer. I have worked in 4 states and am skilled in most roofing types. I have worked for several notable companies as Branch Manager, Service Manager and Sales.

Personal Background: My favorite family picture is of my dad & me at the Flame Restaurant in 1956 for a good report card. I had frog legs!

Likes/Dislikes: I love spending time with my children & grandchildren. I like fishing, boating and riding my Harley. I like socializing and making new friends. I enjoy smart people that are humble and honest. I love a good movie. I don’t like being sick, poor service and mean people.

Personal Background

Jared Mokofisi

Project Specialist

Career: My first job out of high school was working on the Alaska pipeline for 8 months. I started with Lyons Roofing in 1997. I was the Production Manager until 2004. I left to pursue real estate investing with my wife. We love ‘flipping houses’, and still enjoy that today.

Personal Background: I was born in Hawaii then grew up in Anchorage, Alaska then moved to Arizona in 1994. I have been married since 1999 and have 4 great kids!

Likes/Dislikes: I love food (all kinds!), all movies except. . . . ‘chick flicks!’ and love playing games with my kids. X-box and board games are family favorites.

Personal Background

Production Bios

Paul Armstrong

Project Manager

Career: I have been in roofing since 1986. Having begun my career as a roofer, I am experienced in installation, service and assuring quailty workmanship. I am TRI certified and have won a number of achievement awards. I love roofing! My expertise is installing your roof correctly the first time!

Personal Background: I am an Arizona native and all of my family lives in Phoenix. I am very handy and can fabricate most anything.

Likes/Dislikes: I like Mexican food and casual clothing. I love anything to do with anything with a motor off road, and believe it or not, Nascar puts me to sleep! I believe you should enjoy life while you are here, since it's just for a short time. I also love pine trees, elk and deer, with no desire to kill them. I don't like anchovies or misbehaved children.

Personal Background

Mike Sullivan

Project Manager

Career: I can say I've been in roofing since I've been 7. My dad would tie me up on the roof while he was working! My father has been in the industry most of his life (over 30 years), and as any good son I also had to spread my wings and experiment in other fields. I spent 6 years as a tech at Discount Tire, 2 years in the Navy as a cook, another 2 years in the kitchen at Applebee's and came back to roofing as my career and to support my family. I loved all I did and currently do. I'm just that type of guy.

Personal Background:I was born and raised in the South Mountain area of phoenix for the entire 31 years of my life. I am personally driven and always strive to be the best at everything I do. I started with Lyons Roofing as a field worker and have progressed in the past 5 years to a Superintendent. My training is not over and it will never be.

My family is all in Phoenix. My mom has been with Quest for 30 years (started with Ma Bell), my sister is a straight A student (and genius), and my dad is still going strong as a super with another company. I have 2 boys, 6 & 3, and love being their dad!

Likes/Dislikes: I LOVE cooking and having fun. I like movies and golf. I am a jokester and a cheerleader for my company and love doing whatever I can to keep employee moral up. I am the one coordinating company BBQ's, parties, and water balloon fights! I love smiling and making people happy! I also love golf.

Personal Background

Pat Tiseth

Project Manager

Career: I was introduced to roofing at the age of 12 by my step-father and have been in the industry ever since. My background includes time spent with Architectural Roofing, City Roofing, Standard Roofing, JB Roofing and Specialty Roofing. In Lyon's Roofing I have finally found a company I consider home and am happy to be here. My areas of specialty include shingles, tile, and the re-roof industry. I am interested in all aspects of roofing and enjoy being challenged, learning and growing. I believe there is always something more to learn.

Personal Background: I was born and raised in Texas and moved to Arizona when I was 12 years old. My mom and sister live in Arizona and my brother lives in Austin, TX. My dad was a devoted lifetime Texan and a proud sailor in the United States Marines. I am married and we have four children ages 18, 15, 14 and 13. We also have two Sulcata turtles named Lost and Found.

Likes/Dislikes: My hobbies include riding my Harley, hunting, fishing, camping, working around the house and staying active. My wife and I love to travel and experience new adventures. Our favorite places to visit are Flagstaff, Greer, Hawaii and Oregon...in the future we look forward to visiting new places and having new adventures.

Personal Background

Phil Olguin

Project Manager

Career: I started my career in carpentry building tract and custom homes for 12 years. I then went to commercial work on light rail for the next 3 years. When things slowed down I called a roofing company for a carpentry position but was hired as a driver/foreman. I have been a tear-off foreman, have done recoating, warranty leaks, ran a gutter division and after 5 years became a Superintendent for Lyons Roofing. I like my job very much.

Personal Background: I am from Arizona as well as both parents and all my grandparents. Beyond that I'm not sure but I am definitely a native!

Likes/Dislikes: I love playing drums and I love art. I am a true artist. I also love anything outdoors. My life is my daughters who make me smile every day and I love that most.

Family: We are a very, very close family. I have become a very different person because of my daughters. I am very close to my parents, and brothers too. We see each other every day. I am blessed.

Personal Background

Administration Bios

Brian Little

Service Administrator

Career: I've worked in several different industries since I took my first job at the Age of 15. However I most recently spent 14 years working in the Fire Service industry, at two of Arizona's largest Firetruck and Ambulance Dealerships. I worked as the Project Manager and was directly responsible for the sale and specification process of over 100 Firetrucks and Ambulances that are in service across Arizona and Nevada today. I was able to bring my "Thinking out of the Box" and Customer Service skills with me when I came to Lyons Roofing, and feel I use them in the day to day managing of the service department.

Personal Background: I was born and raised in AZ, and have lived here all my life. I have 4 Children, Ages 19,16, 9 and 3, and enjoy spending time with them as much as I can. I also enjoy playing Softball and Video games, and enjoy watching all sorts of Sports. I have traveled to many places in my life, but hope to see a lot more in the future.

Likes/Dislikes: I like all sorts of foods, as long as there are no Vegetables!

Personal Background

Mandy Davidson

Sales Administrator

Career: I've most recently spent four years in the fire service industry working at a firetruck and ambulance sales and service center. I was responsible for submitting all bids for the sales department to cities and fire departments all across AZ and NV. I also worked on all sorts of general admin. duties including: accounting, marketing and service/warranty processing.

Personal Background: I'm a fun, outgoing, energetic person, who loves having a good time and meeting new people. I'm an AZ native who loves the big city and all the hype that comes with it. I came from a large family, all AZ natives. I'm one of five kids who are now scattered all across the country. My extended family consists of 9 aunts and uncles and 49 cousins.

Likes/Dislikes: I love photography, sports, movies and almost all outdoor activities. I enjoy all types of food, but especially love Italian pastas and Mexican food. I'm a sucker for romantic comedies and never pass up a good love story. I sometimes spend my weekends traveling around the state and exploring new places. Outside the office, you will find me in jeans and sneakers exploring something new.

Personal Background

Billie Gandara

Production Administrator

Career: I have worked for different industries including transportation, aerospace-manufacturing and construction, with the main focus on customer service and now focusing on accounting.

Personal Background: I was born in a small town in California, where I spent half of my childhood and the other half in Texas. I have been living in Arizona for 20-25 years in Tucson and 15 years here in Phoenix. I am a proud mother of three. I have a son and two daughters who are my life. My husband and I have been friends since I moved to Phoenix in 1995 and we finally married in 2005, after 10 years of him chasing me.

Likes/Dislikes: I love football and I am a huge Dallas Cowboys fan. (Don't bother me during football season). I love watching movies - Tom Hanks is my favorite actor.

Personal Background

Tiffanie Villareal

Director of First Impressions

Career: Before joining Lyons I worked for Pella Windows & Doors as a Project Coordinator managing the processing of orders from proposal/contract to installation. I managed installer & service technician's schedules and all recoveries (meaning job wasn't a first time complete).
Pretty much handling project's from the beginning to the end, ensuring customer satisfaction. In a nut shell, I am committed to the provision of exemplary customer service.

Personal Background: I was born and raised in Phoenix, AZ. I am happily married with one beautiful daughter and two handsome boys.

Likes/Dislikes: I love going on bike rides with my husband, son and doggies. I love sitting outside with my husband and watching the sunset.
I dislike dishonesty.

Family:I have 3 siblings, one younger sister who just moved to Oregon (huge change), An older brother and a younger brother and a ton of nieces and nephews.

Personal Background

Jen Senft

Executive Assistant

Career: My background is in Financial Services. Prior to joining Lyons I worked at various broker-dealers as a compliance examiner, training and communications manager, and operations processor.

Personal Background: All of my family lives in Iowa. No, I didn't grow up in a corn field even though my first job was detasseling. I came to the Southwest to do an archeological dig in Taos, NM and decided to make a permanent move to attend graduate school at Arizona State.

Likes/Dislikes: I have a music degree and I love to sing and listen to German lieder. If I was cool enough, I'd start a punk band. On Saturdays, I like to go to estate sales and thrift shopping with a group of friends in hopes of scoring mid-century modern treasures. I'm a huge "True Blood" and 'Game of Thrones" fan. I've recently discovered a fondness for off- track betting.

Family: I'm married with a pack of four-legged children.

Personal Background

Romy Flores

Production Administrative Assistant

Career: I come from a 10 year medical background. I wanted to try something new and took a job with a framing company in the accounting department stayed for 8 yrs. then the housing market crashed and I was laid off for 2 years and thanks to Lyons roofing I am now employed.

Personal Background: I come from a small town in Texas where the mall is so "BIG" you can see each other from one side of the mall to the other!!! I have four brothers and am fortunate to be the princess of all princesses in my family.

Likes/Dislikes: I love fashion, cooking and enjoy hanging out with my family and friends. I am a big sports fanatic - AZ Cardinals being my most favorite of football teams!!

Family: I have 3 beautiful daughters', a 19 year old whom is a second year student at ASU, an 18 year old who attends Phoenix College and last but not least my 11 year old crumb snatcher.

Personal Background

Kristine Novak

Sales Administrator

Career: I start with basic background work as a cashier but in 2007 I went back to school and got my degree as a Medical Assistant. Unfortunately that did not go as good as planned and have had to put it on the back burner for now.

Personal Background: I was born in Orange County California, but moved to Arizona when I was about 2 years old. All of my family comes from Des Moines, IA. I have two step brothers, a half- brother and a step sister.

Family: I have a great husband and 3 wonderful kids. My kids Joseph, Jason and Jessica are the light of my life, and enjoy spending time with them.

Personal Background

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Testimonials

Sama (Samana) LaNue

Career: I have just become the proud mascot of Lyons Roofing.

Personal Background: I am a rescued potcake from Harbor Island. Potcakes are the names given to all the native island street dogs in the Bahamas. There are many websites on us, but basically we were named that because our diet consists of the bottom of the pot of the staple Bahamian dish known as 'peas and rice'. They are pigeon peas mixed with rice and oh it's yummy.
Luckily, in 2005 some Americans who visited the island often happened to see me in the arms of a local Brilander (short for the locals on Harbor Island) who was trying to find me a good home. I am forever grateful to Ithalia Johnson for facilitating my immigration.
The day these Americans arrived they happened to drive by on their golf cart only to see Ithalia holding me. I was napping (I was just about 2 months old). I just opened one eye and it was love at first site, for both of us. Here I am now in the loving comfort of my adoptive home, with 2 siblings.

Likes/Dislikes: I love sleeping on a real bed, having chicken for dinner and plenty of treats. My favorite thing (even though I know it's mischievous is helping myself to the pantry. I know I'm not supposed to, but I also know I am unconditionally loved, and in the end my human parents are smarter than I am.
I dislike my older sister thinking she's always the boss.

Personal Background