William Young: A Competitive Edge
By James Florence, Diamond Certified Resource Reporter
SAN MATEO — As a general contractor, William Young had considered getting into roofing for a long time, but he knew if he did, he’d need to find a competitive edge. “More and more, I was coming across projects that required roof work, so going into roofing just made sense,” he says. “Eventually, in 2006, I got my C30 license to specialize in roofing. However, in order to be successful, I knew I’d need a great team of installers, so I sought out roofers throughout the Bay Area who had good reputations. Edge Roofing was built on the knowledge and experience of myself and my team.”
When asked his favorite part of his job, William gives a twofold answer. “First, I love seeing my clients happy. Second, I love watching the aesthetic transformation that a roof undergoes in just a matter of days. A roof has such a major visual impact, so it’s very satisfying to see that before-and-after progression.”
A lifetime resident of San Mateo, William spends his time outside of work on a variety of pastimes. “I’m an avid fisherman,” he details. “I have a boat and enjoy fishing for bass and crappies. I try to get out on the water at least once or twice a month. I also like to stay fit by going to the gym several times during the week.” In addition to his personal hobbies, William enjoys spending quality time with his wife, son and daughter. “We go camping a couple of times each year at places like Clear Lake and Lake Camanche. Camping was a mainstay for me growing up, so it has become a real family tradition at this point.”
In his life and career, William espouses the importance of relationships. “To me, forging relationships is vital, whether it’s in my personal life or in the professional sphere,” he affirms. “When you have good relationships with people, it makes communication easier and results in a better experience. This is especially important when it comes to customer satisfaction. Clients want to be kept in the loop, have their questions answered and get help picking out materials. That’s why I’ve always made it a point to focus on the relational aspect and create a smooth, enjoyable experience for the customer.”
When asked the first thing he’d do if he were to retire tomorrow, William says he’d go fishing. “Maybe I’d take a bigger fishing trip than I usually do. I’ve heard about some lakes in the South that have great fishing, so it would be fun to take a trip down there and see what I catch.”
Ask Me Anything!
Q: What was your first job?
A: I worked at the San Mateo Fairgrounds during the summers when I was a teenager, doing groundskeeping and setting up for shows and events.
Q: What’s your favorite movie?
A: It’s a tie between “Jaws” and “Top Gun.”
Q: What’s your favorite sports team?
A: The San Francisco 49ers.
Q: If you could travel anywhere in the world, where would you go?
A: New York City.
Q: What’s your favorite holiday?
A: Thanksgiving, because it’s a joyful time of coming together and sharing food, with no real financial obligations attached.
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