Dave Lopez: Roof Dreams
By James Florence, Diamond Certified Resource Reporter
ALAMEDA — When asked why he got into the roofing trade, Dave Lopez cites both a family connection and an entrepreneurial aspiration. “My dad was a roofer, so I became familiar with the trade early on,” he recounts. “After high school, I started working in the industry and climbed up the ladder from apprentice to journeyman, foreman, and then superintendent. My goal from day one was to have my own roofing business, which I achieved in 1998. I started out with a pickup truck, working out of my home, and from there I expanded into a shop and an office. After more than 40 years in roofing, I still love the smell of hot tar—it’s my cologne!”
Today, as owner of Advanced Roofing Services, Inc., Dave says his favorite part of his job (besides the scent of hot tar) is working with customers. “As company owner, I spend most of my time meeting with clients, doing sales presentations and providing estimates. I really enjoy figuring out what a customer needs and finding the right solution for them.”
Born and raised in Richmond, Dave resides today in Hayward, where he appreciates the mild bayside climate. “For a roofer, this is paradise. Since we’re right next to the bay, when the fog comes in and the breeze picks up, it’s like natural air conditioning. I once spent three months roofing in Los Angeles and it was terrible, so that really made me appreciate what we have up here.”
Outside of work, Dave spends his free time on a variety of hobbies and pastimes. “I’m big into classic cars and regularly attend car shows,” he details. “I just got back from a show in Pismo Beach, where I showed off my ’52 Oldsmobile Starfire.” Additionally, as a lifelong sports fan, Dave holds season tickets for the Oakland Raiders, the Oakland A’s, the Golden State Warriors and the Cal-Berkeley Bears. When he’s not at a car show or sports event, Dave enjoys spending time with his three grown children and five grandchildren.
In his life and career, Dave espouses the value of persistent positivity. “My main philosophy is to stay positive and keep moving,” he affirms. “In life, you’re going to run into roadblocks, and the only way to get to your destination is to push through. I’ve had plenty of those in my life, and maintaining a persistent, positive mindset is what got me to where I am today.”
When asked what he’d do if he were to retire tomorrow, Dave says he’d devote more time to the activities and people that matter most to him. “I’d spend more time with my kids and grandkids, as well as my cars. I’d definitely attend more car shows. These days, I do about 25 a year, but there are a lot more I could go to.”
Ask Me Anything!
Q: What was your first car?
A: A 1964 1/2 Ford Mustang—it came out halfway between ’64 and ’65. By the time I got it, it was about seven years old, so it wasn’t a big deal, but today it’s considered a classic.
Q: What kind of music do you like?
A: A little bit of everything, including R&B, classical, jazz and rock.
Q: Did you play any sports in high school?
A: I played baseball and ran track.
Q: Are you an early bird or a night owl?
A: An early bird—and I mean early. I’m usually up at 3:30am. That allows me to get a lot done before the day really gets going.
Q: If you could travel anywhere in the world, where would you go?
A: Italy.
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