Leadership
Grant B. Whitney
Chief Executive Officer
Since founding Whitco Roofing, Inc., Grant has made it a priority to redefine what customers expect from a commercial roofing firm. Over the past decade, Grant has grown the organization from a regional commercial roofing company into an award-winning national firm dedicated to unrivaled workmanship and unparalleled customer service. Prior to founding Whitco Roofing, Inc., Grant served as a commercial roof consultant. It was during his time as a consultant that Grant realized the need for a more professional commercial roofing firm.
Grant serves on several executive advisory boards and is involved with numerous non-profit organizations. Grant is an active member of the Young Presidents’ Organization (YPO). He and his wife currently reside in Atlanta with their three children.
Blake L. Whitney
Executive Vice President
Blake oversees Whitco Roofing Inc.’s sales division and also manages the company’s overall marketing strategy. Blake, who has worked in the commercial roofing industry for more than a decade, has business degrees from Georgia Military College and Richards College of Business at the University of West Georgia.
Prior to joining Whitco, Blake held various sales and management positions and is a former small-business owner.
Blake is an avid fisherman, NCAA football fanatic, and enjoys spending time with his family.
T. Alston Padgett
Chief Financial Officer
Alston manages the accounting and finance departments for Whitco Roofing Inc. Prior to joining Whitco, Alston spent many years in tax and audit for a public accounting firm before transitioning to be the controller of a privately held business based in Atlanta. Alston provides oversight in all matters related to finance and accounting, including budgeting, cash flow analysis and profit and loss.
Alston grew up in Atlanta and graduated with a degree in accounting from Auburn University. In his free time, Alston enjoys attending sporting events and vacationing with his family.
Chad Lankford
Chief Operating Officer
Chad began work in the commercial roofing industry in 2012, and has worked
with many Fortune 100 companies on large roof replacements and extensive
repair projects. He worked his way up from a laborer, to technical inspector, to
sales executive, and now as Chief Operations Officer for Whitco Roofing.
Since joining Whitco, Chad has worked with many of the company’s national
accounts on projects all across North America.
Chad enjoys his off time with his wife and their four children on their family
farm in Northeast Georgia.
Jamie G. Ward
Vice President – Sales
Jamie began work in the commercial roofing industry in 2011, and has worked with clients nationwide on projects large and small. As Vice President of Sales, Jamie manages Whitco’s Georgia-based account executives and roof inspectors. Jamie also manages a portfolio of clients as the company’s senior account executive. He has an Associate’s degree in Business from Young Harris College, and a Bachelor’s degree in political science from the University of Georgia.
Jamie enjoys music, the outdoors, and spending time with his beautiful wife and daughters.
Beth Barbaro
C-Suite Executive Assistant
Beth joined the Whitco team in April 2022. She has been working in the home improvement industry for over 30 years. She has a diverse background in management, customer service, sales and business administration. She is diligent to ensure the business runs effectively, efficiently, and is profitable. She is a highly focused, results oriented, professional and able to resolve issues quickly.
During her free time, she enjoys hiking and home improvement projects.
James D. Furmanek
Director of Estimating
James has worked in the commercial roofing industry for 35 years. During that time, he has worked in virtually every position, from entry-level laborer as a teenager, to running branch offices later in his career. James’ extensive roofing knowledge, attention to detail and knack for numbers make him an essential member of Whitco Roofing Inc.’s estimating department.
James, a Georgia native, enjoys travel during his time off.
Richard C. Cahill
Regional Manager – Florida Division
Rich manages Whitco’s expansion into the Florida market. He has been in the construction industry since 1991, with a commercial roofing focus since 2016. His roles have included sales, sales management and ownership of a commercial coatings company. Rich has worked with Fortune 500 companies on projects small and large and has negotiated multi-million dollar contracts. He has a Bachelor’s in Psychology from the University of North Florida.
Rich enjoys playing guitar and golf and spending time with his wife and daughter.
Jeremy M. Helmuth
Senior Project Manager
Jeremy joined Whitco in 2011. He is another true Whitco success story working his way up from service technician, to service manager, and now as a senior project manager. Jeremy’s creative problem-solving abilities, tireless work ethic and years of field experience, are put to the test daily as he manages complex new roof installs and roof replacements. Since joining Whitco, Jeremy has managed projects for some of Whitco’s largest clients, including Coca-Cola Corporate Headquarters, YKK, Olymbec, Golden State Foods and Asbury Automotive.
Jeremy lives in the foothills of the North Georgia mountains with his wife and enjoys coaching both of his kids in baseball, hunting, fishing, and outdoor sports.
R. Keith Jones
Project Manager
Keith has been in the commercial roofing industry since 1984. From small to massive jobs across the U.S., his 36 years of experience provides extensive knowledge and skills in general roofing, fabrication and installation of various sheet metal components, and project management. Keith strives to maintain excellent communication with Whitco Roofing’s clients and a positive, productive work environment.
In his free time, Keith enjoys outdoor cooking, fishing and golf.
Jesus J. Rivera
Project Manager
Jesus joined Whitco in 2011 as a repair technician with six years of prior roofing experience to his credit. Jesus is a true Whitco success story working his way up from service technician, to production superintendent, to inspector, to service manager, and now project manager overseeing new roof installs and roof replacements. He truly has seen and experienced many aspects of our inner workings and knows exactly what it takes to be team player..
Jesus resides just outside the city perimeter and enjoys being with his family and friends.
Memo Encarnacion
Service Manager
With over 12 years of roofing experience starting as a laborer, Memo brings a wealth of expertise to his role as Service Manager. Memo oversees and directs small/large scale projects nationwide. He understands the importance of safe productivity, timely execution, and cost-effective service for ultimate client satisfaction.
In his free time, Memo enjoys spending time with his family and traveling.