In the midst of Women’s History Month, what better person to recognize than a woman who is making history of her own by breaking down all the barriers and blazing a trail through a notoriously male-dominated industry?
Chyna “The Roofing Lady” Gragg is the founder and owner of Roofing Designs by JR, LLC, a roofing business she built and financed on her own from the ground up. Tired of being on the road after a 21-year career as a catastrophe property adjuster, Gragg decided to retire from adjusting and go back to school.
“I have always had an entrepreneurial spirit,” Gragg said. “So, I started brainstorming…what would I like to do? What do I do best? I know roofing better than any other construction trade, so three months after graduating with my MBA, I launched Roofing Designs.”
Gragg obtained a BBA in Business Management from Georgia State University and obtained an MBA in Business Administration from Southern Arkansas University.
Now in its fourth year of business, Roofing Designs has expanded from just residential roofing services to commercial roofing, specialty metal work, multi-family renovation services, HVAC services, and general contracting.
“Due to the demand of our clients, we saw opportunity and quickly reacted,” Gragg said.
Going into this industry, Gragg knew, as a woman, she was in for some challenges, but even some of the roadblocks were still surprising to her. Gragg says she experienced a lot of rejection and recalls contacting several material supply representatives who refused to even meet her.
As her business gained credibility, completing one successful project after another, Gragg has made a name for herself and has been embraced by and created loyal business relationships with several companies. One company in particular is GAF, the largest roofing manufacturer in the world.
“I was really embraced by GAF representatives,” Gragg said. “We met at a local taqueria in the Heights. They interviewed me, and we discussed my experience. After the meeting, they expressed that I would be an asset to GAF. GAF values diversity in their workforce, and that was important for me. They really believe in me, and I will never let them down.”
Gragg has made it a priority to be a hands-on team-player and motivating leader for her team. Giving all credit to God for making it this far in her career, she strongly believes in the power of prayer, a good attitude and a smile. On some job sites, she can be found conducting a group prayer in both English and Spanish.
“Our work is difficult but making the best of it with a smile and good attitude creates happy jobsites and a great completed product for our clients.,” Gragg said. “It is a win-win situation.”
Gragg knows the value of support and knows the power in both receiving it and giving it. She is an example of the good that comes from uplifting and motivating those around her, no matter the gender, color or circumstances. She is setting an example for the women following in her footsteps, to keep moving forward and know that success is possible, as well as for the men in these male-dominated industries to see that women are capable and great success, partnerships and new perspectives can come from doing business with them.
Although Gragg paved the way and built this business herself, she recognizes the importance of having a family, especially her brothers and the other men of her family, who all knew she was more than capable of achieving her goals.
Gragg attributes her strong work ethic, integrity and drive from her upbringing in rural Arkansas. Being the 1st generation construction worker, she was amazed at the support from her family.
“If I had one wish, it would be to have my father here, so I can see him smile again. He would be very proud,” Gragg said.
Roofing Designs by JR, LLC is certified with the City of Houston as MBE, WBE, SBE, DBE, Section 3 and Hire Houston First. In addition, the firm is a TX HUB, SBA HUBzone and WOSB.
