Simon Roofing Sets Philanthropic Example
BOARDMAN, Ohio – When it comes to involvement with charitable groups in the Mahoning Valley, Simon Roofing looks to two areas – children and education – says Sue Stricklin, its vice president of marketing.
“We believe it’s part of being a good community partner. It’s important to share our success and help improve the lives of people in the area where we live and work,” she says.
Before she came to Simon, Stricklin was serving on the board of Potential Development, a high school in Youngstown for students with autism. When she joined the company in 2010, she helped form a partnership between the two, which includes Simon Roofing as title sponsor for the Mahoning Valley Pizza Cook-Off. During that time, Simon Roofing has contributed $25,000 and offered its services in rebranding the school.
Other philanthropic work includes organizing the Paula and Anthony Rich Memorial Golf Tournament for The Rich Center for Autism, working with the Penguin Club and Williamson College of Business Administration at Youngstown State University and participating in the Youngstown City Schools’ adopt-a-school program.
For its work over the past year, Simon Roofing has received the Outstanding Corporate Philanthropist award by the Mahoning-Shenango Chapter of the Association of Fundraising Professionals.
“As long as I can remember, my dad and uncles have given back through schools or groups such as Making Kids Count, Potential Development or United Way,” says Chelsea Vross, Simon director of organizational leadership and development. “I’ve always been around it. For this next generation – for my generation – it’s become contagious and we want to keep it going.”
Vross is the fourth generation of her family to work at Simon. Her father, Anthony, is one of the three co-owners.
The commitment to philanthropy begins at the top, Anthony Vross says, and works its way throughout the company. Last year alone, corporate and employee donations to The Rich Center totaled $29,000,
“We try to get everybody, especially the leaders, in the company to lead not only in business but to lead in the community,” he says. “
With Simon having 64 locations in 34 states, Stricklin sees that national organizations such as the United Way also play an important role in the company’s philanthropy.
“One of the ways Simon gives back to the community is through time, talent and treasure. They’re very supportive of employees being involved in organizations,” she says. “It is a grounded company looking to make a difference. They realize they can improve the lives of the residents nearby.”
Locally, Simon Roofing employees serve on the leadership, marketing and young women’s mentorship boards for United Way of Youngstown and the Mahoning Valley.
“It’s not about who you know or who knows you. It’s about who you help. That’s how you’re remembered,” Anthony Vross says. “Every company should give back and we’re very lucky that the leaders in our company are involved in different organizations.”
Pictured: Anthony Vross is a co-owner of Simon Roofing. His daughter Chelsea is director of organizational leadership and Sue Stricklin is vice president of marketing. The company sponsors events and is generous with corporate and employee donations of time and money.
Copyright 2024 The Business Journal, Youngstown, Ohio.
