Author: Rich Prue

Fullerton, California. — A small single engine aircraft crashed into a furniture warehouse at 2:15 p.m. on Thursday, leaving a gaping hole in the roof. Two people (including the pilot) were killed, and at least 19 others were injured, according to the Fullerton Police Department. Police and firefighters responded to the crash that occurred near the Fullerton Municipal Airport, which is about 6 miles from Disneyland. Thick smoke could be seen for miles, but the fire was eventually extinguished. Of those injured, 11 were taken to a hospital, while the rest were treated on site and released. According to KABC…

Tampa, FL– A Florida family’s Christmas Eve took a devastating turn when their home unexpectedly collapsed during a roof replacement project. Victoria Sowell recounted the terrifying ordeal, stating, “It went from the 23rd of December at 6:30 in the morning, everything was fine… to by 1:30 in the afternoon, we lost our entire house.” The Sowell family had been patiently waiting for a new roof after sustaining damage during Hurricane Milton. When the roofing crew arrived, initial excitement quickly turned to alarm as Sowell noticed a significant crack in the wall. She recounted, “I immediately took pictures, sent them to…

Cape Coral, FL– A Florida man and woman admitted to conspiring to defraud the U.S. government by failing to pay employment taxes, according to an announcement made yesterday. William Skaggs Jr., owner of Nastar Roofing, a Fort Myers-based roofing company, and Billie Adkison, the company’s office administrator, pleaded guilty to a decade-long scheme to evade employment taxes. Their strategy involved withdrawing over $21 million from Nastar’s accounts to pay employees in cash, avoiding legally required withholdings for Social Security, Medicare, and federal income taxes.Between 2013 and 2023, Nastar Roofing issued nominal paychecks via a payroll provider but did not disclose…

LEHI, Utah – JobNimbus, a leading software provider in the roofing industry, announced today a $330 million growth investment from Sumeru Equity Partners (“Sumeru”). Existing investors, including founder and CEO Ben Hodson, co-founders Nick and Jason Wood, and Mainsail Partners, will continue as stakeholders in the company. This strategic investment will enable JobNimbus to scale operations, enhance product offerings, and further its mission to revolutionize contractor technology. “This investment marks an important milestone for JobNimbus and speaks to the dedication of our exceptional team,” said Ben Hodson, CEO of JobNimbus. “Partnering with Sumeru brings the expertise we need to grow…

Tampa, FL– In a shocking case out of Florida, Bryan Robert Eckley, 46, a Tampa-based roofing company owner, has been charged with planting radio-controlled explosives in the Seminole Hard Rock Casino. The incident, which occurred on September 30, came just days after Eckley was released on bail for a separate firearms-related arrest.According to the Florida Department of Law Enforcement (FDLE), casino staff discovered the first device in a restroom toilet, prompting an immediate evacuation. Bomb squad experts located a second device in another toilet shortly after. Both were positioned in a way that could have caused severe injuries had they…

Slate roofs are a classic choice for homeowners who appreciate beauty, durability, and a timeless look. Known for their impressive lifespan, slate roofs can often last well over 100 years with proper care. However, even the most resilient roofing materials eventually reach a point where regular repairs aren’t enough to keep them in top shape. Knowing when to replace versus repair a slate roof requires an understanding of common issues, costs, and warning signs.If you’re wondering whether to keep patching up your slate roof or invest in a full replacement, here are key indicators to help you make an informed…

Belleview, NE–  A tragic accident claimed the life of a roofer on Monday in Bellevue, Nebraska. The incident occurred around 11 a.m. at Gross Catholic High School, where 24-year-old Sander Gonzalez-Munoz was working on the school’s roof. According to the Bellevue Police Department, Gonzalez-Munoz stepped onto a skylight, which gave way beneath him, causing him to fall over 20 feet onto the gym floor below. Emergency responders found him in critical condition and immediately attempted lifesaving measures. He was quickly transported to a nearby hospital, but despite efforts, he was pronounced dead upon arrival.

Fairfield, CA– A California couple recently faced an unexpected challenge when their home insurance provider dropped their policy over what appeared to be “moss” on their roof—but it turned out to be their solar panels.Janice and Anthony Coleman, residents of Fairfield in the Bay Area, were informed by Liberty Mutual that their home insurance policy would not be renewed beyond September 5, 2024. The insurer cited “property condition” concerns, pointing specifically to algae, mildew, mold, or moss on the roof, which they claimed threatened the roof’s structural integrity.Liberty Mutual included a satellite image in the notice, leading to the Colemans’…

Top Asphalt Shingle Manufacturers in North America There are many options when trying to choose the best asphalt shingle for your roof.  Each manufacturer has numerous types of shingles that vary in style, color, features and lifespan.  Shingle reviews will vary greatly, and accurate rankings can be difficult to find. Negative reviews are not always because of an inferior product.  Many public reviews are tainted by bias (think about the Chevy fan that says all Fords are junk).  They can also be due to poor installation by the contractor/homeowner, wrong usage for the product (low slope, etc.).  Shingles that improperly…

On October 8, 1997, Cornell University’s McGraw Tower became the site of one of the most iconic college pranks in U.S. history. A large pumpkin, nearly two feet in diameter and estimated to weigh around 50 pounds, mysteriously appeared atop the spire of the 173-foot tower.What started as a seemingly simple joke became a campus legend, sparking national media attention, widespread curiosity, and decades of speculation.The Prank: How Did It Happen?The origin of the prank is shrouded in mystery, with the prankster or pranksters never officially identified. Theories abounded regarding how they managed to place the pumpkin on the tower,…