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Chris Ekerson

President/ Owner

Chris Ekerson began his career in the roofing industry in 2002 when he started working in Sheet Metal at the age of 18. Working in the sheet metal division both fabricating and installing, he learned the trade quickly as well as several other roofing practices and systems in order to move up in the company. After about five years he was made a foreman, and then led the division a few years later. The job required proficiency in many roofing systems as well as building effective teams who could execute projects in a safe and profitable manner. Around this time he pursued additional education and finished his Degree. In 2012 he was afforded the opportunity to take over the project manager position for the company and eventually stepped into the Operations manager role.  He oversaw the day to day operations for all projects across WA, OR, and CA locations. He was the first onsite to integrate the new team members as well as inventory current assets and processes.

In 2018 he joined the sales team. Chris successfully sold multiple six figure projects while also playing a large managing role in the more complex projects. In 2020 Chris  moved into the General Manager role. In this role he oversaw all aspects of the business including working directly with the other managers, sales staff, and accounting staff. Chris and wife Kendall became the new owners as of January 1st, 2025. This allowed his father in Law, Mark to retire and carry on the family legacy. 

Chris’ time in the industry and various roles have allowed him to learn various aspects of the business while possessing a real trade skillset that allows him to have an understanding and detailed knowledge of the roofing industry. His background has given great experience with negotiating, contract and legal issues, employee and human resource concerns, insurance and risk management and much more.

Chris Graduated in 2024 from the Future Executives Institute (FEI) that is taught through the Kellogg School of Business in Chicago, IL. This program partners with the National Roofing Contractors Association (NRCA) and is specific to the industry. This is an accelerated program that is equal to an MBA with a very specific focus. It is joined by 38 other people in mid to high level positions in various companies across the U.S. who have plans to take on executive positions or ownership in their respective companies or in the industry. 

In Chris’ spare time he likes to ride motorcycles or off road vehicles. He enjoys building Legos with his daughters. As a family the Ekerson’s love to take road trips and camp. in the Winter make sure to ask him about his home Christmas light display.

Kendall Ekerson

Vice President/ Owner

Kendall grew up in the family Business. She has worked for her father Mark since she was 12. She started cleaning bathrooms and filing papers.  She graduated from Portland State University with her Bachelors of Science in Business Administration and Marketing in 2010. She grew up in a family of construction workers, specifically roofers. Her focus was on marketing as well as wearing other leadership hats to help grow the business. Over the years she has grown a passion for not only growing the business, but working on the internal culture of the business as well. She has a heart for the people and wants all the employees to have a great place to work and grow. 

Kendall enjoys being a part of roofing industry. She was involved in the National Women in Roofing since the start in 2016 and helping start the local Oregon Chapter in 2017. This involvement allowed her to be involved in many community outreach activities throughout the years. She is passionate about sharing the trades with women and young adults. Kendall stepped away from the family business for a brief time. She was able to work for the Alzheimer’s Association where her passion for people really grew.  In 2021 her passion for the roofing industry brought her back to the family business. She loves the blue collar industry and everything it has brought to her family.

Kendall is a graduate of the Future Executives Institute (FEI) that is taught through the Kellogg School of Business in Chicago, IL. This program partners with the National Roofing Contractors Association (NRCA) and is specific to the industry. This is an accelerated program that is equal to an MBA with a very specific focus. It is joined by other people in mid to high level positions in various companies across the U.S. who have plans to take on executive positions or ownership in their respective companies or in the industry.

Kendall and Chris have now taken on the ownership of Columbia Roofing as of January 1st, 2025. She is so excited to continue the legacy that her father created.

She is passionate about her family and loves working alongside her husband in business as well. She has 2 daughters and she works hard everyday to make sure she has a balance of being a mom and a business owner.  She is committed to having her daughters grow up in a world where they can do anything. 

Kendall enjoys planning events and being social. She likes to volunteer with her children’s school when she can. She also enjoys living in the Willamette Valley that is surrounded by some of the most beautiful wineries in the country.

John Steiger

Sales Director

John Steiger joined Columbia Roofing in 2023 and has since earned the role of Sales Director. He graduated from University of Oregon in 2012, and while in Eugene he worked for the Football Program as a Student Assistant Coach. After graduation, he pursued a career in coaching, spending 8 seasons coaching college football. His previous experiences provided for a natural fit at Columbia Roofing, and his communication and management skills have allowed him to quickly ascend into a leadership role. In his free time, you will find him spending time wife Tori, or on the golf course.

Marisol Hernandez

Controller

I like working at Columbia because the company values align with my personal values. Especially, the core value integrity, we thrive in creating a positive reputation and providing honesty and transparency in our work.