Our History
The history of HOMETOWN ROOFING is one that combines years of experience and expertise with the energy and vision of a new generation. The company started in 1969 as Jensen Brothers Roofing which Ray Archibald acquired and rebranded as HOMETOWN ROOFING in the 1980s. In 2001, Malcolm Watt, who had worked for the company since the mid-1980s, purchased Hometown and ran it successfully for almost 20 years. When they were ready to sell, they turned to Brett Huizenga, a young businessman who was ready to make his mark on the industry.
Brett is a UNO graduate who grew up in Millard and holds Midwestern values close to his heart. After graduating, he began a career in investment and advising with TD Ameritrade and married his wife Amanda who had grown up in the roofing industry. Her father has been involved in the roofing industry for over 40 years including operating Roofing Supply Group. On a serendipitous overseas trip with Amanda’s Father, Brett was introduced to the owner of Hometown. At that time, Brett talked to Malcolm about his plans to one day own his own company and asked them to give him a call if he ever considered selling.
That call came in 2018. Brett had already done his research into the company and knew it had been run well and had a good reputation in the community. He also knew that he would have access to years of experience as he planned to retain much of the staff and tap the resources of the previous owner whenever needed.
Since taking over, Brett has been able to dive deeper into technology and the future of the company. He understands the value of still getting on the roof and taking a personal look at projects, but wants to enhance the company’s capabilities by incorporating technology such as drone footage and easy project photo sharing with customers. He also plans to carry on Hometown’s tradition of excellent customer service and continue to be what he calls “material agnostic”, meaning he is not dedicated to one particular brand of shingle. Hometown believes the material selection should be based on situational factors like wind, slope of roof, or even shade trees. Though Hometown does often use the Malarkey and Certainteed brands and is certified to install upgraded warranties, the team also uses Owens Corning, Atlas, and Tamko when the circumstances call for it.
With a solid history in Omaha and the surrounding communities and a new owner with a vision for the future, HOMETOWN ROOFING looks forward to serving customers into the new decade with its range of residential roofing and commercial roofing services.
Our Team
Company President
Brett Huizenga
How did you get started in the roofing industry?
I was 13 when I first helped with ground clean-up after tear-off.
What do you see as one of the biggest turning points in your life?
Having my first son, Cade. Suddenly, it’s all about building a legacy for the next generation and teaching them about the important things in life.
Who inspires you the most?
This seems to change as I read exceptional books written by fantastic people, but Ray Dalio, Jocko Willnick, and Michael Jordan come to mind.
What is your favorite quote or piece of advice you’ve ever received?
“You can have anything you want in life, if you just help enough other people get what they want.” – Zig Ziglar
If you could have any superpower, what would it be?
Healing powers like Wolverine, but with the ability to use it on other people.
What is your favorite book or the last book you read?
Think and Grow Rich by Napolean Hill
What is your favorite local restaurant?
Local Bar, Patio and Garden
If you had to pick another profession to pick to be successful in, what would it be?
Space Travel or Robotics
Roofing Specialist
Jeff Jensen
How did you get started in the roofing industry?
I worked in a family-owned roofing business with my father and my brother.
What is the biggest challenge you’ve faced professionally?
With such a personal involvement in each project, finding a balance between personal and professional time can be difficult.
Tell us a bit about your family.
I have 3 beautiful daughters and their wonderful mother, my better half.
What is the most unique or interesting thing about you that most people wouldn’t know?
I have a fear of heights.
What is your favorite quote or piece of advice you’ve ever received?
Do it right or don’t do it at all.
If you could choose only one word to be remembered by, what would it be?
Honest
What is your greatest talent you don’t use in your daily work life?
I am quite adept at video games.
What talent would you like to have?
I want to be able to play the guitar or some musical instrument.
What is your favorite movie or TV show?
It varies with time, but I am a huge Sci-Fi junkie.
If you had to pick another profession to pick to be successful in, what would it be?
Medicine, as early in my life that was the plan. As it turns out, I am very good at what I do and I enjoy it.
Roofing Specialist
Darrin Richardson
How did you get started in the roofing industry?
My first job was working for Shakers Roofing in high school and college.
Tell us a bit about your family.
I’m a dad of three children; Gabby (20), Kade (19), and Titus (16).
What do you see as one of the biggest turning points in your life?
When my wife passed away for sure. I had to bring my A-Game every day.
What is the most unique or interesting thing about you that most people wouldn’t know?
I was a yell leader in college!
Who inspires you the most?
My children. They’re amazing.
What is your favorite quote or piece of advice you’ve ever received?
“Focus on the person you’re standing in front of and talk to them, give them a firm handshake, and smile.” – Dr. Ray Cook
If you had a theme song, what would it be?
“Battle Tested” written by me
If you had to pick another profession to be successful in, what would it be?
Counselor – helping those in need.
Roofing Specialist
Kaleb Bayer
What has been your most important achievement professionally?
Reaching the point in my career to where I am confident enough in my knowledge and ability to help people understand what they’re getting.
Tell us a bit about your family.
I come from a family of 5 and I am the oldest of 3 children. My brother and sister are twins and are 3 years younger than me.
What is the most unique or interesting thing about you most people wouldn’t know?
I tend to put other people as a priority almost to a fault.
Who inspires you most?
My grandfather.
What is your favorite quote or piece of advice you’ve ever received?
“You miss 100% of the shots you never take.” – Michael Scott – Wayne Gretzky
What is your greatest talent you don’t use in your daily work life?
My killer dance moves
What is your favorite book or the last book you read?
Relentless by Tim Grover
What is your favorite local restaurant?
The Drover
What is your favorite thing to do on your day off?
I recently got into competitive cycling, so I like to go for a 20-mile bike ride on a new trail.
If you had to pick another profession to pick to be successful in, what would it be?
Real Estate
Junior Project Coordinator Cameron Harrington
What is the most unique or interesting thing about you that most people wouldn’t know?
I am left-handed and played college baseball at the NAIA level.
What is your favorite quote or piece of advice you’ve ever received?
If you fail, it’s ok. “Failure is simply the opportunity to begin again, this time more intelligently.”
If you could choose only one word to be remembered by, what would it be?
Hardworking or Legendary
What non-profit organization are you passionate about and why?
Wounded Warriors Family Support. My family has a lot of military background, so I think the support is needed sometimes.
What is your favorite book or the last book you read?
“Make Your Bed” by William H McRaven
What is your favorite movie/TV show?
How I Met Your Mother and The Office
What is your favorite local restaurant?
Anita’s in Fremont, Nebraska
What is your favorite thing to do on your day off?
Spend time with my girlfriend or family. I also like to fish or go shooting.
Office Administrator Rachael Kramer
What has been your most important achievement professionally?
I was able to get several certificates in graphic design over one winter.
Tell us a bit about your family.
I am married to my high school nemesis and have two cats that are spoiled like children.
What is the most unique or interesting thing about you the most people wouldn’t know?
I have played in concerts with world renowned jazz musicians…and I can lick my elbows!
What is your favorite quote or piece of advice you’ve ever recieved?
My favorite quote is “Aim for the moon. Even if you miss, you’ll end up among the stars.” It’s comforting to think that even if I miss my goals, I will still be better off for trying.
If you could have any superpower, what would it be?
Magic Pockets! Whenever you need something, you can just reach into your pocket and it will be there.
If you could choose only one word to be remembered by, what would it be?
Genuine.
What local non-profit organization are you passionate about and why?
Felius Cat Cafe. The owner is so genuine and is doing everything she can to help not just cats, but other animals as well. That’s also where I adopted my spoiled kitties!
What is your favorite thing to do on your day off?
I love relaxing with my husband while playing video games.
Office Administrator Amanda Huizenga
How did you get started in the roofing industry?
My dad owned a roofing supply company and would roof houses on the weekends. I would help him out by cleaning out gutters, picking up nails, handing him shingles, and doing simple tasks on the roof. In high school, I worked at two different roofing supply companies doing clerical work.
What has been your most important achievement professionally?
I graduated with a Bachelor’s Degree in Nursing and worked as a registered nurse for over 13 years at a hospital in the intensive care unit.
Tell us a bit about your family.
I’ve been married to Brett for over 10 years and we have three beautiful children, Cade, Tenley, and Cruz!
What is the most unique or interesting thing about you that most people wouldn’t know?
I’ve been skydiving and would do it again in a heartbeat!
What is your favorite movie/TV show?
My guilty pleasure is watching The Bachelor/Bachelorette
What is your favorite local restaurant?
Fernando’s
