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Thank you for Subscribing to Construction Business Review Weekly Brief

Walter Brown Services has been recognized by Construction Business Review Magazine as the exclusive recipient of “Top Roofing Contractor 2026,” based on our proprietary methodology, reflecting its position in the industry, and is also named among “Top Roofing and Siding System Companies,” reflecting its broader leadership. This profile has been developed by the Construction Business Review research and editorial team based on insights from an interview with Matt Cisna, Owner.

Walter Brown Services

Walter Brown Services

Matt Cisna, Walter Brown Services | Construction Business Review | Top Roofing ContractorMatt Cisna, Owner
Carrying Forward a Legacy of Service and Respect

I started working for Walter Brown as a summer job when I was 14 years old. It was hard work but I liked being outside and every job offered something new to learn. I continued working summers through high school and during my first year of college I started considering making it my career. Walt was nearing retirement and wanted the business to continue serving the community for a 3rd generation.

I was proud of what I helped build over the last several years and I respected the way Walt treated the homeowners and his employees. He always said, "Treat every house like it's your own and be appreciative of the work you're given and the people that help get it done". I was very proud to be the one who would continue to provide the service and respect that he and his father built the company on.

Why Every Roof Still Needs a Hands-On Inspection

Our dense population presents the greatest opportunities. Our area has seen vast growth over the last couple of decades and there seems to be an endless supply of work. While we've been around since 1946, many new companies are trying to seize these opportunities and have attempted to separate themselves through technology. While the use of drones, measurement services and fancy estimating software has almost become expected, we have tried to balance technology with what's worked for us for the last 80 years.

All of our crew members carry ladders and we climb onto every roof when we're performing inspections or preparing an estimate. A drone looks nice flying above the house but it can't tell if the plywood is damaged or how many layers of shingles are currently on the house. These items need to be checked if you're going to provide an accurate estimate. Nobody wants you knocking on their door to tell them we need to replace 80 sheets of plywood, at their expense.

  • Treat every house like it's your own and be appreciative of the work you're given and the people that help get it done.


Choosing Steady Growth Over Rapid Expansion

Walt and his father implemented the core values that still guide Walter Brown Services today. They were just good people who treated everyone fairly and with respect. I had the pleasure of working under Walt for 13 years and saw first hand how he interacted with everyone. They were from a different time and led a simpler life but those values are just as important in today's fast paced life.

At a time when everyone wants to grow their company to be as big as possible, we've maintained a consistent workflow through word of mouth and referrals. This has allowed me to retain my employees and remain active in the day to day functions of the company. We try to improve what we do every day, which isn't possible with rapid growth or employee turnover.

When Roofs Become a Source of Energy

New technology will continue to enter our industry and new materials will come to market. We've seen a lot of solar integrated products being tested and as the prices come down I think they will become more mainstream. As energy costs rise, homeowners are looking for a way to offset the cost and an affordable roof that can generate electricity would be a gamechanger for the industry.

Learning the Trade Before Selling It

Learn it from the ground up, knowledge is everything in our industry. A good salesman can read product information and relay it, but they can't answer the basic installation questions because they've never done the work. Find a good company that you can grow with and learn everything possible. You'll hold greater value if you have to switch companies or if you decide to go into business for yourself.

Deep Dive

Selecting a Roofing Contractor When the Sales Process Creates the Risk

Choosing a roofing contractor is most often a difficult process. Faced with dozens of companies and conflicting advice, homeowners and property owners are expected to make an expensive decision based largely on competing sales pitches. A low estimate may reflect a rushed inspection rather than genuine value, while an inflated quote followed by a dramatic discount can leave buyers questioning whether either price was ever realistic. The strongest contractors distinguish themselves through the quality of their evaluation. A thorough inspection, a clear explanation of the problem and an estimate that reflects the property's actual condition provide a far stronger basis for decision-making than persuasive sales tactics.  That becomes even more important because roof problems rarely affect just one part of a property. Water often enters through one area before finding its way through flashing, siding, skylights, gutters, trim or even interior walls, making the true source difficult to identify. When multiple contractors are responsible for different parts of the exterior, resolving recurring leaks can quickly turn into a cycle of finger-pointing. Working with a contractor that understands how these systems interact creates a clearer path to solving the problem. A company that can manage the broader exterior keeps responsibility in one place and helps ensure repairs address the cause rather than only the symptoms.  The inspection itself should reveal as much about the contractor as the written proposal. An evaluator who never climbs onto the roof or cannot explain where the problem originates is asking the owner to make a decision with limited evidence. Although hidden damage beneath shingles or decking cannot always be identified before work begins, a careful inspection significantly reduces uncertainty. It also gives property owners meaningful criteria for comparing proposals beyond the final price. Confidence matters less than the reasoning behind the recommendation.  Project execution deserves as much attention as the estimate itself. Even the best-planned roofing projects can be affected by changing weather or shifting crew schedules, making clear communication essential from start to finish. Companies backed by a dedicated office team are often better equipped to keep homeowners informed, coordinate scheduling changes and answer questions as the work progresses. It is also worth asking about the materials being used. Contractors that maintain long-term relationships with established manufacturers tend to deliver greater consistency in product quality while making warranty support easier if issues arise years after the installation.  Emergency response offers another window into how a contractor operates. When storms or sudden leaks threaten a property, the immediate priority should be protecting the home, not closing a sale. A reliable contractor will focus first on stopping further water intrusion, documenting the damage and securing the property before developing a long-term repair plan. That measured approach demonstrates experience and professionalism, giving homeowners confidence that they are receiving practical guidance instead of unnecessary pressure.  Walter Brown Services reflects these qualities by treating roofing as part of a connected exterior system rather than an isolated trade. Along with roof repair and replacement, it provides gutters, siding, windows, doors and skylights, allowing property owners to work with a single contractor when problems extend beyond one surface. Experienced representatives perform direct roof inspections while office-managed scheduling helps maintain communication throughout the project. It also relies on established manufacturer relationships instead of constantly changing materials based on short-term pricing. For property owners seeking careful diagnosis, consistent communication and clear accountability, Walter Brown Services offers a dependable approach to exterior construction and repair.  ...Read more
Top Roofing Contractor 2026
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Company : Walter Brown Services

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Matt Cisna, Owner
Construction Business Review
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