History of AAA Roofing

A legacy built from the ground up

Founder of AAA Roofing, Gene (Grandpa) Gannon, after working in the insurance business for several years, became disillusioned and sought a career change in 1966. A friend, Ed Towns, told him about an opening for a branch manager position with Becker Roofing Company in Des Moines, Iowa. Gene moved his family from Wichita, KS and began working for Becker Roofing, which specialized in steep-slope residential projects.

While working for Becker Roofing, Gene decided to start his own company as a side job with a partner, Gary Timmons. Their primary motivation was to handle small jobs that Becker Roofing's employees weren't interested in. They named the company AAA Roofing so it would be at the top of the Yellow Pages listings. The name "AA" was already registered, so they added a third "A." Gene and Gary ran the business out of Gene and his wife Evelyn's (Grandma) house near Waukee.

After Becker Roofing closed, they provided a tremendous boost to Gene's new company by selling him equipment and materials at cost. AAA Roofing incorporated in 1969, and Gene began running it full-time with the help of two other employees, Darrell Sloan and Kenny Wickey, who had previously worked for Becker Roofing and worked weekends for AAA for extra money. Gene's son, Tom Gannon, also began working for the company at the age of 17.

The business was run out of the Gannon family home until 1979. During this time, many young men from the Dallas Center and Johnston areas were hired. Some of the earliest employees included Steve Brown, Kent Kelderman, Randy Kelderman, Charlie Eby, and Grampa Gene with MikeRich Hawbaker. Tom Gannon was in the army from 1970 to 1974, so he was away from the business during that time. His brother, Randy Gannon, worked for the company, graduating in 1973 and continuing to work full-time until he passed away in 1989. Gene and Evelyn's son, Brad Gannon, also worked part-time through high school, graduating in 1977 and later becoming a full-time employee.

In 1979, AAA Roofing purchased three lots on NW 6th Drive from Joe Tweedy. Bloom Builders constructed the first building, and the company was able to start purchasing materials directly from manufacturers. Other roofers began asking to buy materials from the Gannons, which they allowed if they picked them up when AAA trucks were at the yard.

 

In the mid-1990s, Brad's wife, Lori Gannon, began working for AAA Roofing, handling office management, accounting, and invoice payments. In 1999, AAA Roofing purchased two lots on NE 46th Place in Des Moines and built a new building, moving to that location.

Brad's sons, Jeremy and Ryan, along with Tom's son, Mike Gannon, represent the third generation to join the family business. Their journey started early—picking up nails for a nickel a piece. This humble beginning evolved into more demanding work, as they spent their summers roofing from a young age. They became full-time employees in their late teens and early twenties. Now, with a deep, hands-on understanding of the company from the ground up, they are prepared to lead the business into the future for the 4th generation!

To Be Continued...

Meet Our Team

Brad Gannon

I am president and owner of AAA Roofing Co., Inc.

In 1977 I graduated from Johnston High School and upon graduation went to work full time for AAA Roofing Co., Inc.

My wife Lori and our sons Jeremy and Ryan also work along with us, also my nephew Mike Gannon.

I have always and still do enjoy the roofing business, meeting people, and helping them to solve their roofing issues.

Mike Gannon

Hello, my name is Mike Gannon. I am a sales representative as well as run our roof maintenance program here at AAA. I have been in and around this roofing industry, literally, my entire life. My grandfather opened AAA Roofing in 1969, and a few years later opened a local roofing supply company, all before I was born. I've spent more and more time around roofing since I was a few months old, going to hang out at the shop with my dad on Saturdays. I went through the ranks, with many of my cousins, starting with picking up nails in the parking lot for 5 cents each, to tearing off and roofing all summer long through high school, and EVERYTHING in between. I have been employed here now, full time, since 2003. I truly enjoy this roofing industry, and plan to do so until I'm forced to retire.

I am happily married to my wife, Billi Jo. We live in Beaverdale with our beautiful daughters, 2 dogs, (and a couple fish as of lately). Outside of work you'll find me hanging around with them, or possibly out at a local golf course (bout a 15 handicap).

I'm happy to talk about any roofing questions or issues you may have. Have a great day and have fun!

Ryan Gannon

Hi, my name is Ryan Gannon. I have been working full time for AAA Roofing since 2003. Currently, I work as a salesman, I also do minor roof repairs, as well as work on the day-to-day operations in the office. I graduated from Johnston High School in 2000. I received my Associates degree in Liberal Arts from Des Moines Area Community College. After that, I received my Bachelor's degree from William Penn University in Business Management. I really enjoy the roofing business and look forward to helping anyone out with their roofing concerns and issues.

Jeremy Gannon

Hi, I am Jeremy Gannon, one part of the third generation of AAA Roofing. I started at an early age doing odd jobs around the office. I have been working full time for AAA Roofing since 2011. I oversee the repair division, and I have worked my way up to co-owner/vice president. In my free time I enjoy spending time with my daughter and our dog. We also enjoy camping.