Management & People
We look up to our customers.
While our business is all about roofing, nothing gets done properly without smart,
timely communications. That’s why the team at Atlas-Apex Roofing Inc. is dedicated
to getting our customers exactly the information they need – when they need
it.
No other roofing company delivers this kind of forward-thinking innovation.
We constantly keep our employees ahead of the curve when it comes to training and
safety issues. In fact, we deploy a safety representative on each and every job.
And we implemented a Fall Arrest program before it was mandatory.
We invite you to meet the people who drive the company.
John Petrachek – President and General Manager
jpetrachek@atlas-apex.com
John Petrachek is President & General Manager of Atlas-Apex Roofing Inc.. He
started his career in the Industrial, Commercial and Institutional roofing business
in 1993 as a representative with a large roofing product/design manufacturer. His
vision has always been to stay ahead of the competition by delivering outstanding
customer service and communications.
Mr. Petrachek is an Ontario University graduate with his Honours Business Administration
degree. John is a proud member of Ontario Industrial Roofing Contractors Association
(O.I.R.C.A.), the Roof Consultants Institute (RCI), Canadian Roofing Contractors
Association (CRCA), and the National Roofing Contractors Association (NRCA). John
also sat on the board of the Ontario Industrial Roofing Contractors Association
(OIRCA) where he was the past president.
He gained extensive knowledge of the roofing industry from both a contractor’s
perspective and as a roofing product/design manufacturer. He has held numerous
positions at the Provincial Association level where he sat as a Past President,
Safety Committee member and most recently on the Membership Committee of the Ontario
Roofing Contractors Association (O.I.R.C.A) Mr Petrachek is one of the founding
members of the NRA (National Roofing Alliance) and has invested in many other trade-related
and non-trade-related businesses in the past 15 years. He has lectured
on several key topics related to the industry at various venues. At the helm of
Atlas-Apex Roofing Inc. along with his key team members, Mr. Petrachek is proud
to state that Atlas-Apex Roofing Inc. is one of the largest non-union roofing contractors
in Canada.
As a loving husband and a father of 4 children, his entrepreneurial spirit is hopefully
followed by his children for years to come.
Brett Beetles – Vice President
bbeetles@atlas-apex.com
Brett went to Sheridan College for business courses in blueprint reading as well
as project estimating. He has completed various courses hosted by the Roofing
Institute of North America, O.I.R.C.A. and C.R.C.A. He spent over 15 years
specializing in the industrial, commercial and institutional roofing industry. He
has continually strived to perfect all aspects of customer relations and service.
Before joining Atlas-Apex Roofing Inc., he spent 11 years in the building construction
business where he worked on trouble shooting and assisting with various roof system
design solutions. This experience combined with his business education experience
from Sheridan College and his project estimating and blue print reading courses
from Seneca College, provides a perfect fit for the ICI roofing industry.
Brett is continually upgrading his knowledge of changes in the industry to keep
up to date on green initiatives, cool roofing, LEED accreditation, light weight
concrete, sustainable roofing solutions, solar initiatives, manufacturer installations
and all safety aspects of the industry.
His role in Senior Management has enabled him to assist and develop junior colleagues
in the industry by educating and guiding them to provide smart solutions for corporate
clients. The ability to make decisions on projects, services and corporate direction
has made him passionate about the ICI market and helped Atlas-Apex Roofing Inc.
become a leading edge corporation over the past 15 years.
John McDowell – Vice President
jmcdowell@atlas-apex.com
Prior to starting in the industry, John gained his sales and marketing experience
working as an Account support representative with IBM for 4 years and in the publishing
industry as a senior account manager for 3 years. John’s education comes
from attending business and marketing courses at both Seneca and Centennial Colleges
in Toronto. He is also a regular attendee at seminars and courses provided
within the roofing industry.
John McDowell began his career in the roofing industry in September of 1994 as a
junior estimator for one of the largest roofing firms in Canada. His interest
in the field quickly grew as he progressed through the ranks from junior estimator
to senior estimator/marketing representative. At that time computers and technology
were not widely utilized in the industry and John helped to implement several new
technology initiatives during this early part of his career.
After a six-year stay, John felt the need to move forward and looked for further
opportunities. He worked with 2 other firms over the next 2 years until he
found his place at Atlas-Apex Roofing Inc. in March of 2002. John started
at Atlas-Apex Roofing Inc. as Vice-President, which is the position he holds today.
Along with the executive team, he is responsible for managing the sales and day-to-day
operations of this growing company. John enjoys the personal touch of relationship
building and has developed life-long friendships with some of his clients.
John’s years of experience with some of Atlas-Apex Roofing’s national
account base has allowed him to help grow this company’s national presence
and service some of Canada’s largest accounts. John continues to be
an integral part of the Atlas-Apex Roofing family and looks forward to a long career
with this company.
Michael Thrasher – Vice-President
mthrasher@atlas-apex.com
Mike has been involved in the roofing industry since 1998 in a management and owner
position. His extensive project management and estimating experience is complimented
by several technical courses he took through the Roofing Educational Institute and
the Gold Seal program with the Canadian Construction Association. As a member of
the Roof Consultants Institute, Mike has educated himself at various seminars and
courses provided by manufacturers and members of the RCI.
Mike graduated from the University of Windsor with a Bachelor of Arts, and took
blueprint reading and other trade-related courses at Conestoga College. Prior to
joining the roofing industry, Mike managed large accounts for manufactures in the
food and beverage industry.
Bryce McCandless – Vice-President
bmccandless@atlas-apex.com
Bryce has been involved in the roofing industry as a manager, owner and senior executive
since 2001. Prior to this he was the General Manager of a metal fabrication firm
that he helped the company founders build from inception to become a thriving manufacturer
of light truck products distributed across North America. He has educated himself
in the roofing industry with multiple training courses through the Roofing Educational
Institute, National Roofing Contractors Association, Roof Consultants Institute
and material manufacturers.
Bryce holds a Masters in Business Administration from Wilfred Laurier University,
and an undergraduate degree from McMaster University; he also has completed the
Canadian Securities Course and several courses through the Chartered Management
Accountants association. Bryce currently serves as the Vice-President of the Board
of Directors for the Family and Children’s Services Foundation of Waterloo, is the
current Chair of the Hotshots Street Hockey Tournament in Kitchener, and has worked
several times with Junior Achievement of Kitchener-Waterloo teaching programs that
educate youth about business and success.
Steve Murray – Vice President of Operations, General Superintendent
smurray@atlas-apex.com
Steve Murray, Vice President of Operation and General Superintendent, has been with
Atlas Apex Roofing Inc. for 18 years. Steve graduated with a business administration
degree at Humber College. He is presently a member of the “Risk Assessment
Committee” with the Ontario Industrial Roofing Committee Association (OIRCA).
By continuing to attend seminars and courses pertaining to the industry, Steve stays
current with the changes within the industry. Steve successfully completed all three
levels of training necessary to be a member of a “Joint Health and Safety
Committee” as recognized by the Ministry of Labour (MOL) and the Workplace
Safety Insurance Board (WSIB) in the construction sector.
Steve graduated with a business administration degree at Humber College. His 27
years in the roofing industry started as a summer student during his high school
and University/College years. During this time he was introduced to the basics of
roofing and sheet metal installations and the basics of estimating for new construction
and re-roofing projects. After he graduated his summer job turned into a full time
job as an estimator and supervisor.
Additional qualifications and training include:
- member of the "Risk Assessment Committee" with the Ontario Industrial Roofing
Committee Association (OIRCA)
- all three levels of training necessary to be a member of a "joint Health
and Safety Committee"as recognized by the Ministry of Labour and the Workplace Safety
Insurance Board in the construction sector.
- knowledge and training in all roofing and sheet metal systems, keeping current
with industry and manufacturer training seminars.
- knowledge and training in light weight concrete and solar panel installations,
being incorporated into a re- roofing project.
As Vice-President of operations, Steve oversees the day-to-day activities of three
project managers, a purchasing agent, a health and safety officer and over 130 roofing,
sheet metal and support staff employees.
Brenda Dickson - Controller & CFO
bdickson@atlas-apex.com
As Controller, Brenda is responsible for dealing with banks, insurance agencies,
bonding companies, auditors, personnel and customers. Her duties include all aspects
of accounting and preparing monthly and yearly financial statements.
She has successfully completed her 4th year CGA at York University and Sheridan
College and has taken advance courses in Excel and several other accounting packages.
Prior to joining Atlas-Apex Roofing Inc., Brenda gained valuable work experience
with a major main-frame computer company for over 8 years. She was responsible for
all manufacturing costing, budgets and financial reporting.
Following this, Brenda worked for a major global spirits manufacturing company.
For over 10 years she was responsible for all budgeting, forecasting, payroll and
product costing. She was also responsible for keeping track of raw material and
finished goods inventories.
Mark Bevington - New Business Development Manager
mbevington@atlas-apex.com
Mark is an innovative and energetic sales and marketing professional with more than
a quarter of a century of experience in Canada. Since 1985, Mark has developed and
cultivated new and existing business opportunities within the roofing, supply chain
and transportation industries.
Today, as the Business Development Manager for Atlas-Apex Roofing Inc., he continues
to create new relationships with clients in the Industrial, Commercial and Institutional
roofing market. Whether it’s the exclusive, Atlas-Apex Roofing ‘Preventive
Roof Maintenance’ program, or the ‘24/7’ emergency leak service
& repairs, or a capital project, Mark has the experience and dedication necessary
to steer clientele to the appropriate service. Mark is part of a strong and qualified
team of roofing professionals at Atlas-Apex Roofing Inc. who understand and appreciate
the roofing concerns of their customers.
Mark’s educational background includes diplomas in Business Administration
Marketing/Sales and Motor Carrier Administration from Sheridan College of Applied
Arts and Technology. With his wife and 3 kids they all participate in
a variety of sports from hockey, golf, rugby, soccer, horseback riding, and running
among others.
Tony Vetro - Service Manager
tvetro@atlas-apex.com
Tony Vetro is the Service Manager at Atlas-Apex Roofing Inc. He looks after
dispatching and also assists with the scheduling of crews to complete permanent
repairs as weather permits.
Tony has been with Atlas-Apex Roofing Inc. for approximately 4 years but is not
new to the service industry. Prior to coming to Atlas-Apex Roofing Inc., Tony was
a Service Manager at a high volume Acura Dealership in the Toronto area. Tony was
in that role for 5 years and put together a service department of 45 employees.
In this role, Tony was responsible to manage customer appointments, concerns (both
warranty and non warranty related) and overall customer satisfaction as well as
employee satisfaction.
Prior to the Service Manager position, Tony was a licensed technician with Honda/Acura
Automobiles with approx 15 years of experience. Tony understands what it takes to
service a customer to their complete satisfaction.
Maureen Kane - Health and Safety Director
mkane@atlas-apex.com
Maureen Kane is the Health and Safety Director for Atlas-Apex Roofing Inc. She is
responsible for giving direction to senior management, supervisors and workers regarding
health and safety issues. She continually updates the Health and Safety Management
System by reviewing current policies and developing new ones. She performs training
sessions for all workers including WHMIS, Basics of Fall Protection and New Worker
Orientation. Prior to coming to Atlas-Apex Roofing Inc., Maureen spent twenty
years in a Management capacity; thirteen with a national roofing supply company
and seven years with a medium sized Ontario roofing company.
Maureen’s interest in Health and Safety started in 2004 when she became the
company representative at a WSIB sponsored Safety Group. Since then Maureen has
taken several courses and training sessions on Health and Safety, completed her
Occupational Health and Safety Certificate through Conestoga College and sits as
Chair of the Steering Committee for the same WSIB Safety Group she joined seven
years earlier. Maureen is a highly motivated, creative and versatile health
and safety director with a great deal of experience in health and safety policy,
program development, health and safety training and facilitation of health and safety
awareness.
She is skilled at building effective, productive working relationships. Maureen
has exceptional management, leadership and communication skills as well as excellent
knowledge of Ontario’s Occupational Health and Safety Act and other safety
related practices and procedures.
Pam Mills - Contract Coordinator
pmills@atlas-apex.com
In her role as Contract Coordinator, Pam issues all contracts from start to finish
including close-out documents and warranties. She prepares and organizes all prequalification
documents for acceptance on bidders lists and prepares and coordinates all tender
packages.
Pam has been with Atlas-Apex Roofing Inc. for over 20 years and has maintained several
positions within the company starting as receptionist and working her way up to
Contractor Administrator.
With over 30 years in the construction industry, Pam brings her outstanding proficiency
and excellent attention to detail to her position, ensuring that all contracts are
maintained to the highest level of quality.
Lori Sellars - Service Administrator
lsellars@atlas-apex.com
Lori Sellars is a service administrator with Atlas-Apex Roofing Inc. Lori has more
than 11 years experience in the service department of Atlas-Apex Roofing. In this
role, Lori is responsible for providing clients with all aspects of service including
service reports and invoicing.
Before joining Atlas-Apex Roofing Inc., Lori spent 25 years working in the retail
arena where she provided excellent customer service. She brings this excellence
to Atlas-Apex Roofing Inc., by servicing our clients efficiently and competently.