TRAVERSE CITY -- Terry Umlor took over a roofing and construction company more than 10 years ago that boasted nothing more than three men, two old trucks and a used fork lift.
On Wednesday, Umlor saw his decade of growth and success recognized by small business owners from across the community. His company, Springfield Commercial Roofing of Kingsley, won the 2008 Hagerty Small Business of the Year award, presented by the Traverse City Area Chamber of Commerce.
Umlor describes himself as "a little ol' roofer from out in the country," and has grown his business into a 35-employee operation with clients all over northern Michigan, despite tough times in the region's construction economy.
He and his wife, Terri Jo, said they've grown their company by building a reputation for quality service and a problem-solving approach to the oft-challenging task of replacing old roofs and renovating aging buildings.
"We take a customer's problem and make it our own problem, and then we solve it," Terri Jo said.
Chris Wendel, regional director for the Michigan Small Business & Technology Development Center, was among the judges for the competition. He said Springfield excelled in key evaluation measures, including community service and strong employee relations.
"They were excellent in those areas," he said.
Wendel also said the company went through the competition last year and made some changes based on lessons learned during that evaluation.
"They've really raised the bar on how they've done things," Wendel said. "It was a consensus choice ... they stood out."
Umlor said he was honored just to be considered for the award two years running.
"When you're in that room full of people, they're the ones that make Traverse City a beautiful place to live," he said. "Just to be part of that is an overwhelming experience. To actually win is a humbling experience."
Other finalists were American HealthCare Services Association; Arms & Cole; FAST Physical Therapy & FAST Fitness; Food for Thought; Johnstone Supply; Ollar Consulting; Professional Solutions Plus; Safety Net Inc.; and the Traverse City Beach Bums. Employees of all 10 finalists were recognized at the luncheon that drew more than 200 attendees.
"For all the nominees, it's a great victory and a great testament," said McKeel Hagerty, whose classic car and boat insurance company in Traverse City is a co-sponsor of the award.
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