By: Ali Elizabeth Turner
The day before Hurricane Helene made her malevolent romp through the Southeast, I met with my friend and long-time Athens Now client, Michael Muse of River City Roofing Solutions. Both Michael and the business are not strangers to either natural or personal disasters, as we’ll discuss in a minute, and this whole article could be summed up by saying, “If disaster hits, these are the guys you want.” But, a bit more detail is in order, so read on.
What most people don’t know is that there are still areas here in Limestone County that have not yet been “made whole” from our tornado in May. We were hit harder than what was first thought, and I know from the weekly reports I get in our Business Networking International group that River City has never wavered from their commitment to our community to bring quality roofing quickly and with care, no matter what.
When disaster strikes, Michael and RCRS co-founder Chris (who is Michael’s older brother) have what they call the “tarp teams” as part of their customer service protocol, and that is only the beginning of what they do to protect homeowners. When heavy weather is on the way, they gear up and are ready 24/7 to respond to water mitigation emergencies before they take the next step of repairing or, if needed, putting on a whole new roof.
Chris and Michael Muse began working in the construction industry when they were teenagers and learned every aspect of the trade. Together they have more than 40 years of experience roofing, and that does not include the experience level of their well-trained crew. The Muse brothers have done framing as well as every aspect of the roofing process, and they have worked together, except for the time that Chris served in the armed forces in Korea. In 2018, they launched River City Roofing Solutions. They started off with the desire to do “small and good,” rather than “huge and mediocre.” They have demonstrated this in the last six years, have exceeded their goals, and have an unwavering commitment to “do it right the first time.” They have also added 2 of their sons and both of their other siblings to the River City team, and River City truly is a family affair.
Due to a motorcycle accident in August 2020, Michael lost his leg. Healing began with understanding that it was caused by his decisions; however, I’ll be the first to tell you that I have been blown away by his comeback, attitude, and commitment to be unstoppable. Michael is quick to credit God, his family, friends, support team, and like-minded business owners with what he has needed for this blow to be turned into a blessing, and he still rides his motorcycle (a little more careful) as well as snow bikes in the mountains. I told him when we met this time that I am expecting him to compete someday in the Paralympics!
The year 2020 was also a challenge because of “COVID Craziness.” Supply chains were disrupted, and the cost of plywood went through the roof. Forced social distancing, along with the bike accident, made it necessary for Michael to integrate drones as part of the inspection process. Chris and Michael are pleased to report that the COVID challenges have been resolved, and they have been able to lower their prices.
Having the drone service as well as CAD software that creates an architectural-style rendering of the new roof has also served to help “repair the repairs” of fly-by-night roofing companies that come out of the woodwork any time we have a stronger than usual storm. RCRS loves to educate and thus protect clients. They also make sure that the insurance companies are doing what is spelled out in the
homeowner’s policy. They will never “shingle over” anything, and they will treat the homeowner of a small, modest home exactly the same as someone who owns an executive home. They offer shingles that are hail resistant, and have what are known as architectural shingles, some of which can withstand 130 mph winds and hail. They will provide excellence within your budget, always.
River City Roofing Solutions has recently added a new service called LeafX, which is a gutter screen system that will prevent your gutters from backing up and ruining your new roof.
Finally, over the years, I have observed that this family-owned business has always treated their employees like cherished family. They provide incentives — trips to places like Jamaica, Gatlinburg, and the beach — and they love kids. Their Pops who taught them everything they know has now passed on, and I think it’s safe to say that he is proud of his boys!
Whether you are dealing with the aftermath of a storm, or are looking for a quality outfit to repair or replace your roof, you would do well to contact River City Roofing Solutions today. Simply stated, River City will do it right for a reasonable price. Call them today.
By: Ali Elizabeth Turner
November 1, 2024
