By Kelly Stevens
Seeing Anderson Roofing Company on a daily basis is the norm for many Linntonites as we drive along Highway 30 and pass their property abutting NW Saltzman Road. Established in 1952, Anderson Roofing is a tight-knit, family company. Anderson started in a small shop on NE Glisan, moved to NW Saint Helens Road (where Overhead Door is now), and then landed in its current location, where they have been for 20 years.
Ownership started with its founder, Matt Anderson, and then shifted to his brother and Portland police officer Dave Anderson. Doug Christie was hired out of high school to work at Anderson, and eventually bought the company in 1985 from Dave after earning his keep for 15 years and impressing Dave with his work ethic and honest nature. In addition to running the company as President, Doug started a large rooftop garden adjacent to company offices, full of galvanized tubs where they grow heirloom tomatoes.
Doug Christie is the heart and soul of the Anderson Roofing we know today. It is his moral compass, attention to long-term relationships, and willingness to always put others first that have guided the company to where they are and where they are going. Says VP Dan, “Doug has done and continues to do so much for me, our family, our employees, the community, and everyone he meets. His ability to stay humble and kind amidst all of his success is inspiring.”
Doug’s cousin, Dan Frakes, was hired at the age of 21, worked on the roof for 21 years, and has been the Vice President at Anderson since 2009. (When their former wonderful VP and Doug’s wife, Kristi, passed away.) Dan’s son, Ryan, works there too as their newest hire, and Dan’s daughter is looking at opening a food cart on the property. With their Portland and Salem operations combined, Anderson Roofing employs 60 to 70 people, many of whom are 20-year-plus employees. The staff are unionized and are paid a living wage, which is important to the company. Remarks Dan, “We want everyone to be able to buy a home and have those things in life that help them excel.” They also have two friendly resident cats, Dave and Dean, who keep watch over the offices.
Anderson Roofing serves clients through commercial, industrial, and institutional roofing projects. While their business focuses on commercial projects, their heart is in the community–both their community of employees and their community at large. Says Dan, “We’re just like your neighbor; you can borrow a cup of sugar, or a scoop of mastic. We’re always there for the community.” He continues, “If people need roofing help or a helping hand in Linnton, if people need a piece of insulation or roofing pieces to finish up a project, give us a call.”
Anderson Roofing especially enjoys doing school roofing projects and installing quality, high-end roofing for local schools such as North Plains Elementary. With schools being so resource-strapped, Anderson takes pride and care in adding something to the school buildings that will last 50 years or more.