Ken Gieseke: industry advocate’s commitment to promoting metal roofing helped shape the industry’s direction

For more than 30 years, Ken Gieseke has advocated for metal roofing and wall panels.

For more than 30 years, Ken Gieseke has advocated for metal roofing and wall panels. Through his efforts at industry associations and McElroy Metal in Bossier City, La., where he is senior vice president, Gieseke contributed to educational and promotional programs and initiatives. Moreover, he has built a reputation of integrity and cooperation, which has fostered loyalty among colleagues, coworkers, and customers.

Gieseke has held many leadership roles, including vice chairman of the board at the Metal Roofing Alliance (MRA) and chairman at the National Frame Builders Association (NFBA).

In the 1990s, Gieseke was a key supporter of MRA’s development alongside the Metal Construction Association (MCA). He also developed educational webinars and other materials for the MCA.

Gieseke frequently volunteered for MCA efforts, says Jeff Henry, executive director at the MCA. “Throughout his career, he has been a strong industry advocate and has made numerous contributions to the industry. If an effort has been good for metal, [Gieseke] and McElroy have been strong supporters.”

The MRA, founded in 1998, promotes the benefits of metal roofing to increase market share. Renee Ramey, executive director of the MRA, says, “[Gieseke] has always demonstrated a remarkable commitment to our mission, volunteering time and expertise at every opportunity. Whether it was offering guidance on complex issues, stepping in when help was needed, or sharing invaluable knowledge, he always approached each task with a positive attitude, dedication, and professionalism.”

Jim Bush, vice president of sales and marketing at ATAS International Inc. in Allentown, Pa., and past MCA chair, has collaborated with Gieseke on training, education, and promotional initiatives at MCA and MRA.

“We all have paid jobs, but some people go above and beyond and really want to better the industry as a whole, and that’s one of the things that I always thought about [Gieseke],” Bush says. “He took the extra time and, more importantly, he took pride in growth of the industry as a whole.”

In addition to helping to establish the MRA, Gieseke helped launch MCA’s Roofing Certification Program in 2003 for metal roofing product quality.

Gieseke says, “The intent of the labeling is to give homeowners some confidence that they have a quality metal roof. As an industry, the last thing we want is a homeowner to put an inferior roof on their house and then prematurely it fails because of an inferior substrate or inferior paint system when we’re promoting a roof that’s going to last for decades.”

Gieseke has also served at the NFBA, including as chairman throughout his career. Greg Lehman, preconstruction support, repair, and renovation at FBi Buildings Inc., Remington, Ind., says Gieseke expanded the NFBA’s safety resources and helped establish the Accredited Post-Frame Builder Program.

Gieseke says, “One of the enjoyable things about being a part of an industry and associations is the bonds and friendships that you develop. Whether it’s a competitor or supplier, you’re working on initiatives to grow the industry, and it’s not about being self-centered or growing your own company or your own career; what matters is really working together as an association to make the industry better. It’s been very gratifying to be part of the associations I’ve been involved with to make the industry better.”

As originally posted in Metal Construction News April 2025.