In a recent CanvasRebel “Stories & Insights” interview (July 2025), Tarrytown Roofing founder James Kuntz opened up about the heart behind the company: a values-driven, people-first mindset that’s as rare as it is refreshing. His story highlights what sets Tarrytown Roofing apart in a crowded industry and why that difference is resonating with clients across Austin and Central Texas.
Setting a Higher Standard: The Story Behind Tarrytown Roofing’s People-First Philosophy
At Tarrytown Roofing, we’re not trying to be the biggest name in the industry—we’re working to be the most trusted. That distinction matters, especially in roofing, where speed and volume often take precedence over care, communication, and character.
But this company wasn’t built on strategy. It was built on conviction; a belief held by founder James Kuntz that there had to be a better way to do business.
From Cowboy to Contractor: An Unlikely Path to Redefining Roofing
James Kuntz didn’t come from a roofing dynasty. He didn’t inherit a business or follow a conventional playbook. His early career took him far from the trades—working cattle in Mexico, managing logistics operations, investing in real estate, and navigating Austin’s tech sector. But in each space, he noticed a similar pattern: too many companies chasing speed over quality, sales over service, and short-term wins over lasting trust.
Roofing, in particular, felt broken.
“I kept seeing the same thing,” James says. “High turnover, poor communication, and companies focused on closing the next deal rather than doing the job right.”
So he decided to build something different: a roofing company grounded in long-term relationships, clear communication, and real accountability. One that brought a values-driven mindset to a blue-collar industry—blending the innovation and systems thinking of tech with the grit and integrity of the trades.
From the start, James rejected the storm-chasing, high-pressure sales tactics common in the industry. Instead, he walked job sites. He brought coffee to crews. He listened to builders. He took notes from homeowners. That hands-on, human-first approach wasn’t flashy but it was consistent: He has gone from a roofing salesman to a trusted advisor.
Redefining the Roofing Experience in Austin & Beyond
James didn’t start Tarrytown Roofing to follow industry norm, he wanted to raise the bar. From how we treat our team to how we care for our clients, everything we do reflects a deeper commitment to clarity, character, and consistency. We’re not trying to be the biggest roofing company in Texas, we’re working to be the most trusted. So what’s the company’s mission to accomplish that?
People First, Always
“Our people are our first customer. Always,” James says.
That belief powers everything. When you invest in your team—supporting their growth, honoring their craftsmanship, and creating a culture of respect—they show up with pride and precision. That shows in every job we do, from Austin to College Station to greater Central Texas – and soon, Dallas. While high turnover is common in the industry, our team sticks around. That means better communication, more accountability, and consistently excellent results for homeowners and builders alike.
Relationships Over Revenue
Most people don’t call a roofer on their best day. There’s often stress and skepticism in the air—and we take that seriously. We don’t chase transactions. We build trust through clear communication, follow-through, and what James calls “the relentless focus on doing the little things right.”
We’ve had clients refer us before their own projects were even finished. That’s not luck—it’s the result of showing up with consistency and care. Sales tactics don’t build that kind of loyalty. Integrity does.
Value Over Volume
Unlike other roofing companies, James focus for Tarrytown Roofing is on the long-term gains and slow relationship and trust building aspect of serving clients and partners. “We’re not here to scale fast and burn out. We’re here to be worth calling again,” said James, reflecting on his time at big roofing company that focused only on sales numbers.
That slow-burn, trust-building mindset is now reflected in the clients who return and refer and in the builders who loop us in early and in the systems we’ve built to get better. The ultimate goal, James says: “We’re not trying to be the biggest. We’re trying to be the most trusted.”
Excellence in the Details
Beyond the people, the product is has to be good. “We use rare blue earth magnets, decking to protect the property, tarps and consider the neighbors on every install. We also consider a good better best for every client to fit their budget,” says James of the company’s duty to client care. Clean job sites, transparent pricing, clear communication, complimentary decking replacement, punctual and courteous crews, real-time updates, and the best rare blue are earth magnets (for debris clearance). These aren’t perks, they’re the baseline.
“In our world, success isn’t about grand gestures,” James says. “It’s about the daily discipline to do the right thing – even when no one’s watching.”
Built with Heart, Not Just Hustle
At Tarrytown Roofing, success isn’t about volume or speed, it’s about trust and care that lasts long after the job is done. When James Kuntz started the company, he didn’t have investors or a financial cushion. What he had was conviction. “My gas tank was full, even if my bank account wasn’t,” he said.
Without shortcuts or safety nets, James poured every dollar, every hour, and every ounce of energy back into building a company grounded in his heartfelt belief in a company rooted in integrity and long-term approach. He reinvested profits into better training, stronger systems, and superior customer care.
This relentless belief in doing things the right way, even when it’s hard, has been the fuel that drives Tarrytown Roofing. As James says:
“I didn’t wait for perfect circumstances. I trusted that if I showed up with consistency and stayed true to my values, the rest would follow.”
The proof of that conviction is clear. Today, Tarrytown Roofing is thriving, known across Austin, College Station, Central Texas – and soon, Dallas – for craftsmanship, trust, and a client-first approach. This success is just measured in more than just roofs installed, it’s measured in the lasting relationships and sterling reputation built along the way.
What You Can Expect from Tarrytown Roofing
Tarrytown Roofing isn’t just another roofing company. It’s a belief that blue-collar trades can be run with the same care, clarity, and values as any mission-driven business. When you work with Tarrytown Roofing, you can expect:
- A crew that respects your home, your neighbors, and your time
- Honest, transparent communication from start to finish
- Options that meet your needs and your budget
- A company that follows through every time
Because roofing isn’t just about what’s over your head, it’s about who stands behind it. To learn more, get in touch with our team.
