Trading a Suit and Tie for Shingles and Hailstorms: How One Corporate Vet Found His Calling in DFW Roofing

Imagine winding down a career at IBM, GE and Avery Dennison, only to be lured back into the workforce by a hailstorm and the promise of helping your neighbors. That’s exactly what happened to Gary Vieregger, who, after 40 years in corporate America, found himself swapping conference calls for roof inspections. “I was pushed into retirement in 2017,” Gary explains. Then his friend Nick Frederickson, who owns First Out Roofing, asked, ‘Do you want to sit at home or do you want to do something?’ Gary answered, ‘I’m gonna do something.’” 

Gary’s new “something” turned out to be far more than just a job title. He uses his project-management expertise to guide storm restorations, primarily helping homeowners in Keller, Texas and across the DFW metroplex navigate insurance claims and roof repairs. “I started working with the insurance companies, negotiating, handling claims,” he shares. “My area got hit with a big storm five years ago, and people came to me because they knew I was in roofing. That’s how I really got started on the front lines.” 

Full-Service General Contractor, Not “Just a Roofer” 

First Out Roofing is far more than a shingle-and-nail outfit. As a full-service general contractor, the team handles gutters, fencing, siding, windows, interior repairs, and more every single day. Homeowners don’t have to juggle multiple trades or wonder who to call next; one project manager oversees everything, keeping quality and timelines on track. 

A People-First Philosophy 

Far from the stereotypical “hard sell” approach, Gary thrives on community connection and integrity. “I enjoy it. I enjoy meeting people. I enjoy helping people,” he says. “I have strong morals and ethics. I was raised that way, and First Out Roofing also has strong morals and ethics. If they didn’t, I’d be gone.” 

That shared value system forms the backbone of this family-owned business, which has been anchored in the region for over 15 years. “We’re not going anywhere,” Gary adds. “If someone has a leak two, three, four years later—and it’s not from a new storm—we’ll go back and take care of it.” 

Busting Myths & Spotting Red Flags 

Gary is quick to address the elephant in the room: contractors who give the roofing industry a bad name. “The biggest misinterpretation is that we don’t care, that we’re all a bunch of crooks,” he says. “There are bad people everywhere; it’s always a few giving the majority a bad rap.” He warns homeowners to be cautious of pressure tactics—like being asked to sign contracts on the spot—and “storm chasers” who vanish once the work is done. “They’ll tell you they’ll eat your deductible,” Gary explains, “but someone has to pay for that. They’ll cut corners on materials or repairs, and the homeowner doesn’t realize it until it’s too late.” 

His advice: 

● Insist on a local address and long-term presence. 

● Never sign on the spot. 

● Demand proof of insurance and references. 

● Remember it’s illegal in Texas for a contractor to waive your deductible. 

Pro Tips for Homeowners 

The other headache Gary eliminates is the insurance maze. “We navigate the entire claims process for and with our customers,” he explains. From documenting damage with drone photos to meeting adjusters on-site, Gary’s crew stands shoulder-to-shoulder with homeowners so they’re never left to fend for themselves against large carriers. “We’ve got your back all the way,” he promises. 

One of Gary’s biggest tips is counterintuitive: don’t call your insurance carrier first if you suspect storm damage. “Instead, get a professional roof inspection,” he advises. “You might not have enough damage to file a claim, and making a claim when you don’t need one can go against you.” He also emphasizes the importance of understanding your policy—especially terms like “ACV” (Actual Cash Value) and “RCV” (Replacement Cost Value)—so you know what to expect in payouts and potential out-of-pocket costs. 

Because First Out Roofing acts as a general contractor for storm restorations, they can also evaluate gutters, fences, windows, and siding—saving homeowners the hassle of juggling multiple companies. “It’s a one-stop shop,” Gary says. “We’ll deal with the insurance, oversee the subcontractors, and make sure everything’s back to equal or better condition than before the storm.” A homeowner makes one call and gets one cohesive plan to restore the entire property to equal or better condition 

Why Integrity Matters 

The genuine connection Gary fosters with his customers is a refreshing change in an industry sometimes clouded by skepticism. Whether riding his Harley to appointments or flying a drone to spot hidden hail damage, he’s committed to building trust by always being transparent. “We don’t try to sell somebody something they don’t need,” he insists. “We stand behind our work, and we’re always just a phone call away.” 

Closing Thoughts and Takeaways 

From corporate offices to chasing hail clouds across North Texas, Gary’s journey proves that a second act can become a true calling when it’s driven by passion and ethics. For local homeowners, his story offers both reassurance and actionable guidance: 

● Get a professional inspection before filing an insurance claim. 

● Watch out for high-pressure sales and unrealistic deductible promises. 

● Ask about every aspect of your property—not just the roof—when seeking storm restorations. 

● Look for a contractor with local roots and a proven track record. 

Above all, Gary’s experience reminds us that honesty and community focus can build roofs—and relationships—that stand the test of time. “We’re here,” he says simply. “And we’ll be here long after the storm.” If you’re in the DFW area and want peace of mind before the next hail season rolls in, Gary and First Out Roofing just might be the reliable ally you’ve been seeking. If you need help or more information, you can check them out at https://www.firstoutroofing.com/. They offer free roof inspections +1-940-227-4411