A lifelong connection to landscaping has shaped the growth of Outback Lawn & Landscape and Tree Service, a locally owned business operated by Jared Dockery and his wife, Maddie.

Dockery said the business offers a wide range of exterior property services, including lawn care, landscaping, tree and shrub pruning, mulch installation, retaining walls, fencing, and paver patios for both residential and commercial clients.

“We handle pretty much anything exterior — property maintenance, mulch, landscape installations, tree and shrub pruning, retaining walls, fences — just about anything outside,” Dockery said.

The company has also carved out a niche focused on education and sustainability, encouraging clients to rethink how they view plants and even weeds in their yards.

“We push edible gardening spaces,” Dockery said. “We try to apply the knowledge that we’ve learned with plants and weeds — not only do we try to prevent weeds in people’s gardens, but we also push discussions on things that are medicinal and edible.”

Dockery’s experience in the field dates back to his childhood, when his parents owned schools and nurseries. He said he began working at a young age and gradually built the foundation for what would become his own business.

“From the time I was about eight, I was on a lawnmower maintaining a commercial property for them,” Dockery said. “That developed into a point where I was old enough to take on several of those schools.”

He said he transitioned into running his business full-time in his late 20s after building up a base of commercial and residential clients.

“I started obtaining other properties part-time until I quit my day job,” Dockery said. “I was about 27 when I quit. I’m 48 now.”

Over the years, the company has expanded and contracted at different times, depending on business needs and direction. At its peak, Dockery said he managed multiple crews and handled large-scale contracts across the region.

“I had three to four crews out daily for years,” Dockery said. “We mowed everything from state parks to the housing authorities of Owensboro — large properties, hotels, and apartment complexes.”

Today, the operation is smaller and more hands-on, with Dockery and his wife leading the work.

Dockery said faith has played a central role in shaping both the business and its direction.

“There was a lot of prayer and petition that went into it before stepping into it,” Dockery said. “Trying to figure out who God wanted me to be in business.”

That mindset has also led the couple to take their work beyond the local community. Dockery said they have participated in mission efforts in Honduras, helping build playgrounds and exploring ways to assist with sustainable gardening practices.

“We’ve been asked to come back and maybe figure out how to do some gardening spaces for the missionary ranch,” Dockery said. “Utilizing natural resources as far as fertilizers and things of that nature.”

Dockery said one of his favorite aspects of the job is the variety it provides, allowing him to shift between different types of projects.

“I like to create,” Dockery said. “I can be in a yard planting shrubs one day, and maybe the next week I’m doing a fence. It keeps me from getting bored.”

He said he also enjoys working outdoors and seeing the unique character of each property.

“I love being outside, and I love visiting everybody’s gardens,” Dockery said. “It’s nice to see different gardens all day long.”

In addition to landscaping services, the company also handles snow removal for both commercial and residential clients, with past work including large retail and restaurant properties.

Dockery said the business maintains an active online presence, sharing project updates and educational content through its website and social media platforms, including Facebook and Instagram.

More information about Outback Lawn & Landscape and Tree Service can be found on its website at https://outback-outdoors.com/.

The Chamber Member of the Week program is a Greater Owensboro Chamber of Commerce membership benefit. Founded in 1913, the Chamber has worked to provide valuable benefits and services to member businesses and individuals for over a century.

Today, with nearly 1,000 members, the Chamber is a guiding force in community and business development initiatives and serves as the center of business advocacy for the Greater Owensboro region. 

To learn more about becoming the Chamber Member of the Week or inquire about Chamber membership, contact Kitty Jones, director of membership, at 270-926-1860 or kjones@owensboro.com.

By: John Kirkpatrick The Owensboro Times

Ever want to sit down and have coffee with a candidate?

The Greater Owensboro Chamber of Commerce is giving voters that chance on May 7.

“Coffee with a Candidate” will debut at the Owensboro Convention Center immediately following the Rooster Booster Breakfast that morning.

Dave Kirk, chamber president, said, “We felt like this would be the perfect opportunity for our residents to interact with the candidates running for office. At a time when politics can feel especially divisive, we want to create space for thoughtful, informed conversations.”

He said, “These are our neighbors running to represent us, and we should treat them that way.”

Kirk said the event will complement, not replace, the chamber’s traditional candidate forums in the fall.

When Rooster Booster is over that day, each table will be assigned two candidates who are not running for the same office.

People can visit with any candidate they choose and engage in one-on-one conversations.

A seven-minute timer will be used to ensure that everyone has a chance to connect.

Rooster Booster that day will feature Rich Harwood, “who will focus on a follow-up from the Building a Better Owensboro report and highlight the actions that locally led, community-driven teams are taking to address the report’s findings and strengthen civic engagement in our community,” the chamber said.

Both Republicans and Democrats are praising the event.

Jesse Hagan, chairman of the Daviess County Republican Party, said, “What makes this event special is that it shifts the focus from candidates speaking or responding to each other to candidates engaging directly with voters. That kind of personal interaction gives people a better understanding of who they’re voting for and what they stand for.”

And Larry Miller, chairman of the Daviess County Democratic Party, thanked the chamber “for providing this opportunity for all of our local and state candidates to meet face to face with those attending the May 7 Rooster Booster Breakfast.”

He said, “One of our most important duties as citizens is to be involved in the election of our local, state and national leaders. That involves getting to know our candidates and determine where they stand on important public policy issues. This is a great opportunity to do just that. What a great idea.”

Kirk said, “Our hope is that this new event will encourage more people to get out and vote while also promoting respectful, civil conversation. This is an educational opportunity, not a forum for confrontation.”

This Rooster Booster and “Coffee with a Candidate” are open to the entire community.

Candidates who want to participate should call the chamber at 270-926-1860 or email Katie Blan, director of communications and events, at kblan@owensboro.com.

By Keith Lawrence Messenger-Inquirer

A new partnership between two local small businesses is set to bring a unique dessert option to Owensboro, as Hanna Bailey of Doozie Doez prepares to open a self-serve fridge inside Crazy Me Gifts and Apparel.

Bailey said the concept allows her to offer many of the benefits of a storefront without taking on the added overhead.

“I have a commercial kitchen license, so I have everything I need for a storefront without actually having one,” Bailey said. “I don’t really want a full storefront, so this allows me to offer those same options in a different way.”

The fridge is scheduled to open on Friday morning when the store opens, giving customers the ability to walk in and purchase items on demand.

Bailey said the idea came together through her long-standing relationship with Crazy Me owner Donna Southard, who has supported her business from the beginning.

“Donna has helped me from the very beginning,” Bailey said. “I’ve done a lot of pop-ups here, and when I mentioned the idea, she was all for it. I’m really grateful for her support.”

Bailey launched Doozie Doez in 2019 after years of baking, including experience gained while working on her family’s blueberry farm. What started as baking cakes for friends has quickly grown into a full-time venture.

“I started out just making cakes for friends, and it’s grown from there,” Bailey said. “Now I’m booked most weekends, so it’s definitely taken off.”

She said much of that growth has come from staying focused and pouring her energy into the business.

“When my dad passed away, I really threw myself into it,” Bailey said. “It gave me something to focus on, and I think that helped me grow the business.”

Bailey said her love for baking began at home.

“My mom is a great cook, and I grew up watching her,” Bailey said. “We didn’t have a lot, so she made all of our birthday cakes and treats, and that kind of stuck with me.”

The new fridge will feature a rotating selection of desserts, including whole cakes, cupcakes, and a new product Bailey is introducing called “cake cans.”

“There will be several cakes available, along with cupcakes and my new cake cans, which are more of a gourmet, layered dessert,” Bailey said.

The cake cans are designed for convenience, with a resealable lid that allows customers to enjoy them over time. Bailey said opening-day flavors are expected to include Dubai chocolate, white chocolate raspberry, Samoa, and banana cookie butter.

In addition to desserts, Bailey will also offer her homemade chicken salad.

“This chicken salad is the best in town,” Bailey said.

Southard said the partnership is a natural fit and builds on a relationship that has developed over time through pop-ups and collaborations.

“Anytime one small business can help another, it’s a great thing,” Southard said. “It truly is about supporting Hannah and what she’s built, and I’m excited to see how it continues to grow while also giving our customers something new.”

The fridge will be stocked daily, giving customers the option to stop in and grab desserts without pre-ordering, though custom orders can still be arranged for pickup at the store.

Crazy Me, located at 235 East 20th Street, is open 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday through Thursday, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Friday, and 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday.

Southard said the addition aligns with the store’s customer base and offers added convenience for shoppers.

“A lot of times, people are looking for something quick for a birthday or celebration,” Southard said. “Now they can pick up a gift and something sweet all in one stop.”

By John Kirkpatrick The Owensboro Times

Retired Lt. Gen. Steven L. Basham told local business leaders Thursday morning that success — whether in military operations or economic development — depends on teamwork, preparation, and a willingness to take risks.

Basham, a retired U.S. Air Force officer who logged more than 3,400 flight hours in the B-1, B-2, and B-52, served as the featured speaker at the March Rooster Booster breakfast hosted by the Greater Owensboro Chamber of Commerce at the Owensboro Convention Center.

Chamber President and CEO Dave Kirk said Basham’s experience offered a valuable perspective.

“We’re honored to be joined by retired Lt. General Steven L. Basham,” Kirk said. “His distinguished military service has several highlights, including Deputy Commander, U.S. European Command, Deputy Commander, U.S. Air Forces in Europe-Air Forces Africa, and over 3400 flight hours in the B-1, B-2, and B-52. There’s a lot going on in the world right now, and Mr. Basham certainly had some good insight going forward.”

Basham used stories from his military career — including flying one of the first B-2 stealth bomber combat missions in 1999 — to draw parallels between military operations and the work of local business leaders.

He said innovation, vision, and risk-taking are essential to success.

“We all love talking about fun, but what I really love talking about is what it took to do that right there,” Basham said. “It’s the innovation, it’s the vision, it’s the ability to be able to take a risk, as a matter of fact, to make the investment.”

Basham emphasized that while pilots often receive recognition, missions rely on a much larger team working behind the scenes.

“But let’s talk about who’s behind the scenes,” Basham said. “It’s the maintainers, it’s the intelligence, it’s the personnel, it’s the folks that have been doing the planning. It’s the folks that do medical, that do support across the organizations… we don’t say thank you enough to those folks out there.”

He also highlighted the importance of collaboration across military branches and allied nations, noting that large-scale operations require coordination well beyond a single unit.

Reflecting on his first combat mission in a B-2 bomber, Basham described months of preparation leading up to a 31-hour flight that included multiple in-air refuelings and precision strikes on multiple targets.

“Success that night didn’t come from — and I use this term very, very carefully — a hero moment,” Basham said. “It came from hundreds of routine actions done well by people who understood the mission and trusted each other.”

Basham said that same principle applies to the business community, where visible successes often overshadow the behind-the-scenes work required to achieve them.

“To the businesses, you’re the operational force,” Basham said. “You’re the ones that are out there taking the risk, you’re investing, you’re hiring, you’re innovating, you’re creating jobs to keep the community alive.”

He also recognized the role of chamber staff and support teams, comparing them to mission planners and support crews in the military.

“Most people will only see the visible wins,” Basham said. “They’ll see the new plant that opens up… what they’ll not see is the late-night calls, the advocacy trips, the professionals and business leaders who are doing all the behind-the-scenes work to make sure that things happen.”

Basham closed by expressing pride in returning to Kentucky and drawing a connection between military service and community leadership.

“But let me tell you, here’s why I’m so proud to be an American, and certainly proud to be a Kentuckian,” Basham said.

By John Kirkpatrick The Owensboro Times

HENDERSON, Ky. (WEHT) – The Greater Owensboro Chamber of Commerce says it is introducing a new event designed to help voters become more familiar with candidates running for office in Daviess County. 

Officials say “Coffee with a Candidate” will debut on May 7 at the Owensboro Convention Center, immediately following the conclusion of Rooster Booster. The Greater Owensboro Chamber of Commerce says following Rooster Booster, each table will be assigned two candidates who are not running for the same office. Attendees will have the opportunity to visit with any candidate they choose and engage in one-on-one conversations. A seven-minute timer will be used to ensure all attendees have a chance to connect.

“We felt like this would be the perfect opportunity for our residents to interact with the candidates running for office. At a time when politics can feel especially divisive, we want to create space for thoughtful, informed conversations. These are our neighbors running to represent us, and we should treat them that way,” said Greater Owensboro Chamber President and CEO Dave Kirk.

Officials note this inaugural event will complement, not replace, the Chamber’s traditional candidate forums held in the fall ahead of the general election. Instead, it offers voters an additional opportunity to connect with candidates ahead of the primary elections two weeks later.

“Our hope is that this new event will encourage more people to get out and vote while also promoting respectful, civil conversation. This is an educational opportunity, not a forum for confrontation,” added Kirk.

According to the Greater Owensboro Chamber of Commerce, the timing of “Coffee with a Candidate” aligns with the May Rooster Booster speaker, Rich Harwood, who will focus on a follow-up from the “Building a Better Owensboro” report and highlight the actions that locally led, community-driven teams are taking to address the report’s findings and strengthen civic engagement in the community.

This event is open to both members and nonmembers attending Rooster Booster. All candidates should RSVP to the Chamber by calling (270) 926-1860 or by emailing Director of Communications and Events Katie Blan at kblan@owensboro.com.

By Jana Garrett Eyewitness News

OWENSBORO, Ky. (WEVV) — The Greater Owensboro Chamber of Commerce is launching a new event to help voters meet candidates running for office in Daviess County.

Coffee with a Candidate will debut on May 7th at the Owensboro Convention Center, immediately following the conclusion of Rooster Booster. Following Rooster Booster, each table will be assigned two candidates who are not running for the same office, and attendees will have the opportunity to visit with any candidate they choose and engage in one-on-one conversations.

A seven-minute timer will be used to ensure all attendees have a chance to connect. The event will take place two weeks before the primary elections.

“We felt like this would be the perfect opportunity for our residents to interact with the candidates running for office,” Greater Owensboro Chamber President and CEO Dave Kirk said. “At a time when politics can feel especially divisive, we want to create space for thoughtful, informed conversations.”

This inaugural event will complement, not replace, the Chamber’s traditional candidate forums held in the fall ahead of the general election. Instead, it offers voters an additional opportunity to connect with candidates ahead of the primary elections.

“What makes this event special is that it shifts the focus from candidates speaking or responding to each other to candidates engaging directly with voters,” Daviess County Republican Party Chairman Jesse Hagan said. “That kind of personal interaction gives people a better understanding of who they’re voting for and what they stand for.”

Daviess County Democratic Party Chair Larry Miller praised the initiative. He said one of the most important duties as citizens is to be involved in the election of local, state and national leaders.

The timing of Coffee with a Candidate aligns with the May Rooster Booster speaker, Rich Harwood, who will focus on a follow-up from the Building a Better Owensboro report. Harwood will highlight the actions that locally led, community-driven teams are taking to address the report’s findings and strengthen civic engagement in the community.

“Our hope is that this new event will encourage more people to get out and vote while also promoting respectful, civil conversation,” Kirk said. “This is an educational opportunity, not a forum for confrontation.”

This event is open to both members and nonmembers attending Rooster Booster. All candidates should RSVP to the Chamber by calling 270-926-1860 or by emailing Director of Communications and Events Katie Blan at kblan@owensboro.com.

By Ben Thomas 44 News

Holiday World & Splashin’ Safari have received nine nominations across six categories in the USA TODAY 10Best Readers’ Choice Awards. Public voting is open now to determine the winners.

The nominations were selected by a panel of editors and industry experts, park officials said. Holiday World is nominated for Best Theme Park, while Splashin’ Safari is up for Best Outdoor Water Park.

Several individual attractions also earned recognition. Three rides — Cheetah Chase, Mammoth, and Wildebeest — are nominated for Best Water Coaster. The Voyage is nominated for Best Roller Coaster. Bahari River is up for Best Lazy River, and both Bahari Wave Pool and The Wave are nominated for Best Wave Pool.

“Our team is honored to be nominated in so many categories again this year,” said Matt Eckert, president and CEO of Holiday World & Splashin’ Safari. “The recognition from industry experts is nice, but Holiday World exists because of our guests who visit and love the park. We hope everyone will help us reach the top by voting daily — especially for best outdoor water park and best water coaster.”

Voting began March 23 and continues through April 20. The top 10 winners in each category, as determined by reader votes, will be announced on April 29. Votes can be cast here.

Holiday World is preparing to open its 80th season in May. Park officials said the anniversary will include an expanded operating calendar and the return of several events and entertainment offerings, including Holidays in the Sky drone show, the Nerveless Nocks stunt show, the Summer Wine’d Down Culinary Festival, and the Dino Corn Maze Adventure. A new event is expected to be announced in the coming weeks.

By Ryan Richardson The Owensboro Times

Dr. Wanda Figueroa-Peralta has touched the lives of many during her tenure as president and CEO of RiverValley Behavioral Health.

On Tuesday afternoon, the impact Figueroa-Peralta has had on the community was recognized, as she was named the 2026 ATHENA Award winner during the annual awards ceremony at the Owensboro Convention Center.

“I’m speechless, and that’s a miracle,” she said upon accepting the award. “Thank you so much. Thank you to Girls Inc. for what you do. You inspire and continue supporting not only girls, but also the women in this community, and you remind us how we got here — and the truth is no one makes it alone. We need to support each other, we need to celebrate each other, and we need have to open opportunities. I thank you for doing that.

“This moment is deeply personal to me, because I carry my mother. She is no longer with us, but her belief in me and opening opportunities that she didn’t have made me do what I do. She accepted no excuses, and she reminded me of the struggles she had and women of her generation and other generations to have a seat by the table.”

The ATHENA Awards, which were held locally for the 28th time, celebrate the outstanding contributions of professional and business women. One finalist in the Owensboro community is chosen annually to receive the award in recognition for excellence in her business or profession, for service to the community in a meaningful way and for assisting women in developing their leadership potential.

Tish Correa-Osborne, chief executive officer of Girls Inc., which presents the awards in association with the Greater Owensboro Chamber of Commerce, praised all of the nominees for their contributions in the community.

This year’s eight finalists for the award were selected through a preliminary review process. There were a record-tying 28 nominations.

Figueroa-Peralta said, “I’m humbled by it, because I think every finalist deserved it, and we had the opportunity to know more about them and their impact, and also many other women in the community that are contributing every day. For me, it is an opportunity to continue working hard to develop access for others.”

Figueroa-Peralta said with such a strong field of nominees, she was caught off guard being announced the winner.

“I couldn’t believe it; it took me completely by surprise,” she said. “I cannot describe it, because I respect Girls Inc. so much and what Tish is doing in this community. So to be honored by them adds extra significance, and also the responsibility to keep creating opportunities for girls and for other leaders in the community so they can develop their potential.”

Figueroa-Peralta’s accomplishments are nearly too lengthy to list. Originally from Puerto Rico, she was raised in a family that emphasized the importance of contributing to one’s community. She graduated from college when she was just 18 years old. She then moved to Chicago to complete her post graduate studies. She obtained her master’s in school guidance; a masters of divinity degree; master’s of educational specialist degree; and a doctorate of education. She is also a licensed clinical professional counselor.

Throughout her career, she has held influential leadership roles in public education, social services, youth development and behavioral health; holding positions within the Chicago Public Schools; chief operating officer and behavioral health director of Association House of Chicago; and CEO of ASPIRA of Illinois.

Today, Figueroa-Peralta oversees RiverValley Behavioral Health, a multi-state behavioral healthcare organization operating in Kentucky, New Mexico, North Carolina and Texas. She said she is sharing the award with her staff.

Sue Napper, chairperson for the ATHENA Awards, said Figueroa-Peralta covered all the bases for what Girls’ Inc. seeks in an ATHENA Award winner.

“What didn’t stand out about Wanda; I think just her whole story, from being a young girl in Puerto Rico and being faced with the challenges of gender expectations, then her mother pushing her to be whatever she wants to be,” Napper said. “To think she left her home country, went to Chicago, got additional degrees and her PHD, and just things she has accomplished professionally, which is just so impressive.

“But along the way she’s always made sure that she’s helped others along and helped to open doors, whether it’s staff people or other females she’s mentoring in the community, she’s a tremendous individual. She’s a tremendous honoree.”

Figueroa-Peralta said she embraces being a role model.

“It’s extremely important; no one makes it by themselves,” she said. “We’re inspired by others, and I want to be intentional about it in everything that I do, that I reflect the values that I was taught and that I carry the legacy of my mother and the mentors that I have had along the way, and I become that for others. It is with responsibility that I accept the award, and I think that I can honor the values that are instilled in me.

“Everyone of the girls who spoke here, you could see the talent. Imagine if they didn’t have that lab and the mentoring and the opportunities. We would be at risk of not developing that potential. So it’s not only their loss, but it’s a community loss when that happens. I think we have to continue investing in leadership opportunities, mentoring opportunities, for girls and any other groups that for whatever reason have a hard time having a seat by the table.”

Also receiving recognition during the ceremony was the late Emma Edwards. She received the Legacy Award, which was presented in partnership with the Owensboro chapter of the American Association of University Women (AAUW).

Edwards graduated from Western High School in Owensboro and from Kentucky State College. In 1913, she began her teaching career at Pleasant Ridge in Daviess County. The following year, she joined the faculty at Western High School. In 1923, she transferred to Paul Dunbar School, where she became principal in 1934 and faithfully served until her retirement in 1962.

Affectionately known as “Miss Emma,” she was a leader in the Black community and was widely described as a “legend.” She worked with the American Red Cross, the American Cancer Society, the March of Dimes and United Way. Prior to her retirement, she was named the “Outstanding Teacher of the Year” by the Owensboro Junior Woman’s Club and later received the 9th Humanitarian Award from the United Way.

By Scott Hagerman Messenger-Inquirer

A national commercial restoration and construction company continues to build its presence in Owensboro after first arriving in response to a major hailstorm in early 2025.

BlueTeam, a U.S.-based provider specializing in commercial restoration, construction, and roofing, entered the local market following storm damage that impacted properties across the region. Since then, the company has remained active in Owensboro, working on multiple projects while developing relationships with local businesses and property managers.

“We’ve been in Owensboro since March of last year,” said Birman Jenkins, a field sales representative for BlueTeam. “The big hailstorm brought us in, and we had some guys come out to see where we could help put the town back together.”

BlueTeam operates as a turnkey provider for commercial clients, including portfolio managers, asset managers, and property owners. The company focuses exclusively on commercial properties such as hotels, apartment complexes, senior living facilities, industrial sites, and municipal buildings.

“We do the full construction,” Jenkins said. “We do restoration, construction, and storm damage relief — whatever your property needs to be restored back to its normal state before the storm.”

Headquartered in Boca Raton, Florida, with additional operations in Houston, Texas, BlueTeam has expanded to more than 20 locations nationwide. Jenkins said the company’s growth has largely been driven by demand and long-standing relationships with major commercial clients.

“We expanded with the demand,” he said. “We have over 1,600 accounts, ranging from hotels to large commercial properties. A lot of our work comes from referrals and responding when those clients experience damage.”

While BlueTeam is known for its disaster response work, particularly during hurricanes and severe storms, Jenkins emphasized that the company also handles renovation projects, fire and flood restoration, and capital improvement work unrelated to storm damage.

“That’s just a portion of what we do,” Jenkins said. “We also do renovation work and long-term projects. We’re more than just storm response.”

In Owensboro, BlueTeam has taken on several projects since arriving, including work at the Oasis Shelter, the Conference Inn, and the H.L. Neblett Community Center. Jenkins said the company’s ability to scale operations allows it to take on both large and smaller commercial projects when working in a concentrated area.

“When we have a big project in a market, it allows us to help some of the smaller commercial properties as well,” he said.

Jenkins, who is based in Tennessee, frequently travels to Owensboro to oversee projects and build connections within the community. He said relationship-building is a key part of his role, particularly in helping property owners navigate the recovery process after storm damage.

“My job is to create as many relationships as possible and understand what their emergency response plans look like,” Jenkins said. “Sometimes there are delays with insurance or contractors, and we try to help move that process along.”

He added that BlueTeam often assists clients with insurance claims, including re-inspections or advocating for reconsideration when claims are denied.

“There are several properties in Owensboro that still need work,” Jenkins said. “We try to figure out what the holdup is and see if we can help.”

Although the company does not maintain a permanent physical office in Owensboro, Jenkins said BlueTeam maintains a consistent presence in the city and plans to continue working in the region.

“We’re nationwide, but we have a local feel,” he said. “We’re high-tech, high-touch.”

The Chamber Member of the Week program is a Greater Owensboro Chamber of Commerce membership benefit. Founded in 1913, the Chamber has worked to provide valuable benefits and services to member businesses and individuals for over a century.

Today, with nearly 1,000 members, the Chamber is a guiding force in community and business development initiatives and serves as the center of business advocacy for the Greater Owensboro region. 

To learn more about becoming the Chamber Member of the Week or inquire about Chamber membership, contact Kitty Jones, director of membership, at 270-926-1860 or kjones@owensboro.com.

By John Kirkpatrick The Owensboro Times

A Webster County native who found success in the roofing industry in Texas has returned to western Kentucky to launch a new business that is quickly expanding across the region.

Jake Gibson founded Roof Angel about eight months ago and has already grown the company to multiple locations serving Owensboro, Henderson, and Louisville. The company specializes in residential and commercial roofing, along with gutters and siding, and has completed millions of dollars in projects since launching.

Gibson said his journey into roofing began unexpectedly during the COVID-19 pandemic while he was working at FedEx.

“I actually had a roofer come by my house while I was working at FedEx,” Gibson said. “He knocked on the door and said, ‘Hey, you have hail damage. You need to file a claim.’”

At the time, Gibson was living in Texas after leaving Webster County as a young adult. He had previously lived in Dixon before moving to Tulsa and eventually Amarillo, where he met his wife and began working in the roofing industry.

Gibson joined a company called Roof Smith in Amarillo and quickly found success.

“After that, I sold a ton of roofs,” Gibson said. “I sold over 1,000 roofs.”

During that time, Gibson and a business partner also invested heavily in real estate, acquiring about $13 million in properties over roughly two years. After the partnership ended, Gibson returned to western Kentucky and launched Roof Angel.

The company began operating shortly after severe storms impacted the region, but Gibson said the business has not relied solely on insurance claims.

“I wasn’t really chasing the storm,” Gibson said. “Most of our work is retail. I would say it’s probably about 50-50.”

Roof Angel currently employs a team of about a dozen people across its offices, including sales staff, project managers, and administrative support. The company also works with roofing crews that bring the workforce on job sites to around 30 people.

Since launching, Gibson said the company has completed roughly $7 million in sales and continues to grow rapidly.

“It’s been huge,” he said.

One of the company’s largest upcoming projects is a commercial roofing job in Indiana covering roughly 300,000 square feet.

“That one starts next month,” Gibson said. “That’s going to be massive.”

While residential roofing remains the company’s primary service, Gibson said he hopes to increase the share of commercial projects in the future.

“Residential is bread and butter,” he said. “But commercial is kind of where I want to go — maybe 80 percent commercial and 20 percent residential.”

Roof Angel recently opened an Owensboro office at 2212 Frederica St., near Jimmy John’s, which Gibson said will serve as the company’s central hub as it continues expanding.

“We decided about a month ago we’re going to plant here,” Gibson said. “I’m excited to get in the community.”

Gibson said the company also plans to open an office in Evansville and eventually expand through franchising with guidance from a business coach who specializes in franchise development.

Along with growing the business, Gibson said he hopes to use Roof Angel to give back to the community. The company is currently launching a program to provide a free roof to a military veteran selected through an application process.

“I’m a big faith guy,” Gibson said. “I love to give. I don’t chase money ever. It’s more like, how do we help people?”

More information about the company and its services is available at roofangel.com.

The Chamber Member of the Week program is a Greater Owensboro Chamber of Commerce membership benefit. Founded in 1913, the Chamber has worked to provide valuable benefits and services to member businesses and individuals for over a century.

Today, with nearly 1,000 members, the Chamber is a guiding force in community and business development initiatives and serves as the center of business advocacy for the Greater Owensboro region. 

To learn more about becoming the Chamber Member of the Week or inquire about Chamber membership, contact Kitty Jones, director of membership, at 270-926-1860 or kjones@owensboro.com.

By John Kirkpatrick The Owensboro Times