Employee Spotlight: Hugh Rafferty

Meet Hugh Rafferty. If you asked him fifteen years ago where he’d be today, he probably wouldn’t have guessed on a roof, but here we are! Hugh actually cut his teeth, for those of you who don't know this is an age old term back from when Hugh was young meaning where he started, in the wireless industry. This is where Hugh watched the world transition from clunky flip phones to the smartphones that now run our lives including his as he is checking up on estimates, leads, and purchase orders for his clients. But somewhere along the line, the fast-paced world of tech gave way to a different kind of passion: exterior renovation. It turns out, the same drive to help people connect applies just as well to helping them protect their biggest investment, their home.

Since making the jump to the industry in 2014, Hugh has become a vital asset to the Mainline team, specifically when it comes to the often-confusing world of insurance claims. He isn’t just there to help you pick out a color palette, he’s there to handle the heavy lifting of Claim Management.

Whether he’s using modern tech to generate 3D renderings of a new project or simply explaining why a roof might look fine from the driveway when it really isn't, Hugh combines a sharp professional eye with a down-to-earth approach and just a subtle dash of sarcasm and humor that puts homeowners at ease.

We sat down with Hugh to chat about his journey from wireless to roofing, why you shouldn't trust the view from the ground, and what he’s ordering at the Holy City Public House.

Check out some of the questions we asked him below to know Hugh, the person, just a little bit better.

What first got you into roofing/exterior construction?

Funny enough, I actually started out in wireless. From high school through college, I watched the world go from flip phones to smartphones that practically run your entire life. Working with business owners during that time gave me a sneak peek into how all kinds of industries tick. Then I met some exterior-renovation entrepreneurs who were weirdly passionate about roofs and siding… and that enthusiasm rubbed off on me. I realized I love helping homeowners turn their vision into that ‘wow, this looks amazing’ moment. And, I also enjoy fighting with insurance companies… I mean guiding homeowners through the claims process.

How long have you been in the industry?

12 years

What brought you to Mainline originally?

Working with a company that could handle everything, not just one part of industry but bring together a vision from the ground up.

What’s one part of your job that people would be surprised you do?

Handle professional adjustments with Claim Management for Insurance Restoration.

What’s your approach to helping homeowners choose the right roof/siding?

First, I let the homeowner do the talking — because nobody knows what they want better than the person who has to look at it every day. Then I take that vision, mix it with some industry know-how and a little modern tech magic, and boom: 3D renderings that show exactly what the home will look like before we lift a hammer. It’s basically HGTV without the dramatic commercial breaks.

What common mistake do homeowners make before calling a roofing pro?

The biggest mistake? Trusting the view from the driveway. From the ground the roof looks fine, “Yep, still up there!” But once we climb up, it’s a whole different world. Think Instagram vs. real life.

When you inspect a roof, what are the first things you look for?

I look for signs of aging shingles, weak or soft decking, flashing issues, ventilation problems, and any areas where water is clearly trying to sneak in. The goal is to understand not just what’s happening on the surface, but what’s going on underneath.

What do you enjoy doing outside of work?

Spending time with my family. Back Yard Games, Golfing, Fishing and Coaching my sons in sports.

What’s your perfect weekend look like?

My perfect weekend is pretty simple: spending time with my family, playing games with the kids, catching up with friends, and hitting a sporting event or two. Basically, good people, good vibes, and no alarms.

What’s your go-to comfort food and favorite local restaurant?

Go-to comfort food, Chicken Salad Hoagie; Favorite Restaurant Holy City Public House.

Favorite sports team?

Eagles, Phillies, Flyers and 76ers