Meet the Always Forward Roofing Team
Always Forward Roofing is a woman-owned, locally operated roofing contractor based in Burlington, North Carolina. Our team proudly serves homeowners throughout Burlington, Elon, Mebane, Graham, Haw River, Hillsborough, Durham, Chapel Hill, Raleigh, Cary, Apex, Holly Springs, Wake Forest, Browns Summit, Greensboro, and surrounding Central North Carolina communities.
From roof repairs and roof replacements to storm damage restoration and insurance claim assistance, our team is committed to honest recommendations, exceptional workmanship, and delivering a roofing experience built on transparency and trust.
Meet Ashley Smith, Founder, Owner & NC Licensed General Contractor
Ashley Smith founded Always Forward Roofing in 2021 with a mission to create a roofing company homeowners could genuinely trust. After years in the roofing industry, she saw an opportunity to provide a better customer experience built on honest recommendations, clear communication, and exceptional workmanship.
As an active owner-operator, Ashley remains involved in the day-to-day operations of the business and personally reviews every completed project to ensure the company's high standards are met. She believes every homeowner deserves transparency, accountability, and a roofing contractor who treats their home with the same care and attention they would expect for their own.​
Under her leadership, Always Forward Roofing has completed hundreds of roofing projects throughout Central North Carolina while earning a reputation for quality craftsmanship and customer service. Ashley's commitment remains the same today as it was when the company was founded: providing homeowners with an exceptional roofing experience from the first inspection to the final walkthrough.
Ashley's Personal Commitment: "I personally review every project before, during, and after the work is completed. If my name is on it, I want to know it meets the standards our customers deserve."
Meet The Always Forward Roofing Team
Kimber Pender, General Manager
Kimber has been a part of Always Forward Roofing since the company was founded and plays a key role in ensuring every customer receives the level of service the company is known for. As General Manager, she oversees daily operations, supports homeowners throughout the roofing process, and helps keep projects moving smoothly from inspection to completion. Her dedication to customer care and attention to detail make her an invaluable part of the AFR team.
Jeannie Ratliff, Operations Director
Jeannie is the organizational backbone of Always Forward Roofing. As Operations Director, she coordinates schedules, manages project logistics, and helps ensure every customer experience is seamless from start to finish. She is often one of the first friendly voices homeowners hear when they call the office and works tirelessly behind the scenes to keep projects organized, crews informed, and customers updated throughout the process.
April Robertson, Residential Roofing Specialist
April has been helping homeowners with their roofing needs since joining Always Forward Roofing in 2023. Known for her honesty, responsiveness, and genuine care for her customers, she has earned the trust of homeowners across Central North Carolina. April specializes in helping homeowners understand their roofing options, navigate the insurance claim process when needed, and make confident decisions about protecting their homes.
John Mark Reyes, Data & Social Media Director
John Mark manages many of the critical behind-the-scenes systems that help Always Forward Roofing deliver a professional customer experience. From warranty registrations and project documentation to social media and digital communications, he helps ensure every project is properly documented and every homeowner receives the information they need. His attention to detail helps keep operations running efficiently and accurately.
Aaron Kasten, Estimating Director
Aaron works closely with homeowners and insurance carriers to ensure roofing and restoration projects are properly scoped and accurately funded. His expertise in estimating and insurance claim documentation helps homeowners receive the compensation necessary to restore their homes to pre-loss condition after storm damage. Aaron's thorough approach helps eliminate surprises and ensures projects are completed the right way.
Our Core Values
Transparency
We believe in open and honest communication, fostering a transparent relationship with our customers.
Teamwork
We value collaboration, working together as a team to achieve our common goals.
Innovation
We embrace innovation to stay at the forefront of the industry, continuously improving our processes and techniques.
Quality
We are dedicated to delivering exceptional workmanship, using high-quality materials and employing skilled professionals.
Customer
Satisfaction
Our customers are our top priority. We strive to exceed expectations, ensuring their complete satisfaction with our services.