Family Friend Roofing and Construction in Round Rock, Texas, donated a new roof to a Central Texas veteran named Rico during the holiday season, marking the beginning of a planned annual giving program. The initiative reflects the company's commitment to serving veterans across Central Texas and Dallas regions, with future nominations now being accepted for additional roof donations.
The donation process began when co-owner Josh Bovino expressed a desire to donate a roof to a veteran for Christmas during a team call. Co-owner Lindsay Shapee described this as "another bright idea" that aligned with the company's foundational value of supporting military members and veterans. The company, which serves homeowners across Central Texas and Dallas with residential roof repair, replacement, storm restoration, and insurance claim guidance, built community service into its core operations from launch.
To identify a recipient, the roofing company reached out to Matt Maples of USA Cares, a nonprofit dedicated to assisting post-9/11 veterans and their families. This connection led to Rico, a veteran who had previously received assistance through community advocates including Will Williams and the ShareTheWill Foundation, including a power wheelchair. The coordination between these organizations created what company leadership described as a moment bigger than any single company.
On November 18, Rico received notification of the roof donation during a surprise reveal at Café Java, where community members and Santa Claus joined the celebration. Shapee noted that watching partners connect with Rico, hear his story, and understand his journey changed the company team. The event represented more than just practical assistance with shingles and decking, serving as a meaningful connection point between the business and the veteran community it aims to support.
For the Round Rock community, where Family Friend Roofing is actively engaged with the Round Rock Chamber and where Shapee participates with the Five Point Board of Realtors, this initiative demonstrates how local businesses can create tangible impact. The company's leadership emphasized that real change happens when people connect beyond surface interactions, through storytelling, shared time, and relationship building that brings teams closer together.
The company plans to expand this initiative annually, creating a lasting tradition of service during holiday seasons and beyond. As Family Friend Roofing continues to grow, it will accept nominations for future veteran roof donations across the regions it serves. This first roof donation represents the beginning of what leadership hopes will become a sustained giving program, integrating local engagement and veteran support into the company's ongoing operations while strengthening ties with business leaders and families throughout Williamson County.
