“Lord, make me an instrument of your peace…”
So begins the first line of the prayer of St. Francis, a copy of which hangs next to Brian Bovee’s desk, surrounded by photos of family, a poster of the 2020 Florence High School football team, and a placard offering “Seven Rules for Life.”
St. Francis’ prayer is a fitting motto for Brian, the owner and founder of Rhino Roofing in Missoula—a man and a company committed to quality, top-of-the-line work, as well as to the communities in which he lives and works.
Rhino Roofing is an Emerald Premium contractor of Malarkey Roofing Products, a distinction earned through training, testing, and inspection of roofing projects. And while Brian and his team are committed to leading the industry in roofing, perhaps the most influential by-product of his work ethic is his commitment to giving back to his neighbors in Missoula and Ravalli counties.
Brian was born for hard work and persistent scrabbling his way to the top—he grew up in the suburbs of Detroit, the youngest of eight kids.
“We didn’t have a lot of money,” Brian said. “I wasn’t poor, but I didn’t have the best bicycle.”
He’s quick to say he didn’t go without and he credits his single mom with providing for their family after his dad passed away when Brian was a year old. Brian learned all veins of the construction trade as a young man, eventually moving to Florence in the early 2000s to raise his family. Rhino Roofing got its start in 2014.
“I wanted to build a tough roof,” Brian said, “A roof should be a once-in-a-lifetime investment. I trained my guys to put on a high-quality roof and it’s working.”
Brian’s team includes several members of his family: his girlfriend, Sherry Carrico, serves as office manager. His son, Chase, is project manager and his daughter, Angela, works part-time as an administrative assistant. In addition to three roofing crews, Zach Guzman works as sales manager.
“I don’t think I could have a better team,” he said. “Our crews are amazing. They share my vision.”
No homeowner wants a leaky roof. Brian takes his standard for best-in-the-business roofing to his mentality of philanthropy. He started a scholarship program a few years ago, awarding graduating high-school seniors with $1,000 scholarships to further their education.
Brian’s kids attended Florence schools and he saw the need for financial assistance for students with a desire to further their education. He’s read over 500 application essays, always looking for students with a compelling story and the ability to tell it.
“I appreciate any kid who has a job and is doing something better for themselves,” Brian explained. “If I can help them do that, I’m in.”
Sometimes, philanthropy seems complicated: throwing money at issues isn’t always the solution. We wonder if small amounts of cash can actually make a difference. With the cost of college tuition, rent, and books, a thousand dollars only goes so far.
But Brian doesn’t see it that way.
“It takes so little effort to give back,” he explained.
Brian spearheaded a public service campaign called “Raise the Roof” with the Missoula Food Bank to raise money to provide healthy snacks for school kids, teaming up with other local business owners to raise funds and awareness. He knows that many donors gave large donations, but he also saw the power of many people giving smaller amounts as well—including the man who gave him a twenty-dollar bill in Cabela’s one afternoon.
“It’s a huge difference, with just the kids alone,” Brian said. “The little bit that I do, I know makes a big difference. This tiny thing, what kids are thinking when they eat an orange for a snack at school, helps them get through that day; or it helps them buy books for a year of college.”
Brian knows the effects of worry and how a little help can go a long way to change a person’s mindset.
“I used to have major stress and anxiety. It took me 49 years to manage that,” he explained. “If I can help take that away, I want to help.” Tough roofs protect family homes and local philanthropists bridge needs in the community. Brian is devoted to both causes. “I do feel on top of the world right now,” he said. “I’m 51 years old and I’ve never felt this good. When I look in the mirror, I can smile.”
Find Rhino Roofing on the web at RhinoRoofingMT.com or by calling 406.552.3089.