The trades are among the most overlooked industries, yet local contractors keep us safe and comfortable every day. Roofing issue? Call Action. HVAC causing havoc? AllStar has your back. Tile finally giving out and it's time to remodel? Padilla Tile has you covered. We don't notice these things until there's a hiccup, and by then, a simple repair can get complicated. We called on three of them: to say thanks and let them do the talking.
Courtney Douglass: Action Roofing
SYVCL: What’s a job or project you’re especially proud of?
CD: We're especially proud of the recent work we completed at Cal Poly's recreation center. It was a complicated reroof project that required a strong team, careful coordination, and a real commitment to getting the job done right. We're proud we completed the project on schedule, before students returned to campus, so the facility was ready for them when they came back.
SYVCL: What are you thankful for this year, in work or otherwise?
CD: More than anything, we're thankful for our people. Our employees are the heart of Action Roofing, and we're incredibly grateful to see them support one another, take care of our customers, and give back to the communities we serve.
SYVCL: What’s one thing homeowners don’t realize about their roof until something goes wrong?
CD: Most homeowners don't think much about their roof until there's a problem, and by then a small issue can sometimes become a much bigger one. A roof may look fine from the ground while problems are developing underneath. That's why we encourage homeowners to be proactive rather than waiting for the first leak to tell them something is wrong.
Roger Padilla: Padilla Tile
SYVCL: What’s a job or project you’re especially proud of?
RP: I personally like larger projects because they show the most transformation. We recently finished a major backyard remodel that took almost a year and a half, and a full bathroom remodel that crossed the finish line with a satisfied client.
SYVCL: What are you thankful for this year, in work or otherwise?
RP: I'm thankful for my team's support. This year, we hired a salesperson to handle all proposals and new leads, and we also promoted a team member from the field crew to Project Manager. They are both doing a great job and the rest of the team can feel their commitment to growing the business.
SYVCL: What's a tile trend you're loving right now?
RP: The tile trend I see happening is large-format tiles. 4'x2' tiles in showers and on floors.
Colten Poor: AllStar Heating and Air
SYVCL: What’s a job or project you’re especially proud of?
CP: I'm especially proud of our team's ability to help homeowners and businesses alike. It's rewarding to take a complicated problem and provide a solution that families and business owners will benefit from for years to come.
SYVCL: What are you thankful for this year, in work or otherwise?
CP: I'm thankful for the people who make what we do possible every day. Living and working in the Santa Ynez Valley has given me the opportunity to build lasting relationships, and that's something I truly appreciate and never take for granted.
SYVCL: What's the one thing people should do every year that they usually forget when it comes to their HVAC systems?
CP: Have your system professionally serviced before the heating or cooling season starts. They have many components that need regular maintenance, inspection, and adjustment to maximize efficiency, reduce breakdowns, and prolong the system's life.
"We're not just installing a roof — we're contributing to places that are important to the community."