One morning at 3:10 a.m., after hours spent measuring for fasteners for a metal roof, local farmer Howard Moeggenborg awoke with an idea.
Three years and several prototypes later, Moeggenborg and two siblings have created a set of products that work together making installation of popular metal roofs and sidings faster, safer and more consistent.
“One of the biggest problems in the metal roofing industry is injury to the workers. In our research, we found that roofers are almost six times more likely to be injured, leading to lost productivity and revenue,” said Gordon Moeggenborg, co-owner of County Line Concepts, LLC and Howard’s brother.
The RidgeRunner 3:10 (R) is the first product and is designed to be used while building materials are still on the ground, making it safer than traditional installation where the bulk of the work happens on the roof.
The tool slides along the roofing material and allows the user to punch accurately spaced holes in metal siding in preparation for fasteners. Using the tool produces a more aesthetically pleasing end-product – perfectly straight lines of screws, and can also pre-punch up to six metal panels at a time with its hardened spring-loaded steel punches.
The RidgeRunner 3:10 (R) sparked an idea for a companion tool, the RidgeMateTM. The initial prototype for the businesses second tool, the brainchild of Gordon, was born in Howard’s shop. It allows users to punch consistent holes in a metal roof ridge cap and it is specifically designed to allow users to punch consistent holes in a metal roof ridge cap and underlying roof panel, allowing insertion of fasteners with minimal pressure.
Like its companion product, the RidgeMateTM produces a clean, professional finish faster than traditional methods. Using these tools can cut preparation time up to 75 percent, and results in a more professional-looking job.
Durability, aesthetics and fire resistance are reasons why consumers choose sheet metal. Together with their sister, Betty Campbell, the Moeggenborgs have been working to get their product line on the shelf. With metal roofing and structures continuing to grow in popularity, the market for these tools is significant.
“The metal roof industry is growing and this company is ahead of the trend with their innovative line of tools” said Erin Strang, president and CEO of CMURC. “These tools are designed to reduce common dangers and help construction professionals finish the job.”
CMURC is a professional coworking space with accelerator programs focused on product and strategic development for entrepreneurs to positively impact the economy in the Great Lakes Bay Region.
It brings together local, regional and statewide partners to accelerate the success of entrepreneurs, growing businesses, and jobs by leveraging the resources of Central Michigan University, the Mount Pleasant SmartZone, and the Michigan Economic Development Corporation’s 21st Century Jobs Trust Fund.
