Roof-and-gutter service finds the silver lining in Snowmageddon

Chris Pauly, with employees Ann McGavin and Sara Megonical, pounced on the surge of roof and gutter repair work after February's heavy snowfalls, and sales went up about 25 percent. (Gerald Martineau For The Washington Post)

By Thomas Heath

Monday, July 5, 2010

Part of running a business is knowing when opportunity hits and grabbing it. Better to be lucky than smart, right?

Roofer-gutter repairman Chris Pauly saw the opportunity of a lifetime in February when the first reports emerged of a gigantic snowstorm approaching Washington. Pauly's quick response to the storm, which became known as Snowmageddon, could be a case study in how to make the most of a weather disaster.

As soon as the snow stopped and the sun came out, Pauly put up his 40-member staff in a hotel across the street from Sterling-based Gutterman Services, feeding them and working them 16 hours a day.

Internet-savvy staffers immediately hit the road, videotaping clogged and icy gutters and snow-laden roofs. Every six to 10 hours, they posted the videos -- which they called "weather alerts" -- on YouTube and then sent the link to Pauly's database of 1,000 clients.

"We went viral," Pauly said. "We knew it would be important to stay in touch with the client base and keep them up to date about ice situations. It was a step-by-step instruction on what to do when your house was leaking real bad."

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GUTTERMAN PULLS FOR SPECIAL OLYMPICS
WE NEED YOUR SUPPORT....

Dulles Plane Pull
Saturday September 25 11:00 - 4:00 Dulles Airport

Help us pull for Special Olympics. Each year Dulles Airport is the arena for the Dulles Plane Pull - a benefit event for Special Olympics. Participants group up into teams of 25 members and do their best to pull a 16,400+ pound Airbus the fastest. Teams line up adjacent to a huge rope attached to the aircraft. Teams attempt to pull the aircraft 12' and their elapsed time is recorded and scored against other teams.

It's more than just a Plane Pull! An entire festival has grown up around the competition, and features a wide range of events and activities for the entire family. Come check out the car show, aircraft displays, exhibitor areas, games, & rides in the Kids Corner, live music, concessions and more! There's even a School Bus Pull for the kids... so gather your friends and family and make a day of it!

Join us on September 25 as we participate in our 2nd annual plane pull! Last year Gutterman was awarded a trophy for Most Enthusiastic Team. Operations Manager Terry Thornton says "This year we intend to take top honors of quickest pull". Any contribution that you can make whether it is monetary or your time to come and cheer us on is greatly appreciated.