Celebrating 50 Years in Home Improvement: An Evolutionary Analysis

Norwood, MA — Today marks a significant milestone as O’LYN Roofing proudly celebrates its 50th anniversary. Since its inception in 1974, the company has been at the forefront of the roofing industry, evolving with the times and shaping the way homeowners protect their living spaces. This golden anniversary is not only a testament to the company’s dedication and resilience but also an opportunity to reflect on the remarkable changes in the industry over the past five decades.

An Evolutionary Look

The home improvement industry has witnessed transformative changes over the last 50 years. Here’s a look back at how the industry has evolved:

1970s: The Wild West of Home Improvement

Home improvement wasn’t a polished industry in the 1970s. As Michael Olen, Founder of O’LYN Roofing says, “You’d have to hire someone with basic carpentry skills and try to get them to do most or part of your project. They wouldn’t start until 11 AM and they’d take weeks to finish. It was rare to find a company that specialized in perfecting one thing like roofing or bathrooms.” Spending on home improvement remained small as a result – and many homeowners opted to move when they desired an enhanced living space. The possibilities for design and renovation were limited.

1990s: Manufacturing Brands Become Mainstream

As the 1990s rolled in, product manufacturers began capitalizing on the growth of the industry by marketing directly to consumers. Think Anderson Windows & Doors, Delta Faucets, and Owens Corning Roofing. Homeowners became more educated about these materials and didn’t blindly rely on what the contractor chose to install.

The manufacturers also began holding contractors responsible for quality installations by making them earn various certifications, like the Owens Corning Platinum Preferred status, which today contains only 1% of all roofing contractors. Holding this status allowed contractors to pass along the best manufacturer warranties and distinguish themselves from the “do-it-all” renovation companies.

2000s: Go-Go and Go Green

The mid-2000s were certainly the go-go years for home improvement. The real estate industry was bullish, and it seemed like the backlog of work was endless. However, when the 2008 Great Recession hit, the volume of remodeling projects plummeted by 75%. The crash took out many home improvement companies, leaving only the well-capitalized and well-established. Thankfully, O’LYN Roofing had been around for quite some time and the phone kept ringing because Bostonians trusted the name.

If there’s one positive thing to come out of the 2000s, it would be the push toward eco-friendly practices. Around this time, O’LYN Roofing began recycling 85% of the asphalt roofs it tore off. Instead of going to a landfill, old roofs would be processed and eventually turned into asphalt roads. “Consumers greatly appreciated this practice, and it’s become a must-have today,” says Michael Olen, Founder of O’LYN Roofing.

2010s: The Digital Revolution

The standardized process that O’LYN curated in the 1980s has become significantly enhanced by technology. Design consultations with homeowners are richer because of visualization tools and sales reps spend less time in the home when leveraging satellite measurement technology. Homeowners are also better protected against warranty and safety claims because job sites are constantly documented with pictures. But it’s not just roofing. All verticals of home improvement are feeling the effects.

Looking Forward

As O’LYN celebrates its 50th anniversary, the company remains committed to leading the home improvement industry with innovation, quality, and exceptional service. The home improvement industry will always evolve, but one thing will never change: the homeowner’s desire to have a stellar experience from design to post-installation.

Here’s to the next 50 years of transforming homes and enriching lives.

About O’LYN Roofing

O’LYN Roofing Contractors is a family-owned and operated roofing company that has provided the reliability and tradition of quality craftsmanship to the Greater Boston, Metro West, and Metro South areas for over 50 years. They are fully licensed and insured roofers specializing in the most challenging and intricate roofing services. Whether it is an elaborate Victorian, a historic renovation, or a sturdy cape, they take enormous pride in every project and have one of the highest customer referral rates in the industry. For more information, visit www.olynroofing.com or call (781) 769-8599.

Media Contact:

Tucker Olen
Director of Brand Development
O’LYN Roofing
(781) 769-8599
[email protected]