Celebrating 120 Years of Sherriff Goslin Roofing: A Midwest Legacy

Some companies come and go, others last multiple lifetimes. Here at Sherriff Goslin Roofing, we got our start in 1906, back when cars were still a novelty, airplanes had barely left the ground, and two decades before sliced bread would hit the shelves. There was no Super Bowl, no interstate highway system, and especially no modern roofing materials to lean on. Roofs at the time were built with grit, muscle, and know-how. Roofing had to hold up as the Midwest weather didn’t give second chances.

From those early days in Battle Creek, Michigan, we grew alongside the communities of Michigan, Indiana, and Ohio. As cities expanded, homes filled in around them, and building standards evolved, we adapted right along with the work. Roofing materials changed. Techniques improved. Expectations rose. Through it all, the same principles guided us: do the job right, take care of the customer, and build something that lasts.

Reaching 120 years is not about a date on a calendar. It is about the people, the decisions, and the roofs that carried this company forward, generation after generation. This anniversary is a chance to look back at how we got started, how we grew, and why the focus Fred Sherriff and B.G. Goslin set early on quality, safety, and integrity still shows up on every roof we work on today.

Where It Started: 1906 to 1920

Before we became a familiar name across Michigan, Indiana, and Ohio, we started in a roofing world shaped by rapid growth and real constraints. In the early 1900s, Midwest cities were expanding, factories were running full tilt, and commercial buildings needed roofs that could stand up to heat, smoke, and hard weather. Materials were heavier, tools were basic, and every job depended on skill and follow-through rather than shortcuts or technology.

As the 1910s progressed, World War I put pressure on labor and materials across the construction trades. Skilled workers were harder to find, supplies were tighter, and getting work done correctly mattered more than ever. Through those challenges, we focused on consistency and reliability, building trust one roof at a time. Those early years also brought the partnerships and decisions that shaped what we would become.

A One-Horse Roofing Company in Battle Creek

Our story begins in 1906 in Battle Creek, Michigan, when the business was formed as the Battle Creek Roofing & Manufacturing Company. As stated earlier, commercial buildings during the turn of the 20th century were rising alongside factories and warehouses, and a dependable roof was a necessity, not a luxury. 

Roofing was straightforward, physical work done with basic tools, heavy materials, and long days on the job. Serving local commercial buildings meant meeting the demands of harsh Midwest weather and growing industrial use, and it did not take long for the company to earn a reputation for dependable workmanship.

The Sherriff & Goslin Partnership Takes Shape

By the 1910s, the business world was changing, and steady leadership mattered. In 1910, Fred Sherriff purchased a half interest in the company and became a partner, helping guide the business through a period when skilled labor and building materials were increasingly valuable. 

In 1913, Fred Sherriff purchased the remaining interest and brought B.G. Goslin, nicknamed ‘Bert’, into the partnership. Together, they led the company with a shared vision and a strong work ethic at a time when consistency and reliability set contractors apart.

A New Name & Direction

As the 1920s approached, construction methods and expectations were evolving, and the company had grown alongside them. In 1920, the name was officially changed to Sherriff Goslin Company, reflecting the partnership that defined its leadership and direction. 

The name change marked confidence in the future, turning a small roofing operation into a business positioned for long-term growth and laying the foundation for a legacy that would span generations.

Growth, New Services & a Bigger Footprint

As America changed during the 20th century, the Midwest changed with it. Industry surged, neighborhoods expanded, and new construction kept pushing outward from city centers. Roofs had to cover more than just buildings. They had to protect livelihoods, growing families, and businesses that could not afford downtime. As demand grew and expectations rose, we grew too, staying close to the work and building our reputation job by job.

Growth did not come from quick wins. It came from showing up consistently as building styles evolved, communities expanded, and roofing needs became more varied. Over time, that steady approach opened doors to new services and a larger footprint across the region.

From Commercial Roots to Residential Roofing

Our early work was rooted in commercial roofing, but the pace of homebuilding in the Midwest created new opportunities. As more neighborhoods took shape and more families settled in, residential roofing became a natural extension of what we already knew how to do. The setting was different, but the expectations were the same. Do solid work, protect the structure, and make sure the roof holds up through every season.

Residential roofing also changed the rhythm of the business. It meant tighter schedules, more customer communication, and a wider range of roof designs. Taking on those projects allowed us to serve more people and grow into a contractor that could handle commercial and residential roofing with the same level of care.

A Midwest Presence Takes Shape

By the mid-twentieth century, we were no longer a single-location company. As communities spread across Michigan, Indiana, and Ohio, having boots on the ground mattered. Branch offices allowed us to stay local, respond faster, and build relationships in the places we served, even as construction methods and roofing materials continued to evolve.

Today, we operate 17 branch locations throughout the Midwest. That footprint reflects decades of steady expansion, regional knowledge, and a long-term commitment to staying close to customers, not just working in their area.

The Art-Loc® Shingle Story

As the company grew, so did the need for roofing products that could perform better in real Midwest conditions. Wind, weather, and long seasons put roofs to the test, and relying only on off-the-shelf materials was not always enough. That challenge pushed us to think differently about how shingles should work, not just how they should look.

A Signature Product That Helped Define Who We Are

In the 1920s, we began patent work on what would become the Art-Loc shingle. At a time when most shingles relied on simple overlap, the Art-Loc design introduced an interlocking system that added stability and strength to the roof itself. That design helped roofs stay put in high winds and harsh weather, and it quickly became a defining part of our residential roofing work.

Art-Loc was not about following trends. It was about solving real problems on real roofs. As homes changed and expectations increased, having a shingle designed specifically for performance helped set us apart and gave homeowners something they could count on year after year.

Evolving the Design Without Losing the Purpose

Over the decades, Art-Loc shingles continued to evolve. Adjustments were made to improve fit, performance, and appearance, while staying true to the original interlocking concept. As materials and manufacturing improved, so did the shingle, keeping it relevant as roofing standards advanced.

Today’s Art-Loc shingles carry that same foundation forward, enhanced with modern features like impact resistance and algae protection. The design may look different from how it did generations ago, but the goal has never changed. Build a shingle that holds up, protects the home, and earns its place on the roof.

What 120 Years Teaches You About Roofing That Lasts

A 120-year anniversary does not happen by accident. It happens when a company keeps showing up, keeps improving, and keeps doing the work the right way. Over the decades, roofing materials have changed, installation methods have evolved, and building standards have become more demanding. The one thing that never goes out of style is craftsmanship. A roof only performs as well as the details behind it, and the details are where experience matters most.

That is why homeowners and businesses still value a professional roofing contractor. Proper roof installation, careful repairs, and clear planning help prevent problems that can turn into higher costs later. When you work with a team that understands local weather, regional building needs, and long-term roof performance, you get more than a roof. You get confidence that it’s built to hold up.

Choose a Contractor With a Proven Roof Repair Legacy

A long roof repair legacy means a contractor has seen just about everything. Storm damage, aging shingles, hidden leaks, ventilation issues, and problem flashing details. Experience helps a roofer spot concerns early, recommend the right solution, and complete the work without cutting corners. It also means better guidance when you are deciding between repair and replacement, and better results once the job is done.

Our team at Sherriff Goslin Roofing has served Michigan, Indiana, and Ohio for generations. With a history that spans from early commercial work to today’s residential and commercial roofing systems, the company has built its reputation on quality, safety, and integrity. That commitment is what has carried Sheriff Goslin through 120 years of roofing.

Celebrate the Milestone With a Roof You Can Count On

Whether you need a roof inspection, storm damage repair, or a full replacement, the goal stays the same. Protect the property and make the process straightforward. Sherriff Goslin Roofing combines proven methods with modern materials, backed by clear communication and a team that treats customers with respect.

If you’re ready to work with a roofing company built on generations of experience, contact Sherriff Goslin Roofing today to schedule a roof evaluation.