Roger Urbach’s Values
Restoring Roofs, Inspiring Futures
This special feature honors the legacy of Roger D. Urbach. He was a respected leader, craftsman, and community advocate whose dedication to excellence left a lasting impact on the roofing industry and the people around him. This feature highlights how one man’s values continue to shape generations!
Roger Urbach Didn’t Just Build Roofs – He Built Trust
Raised in the heartland of Nebraska where ethics and hard work are part of daily life, Roger carried his values to the West where he founded Urbach Roofing in 1973, and later planted roots in San Diego County by 1979.
For over four decades, Roger’s leadership impacted a company that prioritized integrity, precision, and service. His crews were more than employees – they were craftsmen. Many stayed for decades and were trained and certified to uphold the highest standards. Roger believed that roofing wasn’t just technical but also personal. Every home protected and every repair made was a reflection of the company’s commitment to excellence.
As a Board member and President of the San Diego Roofing Contractors Association (SDRCA), Roger championed ethical practices and community service, including the “Build A Roof” initiative that provided roofs for nonprofits and families in need. His legacy lives on not only in the structures he helped protect, but in the culture of care and professionalism he cultivated.
Roger’s story reminds us that restoration is more than repair. It is stewardship. It’s about honoring the unseen hands behind every project, and the quiet pride of doing things right.
Continuing the Legacy With The Roger D. Urbach Memorial Scholarship
The Roger D. Urbach Memorial Scholarship Program was inspired by a moment of vision and generosity. Dan Dallenbach of Roofmaster, a longtime advocate for safety and community within the roofing industry, saw an opportunity to honor Roger’s legacy through education. He reached out to Executive Director Julia Barajas and the San Diego Roofing Contractors Association (SDRCA), urging them to join forces to build something lasting.
At that time, Julia Barajas was serving with the Roofing Contractors Association of Southern California (RCA SoCal), where she led their scholarship program with a focus on restoration, culture, and educational empowerment. Her experience and values aligned perfectly with the mission Dan envisioned.
Tragically, Dan passed away while doing what he loved – supporting roofers with tools, safety, and heart. His sudden loss left a void, but also a call to action. The SDRCA Board turned to Julia, whose restoration ethos and collaborative spirit reflected the values Roger and Dan embodied. With the Board’s support, she stepped in not to lead alone, but to help uplift our association and carry forward the vision.
Over the past five years, the scholarship program has thrived under the banner of SDRCA’s Annual Golf Tournament, now in its 57th year. Held at Lomas Santa Fe Country Club, the Tournament has become more than a fundraiser. It’s a gathering of generations, a celebration of ethical leadership, and a living tribute to Roger’s values. In just the last four years, the program has awarded $27,500 to students, many of them children and family members of roofing professionals.
While the final tally for the 2025 Tournament is still underway, our commitment remains strong. New scholarship fundraising events are already in motion, expanding the impact of our scholarship program.
A Daughter’s Perspective on Roger’s Service
In a recent interview, Stephanie Craig and Amber Del shared stories of their father’s quiet strength and enduring influence. They spoke not only of his craftsmanship and character, but of his deep commitment to the roofing community. Roger served on the SDRCA Board of Directors during a pivotal era, his tenure marked by integrity, mentorship, and a firm belief in doing things the right way.
Their reflections added depth and heart to our scholarship’s mission. It’s not just about financial support but also honoring the values Roger lived by and passing them on to future generations.
Restoration as Stewardship
This story is a tribute and blueprint. Beyond materials and labor, it reminds us that restoration is also about legacy. It’s about the mentors who came before, the families who build our communities, and the belief that education is the foundation of change.
The Roger D. Urbach Memorial Scholarship Program stands as a symbol of that belief, building the future of our community one student, one story, and one roof at a time.