Our Story

Tradition of Excellence

The year was 1975. Rick Worner, a lifelong Mansfield resident, had tried his hand at some local factory work including the Steel Mill, Ohio Brass, and Westinghouse. Mr. Worner quickly found repetitious factory work was not his nitch, and was seeking something different. In need of work, he passed through the doors of McKinley Roofing Company that fall for temporary employment. As a direct result of his hard work ethic, he was called back the following spring and put into their apprenticeship program. After three years of employment at McKinley Roofing, Charles Hoffman Company (at the time, the oldest contracting firm in the state of Ohio located in Mansfield) sought and hired Mr. Worner where he completed the apprenticeship program to become a journeyman roofer.


“After 20 years in the industry, the timing could not have worked out any better.”

In 1987, Gayle Gorman Freeman along with her husband Dan, approached Rick to start a commercial roofing and sheet metal company. Together, they established the Freeman Roofing Company which operated out of an airport hanger at Mansfield Lahm Airport. Fast forward to 1995, Rick Worner purchased the company, and Worner Roofing Company, Inc. as we know it today established. For decades now, the Worner Roofing Company has established itself as north central Ohio’s premier roofing contractor by building long term relationships and through quality craftsmanship, integrity, and professionalism.

Serving the roofing industry and local community over 40 years, Rick Worner was seeking retirement. A man of good character, genuinely caring for his employees, sought out someone who would take care of the Worner roofing family and continue operating in a similar manner to keep many local customers dry.

After 20 years in the industry, the timing could not have worked out any better. Today I am pleased to introduce myself, Jerry Sansom, as the new President of Worner Roofing Company. With the same team in place, and Mr. Worner staying on board as a team member for quite some time, we look forward to providing the same quality service our customers have come to expect for many years to come!

In January 2022, Worner Roofing Company, Inc. entered into a merger agreement with Mid-Ohio Roofing, Inc., a leading Commercial Roofing Company.

This merger with Mid-Ohio Roofing, Inc., based in Bellville OH, further strengthens our position in the commercial roofing market. This partnership is expected to result in greater efficiencies and significantly increase our market share.