More Than Roofing: Why Giving Back Has Always Been Part of Who We Are

When people think about a roofing company, they often think about shingles, nails, inspections, and construction crews. We think about people.

For more than 50 years, we’ve had the privilege of protecting thousands of homes throughout Lakeland, Winter Haven, Bartow, Auburndale, Lake Wales, Mulberry, Plant City, and communities across Polk County. But our mission has never been just to install quality roofs.

Our mission has always been to strengthen the community that has supported our family for generations.

That means showing up when people need help, not just when they’re paying customers.

Whether it’s replacing the roof of a veteran who has sacrificed for our country or donating a roof to a local church that serves countless families, we believe businesses have a responsibility to give back.

It’s a philosophy that has guided K.L. Smith Roofing since our company was founded in 1973 by Vietnam veteran Ken Smith, who built the company on the simple principle of treating people fairly and giving back to the community. Those values continue to shape the company today. 

A Company Built on Service

Long before K.L. Smith Roofing became one of Polk County’s most trusted roofing companies, it was founded by someone who understood service firsthand.

Our founder, Ken Smith, proudly served in the United States Marine Corps during the Vietnam War before returning home to Lakeland to build a roofing company rooted in integrity, craftsmanship, and community. His belief was simple:

Treat people fairly. Do quality work. Give back whenever you can.

That philosophy still drives everything we do today.

Being veteran-founded isn’t simply part of our history it’s part of our identity. We continue to honor that legacy by looking for opportunities to serve others beyond the jobsite. 

Giving Veterans More Than a Roof

A roof is something many of us rarely think about until something goes wrong.

But for a veteran living on a fixed income or facing unexpected hardship, a failing roof can become an overwhelming burden.

Leaks can damage ceilings, walls, flooring, furniture, and cherished family memories. In Florida’s climate, even a small roofing issue can quickly lead to mold, structural damage, and costly repairs.

That’s why K.L. Smith Roofing has proudly provided multiple free roof replacements for veterans in need.

These projects aren’t about marketing.

They’re about gratitude.

Every free roof is our way of saying “Thank you.”

Thank you for your sacrifice.

Thank you for your service.

Thank you for protecting our freedoms.

As a veteran-founded company, we understand that service doesn’t end when the uniform comes off. Supporting veterans in our community is one small way we can continue the legacy our founder believed in.

A Roof Can Change Someone’s Life

For many homeowners, replacing a roof is a planned investment.

For others, it’s simply impossible.

We’ve met veterans who delayed replacing their roof because they were choosing between paying medical bills, buying groceries, or fixing their home.

No one who served our country should have to make that decision.

When K.L. Smith Roofing donates a roof, we’re not just replacing shingles.

We’re helping restore:

• Peace of mind
• Safety
• Security
• Independence
• Pride in homeownership

A safe roof means one less thing to worry about.

Sometimes, that’s the greatest gift we can give.

Supporting the Churches That Support Our Community

Churches are much more than buildings.

Every week they provide:

• Food pantries
• Youth programs
• Marriage counseling
• Community events
• Disaster relief
• Support groups
• Holiday assistance
• A place for people to find hope

When a church needs a new roof, replacing it isn’t just about protecting the building.

It’s about protecting everything that happens inside.

That’s why K.L. Smith Roofing has also been honored to provide a free roof for a local church, helping ensure that its ministry and outreach could continue serving the community for years to come.

A church roof doesn’t only shelter a congregation.

It shelters countless moments that change lives.

Community Service Doesn’t Stop There

Giving back isn’t something we schedule once a year.

It’s part of how we believe a local business should operate.

Every day, our team works to strengthen the communities we serve by providing honest recommendations, dependable workmanship, and exceptional customer care.

Whether we’re helping a homeowner understand an insurance claim, responding after a major storm, or volunteering our time and resources for community projects, our goal remains the same:

Leave people better than we found them.

Why Local Matters

There are plenty of roofing companies that travel into an area after storms.

Many disappear just as quickly.

K.L. Smith Roofing has been part of Polk County for over five decades.

We’re not here because a storm came through.

We’re here because this is our home.

Our employees live here.

Our families live here.

Our children go to school here.

Our customers become neighbors and friends.

That local connection means every roof we install and every community project we support is personal.

As a family-owned, veteran-founded company with more than 50 years of service in Polk County, we’ve built our reputation on long-term relationships, quality craftsmanship, and being available long after a project is complete. 

Building Trust One Roof at a Time

When homeowners choose K.L. Smith Roofing, they’re choosing more than a contractor.

They’re choosing a company that believes success isn’t measured only by the number of roofs installed.

It’s measured by the lives impacted.

Some of those roofs are paid for by homeowners.

Some are donated.

Every single one is built with the same attention to detail and commitment to quality.

Because everyone deserves a roof they can depend on.

Looking Ahead

Our commitment to serving Polk County goes far beyond roofing.

As our company continues to grow, so does our desire to give back.

We hope to continue creating opportunities to help:

• Veterans facing hardship
• Local churches
• Families in need
• Community organizations
• Nonprofit partners
• First responders
• Others who have dedicated their lives to serving others

Every act of kindness strengthens our community.

And every roof we donate reminds us why we started this company in the first place.

Frequently Asked Questions

• Why does K.L. Smith Roofing donate roofs? Giving back has been part of our company’s values since it was founded by Vietnam veteran Ken Smith in 1973. We believe businesses should invest in the communities that support them.
• Does K.L. Smith Roofing support veterans? Yes. As a veteran-founded company, we’ve proudly provided multiple free roof replacements for veterans in need as one way of honoring those who have served our country.
• Does K.L. Smith Roofing work with churches? Yes. We’ve had the privilege of donating a roof to a local church and remain committed to supporting organizations that make a positive impact in our community.
• Where does K.L. Smith Roofing serve? We proudly serve homeowners and businesses throughout Lakeland, Winter Haven, Bartow, Auburndale, Mulberry, Lake Wales, Plant City, Kathleen, Polk City, Brandon, Lithia, Fish Hawk, Valrico, Seffner, Dover, Thonotosassa, and surrounding areas. 

More Than a Roofing Company

For over 50 years, K.L. Smith Roofing has believed that protecting homes is only part of our purpose.

Our real mission is protecting the people who live beneath those roofs.

Whether we’re installing a new roof for a homeowner, repairing storm damage after a hurricane, or donating a roof to someone who could never repay us, we strive to carry forward the values our founder built this company on: integrity, service, craftsmanship, and compassion.

We’re proud of the roofs we’ve installed.

We’re even prouder of the lives we’ve been able to impact along the way.

If you’re looking for a roofing company that believes in giving back as much as giving great service, we’d be honored to earn your trust.