By the FL Innovation News editorial team · Entrepreneurship
How the Tampa-based founder turned a two-person startup into a roofing company known for quality, accountability, and community impact
When Mitch Bunkowske looks at a home, he doesn’t just see a structure. He sees a promise. A promise that the roof over a family’s head is more than a temporary fix. It is protection, security, and peace of mind. That philosophy is at the heart of RoofElite, the Tampa-based roofing company he co-founded with Trey Gifford in 2023.
Bunkowske’s journey into roofing was unconventional. While studying medicine in college, he discovered that entrepreneurship and hands-on problem solving were where his passions truly lay. After working in sales and construction consulting, he partnered with Gifford at another roofing company. When they realized their vision was not aligned with the existing leadership, the duo decided to start fresh. The result was RoofElite, a company built on integrity, quality, and accountability.
From its humble beginnings with just two employees working around the clock, RoofElite has grown into a team of more than 20, operating from a 6,000-square-foot warehouse and serving homeowners across the Tampa Bay region. Despite the expansion, Bunkowske and Gifford remain committed to their founding principles. They use in-house crews, prioritize high-quality materials, and maintain consistent communication with every customer. “Our goal isn’t just to install a roof,” Mitch Bunkowske, CEO and Co-Founder of RoofElite, says. “It’s to deliver a solution that will protect a home for decades and a team that homeowners can trust.”
That commitment extends beyond quality. RoofElite has made a point to give back to the community. The company provides free roof giveaways when opening new facilities and works long hours during hurricane season to assist families in need. “Trust and reputation are everything in this business,” Bunkowske says. “Every home we touch reflects our standards, and every client counts.”
Bunkowske attributes much of his leadership style to lessons learned from motorsports, where attention to detail and teamwork can mean the difference between success and failure. “In racing, small adjustments and clear communication define outcomes,” he says. “We apply that same mindset to our work. Every team member matters, and every detail counts.”
Looking ahead, RoofElite is focused on continued growth while maintaining the high standards that set them apart in a competitive industry. With plans to expand to satellite offices beyond Tampa Bay, Bunkowske is determined to balance operational excellence with long-term strategy, proving that a roofing company can be both a business and a trusted community partner.
For Mitch Bunkowske and RoofElite, the mission is clear. They’re focused on raising the standard for roofing in Florida, one project at a time.
