Bob Williams, President of QWIK Slate and Director of VSQA, allows us the change to get to know him a bit. 
Thanks so much Bob!
- Where do you reside?
My home is here in Poultney, Vermont, right in the heart of America’s Slate Valley, my family and I live on a little Vermont Lake, St. Catherine. - What would you like to tell us about your Family?
Well, I was the youngest of 6 brothers. I am married to my wonderful wife Jane, whom I met in 1978 in Poultney at Green Mountain College. I have one son, Riley, now 18 and headed to college this Fall- (if I can tear him away from the slate quarry) a cat named Sossy and of course the slate valley family of all those who work in our quarries. - Where did you grow up and go to school?
I grew up in Granville, NY – just over the border from Vermont and on the western edge of our slate valley. I attended Syracuse University and am a licensed Vermont Attorney, still practice abit but my real passion is slate and spending time with my son and being involved with the world wide slate family. - What can you share about your Work history?
I started working in the quarry at about aged 10 – after school and weekends. Traveled a little after college, I have lived in NYC, Boston, Florida and South America before returning to Vermont. - What are your personal interests?
My family, slate and travel are my real passions, and I feel extremely lucky to be able to combine them all together. Through the slate business, the NSA, SRCA and VSQA I have met so many wonderful people and seen so many incredible places - What is your favorite part of being in the NSA, SRCA and VSQA?
The relationships that I have built with my fellow members. I enjoy meeting people from all around the world who are focused on the slate industry. Some of my best memories are all the different tours/trips related to the slate industry that I have been able to be a part of, Sweden, Spain, Philadelphia , North Country Canadian trip, New Orleans, Baltimore, Buckingham in VA, etc. where ever I have been with the thee friends I’ve always had a great time learning and discussing the slate industry. - What do you hope to do this year in work or hobbies? Work – Travel – Family.
Travel more, I’m off with my family to the Western States Roofing Expo this week (June 10- 13) in Las Vegas- then to the AIA in NYC on June 20-21, I plan to be in Europe this Summer, Spain, France and Scandinavia- maybe Russia. - What do you hope to do as the VSQA Director?
First, everything I can to make our slate industry strong and healthy here in Vermont, there are economic trends(read “regulation) that are hurting our national historic slate industry.
Second, increase our “REAL” slate roofing online presence. -Social Media – is the FUTURE.
Third, work with our members and continue to introduce the newest and best installation methods available and make sure the highest standards are upheld. - What do you think the members can do to help grow the future of slate?
Become more involved, we need additional help form all those involved in slate to do the following:
a.) additional on-line slate news, articles and awareness
b.) slate cladding
c.) videos related to slate topics, specific details, experiences and the longevity of slate roofing, – natures finest roof – the world’s best siding -etc. - Any words for the Slate People of the World?
Follow your heart and share with others what a truly – green- eco friendly great product – real rock- SLATE is! - Do you have a favorite story or thought to share with our readers?
Thought- Elon Musk- Tesla- just think what a few great men can do with a dream- some dedication and combine that with the beauty of REAL SLATE – what a Great Future.
Other interview(s) with Bob Williams: