Contour Hall of Fame
In Loving Memory of Michelle Hoddle:
A Heartfelt Tribute – *Tributing-ell*
In the quiet halls of Contour Roofing, a void was left in July 2022 that can never be filled. Michelle Hoddle, a cherished member of our family, departed this world, leaving behind a legacy of kindness, dedication, and an indomitable spirit.
Born in 1972, Michelle joined Contour Roofing in 2018, bringing with her a wealth of experience as a support teacher for primary school children. Little did we know that her nurturing nature would extend beyond the classroom and leave an everlasting mark on our tight-knit extended family here at Contour.
Michelle had an exceptional ability to mother our sub-contractors, fostering a sense of camaraderie that transformed the workplace into a true family. In 2020, her unwavering commitment to the well-being of our team earned her recognition from the National Federation of Roofing Contractors (NFRC) for her outstanding contribution to Health and Safety. Sadly, the Covid-19 pandemic robbed her of the chance to bask in the limelight of the award ceremony, an event we were all eagerly anticipating. We can only imagine how she would have glowed with joy and pride, all dressed up for the occasion.
A animated conversationalist, Michelle’s liking for heartfelt chats endeared her to both customers and sub-contractors alike. It was not uncommon for her to spend the first 20 minutes of a call building bridges with laughter and stories of the weekend and her beloved Spurs before seamlessly transitioning to discussing the task at hand. A true gem, she had a knack for making everyone feel valued and heard.
Michelle’s connection to the legendary footballer Glenn Hoddle, her cousin, was something she held close to her heart. A devoted Spurs fan, she managed to sneak in a mention of her cousin about ten times a day, much to our amusement. Despite her allegiance to the rival team 😊, her love for the Spurs was never held against her, a testament to the warmth she exuded.
One of Michelle’s endearing quirks was her tendency to add “-ell” to the end of words, creating a unique and unforgettable trademark. Whether discussing roofing-ell, trucking-ell, crunching-ell or any other topic, her distinctive touch added a touch of humour to our daily interactions.
Her fondness for sharing misinformation and engaging in light-hearted gossip on worldly matters brought laughter to our workplace. Even in the most mundane moments, Michelle’s presence could transform an ordinary day into a series of joyful anecdotes and shared laughter. While I would love to blab with tales of the unforgettable nights out with our Michelle, some experiences are simply best left to the cherished memories of those who were fortunate enough to be there 😉 – some of us our still recovering from these nights out 😊
In 2023, Contour Roofing honoured Michelle’s memory in a special way by naming a newly purchased 7.5-ton lorry after her. Bearing the name “Michelle” and adorned with the slogan “Truckin-ell,” the vehicle became a moving tribute, reminding us daily of the vibrant soul we dearly miss #ItsWhatMichelleWouldHaveWanted
Though Michelle may no longer be with us in person, her legacy lives on in the memories she created the bonds she forged, and even in the rumble of “Truckin-ell” on the road. She will forever be in our hearts, a beacon of warmth, kindness, and the enduring spirit of Contour Roofing.
Remembering Alan Knightley:
A Legacy of Hard Work, Humour, and Leadership… Who Shunned Technology 😊
In December 2023, the roofing industry lost a true stalwart, Alan Knightley. Born in 1950, Alan’s journey in the roofing business began at an early age as he followed in his father’s footsteps. In 1984, he took a bold step and founded Contour Roofing (Essex) Limited, leaving an indelible mark on the company and the industry as a whole.
Alan’s dedication to hard work was evident from the start. Growing up in a generation that believed in resilience and perseverance, he embodied the ethos of brushing oneself off and forging ahead when faced with challenges. This work ethic became a cornerstone of his personality and professional life. Alans work ethic wasn’t just a set of principles he adhered to; it was who he was, and this became a contagious energy that infected and motivated all those that worked for him.
In 1984, Alan established Contour Roofing, a venture that would go on to become a renowned name in the roofing industry. His leadership style was a blend of toughness and fairness. As a boss, he demanded excellence and hard work but always ensured his team was treated with respect and fairness. This combination of attributes endeared him to his employees, fostering a loyal and dedicated workforce. “Contour Roofing” wasn’t arbitrary; it was a deliberate nod to the intricate patterns found on geographical maps. Alan, drawing inspiration from a bird’s eye view, envisioned the roofscape as akin to the rings encircling mountains, resembling the batten used in roofing structures and natural Contours of the land – the ridge lines, valley, and hips. This connection was more than symbolic; it embodied the meticulous planning and attention to detail that characterised Alan’s approach to roofing.
On the subject of drawings 😊. Before the advent of GPS and satellite navigation systems, Alan’s hand-drawn directions were legendary. Often scribbled on the back of a used envelope, these directions were more of an artistic interpretation than a precise guide. Alan’s maps were never to scale and, in most cases, led to destinations far different from the intended ones. His hand-drawn maps became an enigma, a source of laughter and camaraderie among his colleagues.
One of Alan’s defining characteristics was his exceptional sense of humor. He had an uncanny ability to inject levity into even the most serious situations. Pre-start meetings at Contour Roofing were often punctuated with Alan’s infamous jokes. Whether suggesting a half-day of work on December 25th or humorously inquiring about job opportunities when someone was on holiday, Alan’s jokes became a cherished part of the company’s culture.
In 2014, after decades of hard work and dedication, Alan decided to retire and sold Contour Roofing. Despite stepping away from the daily operations, his impact lingered, and his legacy remained strong within the company. The roofing industry, in Alan’s absence, lost one of its most exceptional leaders. Contour Roofing and its employees will not forget Alan’s contributions, both professionally and personally. To honour his memory, a unique tradition has been established – continuing the half-day of work on December 25th, a nod to one of Alan’s memorable jokes. This tradition serves as a reminder of the man who not only built a successful company but also fostered a sense of camaraderie and joy within the workplace.
Alan Knightley’s passing leaves a void in the roofing industry, but his legacy lives on through the company he founded and the people he inspired. As Contour Roofing moves forward, it does so with the spirit of hard work, fairness, and humour instilled by its founder. Alan may no longer be physically present, but his influence continues to shape the company, ensuring that his impact is felt for years to come.
