Jeanne Boyd Curtis is the definition of legacy in motion. A fourth-generation contractor, Jeanne grew up surrounded by the sounds and stories of construction — spending her childhood summers in her grandfather’s lumber yard in Texas. Roofing has always been part of her story, even when she tried to take a different path.

After earning her degree and serving in public education for 22 years — including 12 as an elementary school principal — Jeanne returned to her roots in 2015 to work alongside her father at Boyd Bone Dry. Today, as the company’s CEO, Jeanne leads with a powerful mix of heart, heritage, and hard-earned leadership.

She also serves as a consultant and appraiser, is licensed in both commercial and residential roofing, and currently leads as the President of the Roofing Contractors Association of Texas. In April 2024, Jeanne and her family proudly celebrated 50 years of building, bonding, and blazing trails in the roofing industry.

🔹 1️⃣ What inspired you to pursue a career in roofing, and what keeps you passionate about it every day?

Roofing has always been a part of my story—even when I tried to take a different path. Growing up, dinner conversations were filled with talk of construction, projects, and legacy. My granddaddy owned a lumber yard, and my earliest memories are of helping him there, answering phones, and organizing nails, long before I knew what a “career” even meant.

Despite having roofing in my blood as a 4th-generation contractor, I initially chose a different route—becoming a school principal—because I needed to find my own identity. But in 2015, something shifted. I found myself drawn to understand the legacy my grandfather built at Boyd, Inc., and I took a leap of faith to join the company, never expecting it would feel like coming home. But I knew the importance of keeping a legacy alive.

What keeps me passionate is knowing this work isn’t just about buildings—it’s about people. It’s the homeowners who trust us, the team I get to lead, the long-standing relationships we build, and the pride in protecting what matters most to others. I love the blend of legacy, leadership, and connection. I especially thrive on networking and collaboration—whether it’s through NRCA, RCAT or NWIR. Roofing may be the industry, but for me, the heart of it is its people and the community.

🔹 2️⃣ How do you bring heart and purpose into the work you do?

As a former school principal, I’ve always been driven by service, growth, and people. That didn’t change when I entered this industry. You have to lead with empathy, make time for your people, and show up for your clients like you do for your family — because to me, this business is family.

My purpose comes from knowing I’m helping to preserve a legacy by building something strong and lasting. It also comes from investing in my people. Whether you’re an employee, a client, a distributor, or a manufacturer — I want everyone who interacts with Boyd Bone Dry to feel respected, seen, and valued. Keeping people at the center of what we do is where our heart is.

🔹 3️⃣ What’s a moment in your career that reminded you why you love what you do?

For a long time, I wrestled with how roofing fit into my identity as a servant leader. Coming from a career in education, there was a constant affirmation that the work I was doing mattered. It was personal, emotional, and deeply meaningful. Transitioning into roofing, I didn’t immediately feel that same connection, and for a while, I struggled with the idea that maybe I had walked away from my true calling.

Then one day, in the middle of that internal battle, my dad took me up on a roof. He pointed out over the TPO membrane and said, “Jean Marie”—that’s what he still calls me—“what’s the most important thing about this roof?”

I paused and guessed, “That the roof system underneath us is installed correctly?”

He smiled and said, “No. It’s the people underneath it. That is the most important part of this system.”

That moment stopped me in my tracks.

He went on to say, “We’re not just here to install a good roof system. We’re here to give peace of mind. To protect families. To make people feel safe and secure in their homes and businesses. They are the most important part of any roof system.”

That was the moment I realized I hadn’t left servant leadership — I had just found a new way to live it.

🔹 4️⃣ What advice would you give to other women looking to find joy and fulfillment in their careers?

Forget that you’re a woman! Now hang with me—I’m not saying deny who you are, and I’m definitely not saying dim your shine. What I am saying is: don’t make being a woman your headline. Don’t lead with it. Don’t limit yourself by it.

My dad never once told me I was “a woman in roofing” or that I was stepping into “a man’s world.” Honestly, I didn’t even realize I was in a male-dominated industry—I just thought no one wanted to sweat off their makeup and fight frizz under the Texas sun!

Here’s the truth: you don’t need to act like a man to be taken seriously, and you don’t need to downplay being a woman to belong. And please—don’t measure your success by your gender. You didn’t crush that project because you’re a woman… You crushed it because you’re a force of nature.

You’re smart. You’re bold. You’re powerful. You’re magnetic. You’re enough—not because of who the world says you should be, but because of who God made you to be. He didn’t make a mistake when He wired you with strength, passion, and purpose.

So walk in that. Own it. Be audacious enough to believe in yourself—and then go light the world on fire.

🔹 5️⃣ How has embracing your passion and purpose empowered you to uplift others in the industry?

Embracing your passion and purpose gives you clarity — and clarity gives you confidence. I’ve learned that when you walk boldly in your calling, it creates a space for others to do the same.

I don’t just want to succeed. I want to bring others with me! I know my journey has power when I use it to lift others. As industry professionals, we shouldn’t just be building roofs — we should be building people. That’s where the real change happens.

And I hope I’m presented with more and more opportunities to share my walk with others and inspire them to walk boldly and confidently in this industry.

💥 Closing Thoughts

Jeanne Boyd Curtis is proof that legacy and leadership can go hand in hand — that servant hearts make the strongest leaders, and that when women walk confidently in their purpose, they don’t just build businesses… they build movements.

Jeanne, thank you for showing us what it looks like to rise with heart, lead with vision, and roof with purpose. We’re proud to share your story, and even prouder to stand alongside you.