A Legacy of Innovation in Natural Lighting Solutions
The journey of Roof Skylight began in 2008, but its foundations were established decades earlier through three generations of roofing craftsmanship. This heritage of expertise forms the bedrock of our company’s commitment to excellence and innovation in the skylight industry.
From Roofing Roots to Skylight Specialists
John Harrington, our founder, grew up immersed in the roofing trade. As a third-generation roofer working alongside his father and grandfather, John developed a profound understanding of structural integrity, weather protection, and the technical aspects of roof construction. During his years in the family roofing business, John noticed a recurring pattern: homeowners frequently inquired about adding skylights to their renovation projects, yet few contractors specialized in this niche.
In 2005, while working on a historic home renovation in coastal Massachusetts, John installed a series of custom skylights that transformed a previously dark interior into a light-filled sanctuary. The dramatic improvement in the living space sparked a realization: skylights weren’t merely functional accessories but transformative elements that could fundamentally enhance architectural spaces.
This insight led to three years of intensive study and specialized training in skylight design and installation. John traveled throughout North America and Europe, studying architectural daylighting techniques and advanced skylight systems. He completed certification programs with leading manufacturers and collaborated with architects who specialized in natural lighting design.
Foundation and Early Growth
Roof Skylight was officially established in 2008 in Boston, Massachusetts. The company began with a modest team of four—John, two experienced installers from his father’s roofing company, and an office manager. Their initial projects focused on residential skylight installations in the greater Boston area, with an emphasis on premium quality and architectural integration.
The company’s reputation for exceptional craftsmanship grew steadily during these early years. By 2010, Roof Skylight had completed over 200 installations and expanded its service area to include all of Massachusetts and southern New Hampshire. The economic downturn of this period presented challenges, but also opportunities, as homeowners increasingly chose to renovate existing spaces rather than relocate.
Expansion and Evolution
In 2012, Roof Skylight reached a pivotal moment when the company was selected to execute a complex skylight project for the renovation of a historic public library in Cambridge. This high-profile commercial project showcased the team’s technical expertise and ability to balance historic preservation requirements with modern daylighting principles. The success of this project opened doors to additional institutional and commercial opportunities.
The following years brought steady growth as the company expanded both geographically and in service offerings:
- 2014: Opened a second office in Portland, Maine, extending service coverage throughout northern New England
- 2015: Launched a dedicated division for commercial and institutional projects
- 2016: Introduced specialized skylight maintenance and repair services
- 2018: Celebrated the company’s 10th anniversary with the completion of its 1,000th installation
- 2020: Adapted to changing market conditions by developing virtual consultation capabilities and contactless installation protocols
- 2022: Expanded into smart home integration, offering advanced automated skylight systems with weather sensors and remote operation
Innovation in Sustainable Design
Throughout our growth, we have maintained an unwavering commitment to environmental responsibility. In 2017, we established a partnership with solar technology developers to pioneer integrated skylight and passive solar collection systems. These innovations have helped numerous clients reduce their energy consumption while enhancing interior environments with natural light.
Our dedication to sustainability extends beyond products to our operational practices. In 2019, we transitioned our installation fleet to hybrid vehicles and implemented comprehensive recycling programs for construction materials. These initiatives reflect our belief that responsible business practices and environmental stewardship are essential components of our company mission.
Building on Relationships
The growth of Roof Skylight has been built on relationships—with clients, employees, suppliers, and communities. Many of our current clients come through referrals from previous customers, a testament to the lasting impression our work creates. Several of our installation specialists have been with the company for over a decade, contributing their expertise and helping to train the next generation of skylight professionals.
We take pride in maintaining long-term relationships with suppliers who share our commitment to quality. These partnerships allow us to offer exclusive products and stay at the forefront of industry innovations. Our growth has also been supported by relationships with architects and designers who recognize the value we bring to their projects through specialized expertise in natural lighting solutions.
Looking to the Future
Today, Roof Skylight employs a team of 35 professionals serving residential and commercial clients throughout the Northeast. While we have grown significantly from our humble beginnings, we remain committed to the principles that guided our founding: exceptional craftsmanship, innovative solutions, and transformative results.
As we look to the future, we continue to explore new technologies and techniques that enhance the integration of natural light into living and working spaces. We are excited about emerging developments in glass technology, energy efficiency, and smart building systems that will allow us to offer even more advanced solutions to our clients.
Our story is still being written, with each new project adding a chapter to our company legacy. We are grateful to the thousands of clients who have trusted us to enhance their spaces, and we remain dedicated to illuminating environments that contribute to well-being, sustainability, and architectural beauty.
Leadership
John Harrington, Founder & CEO
With over 25 years in the roofing and skylight industry, John leads the company with a passion for innovation and excellence. His technical expertise and design sensibility inform the company’s approach to every project.
Maria Chen, Director of Operations
Joining Roof Skylight in 2010, Maria has been instrumental in developing the systems and processes that ensure consistent quality across all installations. Her background in construction management brings valuable perspective to our operational planning.
Robert Keane, Commercial Division Manager
Rob’s 15 years of experience in commercial construction make him the ideal leader for our institutional and commercial projects. Since joining the team in 2015, he has overseen some of our most complex and prestigious installations.
Timeline Highlights
- 2008: Roof Skylight founded in Boston, Massachusetts
- 2010: Completed 200th installation; expanded service area
- 2012: First major institutional project completed
- 2014: Opened second office in Portland, Maine
- 2015: Launched commercial division
- 2016: Introduced maintenance and repair services
- 2017: Began partnership with solar technology developers
- 2018: Celebrated 10th anniversary and 1,000th installation
- 2019: Implemented sustainability initiatives across operations
- 2020: Developed virtual consultation capabilities
- 2022: Expanded into smart home integration systems
- 2023: Celebrated 15 years of excellence with 2,500+ installations completed
Every skylight we install tells a story—of innovation, quality, and transformation. We invite you to become part of our continuing story.