ELKINS — A local business with nearly 40 years of operation is currently changing hands — and changing names.

Reliable Roofing was founded in 1983 by Chuck Preusch, who had come to Elkins to attend Davis & Elkins College in 1972. After studying business administration at D&E, Preusch fell in love with Elkins and decided to make it his permanent home.

After college, Preusch, who was originally from northeast New Jersey, went to work as department manager at Montgomery Ward and then worked in sales for a commercial roofing products company. Experience from those two jobs led to him starting his own roofing contracting business.

After being a staple in the community for decades, Reliable Roofing went through quite a transition recently when Preusch decided to sell the business. He didn’t want to sell to just anyone; he said he wanted to find a buyer who would run the business right and appreciate the area.

Preusch eventually sold the business to Todd Townsend and Brent Kyle. Preusch already had a business relationship with Townsend for more than 10 years and considered him a friend, so the choice was easy and the transition seamless.

“I have had the privilege of being a part of this community for many years,” Preusch said. “It has been a wild ride, but it’s time to leave my business in good hands.”

The company’s new name is Design Roofing and Sheet Metal. Even though Preusch is retiring from owning the business, he plans on sticking around and working for the company from time to time.

“Don’t worry, I am still around and I will be working with Brent and Todd as part of the new organization,” Preusch told The Inter-Mountain. “Brent and Todd have been in the roofing business for over 30 years and they love the industry. They love the customers, and they love Elkins and the surrounding areas like Canaan Valley and Showshoe.”

Preusch said customers in the area can expect nothing but the best from the new owners of the business.

“They know their customers and they want to continue to provide exemplary service to the greater Elkins area for years to come,” Preusch said. “These are the folks that will show you what roofing done right looks like.”