Tara Cole

I grew up in the roofing industry, and some of my fondest childhood memories are tied to it. As a young girl, I loved spending summer breaks helping my grandfather, James “Jim” Harrison Jenkins, pass out flyers, run errands, and attend lunch meetings. I also joined my father, Rick Jenkins, CEO of Quality Roofing, Inc., on roof inspections, takeoffs, and pre-bid meetings. (If we ever get the chance to chat, ask me about the time I learned how to balance weight and avoid soft spots on a roof — and how a refrigerator ended up saving the day for my dad!)
Since the mid-1990s, during summer breaks, I’ve held a variety of roles in our family business — and “coffee cup washer” was one of my all-time favorites. I began working full-time at Quality Roofing, Inc. in 2007 and now serve as Human Resources Manager. With many of our team members having been with the company since the 1990s, I’ve had the privilege of learning from them and building lasting relationships. Their skill and dedication inspire me daily, and HR has been a natural path where I can focus on making every employee feel valued and at home in our family-run company. My husband, Nathan Cole, who has been an integral part of our team since 2007 and now serves as General Manager, works alongside all of us to keep operations running smoothly.
I’ve been a proud member of National Women In Roofing since 2017 and have served on the Tampa Council Board since 2018. I’m deeply grateful for the encouragement and support I’ve received through NWIR, and especially from my family members who are also part of this industry — including my father, husband, aunts, uncles, and cousins. With their inspiration, I’m committed to empowering and supporting other women and individuals in the roofing industry.