Built in Katy: Roofing Technologies Unlimited and the Power of Homegrown Entrepreneurship

Katy, Texas, provides an environment where entrepreneurs can launch and scale companies efficiently, supported by coordinated efforts to promote business growth and investment. Roofing Technologies Unlimited (RTU), founded in 2022 by Katy natives and brothers Joshua and Michael Keith, is an example of how the community’s strong workforce, central location, and pro-business culture contribute to early-stage business development. 

“There’s a need here for high-quality contractors working with high-quality materials, so we decided that’s what we're going to be,” said Joshua. “That is what birthed Roofing Technologies Unlimited.”

Through organizations such as the Katy Area Economic Development Corporation, the city supports business attraction, retention, and expansion, creating conditions that allowed RTU to establish operations locally and quickly transition from a startup into a high-growth company serving the Greater Houston region.

RTU & entrepreneurial talent: a homegrown Katy story

Joshua and Michael Keith bring leadership experience from multiple sectors, demonstrating Katy’s depth of talent. Joshua combines competitive discipline developed through collegiate and professional athletics with industry expertise in construction and roofing. Michael has a degree from James Madison University in Business Administration and Hospitality, and operational/management experience from the hospitality industry, where efficiency, customer service, and team leadership are critical.

Their decision to build the company in Katy reflects the city’s ability to retain homegrown talent while attracting professionals with diverse skill sets. This blend of local roots and external experience strengthens the regional business ecosystem.

The company’s origins trace back to Joshua’s experience in high-performance sales and leadership. Before starting RTU, Joshua built a reputation as a top-producing salesperson in the roofing industry, gaining firsthand exposure to both the opportunities and shortcomings within the market. That experience shaped his decision to start his own company. 

“We didn’t want just to sell roofing projects,” said Joshua. “We wanted to build something on discipline, transparency, and long-term customer trust to support sustainable growth.”

How do companies in Katy achieve growth?

RTU’s growth illustrates how Katy supports scalable operations across regional markets. The company grew from approximately $300,000 in revenue in its first year to roughly $3 million in 2023 and continues to expand its workforce and service area. From its Katy headquarters, RTU efficiently serves West Houston while supporting projects across Central and Coastal Texas.

This scalability is supported by Katy’s transportation access, proximity to major population centers, and availability of skilled labor. These factors allow companies to grow without relocating as they expand into new markets.

What are Katy’s strategic location advantages?

Katy’s location within the Houston metropolitan area offers businesses direct access to one of the largest construction and commercial markets in the state. Spanning Harris, Fort Bend, and Waller counties, Katy enables companies like RTU to operate across multiple jurisdictions while maintaining a centralized base of operations.
RTU’s office near Katy Mills positions the company close to major transportation corridors, enabling efficient logistics, workforce mobility, and customer access. This strategic positioning reduces operational friction and supports long-term business sustainability.

How Does Business Growth in Katy Translate to Community Impact?

RTU exemplifies how Katy-based companies combine operational excellence with community impact. Each project is closely monitored to ensure quality and accountability, while the company also invests in workforce development and regional leadership. Key highlights include:

• Operational Excellence: On-site quality oversight ensures compliance with manufacturer specifications and company standards, reducing rework and protecting customers.
• Community Engagement: RTU donates roofing services to families facing medical or financial hardship, supporting neighborhood stability and trust.
• Workforce Development: The company creates long-term career opportunities in skilled trades and management within the Katy region.
• Industry Leadership: Joshua serves as the youngest board member of the Houston Area Roofing Contractors Association, demonstrating professional credibility and a commitment to raising regional industry standards.

What Does RTU’s Future Say About Katy’s Economic Outlook?

RTU plans to expand into 10 Texas cities over the next decade while maintaining its headquarters in Katy, underscoring confidence in the city’s long-term economic fundamentals, including infrastructure investment, workforce development, and business-friendly policies.

As Katy continues to grow, companies like Roofing Technologies Unlimited demonstrate how the city supports entrepreneurship, talent retention, and scalable growth, reinforcing Katy’s position as a competitive and resilient economic hub within the Houston metropolitan area.

Contact Katy Area EDC for more information on Roofing Technologies Unlimited and other community-minded enterprises in Katy, TX.