In a world where advertising often feels distant and polished, Ryman Roofing is taking a new approach—one with a human touch. And few people embody that better than Ed Esposito, whose life story reads like a blueprint for grit, community connection, and doing right by others.
Ed’s work ethic began early—third grade, to be exact—when he took on a New York Daily News paper route in the heart of New York City. “You wouldn’t send an eight-year-old out at six in the morning now,” he jokes, “but back then, that’s just what you did.” By high school, he was juggling two routes.
His family moved to Florida during his senior year where he needed just one class to graduate. After graduating, Ed worked his way through college at the University of Florida and USF, taking jobs anywhere he could—pet stores, blinds shops, and administrative offices. His accounting background eventually led him to a position at Gulf Bank, where he automated much of the workload, climbing promotions from Credit Analyst I to III. But Ed wanted more freedom and variety, which led him into the auto finance world, where he quickly excelled before transitioning again—this time into construction and roofing.
The 2008 economic crash caused another upheaval, pushing Ed into a new role at Lowe’s as a Project Specialist for Exteriors. The job fit him well, meeting homeowners, explaining options, and earning trust. But when the company’s direction shifted, Ed was ready for the next chapter.
That came when Kevin Ryman from Ryman Roofing called with an offer: start tomorrow, same pay, more freedom. Nearly nine years later, Ed is one of the most recognizable faces on the Ryman team.
Even though he lives in Tampa, Zephyrhills captured his heart decades ago. Community life is what keeps him committed.
“Ninety-nine percent of the people we meet are wonderful,” he says. “I love hearing their stories. That’s the best part of my day.”
Ed brings that same sincerity into every home he visits. Whether he’s quoting a roof, reassuring a family after storm damage, or meeting customers at festivals, he approaches every job as if it were his own house. “I’m not there to push a sale,” he says. “I’m there to do what’s right.”
That mindset is one reason Ed has developed lasting relationships with homeowners and realtors across the region. One roof often leads to another, then another—neighbors noticing the quality, the care, the cleanup, the professionalism. “My gratification,” he says, “comes when customers compliment our crews. That means more than anything.”
Ed is also deeply involved in Ryman Roofing’s annual roof giveaway program, which provides a free roof to someone in need. The team reviews up to 150 heartfelt nominations each year. Ed scouts the properties discreetly, sometimes using drones or satellite images to preserve the surprise. When the crew arrives to deliver the news, the reactions are unforgettable—tears, hugs, gratitude, and home-cooked food for the roofers.
“We’re not doing it for publicity,” Ed says. “Most of the homes are tucked away where nobody even sees our sign. We’re doing it because people truly need help.” He’s been part of nine giveaway projects and calls those moments “the happiest days of my year.”
For Ed, Ryman Roofing is the perfect balance — “a small, big company,” as he puts it. Large enough to handle millions in residential and commercial work, but small enough that people still know your name at festivals, recognize you in town, and call you because they trust you.
“It’s community, craftsmanship, and doing the right thing,” he says. “That’s what I like most.”
And in Zephyrhills, that’s exactly the kind of story worth telling.
