Kelly Corrigan Wonders Deep Dive with Letitia Hanke on "Anything's Possible"
Oct 28, 2025
Letitia Hanke, CEO of ARS Roofing and Gutters and founder of the Lime Foundation, shares her inspiring journey from a receptionist to a successful entrepreneur. She discusses the challenges of buying her roofing business with a $250,000 loan and the emotional toll it took. Letitia emphasizes hiring for character and firing with compassion. Her nonprofit, the Lime Foundation, empowers youth through trades education, showcasing the program's impact on graduates. She encourages aspiring entrepreneurs to embrace risks, iterate, and learn along the way.
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From Receptionist To Owner
- Letitia started as a 19-year-old receptionist at a roofing company and quickly rose to manager within years.
- She learned roofing hands-on, bought the business assets, and founded her own company in 2004.
Earning Credibility On The Roof
- Letitia worked on roofs with crews and faced sexism and crude comments from subcontractors early on.
- She proved competence by doing the work and later promoted many original teammates into leadership roles.
Use Community Allies To Get Funding
- Ask local community organizations for introductions when banks won't take you seriously.
- Letitia credits the North Bay Black Chamber for helping her secure a $250,000 loan to start her business.
