Hidden Gems: Meet Daniel Smeak of Acme Home Exteriors

Today we’d like to introduce you to Daniel Smeak

Hi Daniel, so excited to have you on the platform. So before we get into questions about your work-life, maybe you can bring our readers up to speed on your story and how you got to where you are today?
Growing up, I was always surrounded by projects at home, working alongside my dad. Whether it was remodeling the house we lived in or helping him with projects for others, I learned the value of hard work and problem-solving early on. I loved being outside and getting my hands dirty, and while I did well in school, I never enjoyed being stuck in a classroom. I graduated from Williamston High School in 2000, and that summer, I got my first job with a local contractor doing roofing. I immediately loved the physical challenge of the work and the satisfaction of being outside creating something tangible.

Over the next few years, I worked for various roofing companies during the summers to pay my way through college. As I gained more experience, I found myself loving the trades more and more. Not knowing exactly what direction I wanted to take my education or career, I eventually decided to leave college and commit fully to the trades. I expanded my skills beyond roofing, diving into siding, windows, and even homebuilding.

In 2007, my first daughter was born, and it was a turning point for me. I realized I needed to make a decision about my future and provide stability for my family. I decided to stick with the trades, working with a small company that eventually grew into a successful construction business. During this time, I started to discover my true passion—people. My entire journey had been shaped by others sharing their knowledge and wisdom with me, and I loved working side by side with a team to achieve shared goals. I realized that with a strong team, there’s nothing we can’t accomplish.

In 2019, it was time for a new chapter. I left the company I had been with and joined a partner to co-own Acme Home Exteriors, a company with roots going back to the 1950s, originally known as Acme Roofing and Siding. I brought my experience and vision to the table, focusing on building a strong, cohesive team. We started with many familiar faces I had worked with over the years, and as we grew, we added new, amazing people to the team. Together, we quadrupled the business and even added two additional business entities. It was a challenging, stressful, and rewarding period—a time of incredible growth and learning.

In 2023, my partner and I decided to split the businesses, and I became the sole owner of Acme Home Exteriors. While I may hold the title of owner, the truth is that our team, or rather our work family, is the reason for our success. I’ve been blessed to be surrounded by hardworking, talented, and supportive individuals who share the same values and commitment to excellence. Together, we’ve built something I’m incredibly proud of, and I’m excited to see where we’ll go from here.

We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
No, the road hasn’t always been smooth—it’s been full of challenges that taught me invaluable lessons. Early on, there were projects where mistakes were made, and we had to lose thousands of dollars to make things right. While it was tough, those moments reinforced the importance of integrity and doing the right thing for our clients.

I’ve also made my share of management mistakes, like not setting good people up for success. Those experiences taught me how crucial it is to support the team properly and create an environment where they can thrive. Leaving the company I had worked with for over a decade was another difficult moment. It was the right decision, but I know it caused some hurt, and that wasn’t easy to reconcile.

The COVID-19 pandemic brought its own set of uncertainties. Not knowing what was around the corner was challenging, but it also brought our team closer together as we leaned on one another for support. Another major hurdle was the excessive growth we experienced. While it was exciting, it came with its own pains—working harder than ever while seeing slim profit margins. It was a worthwhile investment in the end, but it required a lot of perseverance.

Through it all, I’ve made countless mistakes, but I genuinely feel blessed for every single one. Each challenge has been an opportunity to grow, and I wouldn’t trade those lessons for anything.

Great, so let’s talk business. Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
Acme Home Exteriors is a company with deep roots in the community, originally founded in the 1950s by the Dalton family as Acme Roofing and Siding it remained in the family up until 2018. Today, we specialize in roofing, siding, windows, and other exterior home improvement services. Our team is known for its commitment to excellence, integrity, and the relationships we build with our clients and this shows as a majority of our business comes from repeat business and referral. We were able to put the 3rd roof on a clients home just last year (That’s over 50 years this client has used us!)

What sets us apart is our focus on people—both our clients and our team. We believe in a consultative approach, ensuring that every project meets the unique needs of the homeowner while maintaining our high standards of craftsmanship. Our team embodies our core values of humility, perseverance, and a willingness to serve, which drives everything we do.

Brand-wise, I’m most proud of the trust we’ve built in our community and the strong reputation we’ve earned over the years. It’s not just about completing projects; it’s about creating a positive impact on the lives of the people we work with. We want readers to know that when they choose Acme Home Exteriors, they’re choosing a partner who will work for them and direct them to the best solutions even if it means we are not the best solution for their specific project.

Do you have any advice for those just starting out?
Mistakes help you learn. Take every advantage you have to learn. Learn from other and your own mistakes. Don’t give up.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://acmehomeexteriors.com
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100057396911352
• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/acme-home-exteriors
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@acmehomeexteriors