From Jobsite Frustration to Innovation

This episode of Roofing Road Trips features Roger Brouard, founder of Veto ProPack, now part of the Malco Group, sharing his journey from frustration with poor tool organization on job sites to creating a revolutionary line of tool bags. Drawing on his diverse background in fine arts, boat building, framing, and construction, Roger designed the Veto ProPack with a deep understanding of tradespeople’s real-world needs. His aha moment came when he transformed a flat panel with vertical pockets into a functional, ergonomic tool bag, solving the chaos of soft-side bags. He emphasizes that his design was born from lived experience, not just aesthetics, and that listening to end users—like HVAC technicians and fire departments—was key to expanding into specialized markets. The episode highlights the importance of craftsmanship, durability, and user-centered design in creating tools that last and elevate professionalism on site. Roger also discusses the strategic acquisition by Malco Group and the success of the Evo system, which allows for customizable, magnetic tool attachments for on-the-go efficiency. The episode underscores a powerful theme: innovation in the trades comes not from distant boardrooms but from those who work the job every day. Roger’s story shows how empathy, hands-on experience, and a relentless focus on functionality can disrupt an industry. His bags, built with 1800 denier polyester and backed by a five-year warranty, are not just tools but symbols of pride in craftsmanship. The success of Veto ProPack—growing from a single prototype to distribution in over 7,000 heating and cooling supply houses—proves that when manufacturers listen to tradespeople, they create products that truly matter. Listeners are encouraged to explore Veto ProPack through Malco Group’s directories on Roofers Coffee Shop and Metal Coffee Shop.