Meet the Man Behind the Roof: A Day in the Life of HJR Roofing Owner John Belloni

He's been in the roofing trade for over 25 years — working across top firms before founding HJR Roofing Services in 2021. He's a Which? Trusted Trader, a 5-star rated contractor, and a proud dog dad. We sat down with John Belloni for an honest chat about the trade, the grind, and why he wouldn't swap it for anything.

What Made You Get Into Roofing?

“Honestly? I left school and needed a trade. A family friend was a roofer and took me on as an apprentice. Within the first week I was up on the rooftops and thought — yeah, this is for me. The fresh air, the view, the craft of it. That was over 25 years ago and I haven't looked back.”

John started from the bottom, carrying materials up ladders and learning the trade the old-fashioned way — on the job, in all weathers. That apprenticeship led to 25 years working across top roofing firms before he founded HJR Roofing Services in 2021, bringing all of that experience with him.

What Does It Actually Take to Be a Roofer?

“A strong back, strong knees, and a strong immune system definitely come in handy!” John laughs. “You can't have a fear of heights — that's for sure. It's not for everyone. But there's nothing quite like that fresh air up there.”

“We're out in all weathers, all terrains. Rain, frost, baking sun in August — just like the postman, we show up when nobody else does. That graft, that reliability — that's what separates the real tradespeople from the rest. If someone needs an emergency repair after a storm, I'm not sitting at home. I'm out there.”

Why Roofing — Why Not Another Trade?

“Roofing is one of those trades where you can genuinely see the difference you've made at the end of every day. You drive away knowing that family is going to stay dry this winter because of what you did.”

“Plumbing's hidden behind walls, electrics are inside the floors — but a roof, you can see it from the street. There's real pride in that. I'll drive past a house in Highgate or Barnetyears later and think, I did that roof. That's still standing. That's a good feeling.”

A Day in the Life of John Belloni

Early start. Always. Most days John is on site himself — up on the rooftops of Hampstead, Finchley, or out in Potters Bar— not just managing from the ground.

“I'm not the kind of owner who sits in an office and sends the lads out. I'm up there with them most days. Then there's the quotes, the phone calls, checking materials have turned up, making sure every job is going exactly as we told the customer it would.”

And of course, there's Barney. John's dog is a constant companion — riding shotgun on the drive to jobs, waiting patiently while John surveys a roof, and keeping morale high on the longer days.

“Barney's my mate. My soulmate on the road. He's always there — doesn't complain about the early starts, never argues about which radio station to put on. Perfect workmate, honestly.”

How Does It Feel to Be a Which? Trusted Trader?

“It feels genuinely amazing — and a real honour. It's not just a badge you can buy. They vet you properly: check your work, your reviews, your business practices, how you handle complaints. The whole lot.”

“When I got it I thought — this reflects everything we've been doing since day one. It means our local clients, from all walks of life, across London and Hertfordshire, can trust us completely. That we do what we say, charge what we quote, and leave the job exactly as we promised. That means more to me than any award could.”

The Which? Trusted Trader accreditation is independently assessed — contractors can't simply pay to join. It sits alongside HJR Roofing's 5-star ratings on Checkatrade, Nextdoor, and Google.

What Areas Do You Know Best?

“I know these streets like the back of my hand. The Highgate Victorian terraces with their slate roofs and lead valleys. The Edwardian semis in Finchley and Muswell Hill. The flat roof extensions all over Islington and Camden. Out in Potters Bar and Borehamwood, the mix of post-war semis and newer builds.”

“Every area has its own character and its own roofing challenges. Twenty-five years means I've seen most of them twice over. That local knowledge — knowing what materials suit what property, who the local building control is, what the conservation area rules are — you can't get that from a website. You get it from turning up, year after year.”

HJR Roofing covers 26 areas across North London and Hertfordshire.

The One Thing Every Homeowner Should Know

“Get your roof checked before there's a problem. Most people only think about their roof when water's coming through the ceiling — and by then, a small repair has turned into a big one.”

“A quick inspection every couple of years, clearing the gutters, checking the flashings around the chimney — costs next to nothing and saves you a fortune. Prevention is everything in this trade. That's what I'd tell anyone.”

Why HJR Roofing

• Founded in 2021 — built on John's 25+ years of hands-on experience in the roofing trade.
• Which? Trusted Trader certified — independently vetted, not self-declared.
• 5-star rated on Checkatrade, Nextdoor and Google.
• John on site — the owner leads from the rooftop, not the office.
• Free surveys & written quotes — no surprises, no pressure.

Frequently Asked Questions