Page 134 - South Mississippi Living - November, 2026

HOME
Jose “Sarge” Alonso
story by Cherie Ward photos by Madeline Romano and courtesy of Strong Roofing
For nearly four decades, Strong Roofing has helped South
Mississippi homeowners protect what matters most. Now,
the company is building on that legacy with a familiar face in
charge.
Jose Alonso, a longtime leader within the Gulf Coast roofing
business, officially took ownership in early July, heralding a new
chapter for a company built on reliable craftsmanship, lasting
relationships, and a reputation for doing things right.
But don’t expect Alonso, who is affectionately known as
“Sarge,” to start dismantling what has taken nearly 40 years to
establish. After all, why change a winning formula?
The transition follows the retirement of founder and longtime
owner Burt Goltz. Facing the possibility of closing the company,
Goltz approached Alonso about buying it, confident that
someone who had spent years upholding its standards could
carry the business forward.
134 | November 2026 Alonso sees this opportunity as more than just becoming a
business owner. It’s about preserving the company, its reputation,
and the relationships it has built throughout South Mississippi.
And while ownership papers may have changed hands, the way
Strong Roofing operates largely remains the same.
In fact, Alonso says 99 percent of the business is just as it was.
This familiar approach reflects his commitment to maintaining
the quality craftsmanship, customer service, and attention to
detail that have defined Strong Roofing for generations of Gulf
Coast homeowners.
Alonso’s ties to the roofing industry run deep. He grew up
around the trade, learning alongside his father, who worked
as a foreman on Strong Roofing crews. That early hands-
on experience shaped Alonso’s leadership style and his
understanding of what homeowners expect when investing
heavily in their property.
www.smliving.net | SOUTH MISSISSIPPI Living