Buccos Roofing is homegrown and charitable
Prime Time Adult Care celebrates 40 years serving the community
PT Chamber supports local business growth
4
Buccos Roofing is homegrown and charitable contents
8
Prime Time Adult Care celebrates 40 years serving the community
from the editor
12
PT Chamber supports local business growth
Scrolling through LinkedIn the other day, I came across a really interesting tidbit: small businesses account for 43.5% of U.S. gross domestic product.
That’s the thing about shopping local. It’s never just a transaction. Small businesses are the backbone of economic growth, job creation and innovation. In our corner of the world, businesses are often woven right into the fabric of the community. The person ringing up your purchase might also be sponsoring the local Little League team. The café owner might be the one hosting fundraisers for the fire department. The shop you visit during the holidays might have been there long before many of us moved to town.
I’ve always loved wandering through local shops, especially the ones tucked along our small-town main streets. Sometimes you go in for one thing and leave with something entirely different. Sometimes you leave with a new recommendation for a restaurant, a local event you hadn’t heard about or a friendly conversation that brightens your day.
And honestly, those moments are part of what makes a place feel like home.
Local businesses carry a lot on their shoulders. They weather unpredictable seasons, shifting trends and the everyday challenges of running a company. Yet many still manage to greet customers by name and ask how the family is doing.
That kind of care can’t be packaged in a box or shipped overnight.
So the next time you need a gift, a cup of coffee or even just a place to browse for a few minutes, consider stopping into one of the many businesses that make our region special. You never know what you might discover — or who you might run into while you’re there.
As always, I’d love to hear your story ideas or suggestions. Feel free to reach out at 724-2222200 ext. 2421 or tthurston@observer-reporter. com.
Take care, and happy exploring.
Washington & South Hills
724.222.2200
issuu.com/observer-reporter
Editor
TRISTA THURSTON
tthurston@observer-reporter.com
Advertising Director Carole DeAngelo
Contributors
April Barbe Michele Gillis
by Michele Gillis
Photos courtesy of Buccos Roofing
Buccos Roofing, a Pittsburgh-based roofing company, was founded with just $1,500.
Fourteen years later, it has created a free roof giveaway program that gives roofs away worth thousands.
“Our first year, we did like $700,000,” said Mark Easton, CEO of Buccos Roofing. “I couldn’t believe it. It was as if we hit the lottery. And that was over six months' time, and then last year, we did around $17 million. So, we got a thousand times return on our investment.”
Buccos Roofing was opened in 2012 by three friends: Mark Easton, his brother Dan Easton and their friend Ernie Comfort, who all grew up in Peters Township and across the greater Pittsburgh area. They met Nick Hesse, a roofer, who helped guide them as they started the business, and it grew from there.
The name Buccos Roofing was chosen for two reasons. First, because it started with a B, it would be close to the front in a phone book, and second, for the Buccos, or the Pittsburgh Pirates, so that it would be recognizable.
The name has definitely served the company well, especially after they had someone draw a pirate to go with it and slapped it on the sides of their brightly wrapped yellow pick-up trucks and vans.
Although they didn’t have any roofing experience, they jumped right in and helped by carrying, moving and tearing off materials while learning the business from the ground up.
Buccos Roofing provides shingled roofing, TPO roofing, metal roofing, siding, vinyl siding, James Hardie siding and soft fascia gutters.
They were really smart with the $1,500, using it to set up their business legally and purchase roof leads. They hit the jackpot with a Craigslist ad selling 15 leads for $1,000.
“I said, 'Listen, we’ll give you $100 for the best one,'” said Mark. “He ended up giving us a guy named Roger, who was the head of his HOA in Cranberry, and they just got hit by hail. I don’t even know how much money we made on that. But that same summer, we did like 55 houses in the same neighborhood.”
As the company has grown, it has remained grounded in those same relationships and neighborhoods, building a team of people who genuinely know and care about the communities they serve.
When they started the company, they worked out of Mark’s house for a while, but eventually had to rent office space or face fines.
Mark credits their success to their reputation for hiring good people.
“It was kind of crazy, but we had like really good people working with us,” said Mark. “Like that was our thing. Everyone has been a good, smart, nice
and caring person. At that time in the roofing industry, it was like an anomaly … you know, it’s like we were one-of-a-kind basically.”
Buccos Roofing was recommended to Patrick Mears by two of his neighbors.
“I also researched their website and saw they had an A+ rating with the Better Business Bureau,” said Mears. “The reviews from prior clients were good to see that there were no complaints.”
Mears said his home had a large roof area, gutters and downspouts in need of repair.
“The project manager was on-site every day, answering all my questions and dealing with the roofing team when they found some wood damage in a couple of areas,” said Mears. “The team worked very well together and cleaned up every day. I would recommend Buccos 100 percent. They are professional people all the way. They are easy to deal with on-site as well as dealing with the back-office people. The end result looks great.”
When they started the company, Dan handled the sales, Ernie was the project manager and Mark handled the administrative side of the business.
That worked for about 10 years until they began delegating their responsibilities to others, and the three became company leaders, with Mark as CEO and Dan and Ernie on the board.
One thing that sets them apart from other roofing companies is that, as they have grown, they’ve intentionally chosen to remain locally owned and independent rather than pursue private equity.
“At the same time, we’ve focused heavily on giving back, most notably through initiatives like our free roof giveaway program, which has helped families in need while strengthening community connections,” said Mark.
They have given away four free roofs so far. There are no criteria to win a roof, and the drawings are 100 percent random.
The next free roof giveaway drawing will be held on Sept. 1. This giveaway is open to eligible homeowners in Buccos Roofing’s coverage area. One eligible entry will be selected by random drawing after the entry period ends. The winner will receive Buccos Roofing home improvement products, professionally installed, valued at up to $15,000.
Karen and Joe Sharon were the recipients of a free roof, but since they had contacted several companies for estimates, when they were contacted by Buccos Roofing, saying they had won a free roof, they thought it was a scam.
“They had to continuously contact us because we thought it was a scam that we won because who wins a free roof?” said Karen. “We were in denial until they showed up with a sign and a camera saying that we had won.”
Karen said Buccos did a fantastic job on her roof, and she was very happy with the outcome.
“They even replaced parts of it that were rotted, and they went over and above,” said Karen. “Everybody was so nice and respectable. I would recommend them 100 times over. They are down-to-earth and an honest company that will not take advantage of you, and that means a lot.”
As CEO, Mark has been focused on the franchising of Buccos Roofing.
“Right now, we’re in the process of franchising, so that’s been taking a lot of my time developing our systems, putting everything on paper and updating all of our training guides,” said Mark. “We just moved into Columbus, so that’s been taking a lot of my time. I just promoted somebody to president inside the company, so he’s been helping me oversee a lot of the Pittsburgh operations and things like that. But my main focus right now is the franchising, marketing and corporate expansion.”
Buccos Roofing is handling its franchising differently than some other companies may. They are expanding into other towns first before considering franchise opportunities.
“So, our thought process was, we’ll move into this territory, we’ll brunt the
storm for like six to eight months, and then if someone approaches us for that market on the franchise, we would turnkey it as a franchise,” said Mark. “And that way, they can kind of just get to the point where they’re like profitable. For example, we’re just starting to do work in Columbus now, and we started last November.”
Currently, they are expanding their corporate operations in Columbus and have franchises in Morgantown and Altoona.
A cool thing about the franchises is that the owners are past employees.
“That was one of the main reasons that sparked this,” said Mark. “People who worked with us loved it so much, and they wanted to own one. We’re like, yeah, that sounds like a good idea because you know, we started with nothing basically. So, the idea of going into these markets and expanding quickly is impossible. But when we have people who work with us say, “Hey, I have money saved up. Can I do one? We definitely say yes!”
The company has 35 employees and is excited about the new opportunities ahead. Visit buccosroofing.com for more information.
May 30, 2026
Free Admission 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Carnegie Library of Pittsburgh – Main (Oakland) 4400 Forbes Ave., Pittsburgh, PA 15213
Hear from over 90 authors and poets, featuring:
by April Barbe
Photos courtesy of Prime Time Adult Care
Prime Time Adult Care, 44 Highland Road, in Bethel Park, celebrated 40 years in business in November.
The adult day program originated in 1985 as an outreach ministry of Christ United Methodist Church, said Heather Deerfield, executive director of the care center.
“Eventually, Prime Time grew and evolved into a nonprofit organization that is a five-day-a-week adult day program licensed by the Pennsylvania Department of Aging,” Deerfield said.
Located in the lower level of the church, a few blocks from South Hills Village Mall, Prime Time Adult Care is for eligible adults 60 and over. Adults 18 and over who meet specific criteria are also eligible, Deerfield said.
Prime Time is a program designed to activate, reinstitute or maintain participants' function, as well as enhance the quality of life for participants and their caregivers.
“With our help, individuals can remain at home for longer periods of time; thus, delaying or possibly even avoiding residential settings. While the participant is here, the caregivers receive the respite time that is ben-
eficial to their physical, social, mental and emotional well-being,” Deerfield said.
There are currently 26 participants in the program, and the most popular activities include bingo, sing-a-longs, musical entertainers and the therapy dogs from Go Team Therapy Dogs - Pittsburgh, according to Deerfield.
Deerfield has been the executive director for a little over a year, but she has 14 years of experience working with older adults in the community. She is also a certified dementia practitioner.
She added that all the staff at Prime Time have worked in the industry for many years, and one employee has been with the program for over 25 years.
Those attending Prime Time are given a light continental breakfast and a hot beverage upon arrival, and a hot lunch is served at noon, followed by a snack in the afternoon.
Activities in the program include:
Music, arts/crafts and games: Age-appropriate music and art offerings help to stimulate socialization and confidence.
Special events: Every month, the program recognizes special holidays and birthdays with help from participants in the planning process.
Memory stimulation: A variety of fun, memory-boosting activities and games that support cognitive function.
Daily exercise: Chair fitness exercises set to music provide movement, breathing and coordination stimulation, and daily hand-eye coordination activities improve balance and fine motor skills.
Medical services: Nursing services are provided by an LPN, overseen by an RN and tailored to the client’s medical status and needs. Vital signs are monitored at least monthly and more often as necessary. Medications may be given according to the home schedule. Diabetes support, including blood sugar monitoring and insulin administration, is provided. There is also ongoing monitoring of mental, physical and emotional wellness.
Hours of operation are from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m., Monday through Friday. Deerfield said the cost to attend the program is dependent on the level of care required.
According to primetimeadultcare.com, after a family makes a phone or email inquiry, a time to visit the center is scheduled with the director. During this visit, interested parties will be given several forms to be completed by a physician. The forms and any questions you may have will be discussed, as will the admission process.
To begin the process of joining Prime Time Adult Care, call 412-835-6661 to schedule a tour.
The Peters Township Chamber of Commerce has been an integral part of the community for 72 years. Rooted in connection and collaboration, the chamber continues to evolve to meet the needs of today’s businesses and nonprofits while staying true to its mission of strengthening the local economy and community.
More than a place to exchange business cards, the PT Chamber brings together business owners, community leaders and organizations to build meaningful relationships that benefit both businesses and residents. Through engaging events and an expansive local network, opportunities for referrals, partnerships and collaboration organically happen, helping businesses gain visibility and connect with the people who matter most in their community.
Beyond networking, the chamber serves as a valuable resource hub. Members have access to educational opportunities, cost-saving programs and practical tools that support day-to-day operations, including employee benefit options and more affordable
healthcare solutions, as well as expert guidance and member-to-member savings. These resources help local businesses operate more efficiently while staying focused on growth.
For those considering starting a business, one of the most important first steps is gaining clarity — understanding who your customer is and what need you’re fulfilling. Many successful businesses don’t begin with a perfect plan, but with a willingness to listen, adapt and build relationships within their community. Those early connections often become the foundation for long-term success.
For established businesses looking to grow or pivot, taking a step back can be just as valuable as moving forward. Are you reaching the right audience? Are your partnerships helping you evolve? Growth doesn’t always require doing more. It often comes from refining your approach, strengthening relationships and exploring new ways to serve your customers.
Equally important are credibility and community involvement. Today’s consumers increasingly choose to support businesses that are visibly invested in their local area. Being engaged within the community not
only builds trust but also reinforces a business’s longterm presence and impact.
Through ongoing advocacy, the PT Chamber also works to support a pro-business environment, ensuring that local businesses have a collective voice and the support needed to navigate challenges and opportunities alike.
At its heart, the Peters Township Chamber of Commerce is about connection, support and community — bringing people together to help local businesses and the community grow, together.
Check out the website ptchamber.com or contact Executive Director Amy Petro, amy@ptchamber.com, to find out how the PT Chamber can support you and help take your business to the next level.
The SpringHouse Creamery, Eatery, Country Store, and Catering opened in 1975 on the Minor family’s dairy working farm in Eighty Four. In our oldfashioned country store, you can enjoy familyrecipe meals, goodies in our from-scratch bakery, a smokehouse for old-fashioned hickory smoked hams, classy catering, ice cream concoctions galore and, or course, fresh farm milk and famous rich chocolate milk.
1531 Route 136 Washington, PA 15301
724.228.3339 springhousemarket.com
A Pittsburgh family tradition since 1958. Our dough is homemade from scratch, our sauce is slow cooked from Italian tomatoes, our signature cheeses are hand grated daily... just as John Mineo did in 1958. We believe in never changing a great family recipe. Locations in Mt. Lebanon, Squirrel Hill, Allison Park, and now open at the Pittsburgh International Airport! Mt. Lebanon
713A Washington Road Pittsburgh, PA
412.344.9467
412.344.9468
mineospizza.com
Richard Bortz Jr. Owner
249 E. Roy Furman Hwy. Waynesburg, PA
724.627.6171 bortzchevy.com
BUDD BAER GMC BUICK
Mark Baer, Owner 83 Murtland Avenue Washington, PA
724-249-6047
3344 Washington Road McMurray, PA
724.941.3000 southhillsauto.com
SOUTH HILLS TOYOTA
2403 Washington Road Rt. 19 Canonsburg, PA
724.743.1144 southhillstoyota.com
TREGEMBO MOTORS PRE-OWNED VEHICLES
Barry Tregembo, Owner 1-70, Exit 32B Bentleyville, PA
724.239.2200 tregembomotors.com
WASHINGTON HONDA
Rt. 19 Strabane Square Washington, PA
724.222.2213 washingtonpahonda.com
BUDD BAER MAZDA
Mark Baer, Owner 83 Murtland Avenue Washington, PA 724-993-4430
3073 Washington Pike Bridgeville, PA 15017
412-564-9829 colussy.com
3644 Washington Road McMurray, PA
724.942.3000 southhillsauto.com
STAR LAKE FORD 1212 Main Street Burgettstown, PA
724.947.3381 starlakeford.com
WARNE MOTORS PRE-OWNED VEHICLES
John Warne, Owner 100 East Pike Street, Canonsburg, PA
724.745.5956 johnwarnemotors.com
WASHINGTON HYUNDAI
Rt. 19 Strabane Square Washington, PA
724.222.2213 washingtonpahyundai.com
BUDD BAER SUBARU
Mark Baer, Owner 71 Murtland Avenue Washington, PA
724-914-6670 OLIVERIO AUTO 1110 Laurel Hill Road McDonald, PA
724-926-2155 oliverioauto.com
SOUTH HILLS LINCOLN
Jeff Innes, New Car Manager Route 19, McMurray, PA
724.941.1600 southhillslincoln.net
John Bauer, General Manager 3694 Washington Road McMurray PA
724.941.6100 3riversvw.com
Intersection of Rt. 19, I-79,& I-70 Exit 19A Washington, PA
724.222.2800 washingtonchevy.com
After a brain cancer diagnosis and failed surgery at another hospital, Marissa found a new treatment plan at UPMC Hillman Cancer Center—one of the region’s only NCI-Designated Comprehensive Cancer Centers. Here, she found access to cutting-edge clinical trials, groundbreaking treatments, and world-renowned cancer experts. Discover the power of hope at UPMCHillman.com/SecondOpinion.