Meet the Team

Michael Chan is a founding member of The Durable Slate Company and has played a pivotal role in its growth and development since its inception. With decades of leadership in historic preservation and traditional roofing, Michael has guided the company through numerous award-winning projects.

His dedication to preserving historic craftsmanship and fostering innovation has made the company a national leader in restoration.

John is a nationally recognized expert in historic roofing and a passionate advocate for preserving traditional roofing methods. He started slate, tile and copper roofing at The Durable Slate Company while on college summer breaks in 1986 and joined the company full-time in 1989 after graduating from UCLA. After working through the ranks in the field, he became a principal of the company in 1992. In 1996, he relocated to open the Cincinnati branch, then went on to open the New Orleans branch in 2006. During this time, he worked on over 10,000 slate and tile roofs all over the United States and Europe.

John’s expertise in slate and cooper roofing has led to his role as a board member of the National Slate Association. He also served as the organization’s president from 2012-2018, tripling the typical term limit for the position. Over the years, his lectures and educational outreach have influenced best practices across the industry.

Gary started his career at Durable Slate in 1989 working in the field. He became a distinguished artisan and earned numerous accolades throughout the years, including the Builder’s Exchange Craftsmanship Award in 1995. Having held numerous technical positions in the company, Gary was able to master the Durable Way and rose to the level of Executive Vice President of Operations in the company.

With over three decades of experience, Gary is a master craftsman and a nationally recognized leader in historic preservation. He is on the National Roof Contractors Association’s Board of Directors and serves on their Government Relations, Residential Contractors, and Global Strategy Committees. Gary is also Chairman of the Board, serves on the Education and training Committee, and is a registered training instructor for the Slate Roofing Contractors Association. He has also been certified to purchase and install historical mortars provided by the US Heritage group.

As COO of Durable Slate, Gary ensures that the company’s projects adhere to the highest standards of craftsmanship and preservation excellence. In 2025, he became a principal of the company.

Jason Lee is widely regarded as one of the leading masons and metalworkers in the Midwest. With over 20 years of experience, Jason has led restoration efforts on iconic structures like the Old Capitol Building dome in Tallahassee and the Maryland State Capitol.

His expertise in historic masonry and custom metalwork demonstrates his commitment to preserving architectural heritage.

Julie Butler, who has been with The Durable Group since 2016, combines a strong academic background with hands-on preservation experience. Holding bachelor’s degrees in Historic Preservation and History, along with a Master of Arts in Historic Preservation,Julie has contributed to high-profile projects such as the Eisenhower Executive Office Building and World Heritage Sites like St. Trophime Cathedral. Her expertise in quality control, material conservation, and extreme weather adaptations makes her a leader in the field. As of 2023, Julie also serves on the board for Preservation Maryland.

Shane began his extensive career in the construction business in 1994, joining The Durable Slate Company in 2001 as a foreman. He worked his way up to AVP of Quality Control and was later promoted to Director of Special Projects. As AVP of Production, he oversees all production for The Durable Group.

With over two decades of experience, Shane has mastered the crafts of masonry, slate, tile, and sheet metal restoration. His commitment to excellence and creative problem-solving has earned him leadership over many complex restoration projects, and he has consulted for and worked on thousands of historic buildings, including churches, lighthouses, museums, statehouses, and more. Shane’s ability to balance client needs with preservation goals makes him an indispensable member of our team.

Joe has been with The Durable Slate Company since 2004, bringing a wealth of expertise in safety management. Certified in OSHA compliance, fall protection, and scaffolding safety, Joe has developed and implemented comprehensive safety protocols that ensure a secure working environment across all project sites. His leadership has been instrumental in maintaining the company’s exemplary safety record.

Chase has been with The Durable Restoration Company since 2021. He is extremely focused on details and accuracy. Chase's dedication to a successful and well completed project makes him stand apart. He appreciates and understands the importance of historic structures and their role in our shared cultural history. Chase has a strong respect for Historic Materials and Craftsmanship.

Don has been with The Durable Restoration Company since 2015. He has been in the Construction Industry for over 30 years, establishing a reputation as one of the leading restoration craftsmen on the east coast.

During Don’s time at Durable, he has served in many roles including site superintendent and project manager. Don has more than 20 years of experience leading crews on large-scale projects and driving them to success. He has a vast knowledge and understanding
of historic restoration and structures and is a Master Plaster. 

With a hands-on approach and a strong on-site presence, Joe has developed extensive knowledge in historic restoration work, allowing him to provide thorough oversight and ensure the successful execution of complex projects. His keen attention to detail and deep understanding of historic materials and construction techniques make him an asset in preserving significant heritage structures.