75 years of family legacy

By The Coffee Shops®. 

As a family owned and operated business, IKO reflects on their successes thus far and what the future holds! 

As IKO Industries celebrates their 75th anniversary serving the roofing industry, Jack Gottesman, the marketing and brand director of IKO, joined us for an episode of Roofing Road Trips® to discuss the brand’s legacy and what the future holds.  

From the very beginning of the conversation, Jack noted that the last seven decades of success wouldn’t have been possible without the loyal customers that keep IKO going. “Contractor loyalty is the fuel that’s powered us through our 75 years, and that is what’s going to carry us through the next 75,” he noted. Working with those customers and continuing to prioritize meeting their needs, providing them with the best tools for success. 

“We’re providing them the tools that they need to succeed because if God forbid something goes wrong, the homeowner doesn't know where to find me, but they are calling that contractor first. And so, we need to make sure that they have all the tools and the best products in the world so that they are equipped to make people happy all across God's green earth!” 

In keeping to that promise of superior service, IKO has led with integrity and good faith since the very beginning. Having fled Nazi-occupied Europe, the Koschitzky family placed down roots in Calgary, Canada. There, Isidore Koschitzky founded the brand in 1951. Since then, IKO has been a family owned and operated brand. Four generations have led the business, honoring the family name by keeping the promise to serve their customers with the highest quality materials.  

“While the company started in Calgary, today, the company has more than 25 production plants across the globe. We’re very blessed to work with thousands of people from all different capacities; whether that be manufacturing, product development, sales or marketing,” Jack shared. The sheer scope and scale of IKO’s production makes them the largest manufacturer of shingles in the world! 

One could say that’s quite an impressive legacy to have after 75 years of operation, but IKO doesn’t plan to stop their growth anytime soon. Jack shared, “We’ve had a number of new plants opening in 2026, and even still, the earlier generations of the family are involved and active in the groundbreaking of new developments. We’re keeping our finger on the pulse of the industry.”  

As the brand looks forward to the next 75 years and beyond, customer satisfaction, innovation and honoring their commitment to product quality remains at the forefront.  

Listen to the conversation or Watch the episode to learn more about IKO’s legacy and their path forward!