Starting a business is never easy, but for Dave Sonner, owner of Sonners Contracting, it was the path to stability, independence, and making a real impact in his community. From chasing storms across the country to building a company with a reputation for quality and trust, Dave’s journey is one of resilience, hard work, and commitment to doing things the right way.
From Fighter Pilot Dreams to Roofing Reality
Dave grew up in Littleton, Colorado, with childhood dreams of becoming a fighter pilot or a rock star. While life had other plans, his desire for excitement and challenge never faded. After years of working jobs that lacked security or a clear future, he decided to take control of his own destiny. Sonners Contracting was born out of a need for stability, but it quickly became something much bigger—a trusted name in Castle Rock’s roofing and restoration industry.
Overcoming the Challenges of Entrepreneurship
Starting a business isn’t just about having a great idea—it’s about pushing through the hardest moments. For Dave, one of the biggest hurdles was the stress of financial uncertainty. “Not knowing where the next meal was coming from, along with the depression and fear of failure, was tough. But I used that stress as fuel to keep working,” he says.
While many businesses evolve significantly over time, Dave has remained focused on consistency. “We’ve worked hard to deliver the same quality of product and customer service since day one,” he explains. In an industry often plagued by unreliable contractors, his commitment to doing things right has made all the difference.
Passion for People and Community
Dave’s favorite part of his work? Helping people restore their homes after a loss. Whether it’s hail damage, wind damage, or general roofing needs, Sonners Contracting provides homeowners with a sense of security. And for Dave, there’s something special about serving his neighbors in Castle Rock. “I like working with people who actually know my name,” he says.
While Sonners Contracting doesn’t claim to have flashy gimmicks, its reputation speaks for itself. “We just try to maintain a good name in an industry full of bad ones,” Dave shares. The biggest factor in his success? The weather. In the roofing business, storms bring work—but integrity and craftsmanship bring customers back.
Lessons from the Road and Working with Family
Some of Dave’s best memories in the industry come from working alongside his dad. Before launching Sonners Contracting, the two traveled across the country, chasing hail storms and working for large roofing companies. “That experience taught me a lot—mostly what NOT to do as a business owner and a roofing contractor,” he recalls.
The Highs and Lows of Business Ownership
Running a small business means never truly clocking out, which Dave admits is the hardest part of being an entrepreneur. But on the flip side, the freedom that comes with ownership is priceless. “I don’t have to request vacation time or ask permission to spend my wife or kids’ birthdays with them,” he says.
If he could go back and give himself one piece of advice when starting? “Pick a different name for the company besides my last name.”
And when times get tough, he stays motivated with one simple reminder: “Quitting only makes matters worse.”
Every entrepreneur should take one of the best pieces of business advice he’s ever received to heart: “A good businessman doesn’t get paid what he ‘deserves,’ he gets paid what he earns. If you want to make more money, find a way to add more value.”
Supporting Castle Rock & the Future of Local Business
Dave believes in keeping things local—from hiring contractors to administrative services. “Our painters, window contractors, and handymen are all local. We try to support the Castle Rock community as much as possible,” he says.
However, he also recognizes a major challenge in Castle Rock’s growth: wages need to match the cost of living. While small businesses play a crucial role, he sees the need for more job opportunities that provide financial stability for residents.
His favorite local spots? Bucketlist Tavern and Ito Sushi—hidden gems he recommends to anyone in town. And if he could collaborate with another local business, it would be Sympler, a company he believes knows how to help businesses shine.
Advice for Aspiring Entrepreneurs
For those thinking about starting a business, Dave has some words of wisdom:
✔ Set boundaries—for yourself and for others.
✔ Stick to a regular schedule—consistency is key.
✔ Pay attention to the details—from craftsmanship to accounting, everything matters.
✔ Do it right the first time—or you’ll have to do it twice.
✔ Plan for failure—but expect success.
✔ Think about liability—every decision has consequences.
Above all, he emphasizes the importance of adding value and always being prepared. Running a business is tough, but success is within reach with hard work, smart decisions, and a strong reputation.
For Dave Sonner, Sonners Contracting isn’t just a business—it’s a commitment to quality, integrity, and serving the Castle Rock community. And if there are homes to protect, he’ll be there to do the job right.