Jay Humphreys

In 1956, Ethelmae Humphrey’s husband, J.P. (Jay) Humphreys, joined Tamko and in 1960 became TAMKO’s president. Over the next 33 years, Jay Humphreys led TAMKO’s growth and success with his entrepreneurial vision for TAMKO to rise to national prominence with the addition of manufacturing plants in Phillipsburg, Kansas (1969); Tuscaloosa, Alabama (1974); Knoxville, Tennessee (1978); Frederick, Maryland (1978); and Dallas, Texas (1985). In addition, Jay Humphreys’ recognition of the breakthroughs possible with the continuous quality improvement principles of Dr. W. Edwards Deming laid the foundation for TAMKO’s success today. Family leadership of the company continues today with Jay and Ethelmae’s children. Their daughter, Sarah Atkins joined TAMKO in the 1980s and has served in a number of positions such as research analyst in TAMKO’s R&D department, commercial roofing sales and most importantly, in the implementation of Deming Total Quality Management training throughout TAMKO’s facilities. Today, Sarah continues as a TAMKO board member, training consultant and a key participant in the company’s strategic planning. Following Jay’s death in 1993, David Craig Humphreys (Jay and Ethelmae’s eldest son) assumed the role of TAMKO’s President and Chief Executive Officer.