Meet the people of M Cannon…coming soon!
Our team is the center of everything we do. Built on experience, loyalty, and service, our team brings decades of roofing expertise and a deep commitment to delivering high-quality service on every project. From long-standing industry veterans to rising leaders in the field, our team members share a dedication to excellence, safety, and delivering results our clients can trust. Together, we take pride in building strong roofs — and even stronger relationships — across every community we serve.
The Team
Mark Cannon – Founder & Owner, M Cannon Roofing
Mark Cannon is a pioneering force in the commercial roofing industry and the visionary founder of M Cannon Roofing. His career began in the 1970s when he relocated from Boston to Chicago to take a position with Illinois Tool Works. At the time, Mark was seeking a job after college and accepted the role at the recommendation of a friend. Over the years, he held pivotal roles with leading manufacturers and distributors, including Firestone and Carlisle, mastering roofing systems and cultivating relationships that would eventually lay the groundwork for his venture.
What sets Mark apart is his technical expertise and his enduring commitment to building something greater than a business—he built a legacy. After years of hearing that there were few legitimate African American-owned firms in the roofing industry, Mark was determined to change the narrative. Launching M Cannon Roofing wasn’t just about entrepreneurship—it was about representation, excellence, and proving that a minority-owned company could lead the field based purely on performance.
M Cannon Roofing grew from a small operation into a respected firm with an impressive portfolio of public and private projects while establishing a company culture of collaboration and support. Known for its reliability, union integrity, and operational excellence, the company has developed long-standing relationships with major clients, including the City of Chicago and several national contractors. Mark’s leadership style is rooted in trust and flexibility—he gives his team space to grow while ensuring accountability and high standards remain intact. He often says, "You’ve got to give people rope, and trust that they need to pull the company along." That philosophy has created a loyal and empowered team, many of whom have been with him since the beginning.
Mark’s deep understanding of people has shaped M Cannon’s culture. Every employee, from field crews to estimators, is treated like a true partner. He has invested in his people, not just professionally but personally—offering support during tough times, mentoring rising leaders, and fostering an environment where growth is both encouraged and expected.
Today, M Cannon Roofing stands not only as a leading commercial roofing contractor but also as a symbol of what’s possible when grit, vision, and integrity lead the way.
Jeff Cronin- General Manager
Jeff, a seasoned roofing veteran with over 35 years of experience, brings unparalleled knowledge and leadership to M Cannon Roofing. His career began in 1993 as a union apprentice, and he has since progressed through the ranks, from journeyman to foreman and now to the esteemed position of General Manager at M Cannon.
His journey, which began with his first project in St. Croix and later led him to M Cannon in 2006, is a testament to his unwavering commitment to the craft, rooted in hands-on experience and a deep passion for the trade. As a founding member of the organization, Jeff embodies the tight-knit family culture that is the cornerstone of M Cannon. His reputation for all-around expertise and his ability to lead teams through complex commercial roofing projects with precision and professionalism are a source of knowledge for all. His experience enables him to foresee challenges before they arise. Jeff's leadership instills confidence in the team and clients alike.
In his spare time, he enjoys winter activities such as skiing and snowboarding in Wisconsin with his wife.
Amanda Shoevlin– Project Administrator, M Cannon Roofing
With over eight years of experience at M. Cannon Roofing, Amanda serves as the central point of contact for project administration. She oversees accounts receivable and supports nearly every aspect of operations, including invoicing, billing, warranties, and client coordination. A former healthcare professional with almost two decades of experience, Amanda transitioned into the construction industry due to family connections; both her father and brother have worked for the company. Her deep appreciation for the collaborative and straightforward environment at M Cannon fuels her commitment to the team.
Outside of work, Amanda enjoys boating on the Illinois River and spending time with her two teenage children, often traveling for volleyball tournaments and college visits.
Byron Wright- General Superintendent, M Cannon Roofing.
Byron brings deep expertise and leadership to his role as Superintendent at M Cannon Roofing. Like many others on the team, he has been in the roofing industry for 30-plus years. For the past nine years, he has overseen both service and production crews, managing daily coordination with general contractors and spearheading new business opportunities. Byron’s journey into roofing began in college, selling materials and working summer jobs before moving into fieldwork full time. Before joining M Cannon, he worked for a competitor and was brought on after collaborating on a joint venture at O’Hare. What sets M Cannon apart for Byron is the ability to grow beyond the roof—he now plays a critical role in estimating, bidding, and client engagement. His experience and the relationships he has built in the industry make him a valuable asset to the organization.
Off the clock, you’ll likely find him in the city enjoying rooftops, day parties, and house music events, especially when the weather warms up.
Amy Folden - CFO
Amy has been a key part of the M Cannon team for over five years, bringing her a strong finance, auditing, and nonprofit grants management background. Before joining M Cannon, she spent several years managing grant compliance and internal auditing at a nonprofit organization. Her connection to M Cannon came through her professional network, which led to a consulting opportunity that grew into a long-term partnership.
Amy supports the company’s financial health and strategic planning at M Cannon, playing a vital role in its continued growth. She appreciates the company’s inclusive, family-oriented culture and values the team's openness to collaboration and feedback.
Outside of work, Amy is a dedicated mom of two teens and enjoys running, dining out with family, and staying active.
Aquilino Ruiz– Warehouse Supervisor, M Cannon Roofing
With over 30 years of experience in the roofing industry, Aquilino brings unmatched hands-on knowledge to his role as Warehouse Supervisor at M Cannon Roofing. A longtime union roofer, he spent 25 years on the roof before transitioning into warehouse operations, where he now manages materials, equipment logistics, and jobsite deliveries. His mechanical expertise also allows him to maintain and repair machinery in-house; thus, he is a critical part of the backhouse while he runs a very tight ship. Aquilino’s roots at M Cannon run deep—he's worked alongside several longtime team members and now mentors the next generation, including his nephew.
Outside of work, Aquilino enjoys home improvement projects, assisting friends with electrical work, and traveling with his wife, particularly to warmer destinations.
Aatif Akhtar– Estimator, M Cannon Roofing
Aatif brings a global perspective and technical expertise to his role as Estimator at M Cannon Roofing. With a background in architecture from India and a master’s degree in construction engineering from IIT in Chicago, he plays a vital role in identifying, scoping, and pricing projects for both the public and private sectors. From preconstruction takeoffs and supplier coordination to proposal development, Aatif works closely with the operations team to set projects up for success. Since joining M Cannon two and a half years ago, he’s appreciated the collaborative environment and hands-on experience that have rapidly deepened his industry knowledge.
Outside of work, Aatif enjoys fitness, catching up with friends, and riding ATVs or snowmobiles across the Midwest.