Roof Smart: What I Wish I Knew Before I Replaced My Roof

Ilaria is a Roofing Specialist with Onward Roofing, and her career in roofing began in an unexpected way.

Originally from San Antonio, she came to Austin to attend UT Austin and never left. Due to a series of unexpected events, Ilaria was so surprised when her homeowner's insurance paid for a new roof that she told all her neighbors they might be surprised by what their insurance might cover. Seven of them ultimately had their roof replacements approved by their homeowner's insurance companies, and seeing her enthusiasm for helping others, the roofing company, Onward Roofing, invited her to join their team.

Today, Ilaria says roofing is the best job she's ever had because it allows her to educate homeowners in a constantly changing industry that affects nearly everyone. One of those homeowners is Gary Cataldo, whom she enjoyed helping navigate the insurance process with USAA and working with him to improve his home's attic ventilation.

Outside of work, Ilaria enjoys admiring and attempting to keep native Central Texas plants alive, competing in Olympic weightlifting alongside her children, and learning about smoking barbecue.