When it came time to build his home in Colorado Springs, Dan Belling brought more than a vision—he brought decades of industry expertise. Working in the construction materials space with S-5!, a leader in engineered attachment solutions for metal roofing, Belling stepped into the role of general contractor to oversee the entire process himself.

With a deep understanding of building science, structural performance and rooftop applications, he took the reins to ensure quality and precision from the ground up.

Belling shares what it was like to manage his own residential build, the unique insights he brought from his work in commercial construction, and how products like S-5!’s metal roof clamps helped bring form and function together in one thoughtfully constructed home. His story offers a firsthand look at how professional know-how can translate into personal success when building smarter, stronger spaces—whether for clients or yourself.

Tell us a little about yourself. What is your industry story?

After years of manufacturing automotive parts, we sold a company in 2007—leaving me to ponder what to become involved in.. I took a role with ACS, Architectural Construct Services, in 2009 working with David Rhodes. We landed several large projects immediately, my role and my life changed.

My new role was acting as owner’s rep for Hertz—managing construction and remodels for their “North Star” program; 181 off airport locations and 65 airport locations. So I went from a manufacturing business deep into construction overnight.

What inspired you to establish your company?

I did not start my own company; I work as an executive for others.

How has your founding mission evolved over time?

My servant leadership and customer satisfaction mantra has been the bedrock of finding outcomes that are beneficial to both parties.

Describe the signature style or characteristics that define your residential projects.

The projects I am doing, and highlighted here with my own home, have always been focused on helping the owner feel connected to the outcome and feeling like a dream has been realized.

What market segment do you primarily serve?

Our company, S-5! For the last 35 years, we have been deeply involved in attachments (solar, MEP’s, Snow Guards) for metal roofing. Only in the last year have we expanded to cover Single Ply roofing materials.

What has been your most challenging project to date?

Building my own dream home.

How did overcoming those challenges shape your approach to construction?

I had to mentally separate the building process from the design process. So Judi, my wife, was the overall designer, client, dreamer of finishes, while I focused on the process and financials related to reaching our dream home. During dinner conversations, I found myself sometimes asking Judi if a question was directed at the builder or the husband.

Can you share details about your favorite completed project and what made it particularly meaningful or successful?

Using my experience to build a home that is a lifetime goal.

How do you integrate sustainable building practices into your construction process?

We used a wide range of materials in the build, but with a focus on sustainable building materials, an example would be our roofing and much of our siding is metal. Drawing from my S-5! Role while choosing metals that are a natural fit with our Colorado Forest, Moden, Rustic mountain design.

What specific eco-friendly innovations have you implemented?

Metal exterior siding that is fire resistant and 95% recycled materials.

What emerging trends in residential construction are you most excited about? How are you incorporating them?

Materials. There are some many great “craft” manufacturers of materials today, sometime hidden our hard to find because they are not mass produced, but we scoured the internet, design publications (OneKindDesign, as an example) and then reached out to architectural in five or six countries to get feedback on desired materials.

What values drive your day-to-day operations, and how do these translate into the final homes you deliver?

Client dreams need to be held in the highest regard.

What trends are you seeing in the residential construction market today? How are they shaping the industry?

Mass produced products, but with late-stage customization options created truly bespoke materials. Woodtone in Canada was a decision we took, they modified Hardy Siding and added custom color and textures that really impressed us.

What are your goals for your company’s growth and impact on the residential construction industry?

At S-5! We are working through the EPD or Environmental Product Declaration process to ensure we meet LEED V5 documentation demands and not just because it is being demanded of us, but because we want to share the future of construction, making our industry more sustainable. In fact we are nearing a net neutral—100% renewable energy profile.

One-on-One with… Dan Belling

Describe a typical day.

Up at 6 a.m., doing some ranch chores, feeding the dogs and horses. I’m at work by about 7 a.m.; lunch; bicycle ride with a small group of co-workers in Black Forest; and then home around 4 to finish off the day.

What’s the biggest item on your to-do list?

Working hours are generally consumed with education of architects via our AIA (American Institute of Architects) continuing education program and outreach to Architectural Specifiers (CSI Members) to educate them on new products and sustainable building products that we offer.

What’s the most rewarding part of your job?

I think when I see bid documents coming across my desk that single source our products – a reflection of the work we do to meet codes and standards like UL3741, ASTM 2140, DibT, TUV and Florida Product approvals.

What was the best advice you ever received?

Sometime you can go faster by slowing down (Herb Gnade @Mahle)

What’s the best thing a client ever said to you?

“Thank you for saving us from ourselves.”