meet the team

meet the team ⟡

Will Johnson

Meet Will, our roofing maestro who embarked on his journey in commercial roofing back in 1998, initially working on large steel structures. After two years, he made a transition into the world of residential roofing. Then, in 2003, the inception of Cogent Construction Inc. marked the fusion of commercial and residential roofing expertise. From those humble beginnings, Cogent has grown to become the premier roofing company, proudly serving the majority of western Washington.

For Will, a few core principles underscore his approach to construction, but two stand out - Honesty and Quality. Quality is often the unsung hero in the roofing industry, where many firms solely focus on the bottom line. Will firmly believes that quality is the bedrock of our longevity, and it's exemplified in our unique practice of hand-nailing every shingle. Why? Because it creates roofs that endure, giving homeowners and building owners precisely what they deserve. To Will, a picture-perfect installation is non-negotiable, which is why all our team members are paid hourly, prioritizing craftsmanship over speed.

Will's expertise truly shines in the realm of metal roofing, a specialty he has honed over the years. Metal roofing is not just about waterproofing; it's an architectural statement. The difference between a Cogent-installed metal roof and others is nothing short of remarkable – see for yourself in our photo gallery. We're proud to be manufacturer-certified installers for every product we offer, be it Composition, Thermal Plastic Membrane (TPO), or metal.

An eternal student of the industry, Will constantly updates his knowledge by attending multiple trade shows and seminars annually. This commitment ensures we bring the finest products and installation methods to every project.

Will's ultimate goal is simple: to be the best company you can do business with, where you'll always feel that your investment was made wisely.

Outside of roofing, Will enjoys hunting with his wife Dee, and he has a passion for building hot rod cars and trucks. His love for the outdoors extends to dirt biking, golfing, or simply hanging out with friends and their two boys.

Dee Johnson

Meet Dee Johnson, our Co-founder extraordinaire, whose remarkable journey with us spans two decades. Dee's vision and unwavering commitment have left an indelible mark on our organization.

As a Co-founder, Dee's leadership has been instrumental in shaping our company's direction. She's been there from the very beginning, infusing our mission with purpose and driving us toward excellence.

But Dee's influence goes beyond her role as Co-founder. She seamlessly wears multiple hats, serving as both our Controller and HR guiding force. In her capacity as Controller, Dee ensures our financial health remains robust, expertly managing our financial resources. Simultaneously, she leverages her extensive HR expertise to foster a harmonious work environment, cultivating a motivated and cohesive team.

Dee Johnson's impact on our company cannot be overstated. Her dedication as a Co-founder, coupled with her invaluable contributions as Controller and HR leader, have shaped our identity and fueled our growth. Dee is a testament to our company's values and an instrumental force in our ongoing success.

Lisa Johnson

Meet Lisa, our office manager. She Has been an integral part of our team since November 2012. When you call, it's her friendly voice that greets you, and when you walk through our doors, it's her welcoming face you see. Beyond these interactions, Lisa's role is nothing short of remarkable.

She's the one who skillfully manages our schedules, ensuring everything runs seamlessly. Overseeing our team and navigating the complexities of permits, she eases the burden for homeowners. But Lisa's impact goes even further. Behind the scenes, she manages purchases, technology, and all the intricacies of our office operations. Our estimators owe their punctuality to her adept coordination.

When the higher-ups are away, Lisa steps in effortlessly, overseeing the day-to-day operations and ensuring that everything remains on track. She's our go-to person.

In our eyes, Lisa is an invaluable gem, cherished for her dedication and contribution to our company. We are fortunate to have her as an essential part of our team.

Francisco Cervantes

Introducing Francisco Cervantes, the visionary leader who has been at the helm of all production operations at Cogent since 2008, with a journey that began as a team member in 2004.

Francisco's unwavering commitment to excellence is truly unparalleled. To him, every house is like a canvas for an artist, deserving of a unique touch and individualized attention. He's the driving force behind transforming owners' dreams into reality, striking the perfect balance between form and function. On his job sites, Francisco holds the first and final word, ensuring that quality reigns supreme.

His leadership style is a blend of kindness, respect, and dignity, coupled with an unwavering commitment to quality. Francisco's crew not only upholds the company's values but also mirrors his own dedication to creating lasting masterpieces. Quality, in his eyes, is the cornerstone, with time being a mere detail. His belief is that our work should stand the test of generations.

Beyond his professional prowess, Francisco's heart belongs to his family, and he places others' needs above his own, both in his personal and professional life. If you're fortunate enough to call Francisco a friend, you'll find it challenging to outgive him. If you have a unique project in mind for your home and seek brilliance, just ask him in person for his ideas. You'll be astounded by his creative genius.

The Crew


introducing the heart and soul of our team – the roofing crew. These gentlemen are the true stars, the dedicated boots on the roof, tirelessly delivering the top-notch product you've come to expect from us.

Their unwavering commitment to excellence is the backbone of our operation. With skillful precision, they transform roofing into an art form, ensuring each project is a masterpiece in its own right. These professionals bring the vision to life, turning concepts into sturdy, reliable roofs that stand the test of time.

Quality isn't just a word for them; it's a way of life. Every shingle, every nail, and every detail receives their meticulous attention. They understand that your satisfaction and the longevity of our work are paramount.

But they're not just experts in their craft; they're also a tightly-knit team. Their camaraderie and synergy are palpable, making even the most challenging projects seem effortless. They work seamlessly together, synchronized in their pursuit of roofing perfection.

When you see these gentlemen at work, you can rest assured that your roofing project is in the hands of true professionals. They are the foundation of our success, and their dedication to delivering the best is what sets us apart.

Bert Macklin

Meet Bert Macklin, our Head of Security with a canine twist! Bert is a four-legged guardian who has been faithfully protecting our premises for dog years. His commitment to keeping our workplace safe is truly pawsome.

As the top dog in security, Bert takes his responsibilities seriously. With ears always perked and a vigilant nose, he ensures that our office is a secure and welcoming space for all. His presence alone brings a sense of comfort to our team.

But Bert's talents extend beyond security. He's the resident morale booster, always ready with a wagging tail and a friendly bark to brighten our days. His boundless energy and enthusiasm are truly infectious.

Bert Maclin, our furry Head of Security, embodies the spirit of our company, bringing safety, joy, and a whole lot of canine charm to our workplace. We're lucky to have him as a part of our team, and we're proud to call him our security guru.