AN ARDROSSAN roofing boss has now handed over the reigns of his firm as he gets set for retirement.
Pat Breen, 66, who first started Breen Roofing back in 1982 has handed over keys to former apprentice Jason Stewart after deciding it was time to step aside after a stay in hospital with leukaemia.
And the well-kent Three Towns Scooter Club member, who will also be carrying on as the chair of Winton Rovers, thanked all his loyal customers after leading the firm for more than 40 years.
He said: “I was planning on stepping aside next year but my health decided otherwise, so that’s me officially retired now.
“The new director taking over is Jason Stewart. He’s been working for me over 30 years and served his apprenticeship with me in that time.
"We’ve kept a lot of the same staff on long term.
“I was in hospital from June with leukaemia, and decided now was the right time to go.
"We’ve seen the good, the bad, and the ugly in all that time, a lot of changes and a lot of companies come and go, but managed to weather the storm.
“A lot of things are different now with health and safety issues but we’ve managed to work through it and kept so many employees long term.
"Jason has been running things the past couple of months and doing a great job.
“I had served my apprenticeship in 1976 with a firm in Saltcoats John Hainey and Sons, then went to the Royal Marines for a few years and then started the business.
“I’ll have plenty to do, I’ve dogs to look after, Winton Rovers FC, so I’ll be kept busy.
"We’ve a lot of plans for the club over the next few years.
“I’m also involved in the Three Towns Scooter Club and we do a lot for charity.
"I’ll be busy with that and getting my health back up to scratch again after the illness.
“I wish Jason all the best and I would like to thank all the customers over the years for their loyal support.”
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules here