From the aftermath of Hurricane Betsy to today, Mackie One has been Louisiana's trusted partner in home protection for over six decades.
A Century of Protection, Progress, and Proven Excellence
In the heart of New Orleans, where history runs deep and the weather is unpredictable, there is a name synonymous with resilience: Mackie One Construction. For over sixty years, the Mackie family has not just been building roofs; they have been building a skyline of security.
James Earl Mackie
The journey began in 1965, in the devastating aftermath of Hurricane Betsy. Seeing his city in desperate need of reliable and honest rebuilding services, James Mackie founded what was then known as J. Mackie Roofing and Sheet Metal Works.
Originally from St. Francisville, LA, Mr. Mackie brought more than just a trade to New Orleans; he brought a mission. He provided efficient, quality work and, more importantly, created a pathway for other young Black men from his hometown and surrounding areas. In the recently desegregated South, he gave them the opportunity to learn a skilled trade and make an honest living. From those first days in the Lower 9th Ward, our mission was set in stone: to serve the community with integrity and a philosophy of "neighbors helping neighbors."
By 1975, the demand for Mackie quality had grown across the state. To meet this need, James Mackie—the business strategist—partnered with his brother, Willie Mackie Sr., whose charming personality and "get it done" attitude were legendary. Together, they established Mackie Roofing & Sheet Metal Co.
Throughout the 70s and 80s, the company became one of the largest and most respected roofing contractors in New Orleans. But the vision went beyond local contracting. They expanded into wholesale distribution, establishing South Central Roofing Supply—the first African American-owned wholesale roofing distributor in the city. This was more than a business expansion; it was a statement of commitment to breaking barriers.
During these decades, the next generation of the Mackie family wasn't just watching from the sidelines. They were learning the trade on the hot rooftops of New Orleans. As the Mackie brothers famously told their sons, "You have to put your feet in the tar." This "feet in the tar" work ethic remains the core of our company today.
James & Willie Mackie — Nov. 2004
Earl J. Mackie, MBA.
In 2004, the legacy entered a pivotal new chapter when Earl James Mackie, MBA, son of James Mackie, formally established Mackie One Construction, LLC. Bringing a sharp business acumen and an advanced degree to the family trade, Earl modernized the operation while keeping the original grit alive.
The ultimate test came with Hurricane Katrina in 2005. While the city faced its darkest hour, Mackie One stood its ground in Gentilly and beyond, leading the residential recovery. This commitment to excellence was formally recognized in 2019, when Mackie One was honored with the U.S. Small Business Administration's (SBA) Entrepreneurial Success Award, validating the firm as a model of American business resilience.
As the 2020s brought increasingly volatile weather, Mackie One shifted from traditional roofing to specialized "Fortified" protection. Understanding that the roofs of the past weren't enough for the storms of the future, Earl Mackie secured the most rigorous third-party accreditations in the industry.
FORTIFIED Protection
Today, in 2026, Mackie One Construction stands at the pinnacle of the Louisiana construction landscape. We have fully integrated AI-driven diagnostics and drone inspections to ensure every roof is analyzed with scientific accuracy, yet we still carry the spirit of those first jobs in the Lower 9th Ward.
We are no longer just a "roofing company"; we are a fully licensed and insured protection firm that blends 60 years of family heritage with the most rigorous certifications in the modern world. We are the "Silver Lining" for a city that deserves the best.
Our mission is simple: to protect homes and families by providing durable, high-quality roofs that stand the test of time and weather.
We use only the highest-grade materials and proven installation techniques to ensure lasting protection.
We're dedicated to every project until completion, never leaving until the job is done right.
Our 'Team as One' philosophy means every member works together for your success.
Your peace of mind is our ultimate goal. We go above and beyond to exceed expectations.
Mackie One is certified by major roofing manufacturers and recognized as an approved FORTIFIED contractor by the Insurance Institute for Business & Home Safety (IBHS).
We're not just a roofing company—we're your neighbors. Building stronger communities is at the heart of everything we do.
Leading reconstruction efforts after Hurricanes Katrina, Gustav, Isaac, Ida, and countless other storms that have impacted our community.
Regular volunteer work with Habitat for Humanity, providing roofing services for families in need.
Proud sponsors of local youth sports teams, school programs, and community events throughout the Greater New Orleans area.
Offering free roof inspections after major storms to help homeowners assess damage and navigate insurance claims.
Louisiana's trusted roofing, gutter, and siding experts. Over 60 years of protecting homes with quality craftsmanship and FORTIFIED certified installations.
If You Don't Call Mackie One, It's Your Asphalt℠
© 2026 Mackie One. All rights reserved.
Licensed & Insured • FORTIFIED Certified Contractor
