History of Martin Leska and Leska LLC
Martin Leska moved to the USA to pursue his dream and to follow his passion as a certified mountain guide and ski instructor. Quite frankly he was not enjoying his time working in the construction business for his father George and felt that this was his means of escape.
At a very young age, Martin was introduced to his father’s business. He often visited his father’s sites, delivering lunch with his mother, or watching him repair and restore churches in different villages. Throughout the long winters, he and his older brother would help his father prepare miles of custom rolled round gutters and downspouts, solder them into longer lengths and stock them away for summer use. Pre-bending roof hangers, making gutter elbows, conductors, repairing and sorting out tools, or simple organization were part of his daily activity. In deep communism even raw materials such as common felt paper nails were not always available which often forced workers to improvise. Tasks such as attaching oversized washers on short 6 penny nails were not uncommon.
Martin grew up in a well kept house. Like his neighbors, Martin’s family did not have hot water or central heat. When the temperature would drop the family would turn to the stove for heat. This is why as a five year old, one of Martin’s daily tasks included building a fire. After high school he went to a 4 year apprenticeship trade school to learn more about the roofing and construction industry. He graduated with honors. In order to pursue his passion for sports his father told him that he needed to support himself if he wanted to pursue his hobbies. Therefore at the age of fourteen his father gave him and his older brother their first independent jobs, priming and painting approximately twenty segments of metal roof. At the age of sixteen many of the employee’s under Leska felt that Martin’s tasks were too easy. The feelings were mutual and because Martin attended school and only worked on the weekends, his father sent him to work for his company’s competition, Bob Mrozek.
Martin started on the bottom, but within months he was given tasks installing metal roofs. It was hard work!! At one point he traveled upwards of five hours to get to a job site. During his four year apprenticeship at trade school, he learned multiple skills including reading, drawing, and tech specs; the basics of structural engineering. He also learned hand on application but felt that there was more reward when he was actually working in the field. Although Martin was busy, he used his free time to do what he loved; climbing and skiing. Eventually this became more than just a hobby. Martin became a sponsored climber and traveled to many places throughout Europe. During the winter months he would spend his weekends at a ski mountain, working on his ski and guiding certifications. After graduating he got a job in Switzerland as an aspirant guide for sector no limits in les marecot. This would change his life forever.
In the fall, Martin spoke with a fellow employee about working as a full time ski guide. Invitation came and college went to dust. Unfortunately as faith would have it, while attempting a difficult descent in culuar, he and his partner suffered many injuries and almost died. Martin needed rehabilitation and a break from pushing himself too far. This gave him the opportunity to join his father on a trip to the USA for his first time. There he found himself completely isolated from friends, and found an opportunity to climb and ski in the state of Florida where he would start thinking about a future career. When Martin returned to the Czech he went on to become the head leader for kavkar guide in Mt. Elbrus. Due to unexpected conditions and the drive to experience new adventures, Martin decided he needed to start over go somewhere where nobody knew him, the USA.
He arrived in the fall of 1998. After a few months of doing some great climbing, Martin met with a local climbing shop owner who revealed that he was a guide. The shop owner told him to move on and pursue his dream as a guide out west. He took the advice and after three months in Utah he learned that being a guide was not as sweet as it looked. While living at his friends place, Martin found himself spending less time guiding and more time fixing up his friends basement for better pay.
Most importantly he learned that the multiple trade skills he learned back home were quite uncommon in the USA. Martin moved to Maryland, where he started his own business.
After 8 years of working he was able keep all of his European certifications for slate and tile roof installations. Martin is certified with tile roofing institute and with Gerard, Englert, Tamko, Metal Works, Velux and fiber cement siding.
A few words from Martin...
"I hope that my pictures portray the difference between myself and my competitors, revealing my craftsmanship level as a remodeler and roofer. My metal flashing details have surprised even the best trade inspectors and instructors that have been in business for over 20 years. I'm bringing great craftsmanship and superior skill from Europe, combining them with modern machines and tools that create unique work with attention to details!"
