A Tradition of Craftsmanship, A Future of Innovation

Born and raised in the vibrant fishing community of Port de Grave, a community with deep ties to the fishing industry. As a fourth-generation fisherman, the Porter family have been proudly working the waters since arriving from Southwest England generations ago. I learned from an early age that success requires dedication, resilience, and pride in one’s work. Summers spent fishing capelin with my grandfather left me with a deep appreciation for craftsmanship and hard work.

After high school, I pursued an Electronic Engineering Technology diploma at the Marine Institute, graduating in 1992 during the cod moratorium. My family adapted to the times by opening a convenience store in Conception Bay South, which I managed for nearly four years. It was during this period that I met my incredible wife, Linda.

Our connection to the fishery remained strong, and by the mid-’90s, we were fully engaged in the growing snow crab fishery. In 2001, we built a new 45-foot vessel, and I earned my Captain’s ticket shortly afterward. My career took a rewarding turn when I became a field instructor at the Marine Institute, where I spent 12 years training the next generation of fishing boat captains.

In 2022, after many rewarding years in the fishing industry, we sold our enterprise and took a step back to consider our next chapter. In 2023, we founded Freedom Metal Roofing, leveraging the skills, values, and work ethic that guided us through years on the water. Today, we provide high-quality metal roofing solutions, offering NL homeowners durable, reliable protection built to last for generations.