A Legacy of Care: A Q&A with Robert Craig Lenney
Robert Craig Lenney, the founder of Gutterglove®, didn’t just create an industry-leading product; he has built a legacy of innovation, philanthropy, and community care. Lenney’s patented stainless steel micro-mesh gutter guard revolutionized home maintenance by protecting gutters from clogging while reducing the risks associated with cleaning them, like ladder accidents. His invention has been a game-changer for homeowners nationwide, but Lenney’s story doesn’t end there. We recently sat down with Lenney to discuss his journey, his latest venture, Robert Craig Films, and how his businesses are partnering to create an even bigger impact on homelessness in our county. Here’s what he had to say.
Q: How did your journey with Gutterglove begin?
A: From about 1992 through 2002, I founded a tree service company in the San Francisco-Oakland-San Jose Bay Area market. In 1996, while working at my tree company, I started a gutter-cleaning business. We soon offered gutter repairs and installations, and by 2003, I invented the Gutterglove stainless steel micro-mesh gutter guard.
Q: What inspired you to transition from leading Gutterglove to founding R Craig Films and producing films?
A: The inspiration for starting the Robert Craig Films company was simply to pursue a dream that I’ve had most of my life, since about 1988, which was to make movies. I tried back then to make movies, but it didn’t work out; I didn’t really know what I was doing, but I tried, and it was fun.
Q: Even though you transitioned into the roofing industry, you still incorporated film into your companies. What kind of videos did you produce?
A: Anytime there were opportunities to produce a video for the gutter company, I was the one for the job and really loved it. I would produce videos on how to install our product on various roof types. I produced an infomercial on our gutter guard products and aired it on television. I also made a mini documentary about the company and oversaw a few commercials for the company as well.
Q: You’ve drawn parallels between Gutterglove and your film No Address, which tackles homelessness. Can you explain this connection?
A: Just like Gutterglove keeps people safe from harm, No Address aims to protect lives by raising awareness and inspiring action. With Gutterglove, we’re saving lives because people don’t have to climb their ladders and get on the roof to clean out their gutters. Our products also prevent house fires since tree debris isn’t in the gutters to be ignited by embers from nearby fires. These benefits of the Gutterglove products symbolize the benefits of our movie.
Photo Credit: No Address: The Movie; Julia Verdin, Ty Pennington and Robert Craig pose for a photo after Pennington’s interview for No Address.
Q: No Address highlights the issue of homelessness. How does Gutterglove’s commitment to protecting homes resonate with this project’s mission?
A: With Gutterglove, we are saving lives because people literally do not have to climb their ladders and get on the roof to clean out their gutters anymore. We believe No Address can also save lives. When people get more involved in helping their local nonprofits deal with homelessness, it helps these individuals get off the streets and rebuild their lives. 50% of the net proceeds from No Address go toward supporting organizations that combat homelessness, a mission further strengthened by our “Big 5 Giveback” initiative. If new policies are adopted that genuinely benefit those experiencing homelessness, that will also make a difference.
Q: How do you see the mission of R Craig Films aligning with the core values of Gutterglove, particularly community and care?
A: It’s not just about selling products; it’s about helping people. Both companies care deeply about their team members—we’re like a family. I’ve always thought a company should feel like family, and both companies have that culture. I also helped create a culture of giving back to those in need. It’s so rewarding to see how Gutterglove continues to give back to the community, even after I left the company.
Q: Looking to the future, how do you see Gutterglove and Robert Craig Films working together?
A: As time goes on, I think Gutterglove and Robert Craig Films can team up to spread the message that people matter. We can support our communities by identifying areas that need help and lending a hand—whether it’s through time, money, or both. When the community sees both companies as advocates for helping those in need, it might inspire others to follow. I believe if every person and business contributed, we wouldn’t have a homeless crisis in America.
If you’re considering ways to protect your home, Gutterglove gutter guards are a trusted solution that reflects the same commitment to quality and care that defines everything Robert Craig Lenney does.
