Wil-Mar Products: Born out of a Contractor’s Idea for a Pipe Collar

Tired of mastic and tape deteriorating, contractor Bill Merrin invents a long-lasting EPDM pipe collar

W.R. “Bill” Merrin owned a California-based roofing business and was growing tired of having to use mastic and tape around the pipes on the roofs that he was installing. Over the years, he’d seen the materials break down too many times and need to be replaced. So Merrin decided to take matters into his own hands and in 1990 he invented and patented THE PIPE COLLAR. THE PIPE COLLAR is an EPDM rubber collar that provides a waterproof counter-flashing that slides down over the vent pipe.

As Merrin established his new company, he decided as a loving gesture for his wife, he would combine their first names – William and Marianne - and named the company Wil-Mar Products. He began selling THE PIPE COLLAR and the product was quickly embraced by roofing contractors.

After the success of THE PIPE COLLAR, Merrin captured input from Michael Steele and developed the EQUIPMENT AND SOLAR MOUNTING SYSTEM. This system installs easily to flat or pitched roofs and can be used for either residential or commercial applications eliminating the need to put sleepers directly on the roof.

Shortly after that Merrin worked with Steele again to co-design THE ROOFERS SAW. This saw is used for removing broken shakes, shingles and slate, cutting off the fasteners quickly without damage to adjacent material.

Sadly, just five years after creating THE PIPE COLLAR and just as the products were really gaining a foothold in the industry, Bill Merrin passed away. His wife, Marianne, was faced with making a decision about what to do with the business. She already had a full-time job but knew that she wanted to keep her husband’s dream alive.

Taking early retirement from her full-time job, she took on the role of company president and set about learning the business. Marianne quickly figured out the computer system and engaged a fulfillment company to warehouse the product and handle shipping the orders. She kept the business running and has grown it into the successful company that it is today.

Available today through distributors in California, and able to be ordered online in other states, THE PIPE COLLAR remains one of Wil-Mar’s most popular products and is available in six different sizes. Contractors can request a free sample by filling out this request form.

For more information on Wil-Mar’s Products, please visit their website at www.wilmarproducts.com.

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