Robert Craig Lenney, the inventive mind behind Gutterglove, revolutionized home maintenance with his stainless-steel micro-mesh gutter guard. But Lenney’s story is about more than entrepreneurial success. It’s a narrative of growth, reinvention, and a deep commitment to social impact. Today, Lenney channels his energy into philanthropy and filmmaking, using his new venture, Robert Craig Films, to shine a light on homelessness and inspire community action.
The Early Years: From Tree Services to Gutter Guards
In the early 1990s, long before Gutterglove became a household name, Robert Craig Lenney ran a tree service business in California’s San Francisco Bay Area. It was during this time that Lenney began developing an interest in film. “I tried to make movies back in 1988, but it didn’t work out — I didn’t really know what I was doing,” Lenney said. “Still, it was fun, and the passion for filmmaking never left me.”
His path took an unexpected turn in 1996 when, while still running his tree service company, Lenney started a gutter cleaning business. This sideline venture eventually led to his most famous invention, Gutterglove gutter guards, in 2003. “We began by offering gutter repairs and installations, and I knew there had to be a better way to protect people’s homes from clogged gutters,” he recalled. The result was a stainless-steel micro-mesh gutter guard that solved homeowners’ problems while potentially saving lives by reducing ladder accidents and preventing debris-fueled fires.
A Return to a Lifelong Dream: Founding Robert Craig Films
Even as Gutterglove grew into a leading name in the home improvement industry, Lenney always remembered his passion for film. “It never went away,” he said. In 2018, as Gutterglove’s leadership team expanded, Lenney saw an opportunity to finally pursue his dream. He stepped back from day-to-day operations and launched Robert Craig Films—a production company named after his middle name, Craig — to create meaningful and impactful films.
“This inspiration is my calling, and it drives me every day,” said Lenney.
Tackling Social Issues: The Mission Behind “No Address”
One of Lenney’s most significant projects under Robert Craig Films is No Address, a feature film highlighting the struggles of homelessness in America. The film is more than just a creative endeavor — it reflects the core values that have shaped Lenney’s life and career. Robert Craig Films has also created the Big 5 Giveback, a commitment to supporting organizations and churches that combat homelessness by pledging 50% of the net proceeds from their five No Address productions.
“At Gutterglove, we were protecting homes, and in a way, I feel No Address is doing the same thing — protecting lives,” Lenney explained. “We hope the film will inspire people to engage with their communities, support local organizations, and help get people off the streets.”.
Drawing parallels between the two ventures, Lenney said, “Just as Gutterglove keeps people safe by preventing dangerous ladder climbs, I believe No Address can save lives by raising awareness and encouraging action on homelessness. It’s not about selling a product; it’s about helping people.”
Building a Legacy of Care: Gutterglove’s Community Values
Though Lenney has shifted his focus to filmmaking, the legacy of care and community he built at Gutterglove remains. “Both Gutterglove and Robert Craig Films have similar core values, even though they’re in completely different industries,” he said. “It’s not about the product; it’s about the people. Both companies are like families — team members care for each other, support each other, creating a positive work environment that extends to how they treat customers.”
Gutterglove’s emphasis on excellent customer service stems from Lenney’s philosophy of treating people with empathy and respect. “I believe in the Golden Rule — treat others how you want to be treated,” he said. “That’s something I instilled in Gutterglove, and it’s something I carry with me in my work at Robert Craig Films.”
At Gutterglove, Lenney created a culture of giving back to the community, a mission the company has continued to embrace and expand today. Gutterglove sets aside funds each year to support its Pay It Forward program with donations to local organizations like the Nashville Rescue Mission, Vanderbilt Children’s Hospital, and the Second Harvest Food Bank. At the heart of both Gutterglove and Robert Craig Films is a shared commitment to caring for people. This alignment of values is not a coincidence but a reflection of Lenney’s deep commitment to giving back, which guides both ventures.
The Power of Partnerships: Gutterglove and Robert Craig Films Join Forces
As Lenney expanded his philanthropic efforts through Robert Craig Films, he also found ways to align his two companies’ missions. “We’re collaborating on initiatives to raise awareness about homelessness,” Lenney said. At trade shows across the country, Gutterglove now features banners promoting No Address, sparking conversations with homeowners about how they can make a difference in their communities.
“It’s all about leveraging both platforms to create a bigger impact,” Lenney explained. “When people come to learn about gutter protection, they’re also learning about a critical social issue, and that’s exactly the kind of synergy I was hoping for.”
Looking Ahead: Philanthropy, Film, and the Future
For Lenney, the future of Robert Craig Films is about more than just producing movies. It’s about fostering empathy, sparking dialogue, and inspiring action through storytelling. “We’ve started the Robert Craig Films Foundation, a nonprofit committed to creating awareness and bringing communities together,” Lenney said. “The foundation allows us to continue supporting social responsibility and community care, which has always been a priority for me.”
Despite moving into a new industry, Lenney’s film production approach mirrors the same dedication to quality that made Gutterglove successful. “When I was inventing gutter guards, I didn’t stop until they were perfect. I’ve brought that same philosophy into filmmaking. If the goal is to help end homelessness, I need to create as many attention-getters as possible — whether that’s through a film, a documentary, a book, or even a music soundtrack,” he said.
Businesses as a Force for Good
Lenney is passionate about the idea that businesses have a responsibility to give back. “I believe all businesses should help out in their local communities where there is great need,” he said.
His vision for the future includes continuing the collaboration between Gutterglove and Robert Craig Films, with both companies advocating for social issues and encouraging others to do the same. “If every company and every person helped out in their community, we could make a real difference,” he said. “There’s no reason we can’t significantly reduce homelessness if we all do our part.”
From Gutter Guards to Giving Back
Robert Craig Lenney’s story is one of innovation, reinvention, and deep-rooted compassion. From his early days of solving homeowners’ gutter problems to his current work raising awareness about homelessness, Lenney’s journey is a testament to the power of following one’s passion and using success as a platform for good. As he continues to build Robert Craig Films, his focus remains steadfast: to create meaningful, high-quality productions that inspire change and make the world a better place. “It’s all about helping others — that’s what drives me,” Lenney said.
