Advice for New Roofers

Roofing is a competitive field, so it’s important to differentiate yourself from the competition in order to stand out and get those jobs. Here are some of the most common tips that were gathered for new roofers in the industry:

Choose who you work for carefully and partner with great companies. We are often tempted to say “Yes” to keep the crews busy or to keep cash flow coming in, but sometimes “No” is the best answer you can give. But always be respectful – you don’t want to burn bridges.

Use technology. Technology is an easy way to differentiate your company during the sales and installation process. Many companies have developed apps to make the selection process for homeowners much easier.

Listen, listen, listen. In order to grow and learn you need to listen and take in any advice you receive. You may get advice from colleagues, your boss, the project manager, a homeowner, etc. Take it all in and use their comments to be better at your job.

Keep a positive attitude and use your time effectively. What is the key to sales longevity? Optimism! Sell value, not price. That’s easy to say, but much harder to do. Determine the answers to these questions: How does your company identify its unique value? What separates you from the competition? Does your entire team have the same answer? Can your competition say they have the same thing? (Be honest.) Most important: what is your unique value worth to your customer?

Don’t grow beyond your means. A complete forward-focused business plan can help ensure a company grows at the correct pace. Network and use the wisdom of those around you. Join business-networking groups. Start a local roofing contractor association if one does not exist in your market. Remember: “a high tide raises all boats.” Take an accounting class. Unfortunately, many roofing contractors know how to install a roof but don’t know how to determine job cost. Being too high can lose you jobs while being too low can lose you money.

Be honest. Unfortunately, roofing is an industry where a few deceptive people ruin it for the rest. Be honest and upfront every time. The honest roofers will increase their good reputation and secure more jobs. Make sure everyone is safe. Roofing is one of the most dangerous jobs in the country.

Constantly improving the safety culture of your company is critical to company longevity, good crew morale, and the overall success of your enterprise. If you are just getting into roofing or need a way to stand out and grow your business, consider these hard-earned pieces of advice. By learning from others, you can avoid some of those errors yourself. Do you have any advice to add to the list? Feel free to share your thoughts in the comments below.

Etiquette Tips for Putting Your Best Business Self Forward

If you are a small business owner or employee, part of your responsibility is to get in front of a homeowner and sell a job and the other part is actually doing the work. Larger companies may have separate sales people, but frequently the contractor is selling his own work. If you’re a contractor who’s more comfortable on the roof than inside a home, here are some tips to make sure you put your best foot forward when trying to sell a residential roofing job:

Dress for success. We all love a pair of jeans and a t-shirt, but when meeting a potential customer, put on a polo shirt or, even better, a company uniform and a pair of khakis. It makes a good, professional impression and whether we like it or not, first impressions count. Also take a moment to shine your shoes. You would be surprised by how rarely these simple steps are embraced in our profession.

Tend to your truck. Keep it neat by washing it, wrapping your logo on it, and putting away tools neatly. This also gives a good impression to a homeowner (and their neighbors) when they see the truck in their driveway. Does your truck wrap match your company uniform?

Be punctual. It’s better to be early and sit outside in your truck gathering your materials than be late or come running in at the last minute. Remember that the customer is waiting for you to arrive. It is always a good idea to arrive early and wait in the truck for 2 or 3 minutes. It lets them know you are there and respectful of their time.

Show you’re legit. Since you are now punctual, when you ring the doorbell, step back and have on a lanyard with your license or logo, photo, and name tag so a homeowner can see it clearly from the door’s peephole. Tip: Have your crews wear the same clip for easy identification.

Freshen up. You may have just inhaled an onion-infused burger or have been sweating it out on the roof, but the homeowner doesn’t need to smell that. Have mints on hand and wash up if you’re just coming off a job. A touch of cologne in the truck is never a bad idea either.

Respect the floor. Ask homeowners if they mind you walking in with your boots on or come with disposable booties that go over your shoes. 

Clean up after yourself. If you have to go in the attic or track a mess in the house, bring in a small portable cordless vac to clean up after yourself. A homeowner will appreciate your respect of their home.

Be courteous. Even if you are dealing with an unpleasant homeowner, don’t get drawn into conflict. Be pleasant and appreciative of the opportunity even if you want to run the other way. “Who’s the toughest customer?” Practice with your team how to handle difficult situations.

Put your phone away. The call or text can wait. Make the homeowner feel that they are important and deserve your attention. A good policy would be to turn your phone on silent (vibration off too) and leave it in your pocket unless you are accessing apps to help make the sale.

Don’t forget to say thanks. Shake hands firmly and thank the homeowner for the opportunity to serve them. And don’t be afraid to go the extra mile – send a thank you post card. A simple handwritten note adds a touch of class and can make a huge difference.

These small gestures go a long way and can help you make a good impression to sell that next job.