Ready to stay ahead in the ever-evolving roofing industry? Today, host Dave Sullivan speaks with Jon Gardner from Owens Corning for an eye-opening conversation you won’t want to miss!

Discover how the pandemic turbocharged technology adoption and transformed what homeowners expect from contractors. Jon shares how Owens Corning is leading the way with investments in contractor education, cutting-edge technology, and business audits through Owens Corning University.

Tune in as they break down the top growth drivers for contractors: warranties, insights, resources, technology, and training, and reveal why operational excellence, financial know-how, and lightning-fast lead response are the keys to thriving in today’s competitive market. Don’t miss these actionable insights to future-proof your roofing business!

What you’ll hear in this episode:

• Significant changes in the roofing industry over the past five years, particularly due to the COVID-19 pandemic
• Shifts in homeowner expectations for faster, more transparent service and seamless communication
• Increasing role of private equity in the roofing industry and its impact on efficiency and technology adoption
• Owens Corning's investments in resources and tools to support contractors, including educational programs
• Importance of fundamentals in roofing application and operational excellence for contractors
• Critical role of speed in lead response and its effect on closing sales
• The roofing industry's reputation, including its high ranking in customer complaints despite positive reviews
• The comprehensive training and audit programs offered by Owens Corning to help contractors improve their businesses
• Key factors for contractors to prioritize for growth including warranties, insights, resources, technology, and ongoing training
• The necessity of mentorship and continuous education for contractors to adapt and thrive in a competitive market

Resources:

Owenscorning.com (Go to the Pro section to become a contractor rewards member!)

Check out this episode on our YouTube channel at @DaveSullivanRooferShow or use this link - https://youtu.be/N7F2wJVbfwk

Be sure to subscribe, like, and comment!

Set up a FREE strategy call with Dave and get a few tips on how you can improve your business: https://davesullivan.as.me/free-strategy-call

Interested in learning more about our 1-on-1 coaching, mastermind groups, or fractional CFO services? Email me or send me a text at (510) 612-1450.

No Plan? No problem. Download our FREE 1-Page Business Plan For Roofing Contractors: https://theroofershow.com/plan

The Roofer Show’s Vetted Sponsors

Check out this episode on our YouTube channel at @DaveSullivanRooferShow.

Have RUBY answer your phones and tee up the sale by leaving a great first impression. Use this link to get up to $150 off your first month’s service: theroofercoach.com/ruby.

Automate your follow-up process and close more sales with ProLine. Get started for FREE at https://useproline.com/. Use promo code “DAVE50” to get 50% off your first month’s service.

I’m so excited to bring you this interview today. Rick Dutmer, my old business coach, helped me build my roofing company over thirty years into a highly profitable business, enabling me to successfully exit and pursue the things I wanted to do in life.

When I first hired Rick, I was really struggling and wearing all the hats in the business. I knew there was a better way, and Rick was the one who helped guide me through it all. It started with building a business plan that set me up with a saleable business.

Today you’ll hear all about how to build a profitable business that will support you and your family with a great lifestyle, how to build a valuable business that you can sell when you’re ready to retire, and so much more.

What you’ll hear in this episode:

• How Rick’s business background helps contractors improve their own businesses
• Rick’s process he used in helping Dave build his business plan
• While building your business, always be thinking about the horizon! This is when business goals transition to more of a business/personal goal.
• You have a strategy for growing your business and for growing your people. What’s your strategy for exiting?
• The main reason that contractors go out of business.
• “Profit thrills, volume kills”
• Building a business that has a saleable value depends on your goals
• Having a strong team that will continue the business beyond you or your generation
• Rick’s recommendations around selling if/when you decide to exit
• Roll-ups: the good, the bad, and the ugly

Resources:

Connect with Rick!

Email: rdutmer@duadllc.com

Check out this episode on our Youtube channel at @DaveSullivanRooferShow or use this link - https://youtu.be/N7F2wJVbfwk

Be sure to subscribe, like, and comment!

Set up a FREE strategy call with Dave and get a few tips on how you can improve your business: https://davesullivan.as.me/free-strategy-call

Interested in learning more about our 1-on-1 coaching, mastermind groups, or fractional CFO services? Email me or send me a text at (510) 612-1450.

No Plan? No problem. Download our FREE 1-Page Business Plan For Roofing Contractors: https://theroofershow.com/plan

The Roofer Show’s Vetted Sponsors

Check out this episode on our YouTube channel at @DaveSullivanRooferShow.

Have RUBY answer your phones and tee up the sale by leaving a great first impression. Use this link to get up to $150 off your first month’s service: theroofercoach.com/ruby.

Automate your follow-up process and close more sales with ProLine. Get started for FREE at https://useproline.com/. Use promo code “DAVE50” to get 50% off your first month’s service.

Today, host Dave Sullivan (“The Roofer Coach”) shares expert advice on the crucial first hire for roofing business owners aiming to grow beyond solo operations. Drawing on 30+ years of experience, Dave explains why building solid systems, outsourcing key tasks, and developing clear job roles are essential before hiring full-time staff. He emphasizes profitability, strong processes, and smart leadership as the foundation for sustainable growth, offering practical tips and free resources to help contractors build businesses that don’t depend solely on the owner. Tune in to hear more!

What you’ll hear in this episode:

• Importance of determining the first hire in a roofing business for solo operators
• Common mistakes in hiring, particularly bringing on salespeople too early
• Necessity of having a proven sales process and marketing system before hiring
• Importance of clear job descriptions and realistic expectations for new hires
• Aligning compensation plans with business goals to ensure sustainability
• Value of training, coaching, and retaining employees to minimize turnover
• Consideration of hiring from outside the roofing industry for fresh talent
• Need for a structured organizational design with defined roles and responsibilities
• Benefits of outsourcing administrative and inside sales functions to maintain focus
• Importance of having effective tools, such as CRM systems, to support business growth

Resources:

Check out this episode on our Youtube channel at @DaveSullivanRooferShow or use this link - https://youtu.be/N7F2wJVbfwk

Be sure to subscribe, like, and comment!

Set up a FREE strategy call with Dave and get a few tips on how you can improve your business: https://davesullivan.as.me/free-strategy-call

Interested in learning more about our 1-on-1 coaching, mastermind groups, or fractional CFO services? Email me or send me a text at (510) 612-1450.

No Plan? No problem. Download our FREE 1-Page Business Plan For Roofing Contractors: https://theroofershow.com/plan

The Roofer Show’s Vetted Sponsors

Check out this episode on our YouTube channel at @DaveSullivanRooferShow.

Have RUBY answer your phones and tee up the sale by leaving a great first impression. Use this link to get up to $150 off your first month’s service: theroofercoach.com/ruby.

Automate your follow-up process and close more sales with ProLine. Get started for FREE at https://useproline.com/. Use promo code “DAVE50” to get 50% off your first month’s service.