• 430: How to Find A-Players for Your Roofing Business with Paul Sanneman
    May 2 2025

    The #1 problem in the roofing industry today affects both large and small businesses. The issue of finding A-players (and keeping them) is a huge struggle for most contractors. If you can’t afford an HR department for your business, what are you supposed to do? Today’s show has the answer! Join Dave and his guest as they tackle this major obstacle with workable solutions that can work for every roofing business.

    Paul Sanneman founded Contractor Staffing Source, the world’s largest recruiting company that works exclusively with residential and commercial construction companies. They take the burden of staffing your business off your shoulders so you can focus on building and creating, the work that you do best. Paul is also the founder of Dream Business Coaching, and as one of the leading business consultants in the US, has dedicated his life to coaching.

    What you’ll hear in this episode:

    • Paul’s background as a coach for 50 years
    • A breakdown of the work of Contractor Staffing Source
    • Steps to find A-players for your business:
    • Write a killer job ad.
    • Post your job ad everywhere.
    • Respond immediately. “Speed to lead.”
    • Filter applicants with assessments, screenings, background checks, and references.
    • Have an onboarding process that works.
    • “If you can’t find good people, you probably suck at writing job ads.”
    • Paul’s example of using ChatGPT to write a job ad
    • Paul’s example of the assessment Contractor Staffing Source uses
    • The function of an applicant tracking system (APS)
    • “WHO they are is way more important than WHAT they know. We can fix WHAT they know, but we can’t fix WHO they are.”
    • Why it pays to hire a company like Contractor Staffing Source to do your HR work for you

    Connect with Paul Sanneman and Contractor Staffing Source:

    Website, Email, and 415-599-9006

    Resources:

    Check out this episode on our YouTube channel at @DaveSullivanRooferShow" or use this link - https://www.youtube.com/@DaveSullivanRooferShow

    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

    Automate your follow-up process and close more sales with ProLine. Get started for FREE at https://useproline.com/?via=roofercoach. Use promo code DAVE50 for $50 off your first month’s service!

    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: ruby.com/roofershow.

    SMA Support Services fills a need by empowering...

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    29 mins
  • 429: ENCORE: Are You Protected From These 4 Business Killers? with Scott Calhoun
    Apr 25 2025

    If you think you will just sell your business and retire, think again. Very few roofing businesses will end in a sale or transfer to the next generation. Most will just close their doors. Join us to hear how, with careful planning, you can avoid the dreaded 4 D’s that kill so many businesses.

    What you’ll hear in this episode:

    • Setting up corporate structure: why you should avoid sole proprietorship structure
    • Why your personal money MUST be separate from the company’s money
    • Scott’s tips to avoid “losing the corporate veil”
    • The Four D’s that can kill your business, and how to avoid them (or at least minimize the damage):
    • Dissolution - Have policies (like a “Shoot-out Provision”) in place to protect a 50/50 partnership
    • Divorce - Have a written agreement to give notice of a buyout opportunity in case of a divorce
    • Death - Have an agreed valuation every year, have life insurance in place, and have a plan in the event of the owner’s death or retirement
    • Disability - Have disability insurance, talk about the possibility, and put your plan down on paper. Plan ahead!
    • Plan ahead for the 2nd generation of your business and think about your business 10 years from now.
    • “What we’re discussing are ways to protect and preserve the business from potential issues that you can avoid if you simply take the direct and up-front approach of doing proper planning, considering the issues, and putting measures in place.”

    Resources:

    Website: HPSS Law Check out the retainer program offered by Scott’s firm!

    Email: sdc@hpsslaw.com

    Check out this episode on our YouTube channel at @DaveSullivanRooferShow" or use this link - https://www.youtube.com/@DaveSullivanRooferShow

    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

    Automate your follow-up process and close more sales with ProLine. Get started for FREE at https://useproline.com/?via=roofercoach. Use promo code DAVE50 for $50 off your first month’s service!

    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: ruby.com/roofershow.

    SMA Support Services fills a need by empowering contractors to simplify and optimize their operational processes with virtual assistant services. Explore what a virtual assistant can do for your contracting business. Let SMA do the hiring, training, and onboarding. Check out SMAsupport.us (Tell them Dave sent you.)

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    52 mins
  • 428: ENCORE: 2025 Business Essentials for Roofers: Strategies for Higher Profits
    Apr 18 2025

    Now that we are well into 2025, are you hitting your goals? Do you have specific, written goals? What is going right or wrong? Dave Sullivan and John DeLaurier discuss strategies for higher profits by breaking down John’s business goals at Peach State Roofing, along with how he’s planning now for the rest of 2025. If you’re feeling stuck and don’t know how to move forward, this show is for you!

    What you’ll hear in this episode:

    • John’s perspective on where he is right now in identifying strengths and weaknesses
    • “This is the time to work ON your business.”
    • Having success with a higher close rate and fewer leads
    • Finding balance with your three-legged stool
    • Sales depend on converted leads, which depend on your website.
    • John’s tips for a great website that stands out
    • “Big revenue doesn’t mean big profits.”
    • Niching down is the wisest action.
    • Three specific videos every roofer should have on their website
    • Common questions roofing customers ask
    • Lower your customer acquisition cost.
    • Guard against profit slippages that are costing you BIG.
    • A virtual assistant can make a huge difference in the customer experience.
    • 5-star reviews mean everything!
    • 5 components of business success: admin, accounting, marketing, sales, and production
    • Know your numbers—and understand what they mean!
    • The bottom line: “Do the basics to balance your three-legged stool: sell work, do work, and keep score.”

    Resources:

    Check out this episode on our YouTube channel at @DaveSullivanRooferShow" or use this link - https://www.youtube.com/@DaveSullivanRooferShow

    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

    Automate your follow-up process and close more sales with ProLine. Get started for FREE at https://useproline.com/?via=roofercoach. Use promo code DAVE50 for $50 off your first month’s service!

    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: ruby.com/roofershow.

    SMA Support Services fills a need by empowering contractors to simplify and optimize their operational processes with virtual assistant services. Explore what a virtual assistant can do for your contracting business. Let SMA do the hiring, training, and onboarding. Check out SMAsupport.us (Tell them Dave sent you.)


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    1 hr and 8 mins
  • 427: ENCORE: Build A Business That Does Not Rely On You: We’ll Show You How
    Apr 11 2025

    Have you considered what a virtual assistant can do for your roofing business? If you aren’t sure how the process works or what the specific benefits are, today’s show lays it all out for you. Dave and John are joined by Adam Patterson of SMA Support, which provides an amazing service that is crucial to the success of many contractors. They hire, train, and provide VAs to help improve your business process and run the nuts and bolts of your business as dedicated team members. Join us to learn more!

    What you’ll hear in this episode:

    • John’s testimonial about what a VA can do for your roofing business (Check out Episode 373: Everything You Need to Know About Virtual Assistants with Chris Diroll.)
    • Adam’s path from consulting and private equity to SMA Support
    • Building a business of value by taking advantage of outsourcing opportunities
    • Identify the WHY of your business
    • Achieving your goals in an affordable, efficient way with a VA
    • Characteristics of an engaged employee—like an SMA Support VA
    • Eliminate the struggle and potential mistakes in the hiring process by employing a VA
    • Repeatability structure, decision mapping, and nesting: how an SMA Support VA gets it done
    • John’s perspective of Kathleen’s valuable role as the VA for Peach State Roofing
    • No time to train a VA? SMA takes care of that!
    • Adam’s take on managing people and offering incremental bonuses to exceptional VAs
    • The role of a VA in getting reviews, getting faster payments, and providing excellent customer service
    • What can a VA do for you? You, the business owner, can spend less time each week in “the drudge zone.”
    • Adam’s view of what’s going on right now in the private equity world

    Connect with Adam Patterson and SMA Support:

    Website

    Resources:

    Check out this episode on our YouTube channel at @DaveSullivanRooferShow" or use this link: https://www.youtube.com/@DaveSullivanRooferShow

    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

    Automate your follow-up process and close more sales with ProLine. Get started for FREE at https://useproline.com/?via=roofercoach. Use promo code DAVE50 for half off your first month’s service!

    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: ruby.com/roofershow.

    SMA Support Services fills a need by empowering contractors to simplify and optimize their operational processes with virtual assistant services. Explore what a virtual assistant can do...

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    54 mins
  • 426: Two Contractors, Two Visions: What It Really Takes To Build A Profitable Roofing Business
    Apr 4 2025

    Tune in today as Dave Sullivan dives into the different ways two roofing contractors, each pulling in about $2 million a year, run their businesses. Through some insightful discovery calls, Dave shares their unique stories, goals, and how they've set up their businesses. He really drives home the point about how important it is to have personalized coaching and a solid business plan. Dave also discusses why it's crucial to understand your financial statements and why focusing on profit is more important than just chasing sales volume. Having strategies tailored to your needs can lead to success in the roofing world, and it highlights the benefits of one-on-one mentoring and coaching services.

    What you’ll hear in this episode:

    • Differences between two roofing contractors generating similar revenue
    • Importance of personalized coaching for contractors
    • Necessity of a solid business plan, including financial understanding
    • Emphasis on profit over sales volume for sustainable growth
    • The franchise model versus independent business growth in roofing
    • Building a roadmap for business success, including assessing current status and resources
    • Lead generation strategies and the sales process
    • Importance of effective communication and follow-up in sales
    • Streamlining operations and outsourcing for efficiency
    • Financial management and cash flow importance for business sustainability

    Resources:

    Check out this episode on our YouTube channel at @DaveSullivanRooferShow" or use this link - https://www.youtube.com/@DaveSullivanRooferShow

    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

    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: ruby.com/roofershow.

    SMA Support Services fills a need by empowering contractors to simplify and optimize their operational processes with virtual assistant services. Explore what a virtual assistant can do for your contracting business. Let SMA do the hiring, training, and onboarding. Check out SMAsupport.us (Tell them Dave sent you.)

    Automate your follow-up process and close more sales with ProLine. Get started for FREE at https://useproline.com/. Use promo code “Dave50” for $50 off your first month’s service!

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    53 mins
  • 425: How To Organize Your Business In 8 Simple Steps
    Mar 28 2025

    Today, Dave dives into why having a solid business plan is crucial for roofing contractors. He chats about how important it is to know where your business is headed and the reasons behind your goals. He also talks about the key role financial statements and cash flow management play in running a successful business. If you’re wanting to write a strong business plan, Dave will give you what you need to get it done, so tune in!

    What you’ll hear in this episode:

    • Importance of a well-rounded business plan for roofing contractors
    • Understanding the destination and "why" behind the business
    • Significance of financial statements and cash flow management
    • Common pitfalls faced by contractors in financial management
    • Development of a mentoring program for ongoing support and accountability
    • Eight essential steps to building a solid business plan
    • Importance of customer service and operational efficiency
    • Introduction of a free resource: the "one-page business plan"
    • Emphasis on tracking key performance indicators (KPIs)
    • Planning for long-term goals and exit strategies in business

    Resources:

    Check out this episode on our YouTube channel at @DaveSullivanRooferShow" or use this link - https://www.youtube.com/@DaveSullivanRooferShow

    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

    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: ruby.com/roofershow.

    SMA Support Services fills a need by empowering contractors to simplify and optimize their operational processes with virtual assistant services. Explore what a virtual assistant can do for your contracting business. Let SMA do the hiring, training, and onboarding. Check out SMAsupport.us (Tell them Dave sent you.)

    Automate your follow-up process and close more sales with ProLine. Get started for FREE at https://useproline.com/. Use promo code “Dave50” for $50 off your first month’s service!






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    38 mins
  • 424: Scaling Smart: How Roofing Contractors Can Use AI and Systems to Drive Growth with Nick Peret
    Mar 21 2025

    Today, Dave Sullivan chats with Nick Peret, the founder of Better Boss, about the hurdles roofing contractors encounter with technology and CRM systems. Dave highlights how crucial it is to implement these systems properly and ensure the team adopts them to steer clear of inefficiencies. Nick brings up the idea of a fractional CTO, which offers top-notch tech expertise without the expense of a full-time hire. Tune in as they emphasize the importance of having structured processes, job costing, and maintaining a positive leadership attitude. This episode is packed with valuable insights for contractors aiming to boost their operations and achieve sustainable growth by effectively using technology and optimizing processes, so tune in!

    What you’ll hear in this episode:

    • Challenges faced by roofing contractors in implementing Customer Relationship Management (CRM) systems
    • Importance of proper implementation and team adoption of technology to avoid inefficiencies
    • The role of a fractional Chief Technology Officer (CTO) in providing technology expertise to contractors
    • Need for structured processes and standardized operating procedures (SOPs) in business operations
    • Significance of job costing and tracking financial metrics for profitability
    • Strategies for scaling a business sustainably while maintaining profit margins
    • The impact of technology, including AI and automation, on enhancing business operations
    • Importance of adapting to changing customer interactions and expectations
    • Risks associated with delayed payments and cash flow challenges in the storm work sector
    • Value of mentorship and expert guidance for contractors seeking to improve their business practices

    Resources:

    Connect with Nick Peret and Better Boss!

    Better Boss

    Facebook

    YouTube

    Connect with Dave and The Roofer Show!

    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

    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: ruby.com/roofershow.

    SMA Support Services fills a need by empowering contractors to simplify and optimize their operational processes with virtual assistant services. Explore what a virtual assistant can do for your contracting business. Let SMA do the hiring, training, and onboarding. Check out SMAsupport.us (Tell them Dave sent you.)

    Automate your follow-up process and close more sales with ProLine. Get started for FREE at

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    52 mins
  • 423: From Chaos to Control: How a CRM and Virtual Assistant Transformed This Roofing Business with Brian Huff
    Mar 14 2025

    In this episode of The Roofer Show, Dave Sullivan sits down with Brian Huff, the guy behind Modern Roofing Group in Denver and Littleton, CO. Brian dives into his story of how he got into the roofing world and even started his own business right in the middle of the COVID-19 pandemic! He discusses how crucial it is to build a solid reputation and tackle financial hurdles and how mastermind groups can be a game-changer for contractors. They chat about how Brian uses CRM systems to make things run smoother, keep up with follow-ups, and improve how they interact with customers. Plus, Brian shares some cool marketing strategies and why keeping an eye on ROI is so important. This episode is packed with great tips for contractors looking to grow their business and boost customer service, so tune in!

    What you’ll hear in this episode:

    • Importance of having a reliable Customer Relationship Management (CRM) system for roofing contractors
    • Brian Huff's journey into the roofing industry and his experiences working for various companies
    • Challenges of starting a roofing business during the COVID-19 pandemic with limited financial resources
    • Significance of maintaining a strong reputation in a competitive market
    • Value of networking and being part of a mastermind group for contractors
    • Innovative strategies for business growth through technology and automation
    • Lead generation techniques and the importance of quality leads over quantity
    • Tracking return on investment (ROI) for marketing strategies and adapting to regional market conditions
    • Use of automation in managing customer interactions and streamlining operations
    • Importance of continuous learning and adaptation in the roofing industry for sustained success

    Resources:

    Connect with Brian Huff and Modern Roofing Group!

    Modern Roofing Group,

    Call Brian! (720) 334-3449

    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

    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: ruby.com/roofershow.

    SMA Support Services fills a need by empowering contractors to simplify and optimize their operational processes with virtual assistant services. Explore what a virtual assistant can do for your contracting business. Let SMA do the hiring, training, and onboarding. Check out SMAsupport.us (Tell them Dave sent you.)

    Automate your follow-up process and close more sales with ProLine. Get started for FREE at https://useproline.com/. Use promo code “Dave50” for $50 off your first month’s...

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    56 mins