In today’s episode, Dave Sullivan chats with Michael Stone, the author of Markup and Profit, about why so many roofing contractors run into trouble, or even go out of business. They discuss the importance of thoroughly understanding your financial statements, pricing your jobs accurately, and maintaining healthy profit margins. Michael also shares eight red flags that can signal your business is in trouble, like not paying your bills on time or working for free as the owner. The big takeaway? Spot financial problems early, continue learning, and don’t be afraid to ask for help or utilize the available resources. That’s how you build a roofing business that lasts and actually makes money. Tune in to hear more!

What you’ll hear in this episode:

• Challenges faced by roofing contractors in business management
• Importance of understanding financial statements and job costs
• Common reasons for contractor business failures
• The significance of accurate pricing and markup strategies
• The role of overhead costs in determining profitability
• Marketing and lead generation as critical components for success
• The necessity of effective bookkeeping and financial oversight
• Warning signs indicating potential business failure
• The value of continuous improvement and education in business practices
• Resources available for contractors to enhance their financial acumen and operational efficiency

Resources:

Find out about Michael’s course, Making the Numbers Work in Construction Markup And Profit or call Michael at 360-335-1100

Markup and Profit by Michael C. Stone

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.)

In this episode of "The Roofer Show," host Dave Sullivan interviews Jon Starry, owner of Steadfast Roofing in Tampa Bay, FL. Jon shares his journey from IT to roofing, highlighting the company’s rapid growth, the importance of in-house crews for consistent quality, and leveraging technology like CRM systems and virtual assistants. He discusses effective lead generation, job costing, and building a strong company culture. Jon also offers practical advice on cash flow management, sales incentives, and continuous learning, providing valuable insights for contractors aiming to grow and improve their roofing businesses. Tune in to hear more!

What you’ll hear in this episode:

• Transition from IT to the roofing industry
• Importance of customer service in business growth
• Lead generation strategies and techniques
• Building a strong online presence and utilizing SEO
• Significance of having a robust CRM system
• Managing cash flow and financial planning
• Tracking key performance indicators (KPIs) for marketing effectiveness
• Creating a positive company culture to retain talent
• Implementing effective project management and communication strategies
• Emphasizing quality control and consistency in work standards

Resources:

Steadfast Roofing

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.)

Marketing is a massive issue for most contractors, especially when business slows down. Questions about marketing are common and frequent in contractor Facebook groups and mastermind groups. The goal is to acquire customers in the most efficient way possible, but how do we accomplish that? Dave and John are joined by two friends who have gold nuggets of wisdom to share, along with practical tips to upgrade your marketing strategy. Join us to learn more!

Emily May is the owner of M&M Roofing, a commercial and residential roofing company in Lufkin, TX. Crystal Williams is the Marketing Strategist at Lemon Seed Marketing, also in TX. Emily has seen big successes at M&M Roofing because of her work with Crystal on all aspects of her marketing strategy. Emily and Crystal join the show to share their best tips to make the most of your branding and marketing strategies.

What you’ll hear in this episode:

● An overview of Emily’s work (as a nurse who bought a roofing company!) and why she reached out to Crystal for brand and marketing help

● The benefits of a good mastermind group include the opportunity to collaborate with like-minded people and learn from them

● A look at Crystal’s role as a branding and marketing partner for contractors

● John’s most significant lesson learned about marketing: “Trust your marketing person–and let them do their thing.”

● Crystal’s philosophy of marketing—and how it has worked for Emily’s company

● Outperforming your competitors is easier than you think!

● “Be operationally prepared to book EVERY lead!”

● Your standard operational procedure should be to react and respond immediately to every lead.

● Every marketing plan should be curated for YOUR business.

● Is your three-legged stool wobbly? Learn three strategies to grow your business: operational excellence, pricing, and marketing.

● Questions to answer about your brand, opportunities to gather leads, CRM, sales process, digital footprint, and more

● Emily’s testimony about marketing success at M&M Roofing

● The marketing piece influences the sales piece of your business.

● Emily’s perspective on what’s working and what’s not working in marketing

● Meet “Roofus,” the armadillo mascot for M&M Roofing

Resources:

M&M Roofing

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...

What is the #1 question from homeowners regarding the roofing industry? “How much is my roof going to cost?” The team at Roofle has developed a powerful price quoting tool called Roof Quote PRO that can enhance your customer service in every way. Times are changing in the roofing industry, and old-school methods don’t work with today’s consumers. Join us to learn more about this cutting-edge technology that is available now!

Dave and John are joined by Mike Goldenstein, the Chief Revenue Officer at Roofle. Mike logged over 30 years in every aspect of the roofing industry before joining Roofle last year. He explains how Roof Quote PRO is changing everything in the customer experience around getting a new roof and why Roofle remains committed to innovation and simplicity in everything they do.

Before they talk with Mike, Dave and John discuss the latest developments in the rebranding of DeLaurier Roofing to Peach State Roofing, along with why rebranding is a BIG deal with many details to consider.

What you’ll hear in this episode:

• How things are changing rapidly in the roofing industry and requiring a mindset shift from roofing contractors
• How Roof Quote PRO works like no other tool in the roofing industry
• How to give the customer a great experience with Roof Quote PRO
• John’s perspective as a roofing business owner about how Roof Quote PRO solves problems and helps his business in various ways
• Why customers trust a roofing business more if you are transparent with your price
• Why price is just one of the pillars that customers consider in the value their roofing contractor can bring them
• How Roof Quote PRO can be a tool to connect roofing contractors to local realtors for additional leads
• What Mike sees in lead magnets that actually work
• Why the Roofle team is committed to making Roof Quote PRO “always innovative and profoundly simple”
• Mike’s overview of the new features in Roof Quote PRO that will enhance the customer experience

Resources:

Connect with Mike Goldenstein:

Website, Instagram, Facebook, and LinkedIn

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...

Today, Dave is excited to speak with John DeLaurier about the hurdles roofing contractors often encounter, especially why traditional coaching doesn't work for 80% of them. They dive into how crucial commitment, mindset, and smart financial management are for success. Dave also rolls out a new mentoring program that provides hands-on support, setting it apart from the usual coaching methods. They touch on the importance of quality control, effective communication with customers, and using technology like CRM systems. Tune in to hear how to focus on improving your business processes to make it more profitable and sustainable!

What you’ll hear in this episode:

• Challenges faced by roofing contractors
• Reasons why traditional coaching fails for 80% of contractors
• Importance of commitment and the right mindset for success
• Introduction of a new mentoring program for hands-on support
• Significance of financial management and understanding financial statements
• Role of CRM systems in improving business operations
• Strategies for effective customer communication and managing change orders
• Importance of quality control and accountability in roofing projects
• Maximizing opportunities for referrals and follow-up with customers
• Emphasis on working on the business rather than just in it for long-term success

Connect with John DeLaurier

Instagram

TikTok

YouTube

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.)

Today, we're excited to bring you an insightful conversation with Chris Scoville from Improvify. Trust me, this is one discussion you won't want to miss!

We're exploring a revolutionary topic in the roofing industry: financing. Chris is here to explain why offering financing options is no longer just a luxury; it's essential for staying competitive and boosting your sales. He'll share invaluable insights on best practices, such as introducing financing early in the sales process and the critical role of capturing customer data. Plus, you'll learn about the exceptional training and support Improveify provides to help contractors seamlessly integrate financing into their business strategies.

Listen to the end to understand how offering customized financing solutions can alleviate your customers' financial concerns and open up new sales opportunities. Tune in to hear more!

What you’ll hear in this episode:

• The critical role of financing in the roofing industry
• Necessity for contractors to offer financing options to remain competitive
• Best practices for selling financing to customers
• Importance of early and frequent introduction of financing options in the sales process
• Training and support provided for contractors by Improvify
• Strategies for capturing customer data to enhance financing sales
• Improvify's unique approach to financing without dealer fees
• Tailored financing solutions and their flexibility for different customer needs
• Simplifying the sales process through user-friendly tools and resources
• Significance of educating customers about various financing options available

Connect with Chris Scoville and Improvify

Improvify

YouTube

Instagram

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

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...

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.)