Ever wondered what it takes to build a successful roofing business?
The roofing industry isn’t just about installing shingles or fixing leaks; it’s about building something greater. Through the years, I’ve learned a few things while building my own roofing business from the ground up. When I first started, I wasn’t sure where the journey would take me, but I had a goal: to turn an idea into a thriving business. Now, after facing every challenge you can imagine, I want to share what I’ve learned so that others—maybe even you—can find the path to success a little smoother.
These five key lessons have been essential in shaping my journey, and I hope they help you too.
Lesson 1: Build Trust First
The first lesson is simple but essential: trust is everything. In roofing, homeowners are trusting us with one of their most valuable assets. To build that trust, honesty and clear communication are key. Studies show that 86% of consumers say transparency from a business is more important than ever before, especially when making big decisions like choosing a roofing contractor (Sprout Social, 2021).
Here’s how to build trust with clients:
- Be upfront about costs, timelines, and potential challenges.
- Share past successes and customer stories.
- Provide updates regularly and keep communication open.
The more trust you build, the more likely clients will recommend you to others.
Lesson 2: Embrace Technology
Roofing isn’t what it used to be—technology is changing everything. Tools like drones, software for measuring roof dimensions, and apps to track projects have made roofing businesses more efficient and accurate.
In fact, using technology can save businesses up to 30% of project time and reduce mistakes by 50% (source: Construction Executive). Here’s how embracing technology can help:
- Use project management apps to keep projects on track.
- Adopt customer relationship management (CRM) systems to improve communication.
- Try drone inspections to increase accuracy and safety.
Technology helps you work smarter, not harder, and provides clients with better results.
Lesson 3: Focus on Customer Service
In a business like roofing, customer service goes a long way. More than 75% of consumers say they’ll return to a business with great service (HubSpot, 2023). Roofing is a big investment, and people want to feel valued from start to finish. To make this happen:
- Listen carefully to client concerns and address them.
- Make follow-up calls after the project to ensure satisfaction.
- Offer guarantees or warranties for peace of mind.
Treating clients well turns them into long-term customers and often brings new business through word-of-mouth.
Lesson 4: Understand Your Numbers
If there’s one thing I wish I’d learned earlier, it’s that understanding finances is crucial. It’s not just about making money; it’s about knowing where your money is going. Did you know that over 20% of small businesses fail because of cash flow problems (U.S. Bank study)?
Here’s how to keep your business finances healthy:
- Track expenses carefully—know what goes in and out each month.
- Review profit margins regularly, and adjust as necessary.
- Invest in financial software or consider hiring an accountant.
Taking control of your numbers can prevent a lot of future headaches and helps you make smarter decisions.
Lesson 5: Never Stop Learning
Finally, never underestimate the power of continuous learning. The roofing industry changes quickly, and so do customer expectations. Staying ahead means always looking for ways to improve. Studies show that businesses investing in ongoing training are 25% more likely to succeed long-term (LinkedIn Workplace Learning Report, 2022).
Some ways to keep learning:
- Attend industry events like the 6th Annual Roofing Process Conference.
- Follow industry leaders and join online forums.
- Learn from customer feedback to improve your service.
Adopting a learning mindset will not only help your business grow but also keep you excited about what you’re building.
Actionable Task
Take one of these lessons and put it to action this week. For example, if you haven’t looked at your finances in a while, review your expenses and see if you’re on track with your goals. Small steps add up to big results over time.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q: How much should I invest in technology for my roofing business?
A: Start small. Choose one tool, like a project management app, and see the benefits. Then, as you see a return on investment, consider adding other tools like drones for inspections or a CRM system.
Q: Is it really necessary to attend industry events?
A: Absolutely. Events like the Roofing Process Conference offer the chance to learn from experts and connect with other roofing professionals. They often share new ideas and best practices that can set you apart from competitors.
Q: How do I know if my business is ready for growth?
A: If you’ve got stable finances, a good client base, and reliable systems, it might be time to scale. However, it’s essential to ensure that you have the resources and team in place to support growth without sacrificing quality.
By focusing on these five lessons—building trust, embracing technology, prioritizing customer service, understanding finances, and never stopping learning—you’ll be better prepared for success in the roofing industry. Each lesson is a step toward making your business stronger and more resilient.
I’ll be sharing more insights at the upcoming Roofing Process Conference. If you’re serious about growing your roofing business, I highly recommend attending. It’s the perfect place to learn, connect, and get inspired.
Remember, every successful business starts with a single step forward. Take what you’ve learned and put it to work. LFGrow!
— Lance
About Lance Bachmann
Lance Bachmann is an entrepreneur, author, and speaker known for his “Build It To Sell It” mindset. Founder of 1SEO Digital Agency and LB Capital, Lance is dedicated to helping businesses grow, particularly in the home services and roofing industries. His journey from humble beginnings to multimillion-dollar success inspires many, as he shares his strategies at industry events, universities, and through his books, “ALL IN” and the “Elite Roofing Guide.”
