In this fun and interesting episode, Andy is the guest rather than the host! When he is not interviewing special guests on the Rocket Roof Show, Andy is running Empire Contractors in Michigan. His knowledge and expertise come through in this episode, but most notably is his passion for helping others.
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NEVER FORGET
Andy Near knows the value of hard work. After being raised on a farm and graduating high school, he went to work for his cousin in construction. During that experience, Andy worked for three reputable contractors. He learned skills that set him apart even twenty years later. Andy attributes his own ethical practices to those men teaching him to build a house from the ground up. Roofing, siding, trim, cabinets, and flooring experience gave Andy the knowledge from which to draw in 1998 when he started his own business.
In 2010, Andy transitioned into the office and stumbled upon his expansion into commercial roofing. While attending a city council meeting, he struck up a conversation with a local business owner of a food processing plant. Hearing that Andy was a roofer, this man offered the work of fixing the leaking roof at his plant.
With this first big project under his belt, Andy had greater confidence to reach out and actively pursue bigger jobs. He became certified with a manufacturer and began working with a network of contractors which led to more commercial roofing opportunities.
Now twenty-two years later, Andy is not only known for his business success, but for being a genuine man of integrity and great character. His passion for helping others shows in all his endeavors. He never forgets where he came from and continues to be grateful for the opportunity a few good men gave him in the early part of his career that launched his success.
PAY FORWARD
Andy recalls: “I was a small contractor in 2001 and there was one contractor in our area I felt was the premier contractor. I knew if I could just get work with him one time it would give the shot needed to catapult forward.”
After becoming more successful in commercial roofing, Andy asked, “Why did you take a chance on me, I was just a young guy, yet you gave me an opportunity?” Rick replied, “I was a young guy too at one time, and someone decided to give me a shot.” This made Andy realize why it is so important to always pay it forward and pave the way for the next generation.
Andy is a strong proponent of shared opportunity, knowledge, and networking. “You can go it alone, but joining with a group and gleaning from their experience will get you to higher caliber projects quicker, and to a niche trade and learning what you are uniquely good at and enjoy.”
ACCESS KNOWLEDGE
In 2015, a network of guys who had already “been there” and knew methods of successful marketing and branding, helped Andy’s business greatly with their knowledge. Andy’s desire to help others by providing access to experts past and present was the catalyst for the podcast, and social media offers the ability to connect thousands of people with others quickly. His favorite part is starting the conversation and giving a platform to more voices and perspectives.
ETHICAL THINKING
Andy thinks the industry is moving toward smaller companies operating in a more ethical way. More companies made up of 4-5 man crews in which a comfortable living and sizeable income can be earned is an important shift happening in the industry.
Running Empire Contractors keeps Andy very busy, but he enjoys adding the Rocket Roof Show to his plate. He requests you watch, listen, then follow, like, and share because he wants the show to help the whole industry grow stronger, more professional, and ethical in its practices.
SHIFTS AND SHARING
Coatings are another shift taking place as they no longer need to have a bad reputation. With trained professionals and great product, part of the manufacturing is being put into the hands of contractors and outside of the facility. The risk for failure is due to poor product and application, but if a contractor watches quality control, these warrantied systems can be very successful.
Networking is the shift that takes the rough-crowd reputation out of the roofing industry. Ten to fifteen years ago, roofers didn’t share because of fear that competitors would take their “secret sauce, and business away”, but more people are realizing things like branding, hiring practices, and leadership can be shared, and betters the industry as a whole.
LOOKING FOR FUTURE GUESTS
The industry is ever evolving and on the Rocket Roof Show Andy likes to highlight the strengths of each guest, not debate or ask gotcha questions. If you or someone you know would be a good candidate for the show, reach out to Andy directly at 231-578-4760.
SPONSOR APPRECIATION
Special thanks to our sponsor Top Roof Contractors. Membership in this organization includes reduced prices for commercial roofing leads, third-party-verification to add credibility to your company, and a host of valuable benefits upon acceptance into the network. Learn more about them at www.TopRoofContractors.com.
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