Host Andy Near and Jeffrey Marcus of Certifly discuss how drones are being used in the commercial roofing industry today, while also answering questions about the return on investment for adding drone technology to your roofing tool set.
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Jeffrey Marcus had a marketing and business development career for many years. In 2002, he began working with an aerial images and roofing measurements company, reselling data to commercial contractors and insurance companies. Now he’s taken that to a new level with his forward-thinking business, Certifly.
DRONE VALUE
Very accurate at collecting physical measurements, a drone brings better resolution in picture and video quality. Waiting will be a thing of the past as aerial views are now immediate and easy to access rather than taking months or requiring safety equipment.
Collecting an aerial view from a drone makes four seasons roofing doable. Weather can affect a drone’s performance but will not sideline it for a whole season like climbing on the roof and inspecting from corner to corner. If “CYA” is your concern, use your drone to document the inspection of the adjuster.
Documentation and inspections are what drones have mostly been used for to date, and this certainly changed the industry. Now you can gather measurements and provide instant quotes to prospects and customers as Certifly creates measurements in real time.
It takes just 90 seconds of drone footage and an online roof measurement report to increase your close rate for any sales quote. Imagine having photographic and video footage and a report complete in 15 minutes, without climbing ladders or putting on harnesses. What that can do for your return on investment is dramatic. You will also impress any potential customer and provide trust and satisfaction as you respect their time as well as your own.
DRONE SAFETY
Automating and allowing technology to do some of the more dangerous work is smart and innovative. Not using scaffolding, ladders, or needing other equipment to simply inspect, measure, or take footage of a project can have a huge impact on your bottom line.
Safety is a huge issue because let’s be honest, when using a drone, it’s impossible for you to fall off a roof.
You can also reduce your insurance liability by reclassifying staff and keeping the salesperson from climbing up to the roof. This savings alone can pay for the cost of the drone.
To remain legally safe, be sure to learn the restricted, unrestricted, and controlled areas. But do not be intimidated. Register your drone and follow guidelines. Groups and online videos are available to help.
DRONE FUN
It becomes easy to document any project from beginning, middle, to end of the job, and fun to post on social media bringing interaction and immediate attention to your company. Place sponsored ads, display your OSHA compliance, and tag customers in your posts to boost interest.
Drones help with employee morale. Getting the crew involved in taking company pictures together on the roof while staying safe is easy. Stay connected with your team, customers, and family in the process while advertising your business in a simple fun manner.
If you have interest in drones then broaden your conversation by joining Jeffrey’s online group “Drones For Contractors”. About 2,500 members strong this group builds the dialogue and development of best drone practices for business success and immeasurable joy. All drone enthusiasts are welcome.
How about just giving the crew a cool down. Yes drones provide much needed relief from the heat when up on a roof as they generate a nice breeze. Someone on the roof gets a small cut, fly an adhesive bandage up to them quickly and safely. The possibilities are endless.
DRONE OPTIONS
To have a good experience think of your drone as a tool not a toy and don’t by the cheapest one. Jeffrey considers three types of drones for purchase that he classifies as the hobby, economy, and professional.
The hobby drone type costs $100-150 and is often what children receive as a gift, and usually find broken within days.
The economy is between $500-$1000 and offers some good features. Think ahead for upgrades and attachments. Will your drone accommodate new technology or be compatible as innovation occurs.
The professional drone is more costly but heavier and more stable. It won’t crash as easily because it comes with better sensors, creating a smoother experience. A drone that has crashed and is in the repair shop affects your cost benefit analysis, so a better purchase saves you in the long run. Consider that being able to shift worker’s comp and other insurance liabilities will easily pay for a higher quality drone.
DRONES NOT RETIREMENT
Experienced employees looking at retirement due to the physical limitations of roofing can extend their careers with drones. Technology instead of ladders keeps their knowledge within the company.
Sales personnel can use a drone for aerial scans and photos for any sales pitch. Those who have proven successful should not be nudged into retirement because of the danger of scaffolding. Wisdom can be put into a different mechanism when they go a step above using drone data sales.
Older staff and crew are often quick to engage in conversation and more interesting because of their life experience. When the drone comes out, “It’s like the ice cream truck has arrived, it brings out all the neighbors”.
DRONE TRAINING
Several free videos are available online to assist you, but ultimately your training is in the practice of flying and piloting. The United States sets most regulations for the globe but always stay up to date on rules and regs here, and in other countries if you will be traveling. At the end of the day, the FAA has jurisdiction.
Federal licensing is required, and some local jurisdictions may set some regulations like not flying over a school or city building. It’s easy to feel antsy because of licensing and requirements but practices can be followed with just a little attention. If time is a concern, dedicate one or two members of your team to learning all things drone and stay current on mandates.
Ultimately, drones are affecting many industries and making it much more efficient and productive to keep up with competitors. Don’t miss out or come late to the game!
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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