Making the transition from employee to business owner takes more than just guts and willingness, it takes a completely different focus and thought process. Learn more about making this transition successfully.
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In this episode of the Rocket Roof Show, Andy has a conversation with Francisco Armenta of The Roofing Company, a Master Roofer who has spent years in the industry and openly shares about his experiences.
Francisco has three general rules for laborers: Show Up, Shut Up, Do What You’re Told. This may sound harsh, but he couples it with helpfulness, humility and a teachable attitude to supply others with what is needed for success and a better life.
SHOW UP
Originally motivated by the lack of respect he was receiving, Francisco focused his mindset on transitioning from employee to successful business owner. After standing up for himself to be promoted and being denied, he realized the life he wanted at the wage he was making wasn’t going to happen. Francisco took a leap of faith.
“I’m a great foreman, a great roofer” was the recognition he found while considering his options, so the proper step was to show up for himself. Francisco read the business code of California and began to prepare himself to go out on his own. After a few setbacks, including growing too fast at one point, a new group of connections and community was established. He scaled back until his energy, comfort level and experience were all in sync and things began to take off.
“Every day I could get better, I realized I was good at roofing and decided to be great at it!” Francisco has always had the mindset of success and was determined to make it happen. But ignorance is often bliss and he’s glad now he wasn’t sidetracked by fear or “all that could go wrong”. Instead, his leap of faith combined with wise preparation was the right path forward.
SHUT UP AND DO WHAT YOU’RE TOLD
Yikes that’s old school, and who among us wants to hear that! Francisco says the reality is “this is usually for your own safety in the roofing industry” and can lead to better things. “You need to be teachable and not think you know everything” because there is a lot of risk, and the boss wants you and the whole crew to remain safe.
Humbly gaining knowledge and experience is a good thing and can lead to master status as you learn to solve problems. It took time but Francisco now considers himself a Master Roofer because he has the ability to problem solve, think through all the fundamentals and expertly install the right solution. He has never become set in his ways and is learning something new all the time. Being a Master Roofer is also playing out scenarios in your mind strategically before those challenges arise. When they do, you have already solved them in your thoughts numerous times.
Andy adds that it is important to be the “roof doctor”; not only finding the diagnosis but providing the cure. Let your customer know you are the expert, and what you recommend and why. Clearly identify “this is the (resolution) my company can stand behind, we won’t go below this level of repair to do the job correctly”. This will build your reputation of trustworthiness and quality work.
PROACTIVE PROGRESS
The character trait of helpfulness can pay great dividends. If progressing in the industry and in position is important to you ask your boss “what can I take off your plate today? What can I do to make your job easier?” Notice when your boss or foreman is tired and see that as an opportunity to show responsibility and take charge of the situation. A laborer that is proactive and helpful will always be valuable and progress faster.
Invest in yourself, buy your own tools and have them along as this shows preparedness for any task. An apprentice with this attitude turns journeyman and quickly progresses to master roofer.
For the young person wanting to start their own business, Francisco’s advice is to talk to someone who has done it, “someone outside of family, because they often think you will fail. Not because they don’t believe in you, but because they love you and don’t want anything bad to happen to you.”
THE FUTURE
The younger generation often has a reputation for laziness, but this is not necessarily true. Many times they have just learned to work smarter and earn a living in less time. Young workers today have not known a time without technology and the internet. It is not lazy to work smarter, but it is also a great time for anyone to show a strong work ethic of physical labor. This is an essential aspect for success in the roofing and construction industry.
A shortage of workers is prevailing but Francisco views this as an opportunity, “treat yourself as an independent contractor and work for several different companies”. This gives you control over your time and progression, and as the cost for labor goes up because of more demand and fewer workers you will be setting your own path. A hard worker can advance rapidly.
Find a mentor, and by the way you don’t have to like them to appreciate their advice. Educate yourself and realize you will either spend time or money, and maybe both to learn what is needed. Implement it, whether it’s something learned from one conference or just one sentence you read in a book.
Ask questions and piece all the mentoring answers together for your playbook to success! This humble, teachable attitude offers the best way to build up maturity and skill. Combine this with a proactive mindset and you are on your way to greatness!
SPONSOR APPRECIATION
Special thanks to our sponsor Top Roof Marketing. As the first marketing company specializing in commercial roofing, the team behind this company has unparalleled experience on what works. Today, they service 200+ roofing companies throughout the United States. Learn more about them at Top Roof Marketing.com.
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