In this week’s episode, Andy discusses Maintenance and Service Contracts with Joe Keller of Triangle Building Company.

Joe owns a roofing company in eastern North Carolina, headquartered in Raleigh.  Triangle Building Company initially started as a residential roofing contractor, and over time has migrated into more commercial focused. Being in North Carolina, a lot of their work revolves around handling storm damage inspections and insurance repairs.

WATCH EPISODE ON YOUTUBE
https://youtu.be/w2bRQwTxmdQ

SUBSCRIBE VIA YOUR FAVORITE PODCAST DIRECTORY
http://www.buzzsprout.com/75529

Why Maintenance Plans?

The Maintenance Plan Triangle Building Company offers is a new service strategy for them. Joe saw its potential benefit to meet the customer need and the profitable selling point for Triangle.  He states, “With so many changes in 2020, this was the right year to add to our list of services.”  As companies experience financial hardships, whether through wages and budget cuts or payroll and operational issues, Triangle wanted to offer a good and sustainable service for them.

When you’re sourcing potential customers in the commercial industry, you may find them to be less trusting if you just knock on their door.  Will they be willing to give you hundreds of thousands of dollars for a roof replacement? Will you be able to gain their trust? So Joe and his team found a way to reach these building owners – by sparking the conversation with affordable maintenance plans.

Budgets are blown in 2020 for many businesses– yet roofs still have problems.  Replacement may not fiscally be an option for some, yet with a maintenance program, you can still help building owners through this hurdle of financial hardship and gain their trust for the future as well.

But there are various factors that can cause business budgets to be cut back – political seasons, a recession, a pandemic, or any other traumatic event. Instead of looking at these downtimes as a struggle, they are the best opportunity to create a service that meets the needs of your customer, while increasing revenue for your business.

Control the Inevitable.

Joe encourages business owners to have a trusting relationship with their clients through maintenance plans. When clients allow routine access to their roof, the contractor can stay ahead of problems that could eventually become unexpected crises. It’s preventative maintenance at work!  When clients allow you access to their facility on a regular basis, you can help them create a plan for the future. You will be able to provide them with the timeline for future repairs and eventual replacement, which in turns allows them to budget within those parameters.

Roofing culture is traditionally a replacement culture. A startling industry statistic is that up to 80% of roofs are replaced prematurely. This means that 80% of roofs do not last to their expected lifespan, and building owners are left in the dark about it. While most people don’t like repairs, and repairs are not always practical or financially wise, in commercial roofing the tides must turn. Replacement can be expensive – hundreds of thousands of dollars to millions of dollars. It does not all building owners needs. It’s important to read your client analyze if they’d be interested in preventative measures to keep their current roof standing the test of time.

How Maintenance Plans Help with Warranties and Insurance.

If you’re ever really bored, take a deep dive into the product warranties of your preferred manufacturer. You’ll be shocked by all the requirements needed to keep it valid. Most warranties will include some form of routine inspections for the roofs, while others go into much more detail.  Contractors can tailor their maintenance programs to match the warranty of their preferred manufacturer to ensure their clients meet the requirements.  If your customer has a claim down the road, they will be able to prove all necessary maintenance took place.

With insurance claims, you will have a regular, detailed report showing the condition of your roof. With homeowners, insurance is likely to pay the claim almost immediately. However, commercial roofing is a bit trickier. Having maintenance plans in your toolbelt can help your clients provide proof that their roof was in suitable condition before Mother Nature threw a curveball.

Adding Maintenance Boosts Value

A flow of income through a value-driven maintenance plan is good for the contractor as well as the customer.  Having a line of service that is easy to pitch and less costly sells.  Consider adding a maintenance program to your service offerings!

Contact Joe: joe@trianglebc.com and at www.trianglebc.com

SPONSOR APPRECIATION
Special thanks to our sponsor Top Roof Marketing, a full-service marketing group that specializes in the commercial roofing industry.

JOIN US LIVE TWICE A MONTH
To be part of the real-time discussion with our live audience, like us on Facebook and tune in every 1st and 3rd Thursday of the month at 7pm ET: www.facebook.com/RocketRoofShow.

Personal trainer Kyle Devlin joins Andy in this episode to discuss getting to your better self in nutrition, health, and overall wellness.  Kyle is the owner of Better Self Nutrition based in Kansas City and has practiced what he preaches in health and fitness for the past decade.  Starting in 2010 after realizing he needed to change his body and career, Kyle dropped nearly 70 lbs. and found his passion for helping others get stronger and more fit.

WATCH EPISODE ON YOUTUBE
https://youtu.be/V8fXRx0uwNs

SUBSCRIBE VIA YOUR FAVORITE PODCAST DIRECTORY
http://www.buzzsprout.com/75529

Roofers know their job itself is a daily workout routine.  Lifting and moving things all day long, roofing is an active and strength training job for sure.  Because of this activity level, a roofer may have some leniency in calorie intake, but the quality of food is still important for feeling well and enjoying a long life.  Learning the mechanics of movement for safety is also essential.

The proper way to do a squat (using your legs and lifting through your heels) will protect the lower lumbar and halt back injuries.  Holding monthly or quarterly meetings is a great way of reminding employees of the importance of wellness and injury prevention.  A safer, happier workplace is more productive, less stressed, and everyone feels better in general.  It also decreases the strain on insurance and the health care system.  Focusing on health can improve safety for the whole crew.

Roofing is a demanding job, but you may want to go beyond just work results by building a strength and recovery program.  Often people on the crew are counting on each other to be reliable and strong for the task at hand.  When everyone takes interest in their own health and cares about bringing their best to the team it all functions better and with fewer injuries.  Andy shares his personal example of carrying a 50 lb. bucket across a roof, feeling his back go out, and the frustration and time to recover from those kinds of injuries.

Working out is not about vanity, looking better is a pleasant by-product of being able to move freely without limitation and being less susceptible to injury!   We all have busy lives, so Kyle helps his clients build a routine into their normal day like doing a few squats while waiting for the coffee to brew.

Entire body movement consistently added to your normal lifestyle routine will compound over time and you will see the benefits.  Building exercise into your day can be as simple as choosing the stairs or parking further away from the store entrance.  Consider joining a recreational league for a sport you enjoy but incorporate movement into your life because the human body is created to move!

Kyle prefers active stretching, doing some movement within your stretch is best, for example, choose bodyweight squats as opposed to heavy dead weights.   Agreeing, Andy shares that he often does toe touches after a hot shower to start his day and notices the difference it makes to have a better day. Who doesn’t want to feel more energetic or have less stiffness in the morning?  Kyle insists that finding one small thing you will be consistent with will help keep you flexible and jump-start your day!

Sleep is also essential to overall health.  Every system in your body is recovering and repairing during sleep, including the brain and muscle fibers.  Aim for 6.5 hours minimum quality sleep for overall wellness, but some people need more so pay attention to your own needs.  Safety becomes a real concern if the crew is suffering from lack of sleep and will put everyone at risk.

Being self-aware matters so determine the correlation between what you eat and do with how you feel.  Mindfulness or paying attention will be key to determining the best workout and foods for you.  Try different things, keep notes, track your foods, and eliminate suspects to start to discern what is moving you toward or away from greater wellness.

Processed sugars and carbohydrates are not good for most day to day snacks/meals and will cause energy crashes in your day.  Some people suffer from gluten or dairy allergies or sensitivities so keeping a food journal can be the best way to notice the cause and effect reactions to foods.

For most people overall health will come by focusing on these general food guidelines:

Choosing lean protein, consuming plenty of fruits and vegetables, enjoying whole grains including white rice and potatoes.  Everything in moderation!

Having the mindset of longevity and ability to move freely, be active with your children and not injure yourself, and keeping everything in moderation for food, exercise, and enjoying life is wisdom.  Building these habits into a regular routine will give greater benefits than restrictive diets.

Andy recommends participating in an accountability program to eliminate excuses.  Hiring a personal trainer or beginning a regular program can help you strengthen your body, do the right thing for your health, and get over the mental blocks that make you want to give up.  Accountability partners can play a big part in your success.

Kyle suggests a 20-minute walk outside is a great place to start because it cares for your mental and physical health, provides visual and auditory stimulation, and creates the sense of moving forward but without pain and restriction.  Be simplistic in your approach.  Find something you enjoy and get started today!

Contact Kyle:   kyledevlinfitness@gmail.com  all social media, online coaching at betterselfnutrition.com

SPONSOR APPRECIATION
Special thanks to our sponsor Top Roof Marketing, a full-service marketing group that specializes in the commercial roofing industry.

JOIN US LIVE TWICE A MONTH
To be part of the real-time discussion with our live audience, like us on Facebook and tune in every 1st and 3rd Thursday of the month at 7pm ET: www.facebook.com/RocketRoofShow.

On this week’s episode of the Rocket Roof Show, we spoke with Max Ogran. Max is not a commercial safety expert, he doesn’t work for OSHA or anything of the sort. However, in his early years, Max worked with a commercial maintenance company and had a lifechanging injury from safety procedures not being followed.

WATCH EPISODE ON YOUTUBE
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wx6PkwUaMFc

SUBSCRIBE VIA YOUR FAVORITE PODCAST DIRECTORY
http://www.buzzsprout.com/75529

When Max was 20 years old, he was sent up to a roof with a team member to repair a small section. Little did he know that the skylights had been painted over and were flush with the roof. One misstep caused him to fall through the skylight down forty feet to the concrete below. He was lucky to survive but spent the following 6 weeks in the hospital. Thankfully, he did not have any injuries to his head and they were all focused on his wrist and his hip, but numerous reconstructive surgeries were required.

But that isn’t where Max’s story ends. After the recovery period, he was partially disabled in his hip, but was still able to live a normal life. However, ten years later, he woke up one morning in excruciating pain with a high fever. After his wife took him to the emergency room, they quickly found out the previous injury in his hip had a septic pocket of infection. He was once again rushed into emergency surgery. When he came out of surgery, the doctor had nicked an artery that caused internal bleeding. After 7 blood transfusions, he was finally able to get out of ICU and relearn how to walk again. However, he will still need a hip transplant before he’s 40 and suffers from arthritis daily.

Max’s story is a cautious tale. Most young adults aren’t worried about the consequences of being up on a high building. They think they’re bullet proof; until something happens. Max’s company did not go over any safety procedures or give him any instructions of hazards to watch for. Luckily, he had workers’ compensation that covered the extent of his injuries. But Andy mentions that contractors need to be focused when it comes to their insurance policies. Many have subcontractors that are required to carry insurance, but they cancel policies quickly, or have ghost policies that never truly existed. In that instance, the company who hired the subcontractor would be liable. This can cause the entire company to lose everything. Not just effecting the business owner, but their crews will be out of work and office staff will have to find additional employment. It truly ripples through the lives of many people.

That is why having a safety plan in place is paramount. Andy suggests that contractors take these steps for a proper safety plan:

• Have a safety manual
• Have daily safety meetings with your team
• Have “Toolbox” talks over different subjects of safety
• No one works alone, always in pairs
• Reach out to OSHA representative for assessment
• Reach out to third-party safety experts

If you don’t know where to start with safety, today is the day to make a plan. Reach out to Andy or other trusted contractors to create a safety manual and implement safety plans within your own commercial roofing business.

SPONSOR APPRECIATION
Special thanks to our sponsor Top Roof Marketing, a full-service marketing group that specializes in the commercial roofing industry.

JOIN US LIVE TWICE A MONTH
To be part of the real-time discussion with our live audience, like us on Facebook and tune in every 1st and 3rd Thursday of the month at 7pm ET: www.facebook.com/RocketRoofShow.

On our latest episode of the Rocket Roof Show, we sit down with Meg Sabatino Ogran to provide her insight on establishing quality roofing leads and tips for marketing your business.

WATCH EPISODE ON YOUTUBE
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wx6PkwUaMFc

SUBSCRIBE VIA YOUR FAVORITE PODCAST DIRECTORY
http://www.buzzsprout.com/75529

Meg’s Background
Meg started in the construction industry as a teen, getting her foot in the door at a friend’s parent’s company assisting with office work. As she grew her skills over the next few years, she quickly found herself getting promotions and wound up the general manager of a roofing company. Since then, she went on to successfully work alongside Top Roof Marketing. She quickly realized there was a need for quality roofers that had a verified background. Her team continued to receive requests from building owners – and that’s where Top Roof Contractors was formed.

Working in a Male Dominated Industry
Over the last two decades, Meg has been able to establish her position as a trusted expert in the roofing industry. However, it wasn’t always easy. There were times when men flat out refused to work with a female, and other times when it took a lot of proof that she knew the industry like the back of her hand. Now, she’s a trusted resource that many contractors turn to. And she’s excited to see the industry start being filled with other powerful women’s voices – among them Samantha, the daughter of the host of The Rocket Roof Show.

How Top Roof Contractors Lead Generation is Different
Meg explains how her team at Top Roof Contractors provides a benefit not just for the contractors, but particularly focuses on building owners. By providing background checks, reference checks, and insurance checks of the contractors – building owners know that they can expect quality from members of Top Roof Contractors.

Additionally, contractors benefit and even have had help closing leads. A contractor in Ohio had a lead on the fence. After talking to Max at Top Roof Contractors, they quickly decided to use the contractor. All it took was a little background information on the company and knowing that they were fully vetted by a third-party verification process.

Multiple Projects
Like most of us, Meg has her hands on lots of projects. She’s behind the design of Andy’s new website, and is redesigning the Choice Roof Contractor Group website as well. She enjoys helping contractors understand what it takes to have a successful branding campaign, while helping them focus on tools that work. During the first part of the COVID pandemic (when the stock market fell but stay-at-home orders hadn’t been issued yet), Meg and the marketing team called all contractors doing mailing and told them to hold on all direct mail as the service wasn’t providing the same levels of return.

She also gave tips of things to avoid when working with a marketing company. The first is making sure your company owns their website. Time and time again, contractors have lots their online presence after getting stuck with monthly payments on a website they never own. If they cancel, they lose their site (and potentially the domain as well). Another thing she said to be cautious of is designs that are utilized multiple times in the same area. You want your branding to be unique and different – not the same as every other contractor that meets the business owner.

Reach Out for More Info
If you’re interested in learning more from Meg, you can find her on Facebook or LinkedIn by searching Meg Sabatino Ogran. You can also reach her through the Top Roof Contractors website.

JOIN US LIVE TWICE A MONTH
To be part of the real-time discussion with our live audience, like us on Facebook and tune in every 1st and 3rd Thursday of the month at 7pm ET: www.facebook.com/RocketRoofShow.

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.

WATCH EPISODE ON YOUTUBE
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Md0R-yz5J9U

SUBSCRIBE VIA YOUR FAVORITE PODCAST DIRECTORY
http://www.buzzsprout.com/75529

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.

JOIN US LIVE TWICE A MONTH
To be part of the real-time discussion with our live audience, like us on Facebook and tune in every 1st and 3rd Thursday of the month at 7pm ET: www.facebook.com/RocketRoofShow.

This week on the Rocket Roof Show, host Andy Near highlights guest Tommy Richardson of Nubs Media who provides a list of tips for creating clean and simple marketing videos for your company that get the job done and separate you from your competition. After working with Tommy, Andy was so impressed with his creativity and professionalism that he invited him to discuss how he helps businesses promote through videography.

WATCH EPISODE ON YOUTUBE
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VRsVoAAm1v8

SUBSCRIBE VIA YOUR FAVORITE PODCAST DIRECTORY
http://www.buzzsprout.com/75529

PROPER PERSPECTIVE
Tommy was given his first camera by his grandfather to just have fun, but his interest and skill grew.

While working sales for Justin Woodruff of Ready Roofing, Tommy realized sales were not for him in the traditional sense and asked if there were other options within the company. Tommy gives credit to Justin’s innovative thinking for the opportunity to further explore videography that led him to where he is today.

Justin offered Tommy the idea of doing drone photography of roofs and projects, which became promotional videos and more. As quality improved and knowledge was gained, Tommy soon found himself pushing the limits with editing, style, use of equipment, and scope of project.

Over the past two years, Nubs Media has helped businesses grab the attention of potential customers through professional videos and photos that are appealing and relevant, no matter what your business.

STYLE AND SUBSTANCE
Commercial roofing is its own unique industry requiring interesting, and sometimes difficult to shoot, video and picture content. Tommy notes the human attention span is short, so it is essential to capture the eye quickly to assure any potential customer is intrigued and impressed, even to the point of sharing the video on their own social media platforms.

Making you stand out is key because each company and owner has their own unique story to tell, and it is imperative to share that uniqueness in the video story being told. Perception makes a difference and the quality of your videos and photos display the professionalism you want to convey.

QUALITY END PRODUCT
Tailoring the process to meet the individual need, Nubs Media seeks to know you and the culture around you before every shoot. Whether commercial, residential, church, or other, each building has its own feel and the music and editing needs to fit the specific project. Furthermore, no contractor should look identical to others in their area.

Andy shares from personal experience that even the most unsure or camera-shy person can look professional under the guidance and direction of Nubs Media. Tommy helps you gather the words and essentials that promote your business toward greater success.

The end product will be 60-90 seconds of spectacular film and photo representing your company and service in the best light possible. They give additional promotion of your business by adding your content to their social media sites as well.

ADDITIONS AND IDEAS
Tommy suggested that Pixaloop can turn your photos into phenomenal animation, and is a practical, affordable way for you to improve and try new ideas with your own phone.

If you need video, he recommends getting a cage for your phone, attach a microphone and start recording. You don’t have to be fancy to start getting your content out there, because if no one knows you exist then you don’t get the recognition you need.

Every repair, project, or problem you resolve can be a 30 second video to show your plans, recommendations, and labor of the fix. According to Tommy, just being consistent and continuing to improve gains you the ability and credibility needed.

Reach out to Tommy directly by phone at 919-413-8179 or via the company’s Facebook page: Nubs Media.

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.

JOIN US LIVE TWICE A MONTH
To be part of the real-time discussion with our live audience, like us on Facebook and tune in every 1st and 3rd Thursday of the month at 7pm ET: www.facebook.com/RocketRoofShow.

Our latest episode features a conversation between the Rocket Roof Show producer Jonathan Keim and Andrew Klips of The Barrett Edge. The discussion centered on the financing needs of roofers.

ANDREW’S STORY IN A NUTSHELL
Growing up Andrew learned construction at the hand of his father. His brother was in custom millwork, and while Andrew was attending Ohio University, he found himself working construction and running commercial crews as a superintendent. He also dabbled in Wall Street with a keen interest in the financial side of business. A fall down the stairs brought an unexpected arm surgery and sudden turn from construction. His background in corporate banking and networking over the years gives him an “edge” in understanding the inside process. He has now been handling the needs of his clients for 15 years.

WATCH EPISODE ON YOUTUBE
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aIYOecXq1yE

SUBSCRIBE VIA YOUR FAVORITE PODCAST DIRECTORY
http://www.buzzsprout.com/75529

FINANCING FOCUS
The Barrett Edge focuses on expansion capital and tailoring each approach directly to the needs of the client. Every business owner has their own unique set of circumstances, needs, and goals for growing, taking care of employees, and reaching success.

They differentiate from traditional banking and customize by the real need, working hands-on with clients so cost for capital is reduced over time.

The Barrett Edge is one of the few that work to negotiate with the underwriting process. They call their clients “funded partners” because the goal is to work together for understanding the specific situation and meeting that direct need. According to Andrew, “the best business is repeat business, that’s what we strive for.”

TIMES HAVE CHANGED, BUT NOT SO MUCH
We all know COVID-19 has brought many changes, and discretionary spending has seen limitations in recent months. Andrew encourages roofers to remain focused and turn this negative into a positive. Try to grow during this time and “continue to go in a time of trouble”.

Lenders are not as risk adverse as in past months. Also, Andrew advises business owners to investigate the available PPP (Paycheck Protection Plan) offered by the government. He believes these are great loans for businesses, and as long as you “put the money where it’s supposed to go” (mainly payroll), the loan will be forgiven and treated as a grant for most.

PRE-APPROVED HIGH-INTEREST LOANS
MCA (Merchant Cash Advances) are among many loans available, which can be helpful in certain circumstances, but are very “in the box thinking” and may view you as a target to some degree. These lenders have a very precise formula the contractor needs to meet.

MCA loans make the monthly payment seem reasonable but if you look at the details, you will find a very high interest rate. These loans have a short pay off period and are there to give you a quick lift if that is the most essential. Andrew warns not to get caught short-sighted by having money at your disposal.

OTHER CONSIDERATIONS
Lenders typically have a five to six step application process and will want expected records for things like accounts receivables and payables, taxes and so forth. Having someone like Andrew on your side helps you look at all aspects, decide the best path forward and create a game plan to meet your shorter and longer goals ahead. You may want a capital advisor with experience to help you evaluate, so you don’t jump too soon and regret. Sometimes you have to do what you have to do, but it is better to avoid certain kinds of lenders without a game plan. Get your game plan on!

The roofing industry is a very capital-intensive industry. Owners must meet payroll, buy material, bid jobs, continue upkeep on the building, and distribute marketing expenses.

Tune in to hear Andy’s many insights.

SPONSOR APPRECIATION
Special thanks to our sponsor Top Roof Marketing, a full-service marketing group that specializes in the commercial roofing industry.

JOIN US LIVE TWICE A MONTH
To be part of the real-time discussion with our live audience, like us on Facebook and tune in every 1st and 3rd Thursday of the month at 7pm ET: www.facebook.com/RocketRoofShow.

Do I need a bond? What is it exactly?

How do I know what type I need? How do I find an underwriter?

Have you wondered about these questions as you consider how best to protect your business, yourself, your workers and clients?

Listen in to this episode of the Rocket Roof Show to hear Andy’s conversation with Josh Cotner of Contractors Choice Agency to learn answers to these questions and more.

WATCH EPISODE ON YOUTUBE
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jpoa_b0-QB0

SUBSCRIBE VIA YOUR FAVORITE PODCAST DIRECTORY
http://www.buzzsprout.com/75529

Josh certainly knows bonds and his enthusiasm to help others comes through in this helpful conversation on a topic that confuses many. He explains the process of finding an underwriter and getting them to be willing to put trust in you. After all, “you’re not landing someone on the moon” as Josh puts it, you’re replacing or repairing a roof.

Josh explains the whole process is generally straightforward if you are a hard worker who finishes each job well. It’s important for the underwriter to hear a bit of history and personal story about each applicant as they measure the risk, because it is essentially the personal choice of the underwriter that gets the bond approved. They want to know they should believe in you and that the job will be completed on time with professionalism.

A bond is basically a three-party contract between the contractor, owner of the project, and the bond company to guarantee the performance of the contract. It helps assure that all license laws are being followed and necessary permits are secured.

Surety bonds are pretty much any type of bond and there are dozens of different types. Some include payment and performance, maintenance and performance, bonds with two layers because it is a job using subcontractors, license bonds, and many more. A performance bond has an additional part for payments because of course suppliers and laborers will need to be paid.

Municipal and governmental jobs require bonding for protection. Even if you are well known and respected, the bond company will want more assurance of your trustworthiness. Larger companies will usually want to know you are bonded as well, because fiduciary money must be paid out quickly in the event something goes wrong.

Personal difficulties like divorce or bankruptcy will not usually prevent large bonds from being approved, but the underwriter may want to understand with more clarity about the applicant’s situation; it would not typically affect approval.

The benefit of using someone like Contractor Choice Agency comes from the good relationships they already have established with bankers and bond companies. Their opinion matters, and Josh cautions, they do check social media!

Bond paperwork can usually be handled quickly. Covid-19 has changed that in recent days, but Josh is clear that credit markets are fully functioning and not closed or ceased up by any means.

A thirty-day notice in advance allows Josh time to look over your credit report. With this preliminary step completed, he can let you know what your rate would be and have you pre-approved ahead of time.

There are things you can do to prepare that help secure the guaranty of a bond such as paying down debt, paying off credit cards, and even paying off an old library fine.

Josh also offers help with credit counseling and credit repair if needed.

Certainly, a great credit score can help solidify the process and garner the bond, but if your history is not known and the trust isn’t built yet, the rate of the loan might be higher. Contractor Choice Agency has the built-in trust to help represent you.

There are many outside the box solutions to be found when bonding and Josh Cotner is happy to discuss them to help you meet your needs.

You can reach Josh at 844-WORK247 or 844-967-5247 if you would like to learn more about this topic and the ways he can help.

SPONSOR APPRECIATION
Special thanks to our sponsor Top Roof Marketing, a full-service marketing group that specializes in the commercial roofing industry.

JOIN US LIVE TWICE A MONTH
To be part of the real-time discussion with our live audience, like us on Facebook and tune in every 1st and 3rd Thursday of the month at 7pm ET: www.facebook.com/RocketRoofShow.

Ephraim Glick of Midsouth Commercial Roofing joins Andy to shares his personal journey from unsure and insecure, to making the “Ultimate Shift” in his thinking to find success and confidence.

When Ephraim was 18 years old, he left home with little more than a shirt on his back and started his own landscaping business. After many attempts in different ventures, he found himself broke, burned out, and mentally stuck. Can you relate?

WATCH EPISODE ON YOUTUBE
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jpoa_b0-QB0

SUBSCRIBE VIA YOUR FAVORITE PODCAST DIRECTORY
http://www.buzzsprout.com/75529

INSPIRATION, POTENTIAL, BELIEF

Most of us know the importance of great leadership. A great leader or mentor sees the potential in you when you do not see it in yourself. Their energy is contagious, and the best ones also inspire and believe in you.

Ephraim sold his company after twelve years in a deal that cost him everything. With no money at his disposal, his path brought him to his mentor and to roofing. Given an opportunity and great encouragement from Andrew Gingerich, Ephraim went to Kansas seeking security and a way to earn a living. Unexpectedly, he was left to finish a job alone and ended up asking himself “why am I not doing this myself?”. His mentor and boss convinced him to get his certification and training and tangibly helped him do so. Once these things were complete, Ephraim spent $700 in materials and began knocking on doors. Today, he is the owner of Midsouth Commercial Roofing and host of the podcast The Ultimate Shift.

GOALS, DREAMS, ENVISION

Ephraim has a love for people. He is an optimist and a survivor. After what he describes as “the worst time in his life”, he determined to get himself well and be prepared for the next opportunity when it presented itself. Ephraim began running and getting himself physically well. This led to more mental and emotional clarity as well and created the shift he needed to realize his dreams and vision for his life.

Visualizing (not dreaming) is expressed in feeling as if it has already happened.

Not a goal setter in the immediate sense, though he did originally set a goal for himself of five cold calls per day, Ephraim began a practice of writing down his vision for his life.
With two notepads in hand, he began this practice each day.

Notepad One – Dated for today: write down the things I am grateful for, desired accomplishments, and how I will help people.

Notepad Two – Dated without the year, envision the person he wants to be at 45 years of age, 50 years of age (for example, what kind of deals will I be making, what is my thought process, what am I investing in that day, who are the people around me), and throughout his life.

Ephraim explains the physical act of writing out something attaches it to the memory and makes it more likely to become your reality.

HARDWORK, MINDSET, PROFESSIONALISM

Not only visionary in thinking, Ephraim has always realized that with an opportunity and guidance from a mentor he would prove himself through his strong work ethic. He admits nothing is cheap about starting a commercial roofing company but is blessed with just enough “don’t sit around thinking about the obstacles” mindset to make life happen.

With every new bid or proposal, he considers his motive. The purpose from his perspective is to bring the best long-term solution and earn the trust of his clients. Authenticity matters, people will see your reputable character and desire to do what is best for them. They will also see your professionalism, so play the part in appearance and associations as well.

INSTRUCTION, CLARITY, AWARENESS

Ephraim’s The Ultimate Shift podcast was designed to give instruction, clarity, and awareness, with helpful tips to shift your thought process toward accomplishing success. Ephraim’s passion is to inspire others through storytelling and interviews with people who are viewed as successful. View his website at theultimateshift.com to see all the subscription options available.

SPONSOR APPRECIATION
Special thanks to our sponsor Top Roof Marketing, a full-service marketing group that specializes in the commercial roofing industry.

JOIN US LIVE TWICE A MONTH
To be part of the real-time discussion with our live audience, like us on Facebook and tune in every 1st and 3rd Thursday of the month at 7pm ET: www.facebook.com/RocketRoofShow.

More than ever, we are all aware that times change. One thing that has changed quite a bit in the last several years is marketing. It used to be that door to door and word of mouth were all you needed to do well and continue growing your roofing business. With technology, marketing has become a different game, and learning how to use the tools you have to lead the game is crucial to your success. On our latest episode, we talk with the owner of Top Roof Marketing, Jonathan Keim, to find out more about how you can use the internet to your advantage!

WATCH EPISODE ON YOUTUBE
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vjfuEGhdBXg

SUBSCRIBE VIA YOUR FAVORITE PODCAST DIRECTORY
http://www.buzzsprout.com/75529

SEO, or Search Engine Optimization, is a tool that when used properly, can help your company rank high on Google and other search engines. What does this mean for you? It means that when building owners in the area need help with their roof and they turn on the computer to search for a commercial roofing company, you have a strong chance of getting the call. Rarely, when searching for a company or service, do people look past the first page of results. You want to make sure Google favors your website above the competition, and having a marketing company that specializes in SEO is a great way to make this happen.

Using Jonathan’s well-tested strategy, the Top Roof Marketing team targets high-traffic keywords and then tags those with local cities to make for a great pairing. This results in clients having more than 200+ placements on the first page of Google after continuing with the program for a length of time. They also make sure each client’s website is active and relevant. If Google’s search spiders come across your site and classify your site as outdated (meaning the information is unreliable), you will start seeing competitors take over your rankings in various search engine results.

Importantly, website leads are far “hotter” than cold calls, etc. because the building owners are the ones that made the first move (as compared to door knocking, telemarketing and other outbound marketing strategies). They need the service and they have the money; they just need to find the right company to make it happen. Making sure you are the company called instead of a different business is possible when you have the right tools at your fingertips! Also, by lowering your cost per lead and cost per acquisition, you are raising your margin for profit. And, when you use SEO to your advantage, you are able to reach a much broader audience on an ongoing basis.

Change can be intimidating, but it doesn’t have to be! Just make sure you have a reputable marketing company working for you so that you can see results. Keep things original and relevant so that you don’t get lost among hundreds of other roofing companies who also want to be at the top of each Google search.

Tune in to learn more about the proven SEO strategies being used for the commercial roofing market.

JOIN US LIVE TWICE A MONTH
To be part of the real-time discussion with our live audience, like us on Facebook and tune in every 1st and 3rd Thursday of the month at 7pm ET: www.facebook.com/RocketRoofShow.