Podcast
Roofing Success
The Roofing Success Podcast is a show created to inspire roofing contractors to achieve optimal success in their roofing businesses. The host, Jim Ahlin, is the co-author of the book, "Internet Marketing For Roofing Contractors, How to TRIPLE Your Sales and Turn Your Roofing Website Into an Online Lead Generation Machine", and Co-Founder of Roofer Marketers, the Digital Marketing Agency for the roofing industry. On each episode, Jim will be sitting down with industry leaders to talk about their processes, the lessons they learned, and how to find success in roofing.
- Episodes
- 330
- Releases
- Weekly
- Typical length
- 59 min
- On air since
- 2019
- Latest episode
- 1 day ago
Episodes
330 episodes, newest first
-
1 hr
Stop Chasing Revenue: What Really Makes a Roofing Business Valuable
Episode 332
Show notes
More revenue doesn't always mean a more valuable roofing business. In this episode, Ryan Gregory, founder of Resilient Guides, shares how he built and sold his roofing company by focusing on profitability, strong leadership, and systems that allowed the business to run without him.
You’ll learn:
- Why chasing revenue can hurt your roofing company's profitability
- How to build a roofing business that runs without you
- What makes a roofing company more valuable to potential buyersConnect with Ryan:
https://www.resilientguides.com
linkedin.com/in/ryan-g-15a60261
https://www.instagram.com/resilientguidesListen to the episode on Spotify & Apple Podcasts (332) 👇
🎧 https://roofingpod.com/spotify
🍏 https://roofingpod.com/apple-podcastsPODCAST SPONSORS:
- Your Business Guide: https://yourbusinessguide.com
- JobNimbus Marketing: https://roofingpod.com/jobnimbus-marketing-get-started
- Day 41 Thrive: https://roofingpod.com/day-41-thriveIG: https://www.instagram.com/roofingsuccess/
FB: https://www.facebook.com/groups/roofingsuccess
Join Our Facebook Group: https://roofingpod.com/facebook📱 Text Jim @ (612) 512-1812 – Say Hi!
💬 Leave Us a Review: https://roofingpod.com/reviewChapters:
00:00 How Do You Build a More Profitable Roofing Business?
02:28 How Did Ryan Gregory Get Started in Roofing?
09:46 How Can Roofing Companies Scale After a Major Storm?
12:44 Why Is Profit More Important Than Revenue in Roofing?
15:46 How Do You Build a Roofing Business That Can Run Without You?
24:10 What Should Roofing Owners Know Before Selling Their Business?
31:39 How Can Roofing Companies Increase Profit Without Chasing Revenue?
34:26 How Do You Build a Roofing Team That Attracts and Retains Top Talent?
47:58 How Can Roofing Business Owners Delegate and Stop Being the Bottleneck? -
35 min
5 Moves to Protect Your Roofing Business in a Downturn
Episode 331
Show notes
The roofing market is down about 10%. So why are some roofing companies losing 50% to 75% of their sales? It's not the market. It's the business model.
In this episode, Jim Ahlin breaks down the 4 biggest threats hurting roofing companies and shares 5 moves to protect your cash, keep your best people, and stay profitable when leads dry up.
You'll learn:
- Why relying on storm work puts your roofing business at risk and how to build more retail sales
- How to keep your best sales reps, improve your sales process, and close more jobs with fewer leads
- How to track the right numbers, protect your profit margins, and build cash reserves before a downturn hitsListen to the episode on Spotify & Apple Podcasts (331) 👇
🎧 https://roofingpod.com/spotify
🍏 https://roofingpod.com/apple-podcastsPODCAST SPONSORS:
- Your Business Guide: https://yourbusinessguide.com
- JobNimbus Marketing: https://roofingpod.com/jobnimbus-marketing-get-started
- Day 41 Thrive: https://roofingpod.com/day-41-thriveIG: https://www.instagram.com/roofingsuccess/
FB: https://www.facebook.com/groups/roofingsuccess
Join Our Facebook Group: https://roofingpod.com/facebook📱 Text Jim @ (612) 512-1812 – Say Hi!
💬 Leave Us a Review: https://roofingpod.com/reviewChapters:
00:00 Why Are Roofing Companies Struggling in 2026?
02:30 Why Are Roofing Leads Dropping?
04:30 How Do Interest Rates Affect Roofing Sales?
06:30 Why Are Roofing Companies Going Bankrupt?
12:00 How Can You Prepare Your Roofing Business for a Downturn?
17:00 How Can Roofing Companies Generate Sales Without Storms?
20:00 How Should Roofing Companies Manage Employees During a Downturn?
23:00 How Can Roofers Improve Sales and Financing Approval Rates?
28:00 How Do You Protect Roofing Profit Margins and Cash Flow? -
57 min
I've Interviewed 300+ Roofing Business Owners. Here's What They Ask!
Episode 330
Show notes
More leads won’t fix a roofing business that’s losing profit on every job. In this episode, Jim Ahlin draws on interviews with 300+ roofing business owners to answer 10 questions contractors ask most about marketing, pricing, building a stronger team, and preparing to sell.
You’ll learn:
- How to improve your roofing SEO, show up in AI search, and hold your marketing agency accountable
- Why confusing markup with margin costs you profit—and how to price your jobs correctly
- How to build clear processes, keep your best people, and prepare your business for a future saleListen to the episode on Spotify & Apple Podcasts (330) 👇
🎧 https://roofingpod.com/spotify
🍏 https://roofingpod.com/apple-podcastsPODCAST SPONSORS:
- Your Business Guide: https://yourbusinessguide.com
- JobNimbus Marketing: https://roofingpod.com/jobnimbus-marketing-get-started
- Day 41 Thrive: https://roofingpod.com/day-41-thriveIG: https://www.instagram.com/roofingsuccess/
FB: https://www.facebook.com/groups/roofingsuccess
Join Our Facebook Group: https://roofingpod.com/facebook📱 Text Jim @ (612) 512-1812 – Say Hi!
💬 Leave Us a Review: https://roofingpod.com/reviewChapters:
00:00 – 10 Questions Every Roofing Business Owner Asks
01:31 – What Actually Works for Roofing SEO?
07:00 – How Do Roofers Get Recommended by ChatGPT and AI?
11:01 – How to Choose the Right Roofing Marketing Agency
17:10 – Should You Hire an In-House Marketer or an Agency?
20:59 – How to Set Up Your Roofing CRM and Sales Pipeline
28:50 – Markup vs. Margin: Are You Pricing Jobs Correctly?
32:55 – How to Document and Improve Your Roofing Processes
38:26 – How to Run Employee Performance Reviews That Work -
1 hr 3 min
Stop Making Bad Hires: Build the Right Team for Your Roofing Company
Episode 329
Show notes
Bad hires cost your roofing company time, money, and growth. In this episode, Brian Alexander, founder of Ready Aim Climb, shares how to hire the right people, put them in the right roles, and build a team that can grow without you.
You’ll learn:
- Why most roofing companies hire the wrong people
- How to find the right fit before you make a hire
- How to use a 30, 60, 90-day plan to know if you hired the right personConnect with Brian:
https://readyaimclimb.com
https://www.linkedin.com/in/thebrianalexanderListen to the episode on Spotify & Apple Podcasts (329) 👇
🎧 https://roofingpod.com/spotify
🍏 https://roofingpod.com/apple-podcastsPODCAST SPONSORS:
- Your Business Guide: https://yourbusinessguide.com
- JobNimbus Marketing: https://roofingpod.com/jobnimbus-marketing-get-started
- Day 41 Thrive: https://roofingpod.com/day-41-thriveIG: https://www.instagram.com/roofingsuccess/
FB: https://www.facebook.com/groups/roofingsuccess
Join Our Facebook Group: https://roofingpod.com/facebook📱 Text Jim @ (612) 512-1812 – Say Hi!
💬 Leave Us a Review: https://roofingpod.com/reviewChapters:
0:00 Why Roofing Business Problems Come Down to People or Processes
1:04 How to Build a Team That Grows Without You
10:18 Why Your Leadership Might Be Holding Your Team Back
14:54 How to Define Success Before Hiring Someone
16:53 Which KPIs Should You Track to Measure Employee Performance?
22:37 How to Hire the Right Person for the Right Role
32:01 How Behavioral Assessments Improve Hiring Decisions
37:11 How to Build an Effective 30-60-90 Day Onboarding Plan
57:19 How to Retain Great Employees and Prevent Unexpected Turnover -
58 min
Why Your Roofing Team Struggles to Execute
Episode 328
Show notes
Your roofing team knows what needs to get done, but nothing seems to change. You set goals, build processes, train your people, and still struggle to get everyone moving in the same direction. The problem may not be effort or training. It may be the people you hire, what they believe, and whether your team truly knows where the company is going.
In this episode, Jim Ahlin sits down with Greg Cleary of Pinnacle Business Guides to unpack what keeps good roofing companies stuck. They discuss why roofing owners are really in the people business, why shared beliefs matter more than trying to change behavior, and how clear goals give great people the freedom to execute without being micromanaged.
In this episode, we talk about:
• How to identify and hire true A Players who fit your core values
• Why your company goals fail when your team isn’t aligned around the same destination
• How stronger leadership, purpose, and clarity create better executionConnect with Greg:
https://pinnaclebusinessguides.comListen to the episode on Spotify & Apple Podcasts (328) 👇
🎧 https://roofingpod.com/spotify
🍏 https://roofingpod.com/apple-podcastsPODCAST SPONSORS:
- Your Business Guide: https://yourbusinessguide.com
- JobNimbus Marketing: https://roofingpod.com/jobnimbus-marketing-get-started
- Day 41 Thrive: https://roofingpod.com/day-41-thriveIG: https://www.instagram.com/roofingsuccess/
FB: https://www.facebook.com/groups/roofingsuccess
Join Our Facebook Group: https://roofingpod.com/facebook📱 Text Jim @ (612) 512-1812 – Say Hi!
💬 Leave Us a Review: https://roofingpod.com/reviewChapters:
00:00 Why Your Roofing Team Struggles to Execute
02:05 Business Guide vs. Business Coach
05:45 Why Growing Roofing Teams Break Down
08:20 You’re in the People Business
11:30 How to Find and Hire A Players
15:30 Building Core Values That Actually Matter
20:10 Change the People or Change the Person?
22:15 Getting Your Team Aligned Around Purpose
27:00 Why Clear Goals Stop Micromanagement -
1 hr 2 min
From $3M to $30M: How to Build a Championship Roofing Team
Episode 327
Show notes
Legacy Roofing went from just over $3 million in its first year to a projected $30+ million. In this episode, Lucas Poole shares how they built the people, leadership, and culture needed to grow that fast.
You’ll learn:
- Why Legacy builds a championship team instead of a “family”
- What Lucas looks for when hiring and developing roofing sales reps
- How developing more leaders helped Legacy scale into new marketsConnect with Lucas:
https://www.legacyroofinggc.com
https://www.instagram.com/thelegacyroofing
https://www.instagram.com/thelegacyroofingListen to the episode on Spotify & Apple Podcasts (327) 👇
🎧 https://roofingpod.com/spotify
🍏 https://roofingpod.com/apple-podcastsPODCAST SPONSORS:
- JobNimbus Marketing: https://roofingpod.com/jobnimbus-marketing-get-started
- Day 41 Thrive: https://roofingpod.com/day-41-thriveIG: https://www.instagram.com/roofingsuccess/
FB: https://www.facebook.com/groups/roofingsuccess
Join Our Facebook Group: https://roofingpod.com/facebook📱 Text Jim @ (612) 512-1812 – Say Hi!
💬 Leave Us a Review: https://roofingpod.com/reviewChapters:
00:00 – How Do You Build a Roofing Company Where Everyone Can Win?
01:14 – How Do You Get Started in Roofing Sales With No Experience?
09:33 – How Do You Choose the Right Roofing Company to Work For?
16:12 – How Do You Give Sales Reps a Reason to Stay?
18:36 – Should You Run Your Roofing Company Like a Family or a Team?
26:26 – How Do You Build a Commission Structure That Rewards Sales Reps?
35:11 – What Makes a Roofing Sales Rep Successful?
42:48 – How Do You Recruit and Train the Right Roofing Salespeople?
54:06 – How Do You Scale a Roofing Company From $3M to $30M? -
58 min
How to Build a Roofing Company That Survives the Tough Years
Episode 326
Show notes
The roofing business has ups and downs. John Famularo has survived them for 39 years.
He’s watched prices rise, markets slow down, and roofing companies disappear. Through it all, ABC Roofing has kept moving forward. John says the key is knowing your numbers, taking care of your people, and being willing to change when the market changes.
In this conversation, John shares:
- How to protect your company when business slows down
- Why keeping cash in the business matters
- How great employees, service, and warranties create long-term growthThe good years won’t last forever. Neither will the bad ones. Build your company to survive both.
Connect with John:
https://www.instagram.com/abcroofingcorp
https://www.abcroofingcorp.com/about-abc-roofing-corp
https://www.facebook.com/abcroofingListen to the episode on Spotify & Apple Podcasts (326) 👇
🎧 https://roofingpod.com/spotify
🍏 https://roofingpod.com/apple-podcastsPODCAST SPONSORS:
- JobNimbus Marketing: https://roofingpod.com/jobnimbus-marketing-get-started
- Day 41 Thrive: https://roofingpod.com/day-41-thriveIG: https://www.instagram.com/roofingsuccess/
FB: https://www.facebook.com/groups/roofingsuccess
Join Our Facebook Group: https://roofingpod.com/facebook📱 Text Jim @ (612) 512-1812 – Say Hi!
💬 Leave Us a Review: https://roofingpod.com/reviewChapters:
00:00 How to Build a Roofing Company That Survives Tough Times
01:58 How John Famularo Built ABC Roofing Over 39 Years
03:18 How to Keep a Roofing Company Profitable in a Down Market
10:23 How to Manage Cash Flow During Slow Roofing Seasons
13:34 How to Price Roofing Jobs Without Racing to the Bottom
18:22 How Referrals and Local Branding Drive Roofing Leads
20:48 How ABC Roofing Grew From One Truck to 50 Employees
28:12 How to Choose the Right Roofing Technology and Marketing Channels
40:36 How Service Work and New Services Protect Roofing Revenue
49:06 How to Build and Retain a Strong Roofing Team
56:01 Advice for Building a Roofing Business That Lasts -
55 min
The Roofing Companies That Scale Learn to Say No
Episode 325
Show notes
More revenue doesn’t always mean more profit. Duncan McClung learned this while growing Almost Heaven Roofing.
His company started in general contracting and took on all kinds of work. But spreading the team too thin came with expensive lessons. Duncan eventually narrowed the company’s focus to roofing. Revenue dropped at first, but the bottom line improved substantially.
In this conversation, Duncan shares:
- Why learning to say “no” protects your profit
- How to get sales and production working together
- How to build a company that can run without youSometimes scaling isn’t about doing more. It’s about getting focused, setting standards, and trusting the right people to do their jobs.
Connect with Duncan:
https://www.almostheavenroofing.com
https://www.facebook.com/AlmostHeavenRoofingListen to the episode on Spotify & Apple Podcasts (325) 👇
🎧 https://roofingpod.com/spotify
🍏 https://roofingpod.com/apple-podcastsPODCAST SPONSORS:
- JobNimbus Marketing: https://roofingpod.com/jobnimbus-marketing-get-started
- Day 41 Thrive: https://roofingpod.com/day-41-thriveIG: https://www.instagram.com/roofingsuccess/
FB: https://www.facebook.com/groups/roofingsuccess
Join Our Facebook Group: https://roofingpod.com/facebook📱 Text Jim @ (612) 512-1812 – Say Hi!
💬 Leave Us a Review: https://roofingpod.com/reviewChapters:
00:00 Why Communication Matters in Roofing
00:48 From General Contracting to Roofing
03:53 Why Roofing Companies Need to Say No
08:23 How Specializing in Roofing Improved Profitability
11:56 Building a Production-First Roofing Company
14:46 Aligning Roofing Sales and Production
22:18 Hiring the Right People and Setting Standards
29:02 How Roofing Owners Can Stop Micromanaging
34:51 Improving the Roofing Customer Experience -
53 min
Why This Roofer Stopped Waiting for the Next Storm with Daniel Cloteaux
Episode 324
Show notes
What happens when your roofing company no longer has to wait for the next big storm to stay busy?
In this episode of the Roofing Success Podcast, Jim Ahlin sits down with Daniel Cloteaux, founder of Cloteaux Roofing & Construction and a third-generation roofer, to talk about building a business that can succeed with or without a hurricane. Daniel shares how combining retail and insurance roofing changed his approach to growth, along with the leadership, hiring, and financial lessons he learned along the way.
In this episode:
• Building a roofing business that doesn’t depend on storms
• Balancing retail and insurance roofing
• Hiring, leadership, and building the right culture
• Lessons from workers’ comp, taxes, and scalingConnect with John:
https://cloteauxroofing.com
https://www.facebook.com/CloteauxRoofingandConstruction
https://www.instagram.com/cloteauxroofingListen to the episode on Spotify & Apple Podcasts (324) 👇
🎧 https://roofingpod.com/spotify
🍏 https://roofingpod.com/apple-podcastsPODCAST SPONSORS:
- JobNimbus Marketing: https://roofingpod.com/jobnimbus-marketing-get-started
- Day 41 Thrive: https://roofingpod.com/day-41-thriveIG: https://www.instagram.com/roofingsuccess/
FB: https://www.facebook.com/groups/roofingsuccess
Join Our Facebook Group: https://roofingpod.com/facebook📱 Text Jim @ (612) 512-1812 – Say Hi!
💬 Leave Us a Review: https://roofingpod.com/reviewChapters:
00:00 How to Present Roofing Estimates to Homeowners
01:39 How Daniel Cloteaux Got Started in Roofing
07:33 How to Train Roofing Sales Reps to Inspect Roofs
09:46 How to Build a Better Roofing Sales Process
15:58 What Successful Roofing Sales Reps Do Differently
22:32 Why Rebranding Can Help a Roofing Company Grow
29:03 How to Hire and Lead a Roofing Sales Team
38:04 How to Grow a Roofing Company Without Storms
47:59 Expensive Roofing Business Mistakes to Avoid -
54 min
The Difference Between Average and Elite Roofing Companies with John Eggen
Episode 323
Show notes
What separates an average roofing company from an elite one? John Eggen, COO of Big League Roofers, believes it comes down to understanding. Listen before you speak. Inspect before you recommend. Educate instead of just sell. And make “above and beyond” the standard. In this episode, John and Jim Ahlin talk about building better salespeople, stronger leaders, and processes that help a roofing company grow without losing quality.
John also shares how Big League Roofers is making the shift from insurance to retail, why losing on price isn’t always a loss, and why trust will beat being the cheapest contractor. As John puts it, “Roofs are what we build, but understanding is what we leave behind.”
Connect with John:
https://bigleagueroofers.com
https://www.facebook.com/bigleagueroofers
https://instagram.com/bigleagueroofers
https://www.youtube.com/@bigleagueroofersListen to the episode on Spotify & Apple Podcasts (323) 👇
🎧 https://roofingpod.com/spotify
🍏 https://roofingpod.com/apple-podcastsPODCAST SPONSORS:
- JobNimbus Marketing: https://roofingpod.com/jobnimbus-marketing-get-started
- Day 41 Thrive: https://roofingpod.com/day-41-thriveIG: https://www.instagram.com/roofingsuccess/
FB: https://www.facebook.com/groups/roofingsuccess
Join Our Facebook Group: https://roofingpod.com/facebook📱 Text Jim @ (612) 512-1812 – Say Hi!
💬 Leave Us a Review: https://roofingpod.com/reviewChapters:
02:18 From Roofing Supplier to Roofing Contractor
03:32 The Biggest Gaps in the Roofing Industry
07:39 If Your Customer Is Wondering, You’re Losing
09:29 Making “Above and Beyond” the Standard
11:59 How to Build High Standards Across Your Team
15:38 What Average Roofing Companies Get Wrong
17:11 Training Roofing Sales Reps to Be Professionals
19:31 Stop Measuring Only the Sale
23:15 The Leadership “Helicopter” View
27:21 How to Lead Without Becoming the Bottleneck
29:28 Turning Field Experience Into Better Processes
32:46 Building a Healthy Owner-COO Relationship
35:58 Making the Shift From Insurance to Retail Roofing
40:03 Building Trust Instead of Selling on Price
43:36 What to Do When You Lose on Price
48:29 A Leadership Lesson Learned the Hard Way
50:58 What the Roofing Industry Needs Right Now -
1 hr 4 min
Why Roofing Companies Need Standards Before They Scale with Jonathan Baldivino
Episode 322
Show notes
Every roofing company wants to grow, but scaling without standards can turn small problems into big ones.
Jonathan Baldivino started in roofing doing cleanup, worked his way up to installer, and eventually built Roofscapes Northwest. As the company grew, he learned that hard work alone wasn’t enough. He needed clear standards, better systems, the right numbers, and great people.
In this episode, Jonathan and Jim Ahlin talk about building standards your team can actually follow, using data instead of gut feelings, hiring the right people, and knowing when your company is truly ready to scale.
Learn more about Roofscapes Northwest:
https://www.roofscapesnw.com
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCCtAlgA8Htp_ugQPZ7OCxeA
https://www.instagram.com/roofscapes_nw/
https://www.facebook.com/RoofscapesnwListen to the episode on Spotify & Apple Podcasts (322) 👇
🎧 https://roofingpod.com/spotify
🍏 https://roofingpod.com/apple-podcastsPODCAST SPONSORS:
- JobNimbus Marketing: https://roofingpod.com/jobnimbus-marketing-get-started
- Day 41 Thrive: https://roofingpod.com/day-41-thriveIG: https://www.instagram.com/roofingsuccess/
FB: https://www.facebook.com/groups/roofingsuccess
Join Our Facebook Group: https://roofingpod.com/facebook📱 Text Jim @ (612) 512-1812 – Say Hi!
💬 Leave Us a Review: https://roofingpod.com/reviewChapters:
00:00 From Homeless to Roofing Business Owner
07:50 Turning a Roofing Career Into a Business
12:09 The Early Struggles of Running a Roofing Company
17:30 Building the Right Roofing Team
22:18 Why Roofing Companies Need Clear Standards
30:32 Building Systems to Grow a Roofing Business
37:41 The Marketing Metrics Roofing Companies Should Track
42:19 Why You Need to Say No to the Wrong Customers
47:32 Using Data and KPIs to Make Better Business Decisions
53:10 Systems, Hiring, and Scaling a Roofing Company -
1 hr 8 min
Storms Don't Build Great Roofing Companies. Systems Do... with Trey Hostetler
Episode 321
Show notes
How do you build a roofing company that lasts?
For Trey Hostetler, owner of Titan Roofing in Springfield, Ohio, it started with one simple belief. You're either growing or you're dying.
In this conversation, Trey shares his journey from installing roofs to building one of the fastest-growing roofing companies in the country. We talk about leadership, hiring, company culture, mentorship, faith, and the lessons that shaped him along the way.
If you're a roofing company owner looking to build a stronger team, become a better leader, and keep growing no matter what challenges come your way, you'll get a lot from this conversation.
Learn more about Trey and Titan Roofing:
https://commercialroofingtitans.com
https://www.instagram.com/titanroofingllc
https://www.facebook.com/tracroofing
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCli6opyMZXlwjMBYQE93EyAListen to the episode on Spotify & Apple Podcasts (321) 👇
🎧 https://roofingpod.com/spotify
🍏 https://roofingpod.com/apple-podcastsPODCAST SPONSORS:
- JobNimbus Marketing: https://roofingpod.com/jobnimbus-marketing-get-started
- Day 41 Thrive: https://roofingpod.com/day-41-thriveIG: https://www.instagram.com/roofingsuccess/
FB: https://www.facebook.com/groups/roofingsuccess
Join Our Facebook Group: https://roofingpod.com/facebook📱 Text Jim @ (612) 512-1812 – Say Hi!
💬 Leave Us a Review: https://roofingpod.com/reviewChapters:
00:00 Why Great Roofing Companies Are Built on Systems
00:36 Meet Trey Hostetler of Titan Roofing
02:55 From Roofing Installer to Business Owner
07:58 The Opportunity That Changed Everything
09:33 The Entrepreneur Mindset Every Roofer Needs
16:47 Why Coaching and Mentorship Accelerate Growth
24:34 Building a Roofing Company Culture That Lasts
33:58 Hiring Great Roofing Employees and Retaining Them
39:00 AI, Skilled Trades, and the Future of Roofing
42:37 Why Your Company Must Be Worth Following
48:44 Collaboration, Competition, and Long Term Success -
1 hr 4 min
The Roofing Companies That Thrive Do This Differently with Jacob Vanhorn
Episode 320
Show notes
What separates roofing companies that keep growing from the ones that struggle when the market changes?
Jacob Vanhorn, CEO of Birdcreek Roofing, shares the systems, leadership principles, and sales strategies that have helped his company navigate both record-breaking storm years and slower retail markets. If you want to build a roofing company that lasts, this episode is packed with practical lessons.
In this episode, you'll learn:
- Why storms expose your processes while slow markets expose your people.
- How to protect profit margins and build a stronger sales team.
- The referral system that helped Birdcreek Roofing become the trusted name in its market.Connect with Jacob:
https://www.birdcreekroofing.com
https://www.facebook.com/BirdcreekRoofing
https://www.instagram.com/birdcreekroofingListen to the episode on Spotify & Apple Podcasts (320) 👇
🎧 https://roofingpod.com/spotify
🍏 https://roofingpod.com/apple-podcastsPODCAST SPONSORS:
- JobNimbus Marketing: https://roofingpod.com/jobnimbus-marketing-get-started
- Day 41 Thrive: https://roofingpod.com/day-41-thriveIG: https://www.instagram.com/roofingsuccess/
FB: https://www.facebook.com/groups/roofingsuccess
Join Our Facebook Group: https://roofingpod.com/facebook📱 Text Jim @ (612) 512-1812 – Say Hi!
💬 Leave Us a Review: https://roofingpod.com/reviewChapters:
00:00 Revenue Follows Systems, Not Sales
00:27 The Birdcreek Roofing Growth Story
05:41 How Storms Expose Broken Roofing Systems
11:22 Why Profit Matters More Than Revenue
16:18 Values That Build a Better Roofing Company
32:00 How to Win in a Tough Roofing Market
38:20 Building a Sales Team for Retail Roofing
46:11 Protecting Profit Margins During Slow Markets
52:58 How to Build a Referral Machine That Lasts -
1 hr 10 min
Why the Best Roofers Build Relationships, Not Just Roofs with Stephen Lane
Episode 319
Show notes
What does it take to build a roofing company that thrives without relying on storms?
Stephen Lane of Roughneck Roofing shares how he built a strong retail roofing business by focusing on relationships, community involvement, and delivering an outstanding customer experience.
In this episode, you'll learn:
- How referral partners can create a steady stream of high-quality roofing leads.
- Why customer communication is your biggest competitive advantage.
- The lessons Stephen learned about cash flow, marketing, and growing a business the right way.Connect with Stephen:
🌐 https://roughneckroofingllc.comListen to the episode on Spotify & Apple Podcasts (319) 👇
🎧 https://roofingpod.com/spotify
🍏 https://roofingpod.com/apple-podcastsPODCAST SPONSORS:
- JobNimbus Marketing: https://roofingpod.com/jobnimbus-marketing-get-started
- Day 41 Thrive: https://roofingpod.com/day-41-thriveIG: https://www.instagram.com/roofingsuccess/
FB: https://www.facebook.com/groups/roofingsuccess
Join Our Facebook Group: https://roofingpod.com/facebook📱 Text Jim @ (612) 512-1812 – Say Hi!
💬 Leave Us a Review: https://roofingpod.com/reviewChapters:
00:00 Why Marketing Put Roughneck Roofing on the Map
00:29 From Oilfield to Roofing Company Owner
05:41 Cash Flow Lessons Every Roofing Business Must Learn
10:23 How Referral Partners Create Year-Round Roofing Leads
16:35 Community Marketing That Builds a Local Roofing Brand
29:00 The Customer Experience That Wins More Roof Sales
40:04 Why Roofers Lose Sales Through Poor Communication
46:59 Two-Call Close vs. One-Call Close for Roofing Sales
53:23 The Biggest Growth Challenge for Roofing Business Owners -
1 hr
She Bought a Roofing Company Without Any Roofing Experience with Emily May
Episode 318
Show notes
Emily May is the owner of M&M Roofing in Texas. After spending 17 years as a nurse, she took a leap of faith and bought a roofing company with no industry experience. Since then, she has built M&M Roofing by focusing on branding, systems, technology, job costing, and creating an outstanding customer experience.
In this episode, Emily shares what it was really like buying a roofing company with no roofing background, the lessons she learned along the way, and how she continues to grow her business. Whether you are looking to improve your leadership, strengthen your brand, or build a more profitable company, this conversation is packed with practical takeaways.
Connect with Emily:
https://mandmroofingtexas.com
https://www.facebook.com/p/M-M-Roofing-Texas-100088112251340/
https://www.instagram.com/mandm_roofingtexas/Listen to the episode on Spotify & Apple Podcasts (318) 👇
🎧 https://roofingpod.com/spotify
🍏 https://roofingpod.com/apple-podcastsPODCAST SPONSORS:
- JobNimbus Marketing: https://roofingpod.com/jobnimbus-marketing-get-started
- Day 41 Thrive: https://roofingpod.com/day-41-thriveIG: https://www.instagram.com/roofingsuccess/
FB: https://www.facebook.com/groups/roofingsuccess
Join Our Facebook Group: https://roofingpod.com/facebook📱 Text Jim @ (612) 512-1812 – Say Hi!
💬 Leave Us a Review: https://roofingpod.com/reviewChapters:
00:00 How a Nurse Bought a Roofing Company with No Experience
01:00 Why Buying a Small Business Beat Starting One
05:49 Buying a Roofing Company Without Financials or a CRM
10:47 Turning a 30-Year-Old Roofing Company into a Real Business
17:34 Job Costing Mistakes That Kill Roofing Company Profits
27:25 Buying a Commercial Roofing Company Through Acquisition
39:24 Roofing Marketing: How Branding Creates Long-Term Growth
46:20 How to Measure Brand Awareness with Google Search
55:40 What's Next for Emily May & M&M Roofing -
55 min
Why Trust Is Your Biggest Competitive Advantage in Roofing with Ted Sellers
Episode 317
Show notes
Most roofing companies have a story, but Ted Sellers has built something truly different.
In this interview, Ted shares how he went from working in marketing to building Sellers Roofing, one of the few Black-owned, union roofing companies in Minnesota. Along the way, he opens up about the hard lessons that shaped his business, from cash flow struggles and hiring mistakes to finding the right people and building a company that customers trust.
We also talk about what it really means to be a union contractor, how it has helped his team deliver better work, and why focusing on education instead of high-pressure sales has been a big part of his growth.
If you're a roofing company owner looking to build a stronger business, create a better customer experience, and stand out in a competitive market, you'll find plenty of practical lessons in this conversation.
Connect with Ted:
https://roofingexpertsstpaul.com
https://www.facebook.com/SellersRoofingCompanyNewBrighton
https://www.instagram.com/roofingexpertsstpaul
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCY5VMUhnAC5BwIpHym7h-2wListen to the episode on Spotify & Apple Podcasts (317) 👇
🎧 https://roofingpod.com/spotify
🍏 https://roofingpod.com/apple-podcastsPODCAST SPONSORS:
- JobNimbus Marketing: https://roofingpod.com/jobnimbus-marketing-get-started
- Day 41 Thrive: https://roofingpod.com/day-41-thriveIG: https://www.instagram.com/roofingsuccess/
FB: https://www.facebook.com/groups/roofingsuccess
Join Our Facebook Group: https://roofingpod.com/facebook📱 Text Jim @ (612) 512-1812 – Say Hi!
💬 Leave Us a Review: https://roofingpod.com/reviewChapters:
00:00 Why People Didn't Trust Me
00:39 Meet Ted Sellers
01:11 From Marketing to Roofing Business Owner
03:47 How Education Became His Best Sales Strategy
07:19 Growing Too Fast & Cash Flow Lessons
14:09 The Business Mistakes Every Contractor Should Avoid
17:30 Building Trust as a Black-Owned Roofing Company
29:08 Why Going Union Changed Everything
52:08 What Success Really Means -
49 min
Why Roofers Are Being Lied To About Zero-Click Search and Google Leads
Episode 316
Show notes
Everyone is talking about AI, zero-click searches, and the death of Google Ads. But is that actually what's happening?
In this episode, Jim Ahlin digs into the numbers behind the headlines and explains why Google isn't walking away from advertising anytime soon. More importantly, he shares what roofing companies should be focusing on today to generate more leads, waste less ad spend, and stay competitive as search continues to evolve.
If you're investing in Google Ads, paying an agency, or wondering how AI will impact your marketing, this episode will help you separate the hype from what's really happening.
Listen to the episode on Spotify & Apple Podcasts (316) 👇
🎧 https://roofingpod.com/spotify
🍏 https://roofingpod.com/apple-podcastsPODCAST SPONSORS:
- JobNimbus Marketing: https://roofingpod.com/jobnimbus-marketing-get-started
- Day 41 Thrive: https://roofingpod.com/day-41-thriveIG: https://www.instagram.com/roofingsuccess/
FB: https://www.facebook.com/groups/roofingsuccess
Join Our Facebook Group: https://roofingpod.com/facebook📱 Text Jim @ (612) 512-1812 – Say Hi!
💬 Leave Us a Review: https://roofingpod.com/reviewJoin our Roofing Success Skool community: https://www.skool.com/roofing-success/about
Chapters:
00:00 Is AI Killing Google Search?
03:05 Does Google Still Make Money From Ads?
06:26 Are Google Ads Still Worth It for Roofers?
13:22 How AI Is Changing the Roofing Customer Journey
16:34 Why Speed to Lead Matters More Than Ever
19:18 How to Audit Your Google Ads Agency
29:18 How Negative Keywords Lower Your Cost Per Lead
35:32 The Biggest Google Ads Mistakes Roofers Make
44:27 The Future of AI, Google Ads, and Roofing Marketing -
56 min
When Hustle Stops Working in Your Roofing Business (And What to Do Next)
Episode 315
Show notes
Scott Huffman built GSAS Construction Group to nearly $4M in his first full year of roofing, then hit a wall. Hustle got him there, but it couldn't get him further.
Scott shares what broke through the ceiling, from hiring a consultant to turning a 12-page notes doc into real SOPs, plus how his journey from prison to business owner built a company where second chances create top performers.
What you'll learn:
- The weekly sales metrics that finally got reps to buy in (150 doors, 120 cold calls)
- How to spot when you've hit your ceiling as an owner and what to do next
- Hard hiring lessons: friends and family, trust but verify, and right people in right seatsConnect with Scott:
https://gsasconstructiongroup.com
https://www.linkedin.com/company/gsasconstructiongroup
https://www.facebook.com/p/GSAS-Construction-Group-100092974238646/
https://www.instagram.com/gsasconstructiongroupListen to the episode on Spotify & Apple Podcasts (315) 👇
🎧 https://roofingpod.com/spotify
🍏 https://roofingpod.com/apple-podcastsPODCAST SPONSORS:
- Coast: https://roofingpod.com/Coast
- JobNimbus Marketing: https://roofingpod.com/jobnimbus-marketing-get-started
- Day 41 Thrive: https://roofingpod.com/day-41-thriveIG: https://www.instagram.com/roofingsuccess/
FB: https://www.facebook.com/groups/roofingsuccess
Join Our Facebook Group: https://roofingpod.com/facebook📱 Text Jim @ (612) 512-1812 – Say Hi!
💬 Leave Us a Review: https://roofingpod.com/reviewChapters:
0:00 When hustle stops working (cold open)
1:48 From prison to sign language interpreter to roofing
7:04 Starting GSAS
12:54 The hidden costs of running a business
21:19 SOPs: hustle with no reference points
27:28 The sales metrics that finally stuck
39:03 Right people, right seats
46:27 Red flags and trust but verify
50:19 Redemption and second chances -
57 min
From Owner Dependence to Scalable Roofing Business with Sej Sorathia Deribin
Episode 314
Show notes
What happens when the owner's phone finally stops ringing?
For most roofing company owners, that sounds like something is wrong.
For Eric and Sej at Capital Roofing... it meant they were finally building a business that didn't depend on them every minute of the day.
In this episode, Sej Sorathia Deribin shares how they went from doing everything themselves to building systems, hiring the right people, documenting SOPs, and creating a customer experience that drives referrals and repeat business.
We also dive into why communication is their biggest marketing advantage, how outsourcing the right roles helped them buy back time, and what it really takes to let go as an owner without losing control.
If you feel like your business can't run without you, this conversation will show you what's possible.
Connect with Sej:
https://capitolroofingco.com/
https://www.facebook.com/CapitolRoofingCo
https://www.instagram.com/capitolroofingcoListen to the episode on Spotify & Apple Podcasts (314) 👇
🎧 https://roofingpod.com/spotify
🍏 https://roofingpod.com/apple-podcastsPODCAST SPONSORS:
- Coast: https://roofingpod.com/Coast
- JobNimbus Marketing: https://roofingpod.com/jobnimbus-marketing-get-started
- Day 41 Thrive: https://roofingpod.com/day-41-thriveIG: https://www.instagram.com/roofingsuccess/
FB: https://www.facebook.com/groups/roofingsuccess
Join Our Facebook Group: https://roofingpod.com/facebook📱 Text Jim @ (612) 512-1812 – Say Hi!
💬 Leave Us a Review: https://roofingpod.com/reviewChapters:
00:00 From Chaos to Calm: The Owner's Phone Finally Stops Ringing
00:33 The Next Stage of Capital Roofing's Growth
02:02 Why Hiring a Virtual Admin Changed Everything
05:25 Building a Team That Doesn't Depend on the Owner
08:23 The Customer Experience Starts With the First Phone Call
12:54 The 24-Hour Response Rule That Wins More Customers
15:23 Why Overcommunication Is Their Best Marketing Strategy
22:04 The Maintenance Program That Creates Lifetime Customers
24:48 Should You Outsource Admin, Marketing, or Bookkeeping?
39:09 Hiring the Right People to Buy Back Your Time
44:14 Why Networking Beats Social Media for Their Roofing Company
52:49 The Moment They Knew the Business Could Run Without Them -
59 min
The 5 Numbers Every Roofing Contractor Must Track with Jon Broce
Episode 313
Show notes
Most roofing company owners think they need more leads.
But what if the real problem is that you don’t know your numbers?
In this episode of the Roofing Success Podcast, Jim Ahlin sits down with Jon Broce to unpack the biggest blind spots holding roofing companies back.
They discuss why revenue can be misleading, how small improvements create massive gains, why so many owners make decisions based on gut instinct, and what private equity understands that most contractors miss.
You’ll also learn why set rate is one of the most overlooked metrics in roofing, how to think differently about hiring, and why knowing your numbers is the foundation for scaling a profitable business.
If you want better profit margins, stronger systems, and more confidence in your decisions, this episode is for you.
Connect with Jon:
https://day41thrive.com
https://www.linkedin.com/company/day-41-thrive-consulting-llc/
https://www.instagram.com/jonathonbroce
https://www.facebook.com/jonathon.broce.5Listen to the episode on Spotify & Apple Podcasts (313) 👇
🎧 https://roofingpod.com/spotify
🍏 https://roofingpod.com/apple-podcastsPODCAST SPONSORS:
- Coast: https://roofingpod.com/Coast
- JobNimbus Marketing: https://roofingpod.com/jobnimbus-marketing-get-started
- Day 41 Thrive: https://roofingpod.com/day-41-thriveIG: https://www.instagram.com/roofingsuccess/
FB: https://www.facebook.com/groups/roofingsuccess
Join Our Facebook Group: https://roofingpod.com/facebook📱 Text Jim @ (612) 512-1812 – Say Hi!
💬 Leave Us a Review: https://roofingpod.com/reviewChapters:
00:00 Why Most Roofers Stay Stuck
04:16 Finding the Blind Spots in Your Business
09:14 Know Your Numbers Before You Hire
14:05 The Most Overlooked Metric in Roofing
19:48 How to Improve Profit Without More Sales
24:00 Why Customer Experience Drives Growth
29:06 The Real Reason You Should Raise Prices
34:20 What Private Equity Understands Better
39:01 The Future of Roofing Marketing
43:40 Be the GC of Your Finances
49:57 Simple Financial Changes That Increase Profit
54:52 How to Actually Implement What You Learn
On these lists
Roofing Success is one of the shows picked out on each of these
More in Entrepreneurship
Placed highest on Apple Podcasts' Entrepreneurship chart right now