In this episode of the Small Town Roofer Podcast, Scott interviews Gavin Shenhav from Masterlyne Corporation. They delve into Gavin's journey in the roofing industry, highlighting his transition from construction sales to founding his own business. Gavin shares his unique approach to customer care and lead generation through door knocking. He discusses the structure of his team, which includes canvassers and sales representatives, and the importance of training and maintaining high standards for subcontracted crews. The conversation also touches on the benefits of using a CRM system to streamline operations and improve customer communication.

• Gavin's background in the roofing business
• Approach to customer care
• Process of generating leads through door knocking
• Insights into the roofing industry
• Journey from construction sales to starting his own business
• Canvassing and lead generation approach
• Transitioning leads to sales representatives
• Discussion about door knocking and its effectiveness
• Lead generation methods and challenges

Website: Masterlyne Corporation

In this episode of the Small Town Roofer podcast, host Scott Tebay interviews Joel Patzke, owner of True Work Roofing in Houston, Texas. Joel shares his journey from the restaurant industry to roofing, emphasizing the importance of customer service and ethical business practices. He discusses the unique challenges of the Houston market, including fierce competition and the need for innovative marketing strategies. Joel highlights his company's focus on community engagement, quality workmanship, and using technology to enhance customer experience. The conversation also covers the ethical and practical challenges of roofing in extreme weather, stressing the importance of crew safety and long-term relationships.

Show Highlights:

• Building a strong presence in local neighborhoods
• Challenges of building a reliable team and reducing turnover
• Emphasis on customer experience, communication, cleanliness, and quality work
• Use of technology to enhance customer experience and streamline operations
• Satisfaction derived from providing quality service in the home service industry
• Importance of honesty, accountability, and customer-centric values
• Challenges of roofing in extreme weather conditions, particularly the intense heat in Texas and Arizona
• Ethical considerations of delaying roofing projects due to extreme weather
• Use of contract labor and the importance of building long-term relationships with the crew
• Shared commitment to improving the roofing industry and supporting others in the industry

Links and Resources:

• Trueworks Roofing
• LinkedIn Profile of Joel Patzke

In this episode of the Small Town Rural Podcast, host Scott and Johna Charles, Director of Marketing at Rain Stoppers Roofing and co-founder of Orbit Media, discuss a new, simplified quote presentation system. They explain how the new template includes essential details like roof system options, color choices, pricing, and warranty information, making it easier for customers to understand and decide. Additionally, Johna talks about a new website page designed to help customers visualize different roof colors through a gallery of real-life examples. The episode emphasizes the importance of enhancing customer experience and improving online presence.

• New quote presentation system
• Simplified template for presenting quotes to customers
• Importance of simplifying the quoting process
• Positive feedback from customers on the new system
• Tailored quoting templates for different types of customers
• New website page to help customers visualize different roof colors
• Functionality of the website page
• Importance of providing visual tools for customers
• Value of the new system for the company's website
• Encouragement to consider implementing a similar format with other quoting software

• Rain Stoppers Roofing

In this podcast episode, Scott Tebay and Patrick Carr from Blue Collar Media Group delve into the challenges of podcasting and the decline in its popularity post-pandemic. Patrick shares his journey of founding Blue Collar Media Group after financial struggles, focusing on creating high-quality video content for contractors. They discuss the importance of diversifying marketing strategies, the impact of social media changes on advertising, and the significance of attending industry conferences. The conversation also touches on personal growth, overcoming fears, and the value of maintaining routines and addressing mental health issues for achieving professional and personal success.

Show Highlights:

• Challenges of podcasting and the decline in popularity of podcasts post-pandemic
• Starting a company after facing financial difficulties
• Importance of diversifying marketing strategies
• Services offered by Blue Collar Media Group
• Overcoming fear of public speaking and being on camera
• Importance of routine and identity in maintaining consistency
• Personal struggles and battles faced by men
• Importance of finding one's niche and overcoming fears
• Starting each day with a fresh perspective and striving for improvement
• Developing positive habits and the power of perseverance
• Strategies for overcoming morning inertia and starting the day with purpose
• The value of time and the significance of each day
• Anxiety and mental health
• Significance of attention and community engagement in business

Show Notes and Resources

Links and Resources:

• Website: Blue Collar Media Group
• Instagram: @thebluecollarmediagroup
• LinkedIn: Patrick R. Carr

In this podcast episode, Scott and Johna welcome Brad Akers to the show. Brad brings his expertise to the table, delving into effective marketing strategies tailored for roofing contractors. He highlights the critical nature of fully comprehending the expenses involved in customer acquisition, which encompasses not only the direct costs but also management fees. Brad stresses the importance of monitoring a range of metrics that extend past the simple cost per lead. He provides recommendations on setting a marketing budget that is conducive to business expansion, underlining the necessity of expanding advertising efforts beyond the usual suspects of Google and Facebook. Brad champions the use of neighborhood marketing, the power of referrals, and active participation on social media platforms as methods to reduce acquisition costs. He encourages listeners to view customer acquisition through the lens of real estate investment. Brad's insights are invaluable for contractors who are focused on refining their marketing strategies to foster sustainable business growth.

Show Highlights:

• Brad Akers' expertise in the roofing and contracting business
• Brad's background in the construction industry and roofing distribution
• Starting and selling a successful marketing agency for roofing contractors
• Challenges of business growth, seeking advice, and making strategic decisions
• Tailoring advice to fit one's own business model
• Importance of neighborhood marketing and referrals for quality leads
• Organizing a process for neighborhood marketing and the concept of the four growth engines
• Effectiveness of boosting Facebook posts for neighborhood marketing
• Customer acquisition cost (CAC) and tracking metrics beyond cost per lead
• Managing costs and maximizing returns in marketing for roofing contractors

Links and Resources:

Brad’s Website

Brad’s Linkedin

BGB Enterprises

In this episode of the Small Town Roofer Podcast, host Scott interviews David Summerly from Square Dash, discussing how the service aids roofers with cash flow issues, especially in insurance restoration. They explore Square Dash's billing and quick funding services for contractors. The episode also covers the recent extreme weather in Ohio, the role of social media in business, and David's upcoming podcast and networking event.

Additionally, David talks about his consulting firm, and the importance of community and collaboration in the competitive roofing industry. David concludes by offering support to fellow industry members, emphasizing the value of a positive legacy.

Show Highlights:

• Square Dash: Service for cash flow assistance in the roofing industry
• David Summerly's background in the roofing industry
• Services provided by Square Dash: billing and quick funding for roofing contractors
• Impact of extreme weather in Ohio on roofing businesses
• Role of social media in business promotion
• David's upcoming podcast and networking event
• Summerly Consulting services for contractors
• Importance of collaboration and transparency in the roofing industry
• Emphasis on helping and supporting fellow contractors
• David's contact information and willingness to provide assistance

Links and Resources:

David's Website

From securing loans for projects to managing cash flow effectively, navigating the financial landscape can be overwhelming for many home improvement businesses. However, with the right tools and support, these challenges can be overcome. That's where improvifi comes in as they provide tailored solutions designed specifically for contractors and home improvement businesses, offering a seamless way to access financing and manage financial operations.

I'm excited to share this episode with you as I am joined by Chris Scoville, founder of improvifi, who revolutionized the industry by offering innovative approaches that set his team apart from standard financing companies. Tune in as we delve into how improvifi is making a difference in the home improvement space and what it means for homeowners and contractors alike.

Lending options for contractors with multiple lenders and a multi-lending platform.

Chris founded improvifi to address a significant gap in the market – contractors often struggle to offer, sell, or understand financing options due to the overwhelming variety of lenders and misleading information. This platform connects contractors with suitable lenders and provides a comprehensive program to help them implement and market financing solutions.

His extensive background in both construction and finance fuels his commitment to making improvifi a success, even as he navigates the financial challenges of launching a new venture. Currently, improvifi partners with four lending institutions, with three more joining in May so make sure to expect various innovative programs. This system ensures contractors can find the best financing options for their clients, enhancing their business capabilities.

Credit scoring and lending options for various categories of customers.

There are different credit categories and the challenges contractors face with financing options. Chris shares that super prime borrowers have FICO scores of 800-850 and are ideal for lenders. Prime borrowers range from 750-799, near prime from 700-750, subprime under 700, and super subprime from 550-640. Contractors usually don't know their customer's credit scores, making it crucial to use lenders offering soft credit pulls, which don't impact credit scores.

Many finance companies only lend to specific categories, primarily favoring super prime borrowers, often leading to higher dealer fees for counter offers in other categories. Improvifi's solution involves using a soft credit pull through their mobile app, allowing contractors to find suitable financing options quickly and without impact on the customer's credit. This approach helps avoid the limitations and issues seen with traditional lenders, ensuring contractors can offer financing to a broader range of customers.

Risk-based pricing in the lending industry and financing options for home improvement businesses.

In risk-based pricing within the lending industry, contractors must navigate set pricing and dealer fees to maintain profitability. When a contractor approaches Chris’s team, they analyze their business and margins, suggesting they adjust their prices to account for dealer fees. This ensures that their profit margins remain intact despite financing costs.

Chris emphasizes that contractors should present a consistent price for both cash and credit transactions, avoiding explicit line items for dealer fees in contracts. They can, however, offer cash discounts if desired. Surprisingly, many contractors already absorb credit card swipe fees without considering them akin to dealer fees, essentially giving away part of their profits.

Contractors should increase their prices to cover these fees, as failing to do so results in lost revenue. Chris mentions a friend who does millions of dollars in credit card transactions but doesn't account for the fees, losing substantial...

In our ever-evolving roofing industry, where technological advancements and shifting consumer preferences continually redefine market dynamics, staying ahead of the curve is significant. Successful roofing businesses understand the importance of adaptation in responding to emerging trends, customer demands, and other changes. By embracing innovation, leveraging cutting-edge technologies, and fostering a culture of continuous improvement, roofing entrepreneurs can position themselves as industry leaders and gain a competitive edge.

That’s why I'm thrilled to share this enlightening episode with everyone as I am joined by Chris Diroll – a seasoned business strategist and market expert dedicated to empowering entrepreneurs and elevating brands. Join us as we equip you with the tools and knowledge to thrive in today's competitive market.

Scaling a small roofing business with a focus on lifestyle and systems.

Chris shares his experience of navigating the ups and downs of the industry, likening it to the unpredictable weather – sometimes a flood of calls, sometimes a need for clear skies to get work done. Chris's journey began in corporate America, where he felt stifled by the focus on profit over people. Seeking a change, he joined his father-in-law's roofing business, initially aiming to make enough to retire comfortably. But as the business grew, so did Chris's passion for entrepreneurship.

With a background in sales and marketing, Chris applied his skills to transform the small roofing operation into a thriving business, eventually leaving it in the capable hands of his wife and sisters-in-law. He sees great potential in their female-owned business and is now focused on consulting and mentoring others in the industry, sharing the lessons learned from their family-centric approach to business.

Now, Chris focuses on helping other contractors scale their businesses while maintaining a lifestyle that works for them. He emphasizes the importance of building systems and processes tailored to individual needs, rather than blindly chasing growth for its own sake.

Despite skeptics questioning the dynamics of running a family business, Chris is committed to his vision of creating a sustainable and fulfilling lifestyle for his loved ones. He believes in supporting others in the industry who share similar aspirations, recognizing that they're all in it together.

Tailoring solutions to each client's unique situation is important. Chris describes himself as an "implementer," focused on helping businesses step back and strategize their goals, then guiding them through actionable steps to achieve those goals. For larger roofing companies, this might involve comprehensive coaching and redesigning sales materials to target specific customer demographics effectively. For smaller businesses, Chris offers strategy calls to address immediate challenges and prevent recurring issues, providing practical solutions to keep operations running smoothly.

Improving roofing business efficiency through process optimization, outsourcing, and technology adoption.

Understanding business metrics is not just important; it's vital for the success and sustainability of any enterprise. Metrics serve as the pulse of a business, providing invaluable insights into its performance, health, and areas for improvement. Without a clear understanding of these metrics, a business operates blindly, making decisions based on intuition rather than data-driven insights.

Chris integrates his expertise in understanding business metrics with his specialization in assisting businesses to improve their operations. He particularly caters to those seeking a better work-life balance, offering guidance on streamlining processes and optimizing efficiency. While his primary focus is on roofing businesses, Chris also works with other service-oriented industries, leveraging his expertise in