What initially drew you to the roofing industry?
I had been working in an agriculture business with a family member. Some of the products we used were manufactured by a company that also offered roofing supplies. With my natural entrepreneurial spirit, it became evident that I had great interest in the roofing division. I learned that I could begin a roofing company with great sweat equity, yet minimal capital to build it from the ground up. I pursued a mentor in the industry and was privileged ‘to shadow’ him to learn about his roofing business. He showed me ‘the ropes’ and I owe a lot to him for the training and teaching he graciously afforded to me.
What’s your favorite part of this job?
Definitely building relationships with my clients, which starts with our first interaction and communicating our capabilities and value of Seamless Roofing, Inc.
How do you choose which projects you take on?
After the initial conversation and assessment, I am able to decide if one of our systems would work best for the building owner. If we can’t help them, I always try to refer them to someone who can. Two limiting factors for any job are the conditions and physical properties of the existing roof system. We make every effort to service each potential customer the best way that we can.
What trends in the industry excite you the most?
White coatings are a great advancement in the field because they offer such substantial long-term energy savings for the building owner. They don’t absorb sunlight like darker materials, which means cooling the building is a lot easier and doesn’t use as much power. The other trend I most appreciate are monolithic seamless systems that have no points of entry for water to get in and negatively affect the roof system.
In your opinion, what makes a customer “good”?
I always appreciate working with someone who is business savvy and is looking to try newer technologies, products, and systems for their roofing needs. Also, anyone who desires to steward their assets and are willing to invest into their property before it’s deteriorated to the point of the repair being an emergency. Being proactive in roof maintenance makes one a good customer!
If you could give advice to building owners about their roofs what would that be?
Be strategic with how you do maintenance and repairs…always think long term when you are making decisions. Will the products being used in maintenance be compatible with a future roof coating system? And is it more cost effective now to repair something or to just go ahead and install a new system?
What can a customer do to make your job easier?
Definitely following the advice given above, but also remove obsolete equipment from the roof. If the equipment is no longer used, remove it and patch where it was to prevent any leakage issues now and in the future.
What do you like to do in your free time?
If I’m not working, I am probably on a golf course. I enjoy playing the game, it’s relaxing to me, it’s a place where I can think and pray, and a place to enjoy the outdoors. I am also developing the discipline of reading regularly. I primarily enjoy books on business, autobiographies and biographies, as well as books that encourage my journey of faith in Jesus Christ. Additionally, I mentor individual men that I am privileged to share fellowship and usually a meal regularly.
Where do you see Seamless Roofing in 5 years?
Primarily, I would like Seamless Roofing, Inc to be top-of-mind and viewed as the premier coating contractor/company in the Carolinas.
What piece of advice would you give someone who wanted to get into this industry?
The construction industry is at a loss and lacks workmanship with the highest ideals of integrity. Be honest with yourself and with others at all times. I would also encourage them to find their ‘sweet spot’ and become an expert there……refrain from trying to be “everything to everybody”.
