Exciting Achievements of 2017

Twelve months may not seem like a very long time, but when you have a nationwide group of roofing contractors laser-focused on growing their commercial pipeline, there is a whole lot that can happen!

Although it takes many hours to go through everything that happened, we do a recap every year to remember how big of an impact we’re making across the country. To see how our group did last year, feel free to read the previous recap “Strong 2016 Success Builds Powerful Momentum for 2017”.

Every year just keeps getting bigger and better!

Key Stories and Highlights

Many New Success Stories Added

The “What Our Contractors Are Saying” page now has 20 examples of videos, recorded calls or articles featuring contractors across the country that experienced strong commercial growth after joining the group. Highlights include Rufus Hostetler starting at 22 years old and is now full-time in commercial, Andrew Near who closed 14 jobs in his 1^st year, and John Miller who went from a struggling contractor to landing an 80,000 sq. ft. job (among other commercial projects) with expectations of doing twice as well next year.

427 Roofing Leads due to Multiple Website Upgrades

We spent more money on our website than ever before, which is possible because of the expanded budget resulting from successful events and an increased number of endorsed members. Not only are we on a dedicated SSD server, but site-wide improvements led to faster speeds, better messaging, and added features to increase everyone’s success.

Co-Founder Shares Story with Audience of Nearly 1,000

Sam Hostetler, one of the two original co-founders, was invited to share his story to hundreds of people in Branson, MO. If you haven’t heard it before, his framing business was devastated during the great recession of 2008, which nearly took him under. But, after his cousin introduced him to roof coatings and helped him get started in commercial roofing, Sam ended up closing $1.3 million in signed contracts just 18 months after starting his marketing strategy. View the recording yourself here: Convention Recording.

Three Members Independently Host Monthly Trainings

Andrew Near of Empire Contractors, Amos Byler of CV Roofing Systems, and Sam Hostetler of ECO Commercial Roofing early this year started putting on local hands-on training events at their businesses on the first Saturday of each month. They went all out with life-like mockups of actual roofs and everyone who attended learned a lot. We absolutely love the incentivized mentorship program in place to reward members who help others get into commercial! View pictures: Facebook Gallery.

29 New Contractor Relationships

The size of our group continues to expand! This is good for everyone since it means more experience, greater connections, larger market presence and more contractors to help complete jobs. Nearly all the relationships were made because endorsed members and supported contractors in the group told others about what we’re achieving as a nationwide team.

Workshops Keep Getting Better and Better

Word spread fast from the prior workshops we did! Our January workshop in Cleveland was quickly sold out and we did another one just weeks later in Tyler, TX. There’s simply no other commercial roofing event this comprehensive that is led by successful commercial roofers. There is no better way to receive hands-on training and insider info on sales and marketing than from the ones who are doing it successfully themselves. For more info, visit: Nationwide Workshop & Forum page.

Top Cover Story of CoatingsPro Magazine

Over the year’s we’ve enjoyed a fantastic relationship with Stephanie at CoatingsPro Magazine. In the latest edition, co-founder Jonathan Keim’s article was the most prominently featured in the roof coatings supplement released back in October. The article was written to help contractors consider a few important items before accepting work on a large roof. Having the right resources and proper preparation is key to ensure things go well. To read the article visit: October 2017 Digital Magazine.

197 Blogs, 263 Comments, and 1000+ Subscribers
As everyone knows, content is king and so we’ve always made it our core focus! This year we put up lots of new content and the community keeps amazing us with their engagement. Our group literally has hundreds of comments from others on various blogs and now delivers the weekly newsletter to more than 1,000 contractors across the nation. We’re excited to see where some of the new relationships will take us in 2018!

2018 is Expected to be Even Bigger!

We’ve never had so many pages on the first page of Google, so many contractors who further the group cause, or the amount of experience that we do today. At convention in February, we’re going to announce something big that is expected to unlock a new level of opportunity for our members! Stay tuned as we continue to find ways to improve the commercial roofing industry for both contractors and building owners.

If you would like to learn more about joining the group or receiving service for your commercial building, you can reach us at (800) 670-5583 or use our Interactive Member Directory to talk directly to a member.

5 Important Questions to Help You Get the Right Roofer

Hiring the right contractor is essential to get satisfactory repairs on your roof. The problem, however, may be in finding the right one. With a little research and a clear interview process, you can determine which roofer can give you the best work within your budget.

Here are the five most important questions you need to ask roofers before hiring them:

1. Do You Provide Written Estimates?Written estimates are among the first things a reputable roofing contractor will provide you. It is usually a free estimate with no obligation on your part whatsoever. Among the items included in estimates are the planned course of action, materials to be used and the duration of the project.
2. Can You Provide Me With References?Good roofers should be able to provide potential customers with a list of previous customers. If they are as good as they claim, their work will speak for itself, and satisfied customers will attest to their reputation.
3. Do You Offer Warranties?A good roofing contractor always provides warranties for their work. Not only is it a show of confidence in their workmanship, but it also makes customers feel at ease, knowing they have warranty protection.
4. Do You Have a Local License?Having a local license assures customers that the roofer can work legally in the area and has the skills to provide a satisfactory job. It’s a good idea to ask for this when you first talk to them to eliminate the risk of hiring a storm chaser.
5. Are You Insured?This is something you must insist on to protect yourself from liability. Roof work entails a certain amount of risk. Should accidents occur, the roofing company must provide ample compensation to their workers and coverage for you.

A1 Roofing and Construction provides dependable roofing services to both commercial property and homeowners alike. With over 25 years of experience in the industry, you can count on us to give true value for your money. We serve multiple areas in Rhode Island, including Newport, Providence and Tiverton. Call us today at (401) 265-1019 to get a free estimate.

 

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4 Reasons to Pay Immediate Attention to Roof Leaks

Roofing leaks are a common problem. They are not an issue you can afford to ignore for a long time. Not attending to a leak can cause a variety of worse issues that might be costly to repair. For your home’s wellbeing, pay attention to your roof, and call your trusted roofing contractor if you discover any leaks.

Here’s a look at four dangers you can avoid when you deal with leaky roofs immediately:

1. Structural DeteriorationWhenever water infiltrates your roofing system, it may drip on different areas, such as the attic, the attic floor, ceilings and walls. It can even flow through the framing and penetrate the walls. While this isn’t an immediate concern, constant water intrusion can cause wood to rapidly rot and deteriorate.  It’s also worth noting that extensive water damage can be costly to repair.
2. Reduced Energy EfficiencyHigher utility bills are a side effect of constant roofing leaks, as water can gradually destroy insulation. When that happens, you can expect the weather to intrude into your home and cause your HVAC to work harder just to compensate. The result: higher bills.
3. Mold and Mildew GrowthConstant exposure to moisture causes mold and mildew growth. While it may not seem like such an immediate concern, the fact is it can invade your HVAC system with time and eventually settle elsewhere, such as your carpets. It can lead to a variety of respiratory ailments, especially if you have an allergic family member.
4. Fire and Shock HazardsDripping water can invade electrical wiring present in your attic or ceiling spaces. The bigger concern is that electrical wiring is hidden, so you may not even be aware that there is a threat to your safety. Should those wires short, you run the risk of shock or a fire.

A1 Roofing and Construction provides the expert roof repair services that you deserve. With over 25 years of experience, you can be sure we’ll give you real value for your money. Our service area includes New Bedford, MA, as well as multiple cities in Rhode Island, such as Providence and Warwick. Call us today at (401) 265-1019 to get a free quote.

The post 4 Reasons to Pay Immediate Attention to Roof Leaks appeared first on A1 Roofing & Construction, LLC.

Contractor Finds Big Success with Help from the ‘BBB for Commercial Roofing’

The old adage says, “There is safety in numbers.” For the endorsed members of the group, however, there is much, much more than that.

For John Miller of A-1 Roofing Systems, belonging to our respected roofing association has provided credibility, support and resources that have made all the difference in his business, helping him evolve from being a struggling roofer just surviving from job to job to doing large commercial projects. Even with the fantastic year he had in 2017, John expects to double his revenue next year.

“The Choice Roof Contractor Group is like a Better Business Bureau for commercial roofing,” John said, “and clients like that.” The peace of mind makes a huge difference and building owners also value the knowledge resources of the group that back every project.

A Foot in the Door

John was one of the earliest members to join Choice Roof Contractor Group. Prior to belonging to the group, he was struggling to gain traction in commercial roofing and to make ends meet, getting only small jobs for small buildings in a small town. He ended up taking some residential roofing work just to help generate cash flow.

“You were always busy, but it seemed like the profit margins weren’t nearly big enough,” he said. “There was a lot of hustle. There was a lot of fast-paced activity and not enough leftover time.”

For John, joining the Choice Roof Contractor Group made all the difference. It was through the group that he got the breakthrough opportunity that marked the start of his success in commercial roofing.

John had previously cold-called a branch of a large national company but without success. A couple of months later, however, that same company contacted this website looking for a price quote on an 80,000-square-foot roofing job, and John ended up getting the request. That job was his big break.

“They trusted us because of our affiliation with Choice Roof Contractor Group,” he said.

The group’s credibility, accountability and commitment to excellence helped get a foot in the door with a major client. Many other roofing contractors have also gained solid footing doing commercial work and landing big jobs they wouldn’t otherwise have gotten.

 “That would not have happened without the Choice Roof Contractor Group,” John said.

Another benefit of group membership is that quote requests received through the group are quality, prequalified leads. The customer gets to see what the group is about and what its members offer as a nationwide team.

“I get quite a few leads from the group,” John said.

 “Choice Roof Contractor Group is regularly at the top if you start Googling commercial roofing keywords,” he added.

Advice for Success

While prequalified leads, respected training, group credibility, shared knowledge and the other many benefits of membership can be game-changers for a roofing contractor, John advises that it is up to the individual to become successful.

“If you want to succeed in business, your focus has to be on servicing your customers rather than just seeing what you can get,” he said.

John said he was initially intimated by the commercial roofing market because of the largeness of the projects. He had to work on personal development, finding confidence, learning how those in the business world think and operate, and how to “speak the same language” to show business owners that they could trust him.

“I had to learn the skills and the mindset to learn how to perform in that market,” he said.

When meeting with a prospective client, John said, it’s a mistake to “sell yourself” and tell them everything you can do for them. Instead, he leads out by questioning a client and truly listening—finding out what they need, what their past experience has been with roofers, and how he can help them. He asks to take a tour of the facility so he can see where the issues are, and then after looking at the roof he generally proposes two or three options that he feels will best fit what the building owner needs.

Above all, benefiting the customer and truly providing service should always be a roofer’s aim.

“It’s so fun once you’ve learned your communication skills with your customers,” John said. “You can sell a couple hundred-thousand dollars in sales very quickly just because they sense that you’re servicing them. They don’t feel like you’re just taking money.”

Passing the Torch

John has certainly seen success since joining the Choice Roof Contractor Group. He foresees bringing in millions of dollars in revenue in the coming years. He counts himself blessed that instead of being out in the cold working just to make it through, he is now able to strategically use the winter months to prepare for next season and to line up spring jobs.

John’s five-year plan is to pass on his business to his oldest son, who is now 16 and whose ambition is to go into roofing like his dad.

“He loves what we do, and he has a passion for that,” John said.

Once the torch has been passed from father to son, John wants to become a consultant and a coach for roofing businesses—something Conklin, our preferred manufacturer, will pay him to do.

“It’s a mentorship program that is unequalled anywhere in the industry,” he said.

Because the manufacturer places high value on ensuring its contractors are properly trained, John can enjoy the experience of working with other roofers and helping them succeed. He will be able to do this at no cost to the contractors, as Conklin will use sales commissions to pay him for the mentorship instead of a traditional sales representative (a program that has been in place since the company entered the market in 1977).

Sweet Success

Because A-1 Roofing Systems achieved a large sales volume this year, John earned a free trip to Cancun, Mexico, through Conklin—a vacation he and his family recently returned from. This is yet another achievement he said would never have happened without the group.

“We ended up taking our whole family,” John said. “We’ve got seven kids, and we took the whole family down. We’d never, ever been to a beach anywhere in the world.”

He said a factor that made the vacation even better was there were about a hundred other Conklin families there, enjoying a similar reward for their sales success.

“You start keeping company with people who are used to success in what they’re pursuing, and that, in itself, is a big boost in continued success down the road,” John said.

John and the Rest of the Group Can Help You Succeed!

John emphasized the unique and tremendous benefits Choice Roof Contractor Group offers to roofing contractors like him.

“If you want to change your lifestyle and you have a commitment to stick to it until you succeed, we have something to offer here,” he said. “There’s no other group out there that offers what we do.”

For roofing contractors throughout the United States, CRCG provides numerous perks, including:

• Offsite and onsite assistance from veteran roofing contractors
• Commercial roofing marketing strategies
• Our popular roofing lead generation program after qualification
• Helpful support from strategic partners and suppliers
• Additional credibility due to our nationwide reputation for excellence
• Professional commercial roofing training
• Discounted pricing on energy-efficient, long-lasting roofing products
• Job referral opportunities through connections in our network
• The ability to offer a “Lifetime Service Guarantee” after qualification
• And much more!

If you’re interested in learning more about how your roofing business can benefit from Choice Roof Contractor Group membership, give John a call at (608) 487-1500. He would also be glad to share details regarding how he has been able to grow his business so quickly.

Commercial Flat Roof Repair Solutions

Flat roofs are prone to a common set of problems, any of which will require flat roof repair solutions administered by an expert commercial roofer.

Any roof repair work performed by a knowledgeable roofing technician will first be preceded by an in-depth inspection of your roof asset, during which the roof contractor will identify all problems and trouble areas on your roof. Once the condition of your roof and any damage have been assessed, a roofer can identify the appropriate courses of action and needed repair solutions to correct existing problems.

Flat Roof Trouble Signs

There are many indicators that a trained roofer will look for to identify flat roof issues, including:

• The presence of debris on the roof
• Ponding water, or water that remains on a roof for longer than 48 hours
• Visible signs of drainage problems
• Exterior building damage that has resulted from roof leaks
• Structural roof deformation
• Evidence of leaking on interior ceiling tiles and drywall
• Visual signs of buckling on the roof
• Presence of holes, punctures, cracks, curling, blisters, etc.
• And more

The Ideal Flat Roof Repair Option

Some common repair solutions administered to flat roofs to address problems include replacing metal flashing, caulking protrusions and repairing seams. One of the best roofing solutions available in the industry is a roof coating, which can effectively address all of a roof’s problems and add years to the life of a flat roof. This is the choice is a viable option approximately 80% of the time (if the roof’s condition is too far deteriorated, full replacement will be required).

Roofing companies belonging to the Choice Roof Contractor Group (CRCG) specialize in Conklin roof coating systems, which have proven to be some of the best roofing solutions in the industry. Conklin coating systems offer a variety of prime benefits, including:

• ENERGY STAR® certification
• Available class A fire resistance on both combustible and noncombustible roof decks
• Up to Class 4 hail protection and certified resistance to hurricane-force winds
• Up to 85 percent solar reflectivity, helping reduce cooling costs
• Up to 18 years of non-prorated warranty coverage, covering both materials and labor
• Coating forms a fully adhered, seamless, waterproof membrane
• Product expands and contracts with changing temperatures
• Fully restores an existing roof to like-new condition
• Incredible flexibility, offering ongoing resistance to bubbling, cracking, chipping and other forms of roof damage
• Roof can be recoated years in the future for even greater life extension
• And more!

Find a Choice Roof Contractor Near You

Need a Local Expert?

Our group works together to provide:

• Larger Base of Knowledge
• Group-Wide Accountability
• Set Standards for Service
• More Peace of Mind

Find local pro

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It can be stressful and difficult to find a reliable roofing contractor. Fortunately, within the membership ranks of the Choice Roof Contractor Group, building owners can easily find verified roofing contractors throughout the United States!

Prior to successfully joining CRCG as endorsed members, contractors must meet requirements, including possessing full licensure and insurance, maintaining good track records with their customers, and signing a membership agreement stating they will maintain the highest standards in the industry.

One of the most exciting benefits of working with CRCG members is they are among the only roofing professionals in the U.S. to offer “Lifetime Service Guarantees” on roofing work performed. That is, indeed, a very rare promise within the roofing industry, and it means you will never fall victim to a fly-by-night roofer who disappears into the ether without another roofer to help you that is familiar with the system installed. If a member performs guaranteed work on your roof, you are assured that the ongoing service you need will always be available to you. If the roofer who originally performed the work isn’t available to help you, another member will be.

To find a Choice Roof Contractor in your area, give our association a call today at (800) 670-5583.

Complete terms and conditions of the Choice Roof Contractor Group’s “Lifetime Service Guarantee” are contained in the Terms of Use, Disclosures, and Conditions found at www.choiceroofgroup.com/disclaimer.