How to Start a Roofing Company from Udemy

We are going to show you how to work less, with less stress, and make more money.

What we fear doing most is usually what we most need to do. Starting a roofing company is no easy task and starting a company in the trades has its own unique hardships.

However, in this course, we are going to share with you the secrets that have led our company to make over $

Remember, $ The fantasy is the lifestyle of complete freedom it supposedly allows.

Who is this training for?

A roofing or trades salesperson is ready to step out on your own to run your own roofing business. Perhaps you have a good handle on the sales but need help on developing the business and the production. We can help.

A roofing subcontractor who is ready to start running his own jobs without the help of a “paper contractor”. We will help you make the step from just supplying the labor to ordering materials, measuring roofs, and hiring an office/ sales staff.

Someone new to the trades and wants to learn how the whole operation works. This was us when we first started Digital Roofing Innovations. We had very little knowledge and you can avoid our myriad of mistakes by taking this course.

Meet Your Instructor

Hey guys. Zach Blenkinsopp here. On YouTube, I am also known as “Zach the Roofing Maniac”. If you don’t know who I am, I am the President of Digital Roofing Innovations, DRI, Inc., and the infamous “Get a Roof, Get a Gun” commercial. I love the roofing and construction industry and I feel fortunate to have found my calling at a youngish age. Much of my success has been attributed to trying things, failing, then learning from my mistakes.

I am a 37-year-old from North Alabama that resides around the southeast of the US or wherever the wind blows me. I have a 7-year Pitbull rescue who is my working service and travels all over the world with me. I am also a US Navy Veteran, avid golfer, adventurer, and traveler. I completed thru-hiking the Appalachian Trail in 2021 and consider it one of my most humbling accomplishments. I also own 2 Guinness Book World Records and have a Bachelor’s in Business from Excelsior College in Albany, NY

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What's inside

Learning objectives

Introduction to roofing business ownership
Starting a roofing business
Building a professional team
Finding roofers and subcontractors
Roofing sales training
Recruiting office staff and roofing sales team

Running a roofing business
Making your first roofing sale
Final thoughts and tips
How to write roofing estimate
Roofing project management
Roofing supply order

Introduction to roofing business ownership
Starting a roofing business
Building a professional team
Finding roofers and subcontractors
Roofing sales training
Recruiting office staff and roofing sales team
Running a roofing business
Making your first roofing sale
Final thoughts and tips
How to write roofing estimate
Roofing project management
Roofing supply order

Syllabus

Chapter 01 - Introduction to Roofing Business Ownership

Introduction to Course

Course Overview What’s Possible for your business

Course Summary

Traffic lights

Read about what's good

what should give you pause

and possible dealbreakers

Provides insights into selecting a business structure, such as LLC, S-Corp, Partnership, or Sole Proprietor, which is crucial for establishing a roofing company

Explores the nuances of hiring in-house roofers versus subcontractors, enabling informed decisions about workforce management and project execution

Examines digital marketing strategies, including SEO, PPC, and email marketing, which are essential for attracting customers in today's market

Details the importance of General Liability Insurance and Worker’s Compensation, which are critical for mitigating risks in the roofing industry

Covers the use of CRM tools, Company Cam, and aerial roof measurements, which may require subscriptions or purchases that add to the cost of starting a business

Discusses traditional marketing methods like doorknocking, which may not be suitable or effective in all regions or for all target demographics

Reviews summary

Practical guide to starting a roofing business

According to learners, this course offers a highly practical roadmap for establishing a roofing company. Students particularly value the real-world experience shared by the instructor, finding his insights based on years in the trade to be invaluable. The curriculum provides a solid overview of essential business components, including legal structures, finding subcontractors, sales, and managing operations. While praised for its breadth and actionable advice, some feel the course provides a good starting point but may require further, more specific research on certain topics or regional nuances.

Provides methods for finding leads and making sales.

"The sales section gave me specific ideas on how to find clients."

"Learning about both traditional and digital marketing was helpful."

"Practical tips for writing estimates and closing deals."

"Found the doorknocking and digital marketing ideas useful."

Covers key aspects of running the business.

"It gives a good overview of the whole operation, from legal stuff to hiring."

"The course touches on sales, marketing, finances, and managing staff."

"A solid introduction to the complexities of the roofing business."

"Liked that it covered things like insurance, accounting, and finding suppliers."

Instructor shares valuable real-world insights.

"Learning from someone who has successfully built a roofing company was invaluable."

"The instructor's anecdotes and practical tips are based on his own experience."

"He doesn't just teach theory, but how it works 'on the ground'."

"Zach's real-world perspective makes the content much more relatable and trustworthy."

Offers actionable steps to start a roofing business.

"Provided concrete actions to take right away."

"This course gave me a practical roadmap to actually start my roofing business."

"I appreciated the clear, step-by-step guidance on everything from setup to getting the first sale."

"The advice feels directly applicable to real-world scenarios I'll face."

May require additional research on specific topics.

"While broad, some areas like digital marketing could use more depth."

"I needed to research local licensing requirements more after the course."

"Good starting point, but don't expect it to cover every niche detail."

"Could use more specific examples in the financial sections."

Activities

Be better prepared before your course. Deepen your understanding during and after it. Supplement your coursework and achieve mastery of the topics covered in How to Start a Roofing Company with these activities:

Review Business Law Basics

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Reinforce your understanding of different business structures (LLC, S-Corp, etc.) to make informed decisions when setting up your roofing company.

Show steps

Review the legal requirements for each business structure.
Compare the advantages and disadvantages of each structure.
Consult with a legal professional to clarify any doubts.

Read 'The E-Myth Contractor'

Show steps

Learn how to build a roofing business that runs smoothly and efficiently by implementing proven systems and processes.

View The E-Myth Landscape Contractor on Amazon

Show steps

Read the book and take notes on key concepts.
Identify areas in your roofing business that can be systemized.
Implement the systems and processes outlined in the book.

Develop a Marketing Plan

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Create a comprehensive marketing plan tailored to your roofing business to attract new customers and build brand awareness.

Show steps

Define your target audience and ideal customer profile.
Research different marketing channels (digital, traditional, etc.).
Set marketing goals and objectives.
Allocate a budget for marketing activities.
Create a timeline for implementing your marketing plan.

Four other activities

Expand to see all activities and additional details

Show all seven activities

Create a Roofing Estimate Template

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Develop a professional and accurate roofing estimate template to streamline the bidding process and ensure consistent pricing.

Show steps

Research industry-standard roofing estimate formats.
Include all necessary cost components (materials, labor, overhead, profit).
Design a visually appealing and easy-to-understand template.
Test the template with sample roofing projects.

Attend Local Construction Trade Shows

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Connect with other professionals in the construction industry, including suppliers, subcontractors, and potential clients.

Show steps

Research local construction trade shows and events.
Prepare a brief introduction about your roofing business.
Collect business cards and follow up with contacts after the event.

Create a Portfolio of Completed Roofing Projects

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Showcase your roofing expertise and quality workmanship by creating a portfolio of completed projects to impress potential clients.

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Gather high-quality photos and videos of completed roofing projects.
Write detailed descriptions of each project, highlighting key features and benefits.
Organize the portfolio in a visually appealing and easy-to-navigate format.
Share the portfolio on your website and social media channels.

Read 'Markup & Profit: A Contractor's Guide'

Show steps

Learn how to accurately price your roofing projects to ensure profitability and financial stability.

View Estimating Construction Profitably: Developing... on Amazon

Show steps

Read the book and take notes on key concepts.
Calculate your overhead costs and determine your desired markup.
Implement the pricing strategies outlined in the book.

Career center

Learners who complete How to Start a Roofing Company will develop knowledge and skills that may be useful to these careers:

Small Business Owner

As a small business owner, you manage all aspects of your company, from operations and finances to marketing and customer service. This course can directly help you develop the wide range of skills needed to thrive as a small business owner. It provides a comprehensive overview of starting and running a roofing company, including choosing a business structure, building a team, managing finances, and generating sales. By learning how to manage these core business functions within the context of a roofing company, you can gain valuable experience applicable to any small business venture. A Small Business Owner could especially benefit from learning how to write estimates and measure a roof.

See salaries and explore the career path for Small Business Owner

Construction Estimator

Construction estimators prepare cost estimates for construction projects. This course helps build a strong foundation for this role by providing detailed instruction on how to write roofing estimates and measure roofs. The course not only covers the technical aspects of estimating but also delves into the business side, including understanding insurance work, bid work, and negotiated work. By mastering these skills, a construction estimator can ensure that projects are accurately priced and profitable. A construction estimator is more effective when they understand how material suppliers operate.

See salaries and explore the career path for Construction Estimator

Insurance Adjuster

Insurance adjusters investigate insurance claims and determine the amount of compensation to be paid. This course helps develop a deeper understanding of roofing systems and the types of damage that can occur. It provides insights into how to assess roof damage, estimate repair costs, and negotiate settlements with homeowners and contractors. By gaining this knowledge, an insurance adjuster can more effectively evaluate roofing claims and ensure fair and accurate settlements, with proper knowledge of the estimate writing process. It is helpful for an Insurance Adjuster to understand that customers are required to submit licenses, permits, and registrations.

See salaries and explore the career path for Insurance Adjuster

Entrepreneur

The path of an entrepreneur involves creating, launching, and managing a business venture. This course is an amazing starting point for any aspiring entrepreneur, especially those interested in the construction or home services industries. It provides a detailed roadmap for starting and running a roofing company, covering everything from legal structures and team building to sales strategies and financial management. By learning how to navigate the challenges of the roofing business, entrepreneurs can develop the skills and mindset needed to succeed in any industry. This course may be useful for learning sales strategies.

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Operations Manager

An operations manager is responsible for ensuring that a company's activities run smoothly and efficiently. This course may be useful for learning how to manage the operational aspects of a business, particularly within the construction or home services industry. It covers key areas such as team building, subcontractor management, project management, and supply chain logistics. The course's emphasis on financial management, including cash flow, billing, and overhead control, can also help an operations manager optimize resource allocation and improve profitability. An organization benefits when its Operations Manager understands the importance of general liability insurance.

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Subcontractor Coordinator

A subcontractor coordinator manages relationships with subcontractors, ensuring they meet project requirements and deadlines. This course may be useful for learning how to effectively find, manage, and pay subcontractors. It explores the pros and cons of using subcontractors versus hiring in-house roofers, and it provides guidance on how to negotiate contracts and resolve disputes. The course provides insight on the importance of making sure subcontractors are properly insured. By understanding the nuances of subcontractor management, a coordinator can help ensure project success and minimize risks.

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Construction Manager

A construction manager oversees construction projects from start to finish. This includes planning, budgeting, and managing the construction team. This course helps build a foundation for construction management by providing insights into running a roofing company, which involves many aspects of construction project management. You'll gain knowledge of project estimation, team building, and subcontractor management. Moreover, the course addresses critical business operations, such as billing, cash flow management, and overhead control, all of which are vital for a construction manager to understand. This course may be useful for sales team recruiting.

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Project Manager

Project managers plan, execute, and close specific projects, ensuring they are completed on time and within budget. This course may be useful for individuals looking to develop project management skills, especially within the construction industry. It provides insights into the unique challenges of managing roofing projects, including estimating costs, coordinating subcontractors, and managing materials. The course's coverage of roofing project management and how to write roofing estimates helps project managers streamline their processes and deliver successful outcomes thanks to this course. A project manager should be able to understand and negotiate insurance work.

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Sales Manager

A sales manager leads and motivates a sales team to achieve sales targets. This course can directly help you excel in this role by providing a solid understanding of roofing sales strategies and team management techniques. It covers topics such as lead generation, closing techniques, and customer relationship management, including use of Customer Relationship Management tools. You'll learn how to recruit, train, and motivate a sales team to drive revenue growth within a roofing business, as well as how to best conduct digital versus traditional marketing. A sales manager may benefit from the commercial and residential roofing hacks discussed.

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Business Consultant

Business consultants provide expert advice and guidance to help companies improve their performance and achieve their goals. This course helps gain practical knowledge of the challenges and opportunities facing small businesses in the construction industry. It covers a wide range of topics, including business planning, financial management, marketing, and operations. By understanding how these principles apply to a roofing company, a business consultant can provide valuable insights and recommendations to other small and medium-sized enterprises. Business consultants will be able to guide clients on the benefits of LLC, S-Corp, partnership, or sole proprietorship.

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Business Development Manager

Business development managers identify and pursue new business opportunities to drive growth. This course may be useful for individuals looking to expand their business development skills, especially within the construction or home services industries. It provides valuable insights into the roofing market, including lead generation strategies, marketing techniques, and customer acquisition methods. The course's coverage of digital and traditional marketing, social media, and online advertising can help a business development manager identify and capitalize on new opportunities. Business Development Managers can identify the perfect client to create sustainable business.

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Customer Service Manager

A customer service manager oversees a team of customer service representatives and ensures customer satisfaction. This course helps gain a better understanding of the type of customer a roofing company serves and how to manage customer expectations. It covers topics such as handling billing inquiries, resolving complaints, and building customer relationships by identifying a perfect client. By learning how to provide excellent customer service in the roofing industry, a customer service manager can develop skills applicable to any customer-facing role. A customer service manager needs to understand whether or not the client is taking part in common scams.

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Financial Analyst

Financial analysts analyze financial data, prepare reports, and provide recommendations to improve financial performance. This course helps provide a practical understanding of the financial aspects of running a small business. It covers key areas such as cash flow management, overhead control, billing practices, and credit management. By learning how these financial principles apply to a roofing company, a financial analyst can gain valuable insights into the financial dynamics of other small and medium-sized enterprises. A Financial Analyst is especially concerned with how a company pays its suppliers and bills.

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Marketing Coordinator

A marketing coordinator supports marketing campaigns and initiatives to promote a company's products or services. This course may be useful for understanding how to effectively market a roofing business, including leveraging digital and traditional channels. It covers topics such as social media marketing, search engine optimization, online advertising, and print marketing. By learning how to implement these marketing strategies within the context of a roofing company, a marketing coordinator can develop skills applicable to a wide range of industries. Marketing Coordinators will be tasked with monitoring Angie's List and Home Advisor.

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Real Estate Investor

Real estate investors purchase, manage, and sell properties to generate income and build wealth. This course may be useful for understanding the importance of proper roofing and maintenance in real estate investments. It provides insights into the roofing process, including how to assess the condition of a roof, estimate repair costs, and choose the right roofing materials. By gaining this knowledge, a real estate investor can make more informed decisions about property investments and avoid costly surprises. Real Estate Investors can spot the commercial roofing hacks discussed.

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Reading list

We've selected two books that we think will supplement your learning. Use these to develop background knowledge, enrich your coursework, and gain a deeper understanding of the topics covered in How to Start a Roofing Company.

The E-Myth Landscape Contractor

Save

Provides invaluable insights into building a contracting business that works for you, rather than the other way around. It emphasizes systemizing your business processes to achieve consistent results and avoid common pitfalls. It's particularly useful for roofing contractors who want to scale their operations efficiently. This book helps you transition from being a technician to a true business owner.

The E-Myth Landscape Contractor

Hardcover

Estimating Construction Profitably

Save

Provides a comprehensive guide to pricing your roofing projects for profitability. It covers topics such as calculating overhead, determining markup, and managing cash flow. It's a valuable resource for roofing contractors who want to improve their financial performance. This book is commonly used by contractors to better understand their financials.

Estimating Construction Profitably: Developing a...

Paperback

Estimating Construction Profitably: Developing a...

Kindle Edition

How to Start a Roofing Company

What's inside

Learning objectives

Syllabus

Traffic lights

Save this course

Reviews summary

Practical guide to starting a roofing business

Activities

Career center

Reading list

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