A Blueprint for Building a Successful Roofing Business

By Adam Cabrera. 

From networking, hiring and growth, running a roofing business requires a focus on management and learning from mistakes.  

Finding success in the roofing industry can be tough, but insights from those who have journeyed the path can provide the guidance needed. Tim Brown Jr., owner of RGS Exteriors, is a fourth-generation roofer and an expert in the field. His advice, shared on a recent episode of Stories from the Roof, offers useful lessons for newcomers and professionals alike. 

Tim has seen his own business change over the years. From siding to rain gutters, RGS Exteriors has expanded in services while under his leadership. But it wasn't just about expansion, according to Tim it was about hiring the right people and placing them where they would success. "There’s something to be said about getting the right person, but it's also getting you on the right seat on that bus, it's much better and much more productive," Tim says. 

About running your own company, he tries not to micromanage his team, allowing them to learn from mistakes, and thereby contributing to both personal and professional growth. "I had to learn to let people do their jobs and let them fail," Tim says. It's a hard-earned wisdom, one that demonstrates faith in the team and fosters an environment where they can flourish. 

Networking is another crucial part of growth. Engaging with industry professionals, joining organizations, and attending conferences are ways to gain knowledge and insights. Moreover, he emphasizes the balance between celebrating small wins and focusing on long-term goals, a strategy that keeps morale high while keeping an eye on the big picture. 

But perhaps the most resonating lesson is the transition from "doing" to "managing." Putting the right people in the right positions will allow the owner to focus on strategic growth. Tim explains, "When you can work on the company and no longer in it, that's when the true growth happens." 

Listen to the full Stories from the Roof episode to learn more about Tim’s journey in the roofing industry and how his company has found success.