Atlas collaborates with 3M to launch the Scotchgard Protector Sales Specialist Training Program

The 3M sales training program gives contractors the insight they need to sell premium roof shingles with Scotchgard Protector.

By Daris Brown, Writer for 3M.

Neighborhoods nationwide are plagued by ugly black streaks caused by algae. Created in darkness and fueled by moisture, algae spores can form on one home and quickly be blown to a neighbor’s roof by a stiff wind. The real problem is that most homeowners are none the wiser.

Homeowners often mistake algae for dirt, but algae is a living, growing organism that spreads under certain conditions. With the assistance of a trained professional, homeowners don’t have to live under a roof covered in algae. Contractors now have a brand-new sales tool to help them win over customers: the newly released 3M sales training program for Scotchgard Protector Sales Specialists.

Get with the Program The 3M sales training program gives contractors the insight they need to sell premium roof shingles with Scotchgard Protector.

“Contractors are a homeowner’s direct line to learning about roofing solutions for their home,” said Stan Bastek, director of marketing at Atlas Roofing. “Our contractors are always looking for a way to differentiate themselves, and we at Atlas are excited to help 3M launch this new program. The Scotchgard Protector Sales Specialist training program will provide our contractors with the selling tools they need to be successful while building their credibility with homeowners.”

The program includes a series of four flexible e-learning modules in which 3M’s experts explain the origins of black streaks in roofing, how algae thrive and the science behind copper ions, the basis of algae-resistance technology. Participants also learn how to identify the black streaks caused by algae and how they differ from other roofing issues.

An important part of the program is the initial call with an Atlas sales manager and Atlas’ ongoing support for and communication with contractors.

The Scotchgard Protector Sales Specialist training program provides guidelines to best practices for customer communication and value-solution selling. Real-world scenarios help reinforce the training and give contractors the techniques they need to offer homeowners a solution to the ugly black streaks caused by algae.

Sales Support Tools Contractors who complete the program receive a sales package from 3M to help them grow their business by demonstrating the value of shingles designed with Scotchgard Protector. The package includes:

• Scotchgard Protector Shingle Sales Specialist designation
• Homeowner sales video
• Scotchgard Protector sales piece

Contractors on Board Contractors find the program efficient and helpful for their sales calls.

“After a quick sales training, I was ready to talk with homeowners about how to solve their problem with black streaks caused by algae,” said Josh Thompson of Storm Doctors Inc. in Peachtree City, GA.

Confidence in Atlas is a big part of why roofing contractors are participating.

Roger Worley of Roger Worley Jr. Construction in Franklinville, NJ, said he’s “proud to be associated with national brands like Atlas and 3M. The partnership of these two companies to use Scotchgard Protector is very beneficial to my homeowners. I am confident in recommending these shingles because I know that Atlas and 3M stand behind their products.”

The technical information is what stood out for Shane LeBlanc of Ducote Roofing and Construction in Maurice, LA.

“I have been doing roofing for 15 years and I didn’t know that the granule distribution was so important to the lifetime of the actual roof color,” he said. “Through a simple video provided by 3M, I can show my customers our roof systems are truly the best. I have always loved installing Atlas shingles. This is a great way to boost sales and look better than my competitors.”

The ultimate goal is to be able to show customers why Atlas shingles with Scotchgard Protector would be the right choice for their home.

"As contractors,” said Chuck Miller of A&C Windows and Roofing in Somers Point, NJ, “we know the value of shingles featuring Scotchgard Protector, but now we can easily show homeowners the value, too."

Curb Appeal. That’s the Power of Scotchgard Protector. A roof can make up 50 percent of a home’s exterior and is a key factor in its curb appeal. Black streaks on shingles can hurt the overall appearance of the house. Atlas algae-resistant shingles with Scotchgard Protector help maintain the roof’s appearance and preserve the home’s value for years.

How to Sign Up Stand out from the competition by offering a brand homeowners trust. The Scotchgard Protector Sales Specialist training program is now available nationwide. For more information on how you can become a Scotchgard Protector Shingle Sales Specialist, contact your Atlas sales representative or visit www.AtlasRoofing.com/Pro.

Learn more about 3M granules here.

Editor’s note: This article first appeared on the Atlas' Asphalt Life blog and can be viewed here.