Building stronger collaborations in roofing

By Jessica Bravo.  

Learn about the role of ongoing conversation in collaboration between roofing contractors and consultants.  

In an episode of Roofing Road Trips®, host Heidi J. Ellsworth sat down with the now retired Ron Harriman, from Benchmark to discuss the evolving relationship between roofing contractors and consultants. Ron, a veteran of the roofing industry, emphasized the importance of bridging the gap between the two groups to foster better collaboration.

Ron highlighted that one of the key aspects of building strong relationships is the recognition that must be earned, not given. He stressed the importance of mutual respect among all parties involved, noting that a lack of respect can impede growth and hinder progress. For Ron, cultivating these relationships was vital not only for personal success but also for the success of Benchmark. He explained that loyal clientele is a direct reflection of the quality of relationships built between roofing contractors and consultants.

“We’ve been very fortunate over the years to develop a clientele... because we’re relationship-driven,” Ron explained, reflecting on Benchmark’s approach. By fostering a tight-knit team within the company and extending that sense of cohesion to contractors and manufacturers in the roofing industry, Benchmark has been able to deliver exceptional service. The focus on internal relationships allows the team to better serve their external partners.

Ron noted that many roofing contractors are becoming more involved with consultants and the goal is to continue encouraging improved collaboration between the two groups. "It's a constant conversation," he said, emphasizing the need for coaching and ongoing development. He explained that without continuous conversation, critical parts of the collaboration could be overlooked, leading to problems down the road. “Sometimes, they start the discussion at a tactical level and it’s like, no, there’s a couple of layers above that we are missing. And when you miss them, you’re in quicksand.”

Ron stressed that failing to address these deeper layers of the relationship could negatively impact the success of a project. The contractor-consultant relationship sets the tone for the entire project and ultimately determines whether the client's goals will be achieved. As a result, bridging the gap between roofing contractors and consultants is essential for ensuring project success and continued growth in the industry.

Read the transcript or Listen to the podcast to learn more about the dynamics between roofing contractors and consultants!