2019 is About Pushing Boundaries

RCS Influencer Heidi Ellsworth says that RoofersCoffeeShop® will continue to grow opportunities for roofing contractors in 2019.

As a partner of RoofersCoffeeShop with Vickie Sharples, I feel that I can relate to the challenges of owning a business and the ongoing need to push yourself and your company out of the “comfort zone”.  Since 2015, Vickie and I have worked very hard to change up the Coffee Shop without losing the heart and soul of what made our contractors and roofing professionals love it.

That is a lot like a roofing company.  You worry everyday about keeping your customers and employees happy but sometimes you have to make a change.  It is disturbing to think that change may upset your customers but for the sake of the business it is critical to stay in tune with the economy, technology and basic market changes that are happening rapidly in this day and age.

I have talked to many contractors who say, “If I change from fax to email, they are not going to like it,” or something similar to that.  But change is happening, and a new generation is nipping at our heels so if you are not changing to meet market demands, employee needs and overall business requirement, then there won’t be much to talk about in 2019.

So, like all of you, the Coffee Shop is looking at change.  In fact, shortly you will see a whole new website.  We will have the option to read our content in English, French and/or Spanish.  We will have Canada as a part of the classifieds, forum and throughout the site.  We are adding pages that will help all of you find the resources you need from award information to scholarships to ongoing information about top industry events like the International Roofing Expo.

Let me tell you, it has not been easy.  Vickie would share that sentiment probably much more vocally, but we knew that nothing really good comes easy.  I would challenge all of you to do the same, pushing the boundaries of what is comfortable and upgrading your business.  What do you need to do differently for your employees?  What do you need to do different in regard to technology? And what do you need to do overall to take your business to the next level?  It may be a succession plan; it may be new technology and marketing tools, and it may even be changes within your company that are not easy but necessary.  Whatever they are, look at them now and make them happen in 2019.

As we look at what we are doing for our business in 2019, the Coffee Shop is focused on offering what all of you need, when you need it.  If your plans include improved networking, contractor to contractor business, updated materials and technology or ongoing continuing education, you will find it on our updated site.  We know how hard you all work on your business and we are committed to the same.

Happy New Year!

Heidi Ellsworth is owner of HJE Consulting Group and a partner in RoofersCoffeeShop.com. See her full bio here.