Roofing’s Next Generation: Atlas Roofing Spotlights Josh Neal

Josh Neal Has a Secret Weapon For Roofing – His Mother-In-Law

By Amy Connolly, Atlas Asphalt Life Writer.

Not many people can say they appreciate their mother-in-law’s 2 cents about their career choices and life goals. For Josh Neal, however, without his mother-in-law Kathy Cotten, he probably never would have gotten into roofing.

Neal, 27, launched his roofing career shortly after helping Cotten navigate repairs to her roof. After Cotten’s insurance company underestimated her roofing claim, Neal spoke with the adjuster and pointed out specific areas of damage. She got a second insurance check with enough money to fix the roof and interior damages.

“After that, my mother-in-law planted the bug in my head that I could make a really good business out of roofing,” said Neal, owner of Josh Neal Roofing & Restoration in Madison, MS. “I started doing more houses and meeting people who had significant damage that was denied by insurance. I got their roofing claims approved by pointing out damages that may have been missed.”

Neal’s move into roofing came after he spent several years working as a lineman and was on the verge of embarking on a career as a helicopter lineman (that is, dangling off a helicopter to repair tall towers and transmission lines).

For the roofing company, Neal runs three crews and has completed an estimated 200 jobs since 2016. In the future, he’s hoping to hire more sales people and a marketing director and purchase more equipment, including a hydraulic lift.

Neal said roofing scammers have tainted the business. He strives to give all his customers the best service possible.

“I wake up every day to provide for my family and the people in my community,” he said.  “It is very rewarding to know that I've helped someone fix and add value to their home.”

Editor’s note: This profile first appeared on the Atlas Roofing Asphalt Life blog and more profiles can be viewed here.