Size Doesn’t Matter – Excellence Does

By RIDGEPRO.

Learn the characteristics that make up an excellent roofing company.

In just about any industry there are a few large players, with more in the mid-range, and the majority of companies classified as small businesses. There are almost 82,000 roofing contractors listed nationwide of all sizes and specialties. The really large companies may have advantages in the number of crews deployed and the ability to source materials in quantity at a heavy discount. They can also put dollars behind region wide ad campaigns to help keep their calendars full. However, roofing customers are seeking excellence from their contractors whether the job is large or small.

What are the characteristics of an excellent roofing company? Company size doesn’t really enter the equation. Customers are seeking responsiveness, quality work and a fair cost. All of these are considered marks of excellence when choosing a contractor. On the company side as well, there are certain traits common to roofing firms known for their all around excellence.

Integrity

There’s no substitute for this crucial element. Companies of any size must demonstrate honesty in bidding, execution and billing. No false promises. No bait and switch. Accountability falls into this category as well. If a mistake is made, own up to it, fix it and move on. Word travels fast on both sides of the scale. Customers rapidly share the good, the bad and the excellent stories with anyone who will listen.

Creativity and innovation

In today’s world a mindset of “We’ve never done it that way” can lead to wasted opportunities and lost profits. All industries change as new materials appear and improved techniques are developed. Roofing contractors large and small need to keep up with both. Educate yourself and your team on what’s new. Read all you can, attend the shows and manufacturers’ demos. Then, when a customer says: “Have you ever heard about (pick the latest roofing trend) you’ll already have the information and be able to help them choose the best solution for each job.

Collaboration

Whether your company runs with a dozen crews or it’s you and two trusted workers, cooperation and collaboration are keys to success. Encourage anyone in your company with an idea that will improve operations to offer it for consideration. There are sparks of genius everywhere if we’re clever enough to recognize them. Allow your people to grow in their jobs, demonstrate their problem solving skills and be acknowledged and rewarded for them. You’ll benefit  not only from their ingenuity, but also from their loyalty.

A safety mindset

Job safety doesn’t automatically happen and certainly doesn’t depend on luck. A good safety record starts in the office with a clear mandate that safety equipment is provided and must be appropriately utilized. However, safety equipment is useless without the training to understand its importance and how to use it properly. Even under the best of circumstances, workplace accidents and injuries can occur. Make sure everyone knows what to do. For example, if fall arrest equipment has been activated, who will call 9-1-1 for help? Who will quickly rescue the victim from the harness? When a company has communicated safety procedures clearly and trained thoroughly for the unexpected, workers will react properly.

For decades, roofing companies large and small have been providing jobs for hundreds of thousands of workers. Everyone, from the back office staff to supervisors and the newest member of the crew, must be ready to stand for excellence in every aspect of roofing operations.

Learn more about the RIDGEPRO in their RoofersCoffeeShop® Directory or visit www.theridgepro.com.