Stories From the Roof - Chris Coryell - PODCAST TRANSCRIPT

Editor's note: The following is the transcript of a live interview with Chris Coryell. You can read the interview below or listen to the podcast.

Intro:  Welcome to Stories From The Roof, the podcast that brings you tales from the most unexpected vantage point rooftops. I'm your host, Megan Ellsworth and on this show, we'll ascend to the top and explore the world through the eyes of those who live and work above. Join us on this unique journey as we uncover the stories, perspectives and histories of roofing contractors. Let's begin our ascent onto the roof. Hello everyone, my name's Megan Ellsworth and welcome to the Coffee Shop Sound stage, brought to you by SRS Distribution here at IE I'm so excited to have Chris Coryell here. Hello. Hi, 

Megan Ellsworth: Stories from the roof. So we're here to learn about you and your story. So let's just start with having you tell us a little bit about you, 

Chris Coryell: A little bit about me. I'm from Oklahoma. Okay. I actually live in Norman, Oklahoma. I have a ranch, uh, just a couple miles south of Norman. Okay. And you can actually see the University of Oklahoma football stadium from my house. 

Megan Ellsworth: Oh, that convenient, <laugh>. 

Chris Coryell: Yeah, it's very convenient. Um, I'm married, been married 27 years to my wife and business partner and I have three sons. 

Megan Ellsworth: Aw. Hi. Hi family. 

Chris Coryell: Hi. And one beautiful little granddaughter, so 

Megan Ellsworth: Aw, congratulations. Thank you. That's awesome. Thank you. Um, okay. So what inspired you to enter the roofing industry? How'd you get here? 

Chris Coryell: Well, living in Oklahoma, we're surrounded by, uh, catastrophic weather and disastrous storms. Mm-hmm <affirmative>. So, uh, you're, you're constantly immersed in people that are trying to find solutions, better solutions for solving problems. So because of living in Oklahoma and being, uh, you know, exposed to the elements all the time. And other states are like that as well. Yeah. Oklahoma just, it's right in your face all the time. Yeah. So back in 2010, we had a tornado that came up I 44 into the Newcastle area of Oklahoma and that's where we lived and 

Megan Ellsworth: Okay. 

Chris Coryell: That tornado actually affected us, and I watched the process of restoration after the storm mm-hmm <affirmative>. And I was fascinated by it, but also discouraged in it. I felt like there was a lot of room for improvement 
 

Megan Ellsworth: Yeah. 

Chris Coryell: Between insurance carriers and adjusters and contractors. And so I am started investigating the process and I started trying to understand how does insurance work with contractors. Mm-hmm <affirmative>. How do you properly select a contractor and how do you make sure that you're getting what you're supposed to get? And so I dug deep into it and then realize there's an opportunity to do things better. 

Megan Ellsworth: Mm-hmm 

Chris Coryell: <affirmative>. A better way. 

Megan Ellsworth: Mm-hmm <affirmative>. 

Chris Coryell: And so that's how I got into it. 

Megan Ellsworth: That's awesome. I what a great origin story. That's really humble roots and being able to just start from wanting to help people is great. I love that. Thank you. Okay. So can you kind of describe your entrepreneurial journey into roofing and, um, the roles that you've held in all the different spots you've been in? 

Chris Coryell: Sure. I <laugh> it's kind of an exciting journey. It's not traditional or typical. Mm-hmm <affirmative>. I dropped outta college after one semester. Nice. I was there on a vocal scholarship Cool. In Oklahoma City. And, uh, I, I, you know, people thought I was crazy and I probably was, I should have stuck with college, but I dropped out because I just, I had this entrepreneurial spirit. Yeah. I was ready to go. I wanted to explore, I wanted to experience it and touch it and feel it. And so I quickly got into the, the workforce mm-hmm <affirmative>. And I ended up at Coca-Cola. 

Megan Ellsworth: Oh, 

Chris Coryell: Cool. And Coca-Cola honestly became my university. I learned so much in branding and marketing and service and product delivery. And Oh, it was, it was fascinating. For five years, I got the absolute number one trademark in the world. I got to see 

Megan Ellsworth: Firsthand 

Chris Coryell: How you market that. Yeah. How 

Megan Ellsworth: You 

Chris Coryell: Build that and how you satisfy customers. That's the best thing I learned from them. So, 

Megan Ellsworth: Wow. 

Chris Coryell: Um, I took that and basically leaped into other opportunities. And, and in 2004, I went out on my own as far as an entrepreneur goes. I had several businesses and I love entrepreneurship. I love building, I love growing. I love finding solutions. Yeah. And I love helping people. 

Megan Ellsworth: Yeah. 

Chris Coryell: So that took me through a path of, uh, companies. And then obviously 2010, I said, this is where I'm meant to be. Mm-hmm <affirmative>. This is the field that I need to help people in. 

Megan Ellsworth: Mm-hmm <affirmative>. And you've been there ever since. 

Chris Coryell: I have. 

Megan Ellsworth: Incredible, yeah. Okay. So who are some people along the way? I know you mentioned Coca-Cola, which is so cool, by the way, I mean, who doesn't know Coca-Cola? I know everybody knows them. 

Chris Coryell: You wanna know an interesting fact? 

Megan Ellsworth: Oh my gosh, please. 

Chris Coryell: That Coca-Cola logo is seen an average time average of seven times per day for every human. 

Megan Ellsworth: For every human. 

Chris Coryell: Seven times a day. 

Megan Ellsworth: I believe it. 

Chris Coryell: That is 

Megan Ellsworth: Powering about branding. That is, it is. And I could draw it myself, you know, just from top of dome. 

Chris Coryell: Absolutely. 

Megan Ellsworth: That's crazy. 

Chris Coryell: Yeah. 

Megan Ellsworth: Wow. Seven times a day for billions of people. 

Chris Coryell: Right. 

Megan Ellsworth: Wow. Wow. That's powerful. 

Chris Coryell: That's market saturation. <laugh>. That's good. 

Megan Ellsworth: That really is. They have the market on lock <laugh>. 

Chris Coryell: That's right. 

Megan Ellsworth: Um, so who are some of your key mentors that have helped you on your entrepreneurial journey throughout your life? 

Chris Coryell: I, it's sad to say I really have never had a true mentor. 

Megan Ellsworth: Yeah. 

Chris Coryell: Um, my papa Ted Hardwick was a very, very smart businessman. I learned a lot from him growing up, but that didn't really la later in my life, I didn't have a lot of interaction with 

Megan Ellsworth: Him. 

Chris Coryell: Mm-hmm <affirmative>. Uh, so I did, I, I can't say that I truly had a mentor, but I, I'll say this, my wife is my absolute rock, my number one partner. She, she and I are literally so good together in business. And so I think in, in terms of mentorship, she's mentored me and I've mentored her and we've helped each other. She's so much different than me. Mm-hmm <affirmative>. Her personality. Um, I'm very, I'm a high flying visionary mm-hmm <affirmative>. And she's a duty fulfiller mm-hmm <affirmative>. And, and we basically work perfectly together. And she's been a mentor to me in so many ways that I don't understand mm-hmm <affirmative>. And she helps move as so I think Good answer. Think makes a great, great team. 

Megan Ellsworth: Oh, that's beautiful. I love that. Thank you. The yin and the yang. Love it. 

Chris Coryell: We all, 

Megan Ellsworth: Um, yes and good answer. 

Chris Coryell: She's at home right now. Oh. In the absolute freezing cold, negative 14. 

Megan Ellsworth: Oh. Iced 

Chris Coryell: Over in Oklahoma. She's sitting at home taking care of our cattle. Oh, <laugh>. She's an amazing one. 

Megan Ellsworth: Wow. That is amazing. Yeah. And that's cold. That is really cold. I think that's cold. And I'm sure that's even without wind chill. Like, throw the wind in there and it's worse. I think 

Chris Coryell: That's with wind 

Megan Ellsworth: Chill. Okay. 

 Chris Coryell: I think it was two degrees and then windchill was like negative 14, but 

Megan Ellsworth: Oh, 

Chris Coryell: That's cold. That's <laugh>. I don't care how Yeah, that's once you're below 32, it's cold. 

Megan Ellsworth: Yeah. <laugh>. Oh my gosh. Okay. So, okay. I love your answer about your wife. Maybe you can talk about some lessons you've learned throughout your career, and I bet some of them probably come from your wife too, <laugh>. 

Chris Coryell: Oh, I, I've learned a lot of lessons throughout my career. Mm-hmm <affirmative>. You know, I've been in the, the, um, entertainment industry as far as home entertainment. Mm-hmm <affirmative>. I, I literally owned a company that I designed home theater systems and whole house automation and audio Cool. And video and lighting. Um, so I learned a tremendous amount there. Um, I, I learned a, a ton. I actually had some trucks in the oil field for hot shotting. 

Megan Ellsworth: Oh wow. 

Chris Coryell: I did that for a while. And it, it was powerful. But I think the best lesson I learned is, is what not to do. You know? 

Megan Ellsworth: Yeah. 

Chris Coryell: I think those are the things that stick out the most. Mm-hmm <affirmative>. You know, I've, I've been exposed to people in the roofing industry that were less than honorable and didn't carry integrity. And I got to see firsthand, this is what I don't want to do. Yeah. This is who I, I don't want to be that person. Yeah. And so that's made me so focused on the core values of our company, which are a commitment to excellence, a commitment to integrity and a commitment to growth. 

Megan Ellsworth: Yeah. 

Chris Coryell: And so those core values hold dear to me because I've seen what it looks like when you're not that in the roofing industry or any industry for that matter. 

Megan Ellsworth: Yeah. That is such a valuable lesson to learn, especially early on in your life. That's something, um, I remember my mom telling me in high school when I was teaching music lessons to little kids and I was like, I don't think I like teaching. I don't think I like this. And she said, you know, it's almost more important to learn what you don't like to do Right. Than what you do like to do. 'cause what you, you know, you don't wanna go this direction. You have so many other directions to try and go from there. So I love that. That's such a good lesson. 

Chris Coryell: That's a great point. I mean, understanding what you don't want to be 
 

Megan Ellsworth: Mm-hmm <affirmative>. 

Chris Coryell: Um, I was gonna be an accountant, <laugh>, what could you, 

Megan Ellsworth: Now 

Chris Coryell: I quickly realized, don't put me in a room <laugh>, like, don't put me in a box. Mm-hmm <affirmative>. I gotta get out and move around. 

Megan Ellsworth: Mm-hmm <affirmative>. Mm-hmm <affirmative>. I should definitely never be an accountant. Also, <laugh>, 

Chris Coryell: I also, here's an interesting thing. I also wanted to be a country music singer. That was my 

Megan Ellsworth: Passion. Well, you have the look. 

Chris Coryell: Oh, <laugh>. I think, I think that's good. That is a good thing. Um, but no, I and I actually had the opportunity with Garth Brooks, 

Megan Ellsworth: Oklahoma. Oh, cool. Oklahoma. 

Chris Coryell: And here, quick, quick story. 

Megan Ellsworth: Yeah. 

Chris Coryell: Um, I was doing a home theater project mm-hmm <affirmative>. For Garth and Tricia in 

Megan Ellsworth: Oklahoma. No way. Yeah. Wow. And 

Chris Coryell: I got to talk to him. I was 30 years old. Uh, you obviously married. Mm-hmm <affirmative>. Successful kids. Mm-hmm <affirmative>. The whole thing. And I'm helping him. And literally he, uh, I, I told him, I said, I've wanted what you do for my entire life. Mm-hmm <affirmative>. This is my passion. And he said, alright, well, can you, can you sing? And I said, well, yeah. And can you play? Yeah. And he said, are you married to Oklahoma? And I said, no, I'm married to her. My wife was standing next to me, <laugh>. And I said, if she'll go with me, I'll go anywhere. 

Megan Ellsworth: Mm. 

Chris Coryell: And he said, you gotta go to Nashville and I'll help you. I'll send you. And then my wife asked the most pivotal question of my life 

Megan Ellsworth: Mm-hmm <affirmative>. 

Chris Coryell: She, she looked at Garth and said, if you could do it over again, would you do it? And he said, no, not with kids. 

Megan Ellsworth: Wow. 

Chris Coryell: The minute he said that my idol growing up, the minute he said that, it literally made me realize my three sons are so much more valuable than my dream of being on the stage mm-hmm <affirmative>. In Nashville. 

Megan Ellsworth: Wow. 

Chris Coryell: That's when I realized that's something that I didn't need to be doing. 

Megan Ellsworth: Mm-hmm 

Chris Coryell: <affirmative>. Valuable lesson. 

Megan Ellsworth: That is a huge lesson. And especially coming from Garth Brooks. 

Chris Coryell: Yeah. 

Megan Ellsworth: Like, of course you're gonna pay attention to that. 

Chris Coryell: That's ultimate closure. 

Megan Ellsworth: Yeah. <laugh> that really, you're like, okay, okay. I made the right choice. Yes. Garth said so <laugh>. That's right. I know. Right. 

Chris Coryell: And the cool thing is that my wife is the one that got to lead me to that. 

Megan Ellsworth: Yeah. 

Chris Coryell: I wouldn't have asked that question. 

Megan Ellsworth: Right. Because that is a really poignant question to ask, especially as someone you look up to, you idolize and you wanna follow in their footsteps in any industry. 

Chris Coryell: Yeah. 

Megan Ellsworth: That I'm gonna write, write that down, people. That's, 

Chris Coryell: That's good. I really believe God was guiding her that day 

Megan Ellsworth: And Yeah. 

Chris Coryell: Helped her understand the perfect question to ask mm-hmm. To gimme what I needed. 

Megan Ellsworth: Mm-hmm <affirmative>. 

Chris Coryell: And then I've never looked back. Yeah. 

Megan Ellsworth: Yeah. 

Chris Coryell: I'll see the CMAs or the ACMs and I get a little sad and I get my guitar out, you know, I'm like, I wish I could do that, but 

Megan Ellsworth: Mm-hmm 

Chris Coryell: <affirmative>. Honestly, I love exactly where I'm at in life and I love the roofing industry too. Yeah. It's, it's so fun. Mm-hmm <affirmative>. It's so exciting to help people. Mm-hmm <affirmative>. And everybody needs 

Megan Ellsworth: It. I know. Everybody needs a roof. 

Chris Coryell: Yeah. 

Megan Ellsworth: Everybody needs a roof. Okay. So, okay. So dur last, you work with them very closely. Why, what's so special about duress and why do you choose to constantly work with their product? 

Chris Coryell: Well, I say this very cautiously towards all manufacturers. Mm-hmm <affirmative>. And distributors and vendors here at this show. But I think a mistake a lot of contractors make is they don't pick a horse and ride it. Mm-hmm <affirmative>. And 13 years ago we did that with durast. Cool. 

Megan Ellsworth: And 

Chris Coryell: I said, this is our partner mm-hmm <affirmative>. And we're gonna stay this horse and we're not getting 

Megan Ellsworth: Off. Mm-hmm <affirmative>. 

Chris Coryell: And that has been one of the most beneficial things for us as a contractor. Durast is so contractor focused. Mm-hmm <affirmative>. They don't even consider distribution. 

Megan Ellsworth: Yep. 

Chris Coryell: They work directly with the contractor. Their contractor support is unparalleled. 

Megan Ellsworth: Yeah. 

Chris Coryell: They're their marketing team, Andrea Fisher, um, which is, she's amazing. 

Megan Ellsworth: Shout out 

Chris Coryell: <laugh>. And she helps us in ways that I'm a visionary. I have ideas all the time. We're doing something in Tennessee right now that will blow people's mind. And Awesome. Andrea came down and helped me with that. And Erin kisser the qa. 

Megan Ellsworth: Mm-hmm <affirmative>. 

Chris Coryell: A director, and the entire team, I mean, I've got a personal relationship with 'em. I was at dinner with them last night. 

Megan Ellsworth: Oh, 

Chris Coryell: They are family. Yeah. And we love duress. And the reason they're that is because they pour into us and it gives us the ability to pour into them. Mm-hmm <affirmative>. I have confidence in telling every one of my clients, our relationship with duress protects you. 

Megan Ellsworth: Mm-hmm <affirmative>. 

Chris Coryell: We will always be there for you, but even if something were to happen to us, Durt is, they've got us. 

Megan Ellsworth: Wow. 

Chris Coryell: They've got your back. 

Megan Ellsworth: Wow. And there's nothing more important than that. 

Chris Coryell: Oh, it's so powerful. 

Megan Ellsworth: Mm-hmm <affirmative>. 

Chris Coryell: They, they just, they have been such a partner to us and our success is on their back. It truly is. That's awesome. 'cause even during the, the Covid area era when supply chain issues were going on, ugh. 

Megan Ellsworth: Yeah. We, 

Chris Coryell: We literally worked with Dur Elastic to create some, some opportunities to stay in the game and keep material going by elevating the type of system that we were offering. Oh. And then we would've to tell customers it's gonna cost more, but I can get it for you. And you know what? There's a lot of customers that time is worth a lot more than money. 

Megan Ellsworth: Oh yeah. 

Chris Coryell: And so if they have to wait nine months on a, a builder grade product 

Megan Ellsworth: Yeah. 

Chris Coryell: And duress has the higher end of their product line available mm-hmm <affirmative>. Because the masses typically go for the, the lower quality systems. Mm-hmm <affirmative>. We go for the high quality systems. Mm-hmm <affirmative>. We put the best on the roofs and love it. We follow standards to do that. 

Megan Ellsworth: Yeah. 

Chris Coryell: And we promote standards. We're going state to state, talking with all educators and and, um, municipalities, entities that need help, they need guidance. We're using standards throughout all of those states. Yeah. And the reason we're doing that is because we have confidence in the fact that DUR asked us, sent their products to FM approvals and have them certified Yep. Their systems. And we have a robust offering to our customers that fit no matter where they're at. Duras did that. Yeah. You know, they've poured into us and we pour into them and that relationship is as strong as it could possibly be. 

Megan Ellsworth: That is so amazing. And when, when we spoke with Andrea about this podcast series, stories from the Roof, you were the first that came to her mind too. So she said, you have to talk to Chris. And, and so we've been, I've been really looking forward to this, so thank you for your time today. Oh, thank you. And sharing your story. We still have more to come, don't worry. So, um, you've received some awards from DUR last over the years. Can you tell us a little bit about them and which maybe is the most significant to you? 

Chris Coryell: It has been a fun climb, I can tell you that. You know, I remember when we first started with durast, we didn't even go to the awards banquets 

Megan Ellsworth: Mm-hmm <affirmative>. Or 

Chris Coryell: The sales seminar because we were just a smaller contractor. You know, we started off doing residential. Okay. 

Megan Ellsworth: And 

Chris Coryell: We grew our, we blew residential up in the Oklahoma market. Um, and then we made a, a switch to all commercial because we saw the opportunity there. There was more help needed there. Okay. There's a lot of residential contractors and 

Megan Ellsworth: Right. 

Chris Coryell: We could make a difference, but I felt like we could make a bigger difference on the commercial side. 

Megan Ellsworth: Yeah. Mm-hmm <affirmative>. 

Chris Coryell: Um, but that, that progression and I'm sorry, I forgot the question you had Oh. 

Megan Ellsworth: Your favorite award that you've gotten? 

Chris Coryell: Oh, yeah. Yeah. Okay. I get Chase rabbits 

Megan Ellsworth: A lot. I know. Me too. <laugh>. So, 

Chris Coryell: My favorite award would just simply be as we've gone through those years, we, we climbed in rank and durast started recognizing us based on our sales volume and based on the things that we've done. I would say Tampa, Florida, January, 2024, being named Durast Contractor of the Year special, getting a Platinum Eagle, setting the record for the most material ever purchased from Durast to that point. 

Megan Ellsworth: Whoa. 

Chris Coryell: We broke records and on top of that, we got a, a some serious recognition from it and thank you to DUR last for that. 

Megan Ellsworth: Yeah. 

Chris Coryell: But our quality assurance scores were also at the top with DUR last. 

Megan Ellsworth: Wow. 

Chris Coryell: That's what I'm proud of. 

Megan Ellsworth: Yeah. 

Chris Coryell: We were literally in the high 99 percentile, or 98 percentile of quality assurance scores on all the millions of square feet Wow. That we installed. So that's a pretty, 

Megan Ellsworth: That's huge. 

Chris Coryell: Prestigious award 

Megan Ellsworth: <laugh> that is, I mean, 98 percentile. That is, I mean, I don't even know if you can get better than that. That's crazy. 

Chris Coryell: It's, it's pretty impressive. 

Megan Ellsworth: Wow. 

Chris Coryell: We've got an amazing team and we have all these checks and balances 

Megan Ellsworth: Yeah. 

Chris Coryell: To make sure that it's precise. 

Megan Ellsworth: Mm-hmm <affirmative>. 

Chris Coryell: There's precision and excellence in everything that we do. So by the time a customer takes the keys to their new roof, we know exactly what they're gonna experience. 

Megan Ellsworth: Yeah. 

Chris Coryell: And that the, the peace of mind with Dural asked and us, that's why they recognize it. Yeah. That's why they give an award. 

Megan Ellsworth: Yeah. Well, and and obviously the, your customers know what they're gonna get too. You know, whether they hear it through word of mouth or your website or or just working with you on a previous project or whatever, they obviously know what they're gonna get from you and Durast as well. Um, that's amazing. Congratulations. That's really exciting. 

Chris Coryell: Thank you. That's cool. I think the other thing I look at with, with the Duras Awards, what it does for our team, 

Megan Ellsworth: So Oh yeah. 

Chris Coryell: We have such an amazing team. A special, special culture That's awesome. We're family, we take care of each other. We're spread throughout six states right now mm-hmm <affirmative>. But literally we, everybody understands the heartbeat of each other. 

Megan Ellsworth: Mm-hmm 

Chris Coryell: <affirmative>. And so for years, I mean years I have used the dur ass sales seminar as a way to motivate and inspire our team. It's our Super Bowl trophy, if you'll <laugh>, 

Megan Ellsworth: That's awesome. 

Chris Coryell: And we constantly worked to climb the ranks. So I remember in 2020 we had Vision 2020 or 2020 Vision. 

Megan Ellsworth: Yeah. 

Chris Coryell: Flip it around. And it was all about being top three with duress. Um, 

Megan Ellsworth: That's awesome. 

Chris Coryell: We, we've done that throughout the years. We, we went from being number 21 in the country to number seven in the country, I'm sorry, number 10, then number seven, then number five and number three. And we got to number one. And we were in the top three again this year. 

Megan Ellsworth: Wow. Yeah. Wow. And what a morale boost Yeah. For the team as well. And I mean, winning awards is just, it's just, it gives you a new sense of urgency and what matters and just confidence and what a great way to start a year off too. Like you said, January, 2024, you're like, oh, I can take on this 

Chris Coryell: Year. Yeah. Here's, here's a really cool thing about that. We are a very inclusive company, so we win together, we lose together as a team. 

Megan Ellsworth: Yep. 

Chris Coryell: Nobody gets left behind 

Megan Ellsworth: Love. We're 

Chris Coryell: All in. Um, and we love each other. And so when we get awards, we all go, oh, that's awesome. I remember four years ago I called Tom Saly, the CEO of dur last at the time. He's since retired, but I called him and I said, Tom, we're growing. 

Megan Ellsworth: Yeah. 

Chris Coryell: And we're doing great things, but we're gonna become a stress on dur alast at this seminar for the awards banquet. 

Megan Ellsworth: Mm. 

Chris Coryell: But I don't feel right about not letting everybody who pulled on the same rope all year long. 

Megan Ellsworth: Yeah. I 

Chris Coryell: Don't feel right about not leaving anybody home. Right. They all deserve to stand on stage and receive an award. We all do. And I, and unfortunately at the time, I had to say, Tom, it's either all of us or none of us. And Tom said, Chris, don't worry, we've got you bring the people you need to bring. 

Megan Ellsworth: That's awesome. 

Chris Coryell: And I think that year we had something like 45. Yes. In the banquet hall. 

Megan Ellsworth: That's awesome. 

Chris Coryell: This year we had a hundred. Oh wow. 

Megan Ellsworth: And 

Chris Coryell: Duress accommodated us. 

Megan Ellsworth: Oh 

Chris Coryell: My. They're so great. I feel like maybe we're over <laugh>, we're reaching our limit, but <laugh> But it is amazing to see everybody get to go to like, uh, we were in, we were in Tampa in 24. We were in San Antonio in 25. Our entire team and all their spouses and their kids got to go 

Megan Ellsworth: Awesome. 

Chris Coryell: And celebrate together. Ah, isn't that cool? 

Megan Ellsworth: That's so cool. And what a fun team bonding moment too. You're all together in person, like you said, sometimes you're spread out between six states. So 

Megan Ellsworth: You all get to chat and enjoy the time together and, and experience such a, a special event, customer service with an emphasis on custom. Dura last specializes in building roofs and relationships for more than 45 years. Dura last has been a hundred percent committed to forming personal relationships with contractors. They are here, there or anywhere to help with the tools you need to succeed. Dura Last's dedicated quality assurance department and technical support staff are always available to provide support and answer questions because you deserve one-on-one service for one of a kind roofs call 802 4 8 0 2 8 0 or visit dur last.com to learn more today. So in one word, or I, I'll take a small sentence. How would you describe, or what, describe the quality that is most important in a coworker in one word or small sentence? 

Chris Coryell: Integrity. 

Megan Ellsworth: Mm-hmm <affirmative>. 

Chris Coryell: No question. 

Megan Ellsworth: Yep. Agreed. 

Chris Coryell: Our culture is so valuable to us. There's not been one person in our company that's been brought in without me meeting them first. Yeah. Interviewing them, understanding who they are. 

Megan Ellsworth: Mm-hmm <affirmative>. 

Chris Coryell: We protect our culture, we protect our team. Mm-hmm <affirmative>. We protect our values, our core values mm-hmm <affirmative>. And one of those is integrity. 

Megan Ellsworth: Yeah. 

Chris Coryell: So when I see that people have integrity, like for example, um, the, the viewers can't see this, but sitting behind this set is our new director of marketing. He's 

Megan Ellsworth: Literally 

Chris Coryell: Been with us less than two weeks. 

Megan Ellsworth: Oh. 

Chris Coryell: His name is Jim Vidmar from Oklahoma City, actually, Norman, Oklahoma. And Jim was a teacher, professor at the University of Oklahoma 

Megan Ellsworth: Oh wow. For 

Chris Coryell: 18 years in the marketing department. 

Megan Ellsworth: Wow. 

Chris Coryell: He was then the director of marketing for the marketing department at the University of Oklahoma. Now, if you can market a marketing department 

Megan Ellsworth: Yeah. <laugh>, 

Chris Coryell: You're good. 

Megan Ellsworth: You're good. <laugh>. 

Chris Coryell: But what really drew us to Jim as we were seeking to fill that position, I wanted a mentor for the people that were working underneath him. Yeah. I wanted somebody that was a seasoned veteran and knew how to teach 

Megan Ellsworth: Mm-hmm <affirmative>. 

Chris Coryell: And mentor and help these people. Yeah. So we got that. And the thing that Jim showed me right off the bat is his core values lined up with ours. Yeah. His commitment to excellence, commitment to integrity. And its commitment to 

Megan Ellsworth: Growth. Love it. 

Chris Coryell: So we, that's how we've built our team. 

Megan Ellsworth: Mm-hmm <affirmative>. 

Chris Coryell: People that are customer focused, that care. I want servant leaders. 

Megan Ellsworth: Yes. 

Chris Coryell: That's who we want. 

Megan Ellsworth: Ugh. 

Chris Coryell: And if we can do that mm-hmm <affirmative>. We serve each other and we serve our clients, and then nobody ever, ever has to deal with what am I gonna do? 

Megan Ellsworth: Yep. And I mean, you said that you were looking for someone that could mentor the next generation. You literally got that We did a literal professor in what he's doing, like a absolute, um, knows exactly what he is doing That's amazing. And can share that. 

Chris Coryell: That's awesome. And I think that's the thing. You know, one of the things that, that we had before this interview we had talked about is, you know, what do you, what are you most proud of mm-hmm 

Megan Ellsworth: <affirmative>. 

Chris Coryell: And I'm not trying to lead your question <laugh>, but it just made me think about as we discussed that I think I'm most proud of the fact that we change lives. 

Megan Ellsworth: Yeah. 

Chris Coryell: Um, 

Megan Ellsworth: As you should be 

Chris Coryell: Roofing's very, very important. And we're changing that industry. 

Megan Ellsworth: Mm-hmm <affirmative>. 

Chris Coryell: We are doing it, it's happening right now 

Megan Ellsworth: Mm-hmm <affirmative>. 

Chris Coryell: We're raising standards, we're raising expectations. High tide raises all ships. 

Megan Ellsworth: Yeah. 

Chris Coryell: We are truly working hard to ha bring every contractor out there to a higher level, higher level of excellence and standards mm-hmm <affirmative>. For the customers. 

Megan Ellsworth: Yeah. 

Chris Coryell: That's powerful. 

Megan Ellsworth: That is. 

Chris Coryell: But I'm proud of that. I'm proud of what we've accomplished. I'm proud of the, the trophies that we received. Yeah. I'm proud of the Roofing contractor magazine contractor of the year. I'm proud of all of those things, but the thing I'm most proud of is to see the people inside of our company, the way that they've grown and developed it is phenomenal. 

Megan Ellsworth: Awesome. 

Chris Coryell: Financially, professionally, spiritually. 

Megan Ellsworth: Mm-hmm <affirmative>. 

Chris Coryell: We're literally building something that is changing lives everywhere we touch. Yeah. Yeah. And that is special to 

Megan Ellsworth: Me. That is special. And it is truly, it's awe inspiring. It's the actual definition of awesome <laugh>. It's, that is really, really cool. So besides what you just said, what, what aspects of the work you're doing at Corelle Roofing bring you the most satisfaction? 

Chris Coryell: I, I am a visionary. 

Megan Ellsworth: Yeah. 

Chris Coryell: So I think the, I get most satisfaction out of, well, we're going through the EOS model right 

Megan Ellsworth: Now. Oh. We use EOS. 

Chris Coryell: Oh, good. 

Megan Ellsworth: Yeah. Isn't it great? Yeah, it's amazing. It's great. It's so helpful. 

Chris Coryell: Great. Coach Don Clark in Fort Worth, Texas. Little promo for her. Oh, hi Dawn. She's amazing. Don Clark, Fort Worth, Texas. 

Megan Ellsworth: Okay. 

Chris Coryell: Um, but going through that EOS model has been unbelievable. 

Megan Ellsworth: Yeah. 

Chris Coryell: And I lost track of the question again. What did you ask 

Megan Ellsworth: Me? What brings you the most satisfaction? 

Chris Coryell: Thank 

Megan Ellsworth: You. At work. Thank 

Chris Coryell: You, <laugh>. Um, but going through the EOS model has helped me to understand that being a visionary, I need a supporting cast around me. Yeah. I need an integrator. Yeah. I need directors. Um, because as they point out in EOSA visionary can have 20 ideas before breakfast. 

Megan Ellsworth: Yep. 

Chris Coryell: And I do a lot and I'm constantly thinking about how do we make things better? How do we help more people? How do we reach more people 

Megan Ellsworth: Mm-hmm <affirmative>. 

Chris Coryell: And so that's probably the most satisfying thing to me, is when I share a vision with our team and then I get to watch it executed. 

Megan Ellsworth: Yeah. 

Chris Coryell: That's fun. 

Megan Ellsworth: Yeah. Like that and, and you get to kind of start this idea bubble and then you see it grow and grow and grow and then grow into its own thing that you have really no fingers in. 

Chris Coryell: Exactly. 

Megan Ellsworth: That's awesome. 

Chris Coryell: Exactly. Woo. And then to watch the growth that comes from that. 

Megan Ellsworth: Yeah. 

Chris Coryell: You know, it's one thing to implement something and you say, well, that improved the process or that helped here or there 

Megan Ellsworth: Yep. 

Chris Coryell: From a visionary standpoint. But when you can create something which we've done several times that's never been done before, and innovate and bring technology and unbelievable, uh, features to, to what our product offerings and our service offerings. When you can do that and you see an immediate impact in growth. 

Megan Ellsworth: Yeah. 

Chris Coryell: That's rewarding. 

Megan Ellsworth: Yeah. That is. Yeah. That is. And, and and with that growth, seeing something like the Dura last award mm-hmm <affirmative>. Coming from that growth and you started that. That's 

Chris Coryell: Awesome. It's fun. 

Megan Ellsworth: That is fun. Okay. So we have two more questions left. Okay. What advice would you give newcomers to the roofing industry? Maybe someone wants to start their own company or they're just joining a team on a manufacturer or at a manufacturer. What, what advice would you have for newbies? 

Chris Coryell: Number one, focus on being the best. Mm-hmm <affirmative>. And that's not, uh, too many contractors want to be all things for all customers. 

Megan Ellsworth: Yeah. 

Chris Coryell: And you can't do that. 

Megan Ellsworth: Mm-hmm <affirmative>. You 

Chris Coryell: Just absolutely can't. Mm-hmm <affirmative>. You have to pick a niche, you have to pick a specialty. 

Megan Ellsworth: Mm-hmm <affirmative>. 

Chris Coryell: Um, there are contractors that are great at being residential and commercial 

Megan Ellsworth: Yeah. 

Chris Coryell: When you get to a certain point. 

Megan Ellsworth: Yeah. 

Chris Coryell: Uh, I think as you grow and and evolve as a company, you can have multiple divisions in your company, but that's very difficult to be great at one or the other. 

Megan Ellsworth: Yeah. 

Chris Coryell: And I think a lot of times contractors are so eager for business that they're willing to compromise who they really should be. 

Megan Ellsworth: Mm-hmm <affirmative>. 

Chris Coryell: Find the area that you can help people mm-hmm <affirmative>. Find the area that you can actually make a difference in this industry. 

Megan Ellsworth: Mm-hmm 

Chris Coryell: <affirmative>. And, and focus there. 

Megan Ellsworth: Yeah. 

Chris Coryell: And then provide loyalty to, to the people who help get you there. The dur asks of the world. 

Megan Ellsworth: Yeah. 

Chris Coryell: Partner with people, be an ally, be a resource no matter who you're working with. It might be an insurance adjuster, it might be a, a vendor, it might be the customer, no matter who you are working with. Be a resource. Because if you're combative, if you're difficult, if you're constantly trying to get your way, I, I just, I just finished our entire team. We're at High Road Leadership by John Maxwell. 

Megan Ellsworth: Oh, okay. 

Chris Coryell: And I want so desperately for contractors to be high road leaders. 

Megan Ellsworth: Yeah. And 

Chris Coryell: I think if anybody could pick up that book High Road Leadership by John Maxwell and focus on being a high road leader, not middle road, not low road. Yep. Be high road in everything you do. Mm-hmm <affirmative>. That would be my advice to people getting into the roofing 

Megan Ellsworth: Industry. Yeah. Oh, that, well, I, that's great advice. And, and I'm gonna write down that book title after this 'cause I wanna read that. Um, okay. So is this your first interaction with Roofers Coffee Shop? Had you heard of us before? 

Chris Coryell: Yes. I, I oh, I've heard of you for years and years. Oh, I've seen you at IRE. 

Megan Ellsworth: Oh, good. 

Chris Coryell: I've listened to your podcasts. So I know Rupert's Coffee Shop and actually our director of operations and national accounts, Anthony Valez. 

Megan Ellsworth: Mm-hmm <affirmative>. 

Chris Coryell: You guys actually did an interview with him in our office. Oh. I think it was about a year and a half, two years ago. 

Megan Ellsworth: Oh, incredible. Oh my gosh. Yeah. Wow. That's awesome. Yeah. In your office. Wow. Okay. Great. 

Chris Coryell: <laugh> well through video, but he with you. Yeah. 

Megan Ellsworth: He was the office. Yes, yes, yes, yes. Okay, well last question. 

Chris Coryell: Okay. 

Megan Ellsworth: Is what do you enjoy most about being a part of the Roofers Coffee Shop community? 

Chris Coryell: Just the exposure to information. 

Megan Ellsworth: Yeah. 

Chris Coryell: Um, the, the collaboration between other contractors and vendors and manufacturers. I think it just brings the community together and you guys give people a, a destination to go for anything that you'd need to know. And that's a powerful thing. 

Megan Ellsworth: Hey, well thank you so much. You 

Chris Coryell: Bet. 

Megan Ellsworth: Um, this has been so fun, Chris, really getting to know you and I hope everyone at home has enjoyed this podcast. Um, this will all be up on podcast streaming platforms, wherever you listen to podcasts, Spotify, apple, Google, wherever, um, in the next couple days. And you can listen to it back and back and back and it'll also be up on YouTube. Thank you so much again. Thank you. 

Chris Coryell: This has been so fun. It's been a pleasure. 

Megan Ellsworth: Yes. Everyone check out Corelle Roofing if you're in the Oklahoma City area. And where are your other locations? 

Chris Coryell: We're in six states. We are 

Megan Ellsworth: Okay. 

Chris Coryell: Oklahoma, Texas, Kansas, Missouri, Arkansas and the great state of Tennessee. 

Megan Ellsworth: Perfect. Okay. So if you're in any of those states and you have a problem with your roof, you know who to call. Um, and thank you Dures for, uh, saying that we need to do this podcast with Chris. I'm so, so thankful and thank you dur last for everything you do for the industry. So this has been Stories from the Roof. I'm so glad we got to hear Chris's story and we'll see you next time. 

Chris Coryell: Thank you. 

Outro: Thank you so much. Alright. Thank you so much. And we'll see you on the next Stories from The Roof later. Whenever <laugh>, if you've enjoyed these unique rooftop stories, be sure to hit that subscribe button so you don't miss a single episode. Go to roofers coffee shop.com to learn more. Thanks for soaring with us on Stories from the Roof. We'll catch you on the next one.