The Best Roofing Advice? Ask Questions

By Dani Sheehan. 

In today’s competitive world, it’s sometimes hard to ask for help. But learning from others and asking questions has led to the success of this long-standing roofing company. 

In a recent episode of Stories from the Roof, Heidi J. Ellsworth sits down with Laurie Moore, president and CEO of Kreiling Roofing, to discuss the journey and success of her company and share in celebrating roofing contractors in the industry. Laurie’s been in roofing since she was a child, but she worked hard to make it into the business and eventually took over running the company that her dad and brother had previously owned. 

Acquiring the new company immediately preceding the recession in 2008, Laurie talks about how she grew into the industry: “It was just nose to the grindstone and figure it out myself. And I used a lot of the manufacturer’s websites and their technical information, the NRC manuals, I read all of them...It wasn’t until about 2014 that I looked up from my desk and I thought, ‘Well, I could probably to go to some conferences and things.’” 

Despite her initial anxiety about what she could bring to the table compared to the people who had worked in the field throughout their careers, she found her participation was welcomed and valued. “We have different skills, different knowledge and different perspectives, and that’s really a very healthy mix for a group, because that group becomes more well-rounded when you bring different people’s perceptions, skills and knowledge together,” Laurie shared. The resources she gained from networking during conferences became invaluable to her. She felt more at ease knowing that if something happens, which is always likely, there would be people around her willing to help her figure it out. 

While she depends on her entire staff in some way at her company, she talks about learning about roofing through one of the superintendents who had been with the company for 35 years or more. She says, “He and I had daily discussions, and he would draw things out for me, and I would tell him about the technical side that I knew. And he would share with me the field application and take me out on the job.” 

When asked what the most valuable lesson is that she’s learned from roofing, she answers, “There’s always somebody else who’s had experience with a similar struggle and that, surprisingly, a lot of other people are usually happy to help. You don’t always want to bother somebody, but every time I’ve asked, everybody’s been happy to help.” 

Listen to the full podcast episode or read the transcript to learn more about Kreiling Roofing and the roofing experts who have contributed to the knowledge and experience abundant in the industry.