Podcast
Roofing Success
Hosted by Jim Ahlin · EN
The Roofing Success Podcast is a show created to inspire roofing contractors to achieve optimal success in their roofing businesses. The host, Jim Ahlin, is the co-author of the book, "Internet Marketing For Roofing Contractors, How to TRIPLE Your Sales and Turn Your Roofing Website Into an Online Lead Generation Machine", and Co-Founder of Roofer Marketers, the Digital Marketing Agency for the roofing industry. On each episode, Jim will be sitting down with industry leaders to talk about their processes, the lessons they learned, and how to find success in roofing.
28episodes
Episodes
Newest firstAll episodes
Why Roofers Are Being Lied To About Zero-Click Search and Google Leads
1w ago00:49:20Tap to summarizeEveryone is talking about AI, zero-click searches, and the death of Google Ads. But is that actually what's happening?In this episode, Jim Ahlin digs into the numbers behind the headlines and explains why Google isn't walking away from advertising anytime soon. More importantly, he shares what roofing companies should be focusing on today to generate more leads, waste less ad spend, and stay competitive as search continues to evolve.If you're investing in Google Ads, paying an agency, or wondering how AI will impact your marketing, this episode will help you separate the hype from what's really happening.Listen to the episode on Spotify & Apple Podcasts (316) 👇🎧 https://roofingpod.com/spotify🍏 https://roofingpod.com/apple-podcastsPODCAST SPONSORS: - JobNimbus Marketing: https://roofingpod.com/jobnimbus-marketing-get-started- Day 41 Thrive: https://roofingpod.com/day-41-thriveIG: https://www.instagram.com/roofingsuccess/FB: https://www.facebook.com/groups/roofingsuccessJoin Our Facebook Group: https://roofingpod.com/facebook📱 Text Jim @ (612) 512-1812 – Say Hi!💬 Leave Us a Review: https://roofingpod.com/reviewJoin our Roofing Success Skool community: https://www.skool.com/roofing-success/aboutChapters:00:00 Is AI Killing Google Search?03:05 Does Google Still Make Money From Ads?06:26 Are Google Ads Still Worth It for Roofers?13:22 How AI Is Changing the Roofing Customer Journey16:34 Why Speed to Lead Matters More Than Ever19:18 How to Audit Your Google Ads Agency29:18 How Negative Keywords Lower Your Cost Per Lead35:32 The Biggest Google Ads Mistakes Roofers Make44:27 The Future of AI, Google Ads, and Roofing Marketing
Transcribe →When Hustle Stops Working in Your Roofing Business (And What to Do Next)
2w ago00:56:06Tap to summarizeScott Huffman built GSAS Construction Group to nearly $4M in his first full year of roofing, then hit a wall. Hustle got him there, but it couldn't get him further.Scott shares what broke through the ceiling, from hiring a consultant to turning a 12-page notes doc into real SOPs, plus how his journey from prison to business owner built a company where second chances create top performers.What you'll learn:- The weekly sales metrics that finally got reps to buy in (150 doors, 120 cold calls)- How to spot when you've hit your ceiling as an owner and what to do next- Hard hiring lessons: friends and family, trust but verify, and right people in right seatsConnect with Scott: https://gsasconstructiongroup.comhttps://www.linkedin.com/company/gsasconstructiongrouphttps://www.facebook.com/p/GSAS-Construction-Group-100092974238646/https://www.instagram.com/gsasconstructiongroupListen to the episode on Spotify & Apple Podcasts (315) 👇🎧 https://roofingpod.com/spotify🍏 https://roofingpod.com/apple-podcastsPODCAST SPONSORS: - Coast: https://roofingpod.com/Coast- JobNimbus Marketing: https://roofingpod.com/jobnimbus-marketing-get-started- Day 41 Thrive: https://roofingpod.com/day-41-thriveIG: https://www.instagram.com/roofingsuccess/FB: https://www.facebook.com/groups/roofingsuccessJoin Our Facebook Group: https://roofingpod.com/facebook📱 Text Jim @ (612) 512-1812 – Say Hi!💬 Leave Us a Review: https://roofingpod.com/reviewChapters:0:00 When hustle stops working (cold open)1:48 From prison to sign language interpreter to roofing7:04 Starting GSAS12:54 The hidden costs of running a business21:19 SOPs: hustle with no reference points27:28 The sales metrics that finally stuck39:03 Right people, right seats46:27 Red flags and trust but verify50:19 Redemption and second chances
Transcribe →From Owner Dependence to Scalable Roofing Business with Sej Sorathia Deribin
3w ago00:57:07Tap to summarizeWhat happens when the owner's phone finally stops ringing?For most roofing company owners, that sounds like something is wrong.For Eric and Sej at Capital Roofing... it meant they were finally building a business that didn't depend on them every minute of the day.In this episode, Sej Sorathia Deribin shares how they went from doing everything themselves to building systems, hiring the right people, documenting SOPs, and creating a customer experience that drives referrals and repeat business.We also dive into why communication is their biggest marketing advantage, how outsourcing the right roles helped them buy back time, and what it really takes to let go as an owner without losing control.If you feel like your business can't run without you, this conversation will show you what's possible.Connect with Sej: https://capitolroofingco.com/https://www.facebook.com/CapitolRoofingCohttps://www.instagram.com/capitolroofingcoListen to the episode on Spotify & Apple Podcasts (314) 👇🎧 https://roofingpod.com/spotify🍏 https://roofingpod.com/apple-podcastsPODCAST SPONSORS: - Coast: https://roofingpod.com/Coast- JobNimbus Marketing: https://roofingpod.com/jobnimbus-marketing-get-started- Day 41 Thrive: https://roofingpod.com/day-41-thriveIG: https://www.instagram.com/roofingsuccess/FB: https://www.facebook.com/groups/roofingsuccessJoin Our Facebook Group: https://roofingpod.com/facebook📱 Text Jim @ (612) 512-1812 – Say Hi!💬 Leave Us a Review: https://roofingpod.com/reviewChapters:00:00 From Chaos to Calm: The Owner's Phone Finally Stops Ringing00:33 The Next Stage of Capital Roofing's Growth02:02 Why Hiring a Virtual Admin Changed Everything05:25 Building a Team That Doesn't Depend on the Owner08:23 The Customer Experience Starts With the First Phone Call12:54 The 24-Hour Response Rule That Wins More Customers15:23 Why Overcommunication Is Their Best Marketing Strategy22:04 The Maintenance Program That Creates Lifetime Customers24:48 Should You Outsource Admin, Marketing, or Bookkeeping?39:09 Hiring the Right People to Buy Back Your Time44:14 Why Networking Beats Social Media for Their Roofing Company52:49 The Moment They Knew the Business Could Run Without Them
Transcribe →The 5 Numbers Every Roofing Contractor Must Track with Jon Broce
Jun 2300:58:53Tap to summarizeMost roofing company owners think they need more leads.But what if the real problem is that you don’t know your numbers?In this episode of the Roofing Success Podcast, Jim Ahlin sits down with Jon Broce to unpack the biggest blind spots holding roofing companies back. They discuss why revenue can be misleading, how small improvements create massive gains, why so many owners make decisions based on gut instinct, and what private equity understands that most contractors miss.You’ll also learn why set rate is one of the most overlooked metrics in roofing, how to think differently about hiring, and why knowing your numbers is the foundation for scaling a profitable business.If you want better profit margins, stronger systems, and more confidence in your decisions, this episode is for you.Connect with Jon: https://day41thrive.comhttps://www.linkedin.com/company/day-41-thrive-consulting-llc/https://www.instagram.com/jonathonbrocehttps://www.facebook.com/jonathon.broce.5Listen to the episode on Spotify & Apple Podcasts (313) 👇🎧 https://roofingpod.com/spotify🍏 https://roofingpod.com/apple-podcastsPODCAST SPONSORS: - Coast: https://roofingpod.com/Coast- JobNimbus Marketing: https://roofingpod.com/jobnimbus-marketing-get-started- Day 41 Thrive: https://roofingpod.com/day-41-thriveIG: https://www.instagram.com/roofingsuccess/FB: https://www.facebook.com/groups/roofingsuccessJoin Our Facebook Group: https://roofingpod.com/facebook📱 Text Jim @ (612) 512-1812 – Say Hi!💬 Leave Us a Review: https://roofingpod.com/reviewChapters:00:00 Why Most Roofers Stay Stuck04:16 Finding the Blind Spots in Your Business09:14 Know Your Numbers Before You Hire14:05 The Most Overlooked Metric in Roofing19:48 How to Improve Profit Without More Sales24:00 Why Customer Experience Drives Growth29:06 The Real Reason You Should Raise Prices34:20 What Private Equity Understands Better39:01 The Future of Roofing Marketing43:40 Be the GC of Your Finances49:57 Simple Financial Changes That Increase Profit54:52 How to Actually Implement What You Learn
Transcribe →Why Networking Beats Marketing for Roofing Companies with Nicholas Riley
Jun 1600:58:10Tap to summarizeMost roofers spend more money on marketing when they want more leads.Nicholas Riley believes there's a better way.After spending nearly a decade in consulting with KPMG and Deloitte, Nick left the corporate world to buy Driftwood Builders Roofing in Austin, Texas. What he discovered surprised him: some of the best growth opportunities don't come from marketing. They come from relationships.In this episode, Nick shares why networking with realtors, insurance agents, and other local professionals has become a key part of his growth strategy. He also explains how he applies lessons from consulting, data analysis, and business acquisitions to build a stronger roofing company.If you're looking for more leads, stronger referral sources, and a smarter way to grow your roofing business, this conversation is for you.Connect with Nicholas:Website: https://driftwoodbuildersroofing.comInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/driftwoodbuildersroofing/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/driftwoodbuildersroofingYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@driftwoodbuilders2592Listen to the episode on Spotify & Apple Podcasts (312) 👇🎧 https://roofingpod.com/spotify🍏 https://roofingpod.com/apple-podcastsPODCAST SPONSORS: - Coast: https://roofingpod.com/Coast- JobNimbus Marketing: https://roofingpod.com/jobnimbus-marketing-get-started- Day 41 Thrive: https://roofingpod.com/day-41-thriveIG: https://www.instagram.com/roofingsuccess/FB: https://www.facebook.com/groups/roofingsuccessJoin Our Facebook Group: https://roofingpod.com/facebook📱 Text Jim @ (612) 512-1812 – Say Hi!💬 Leave Us a Review: https://roofingpod.com/reviewChapters:00:00 Why Networking Beats Marketing in Roofing01:20 From Montana Laborer to Roofing Company Owner05:39 How Nick Bought Driftwood Builders Roofing10:00 Consulting Lessons Roofers Can Use Today13:49 Testing Marketing Ideas with Data16:09 Customer Feedback Creates New Revenue Streams19:50 The Cost-Benefit Analysis Every Roofer Should Run22:03 How Referral Partners Outperform Vendor Discounts28:28 Working On the Business vs In the Business31:35 Why Private Equity Loves Roofing Companies35:48 The Real Purpose of Networking and Relationships41:36 How Sponsoring Local Events Generates Roofing Leads48:18 Using YouTube and AI to Build Trust and Win More Jobs
Transcribe →Build A Roofing Business That You Love with Kody Landals
Jun 901:09:02Tap to summarizeBuilding a successful roofing company isn't just about selling more roofs. It's about creating a business that gives you freedom, predictable profits, and a team that loves coming to work.In this episode, Jim Ahlin sits down with Kody Landals, founder of Reimagine Roofing and Reimagine Your Sales, to discuss the lessons he learned building, scaling, and exiting a roofing company.In this conversation, you'll learn:• How Kody built and scaled Reimagine Roofing into a private-equity-backed company• Why virtual roofing sales can increase efficiency without sacrificing close rates• The key financial and marketing metrics every roofing owner should track• How to improve margins, build accountability, and create a business you actually enjoy runningConnect with Kody: https://calendar.app.google/YNWv3h8ambny45qV7Listen to the episode on Spotify & Apple Podcasts (311) 👇🎧 https://roofingpod.com/spotify🍏 https://roofingpod.com/apple-podcastsPODCAST SPONSORS: - Coast: https://roofingpod.com/Coast- JobNimbus Marketing: https://roofingpod.com/jobnimbus-marketing-get-started- Day 41 Thrive: https://roofingpod.com/day-41-thriveIG: https://www.instagram.com/roofingsuccess/FB: https://www.facebook.com/groups/roofingsuccessJoin Our Facebook Group: https://roofingpod.com/facebook📱 Text Jim @ (612) 512-1812 – Say Hi!💬 Leave Us a Review: https://roofingpod.com/reviewChapters:0:00 The Margin Fix That Adds $300K+ to Your Business0:38 Welcome to the Roofing Success Podcast3:22 How Kody Landals Got Started in Roofing7:50 Building Reimagine Roofing & 15-Minute Roof Quotes10:08 The Birth of Virtual Roofing Sales15:07 Why Homeowners Prefer a Low-Friction Buying Process16:24 The Private Equity Journey & Selling Reimagine Roofing20:45 How Roofing Companies Create Predictable Revenue25:38 The KPIs Every Roofing Owner Must Track37:30 Financial Literacy, P&Ls & Building an Exit-Ready Company43:17 The Profit Levers That Increase Roofing Margins58:00 Leadership, Accountability & Building a Strong Team1:07:50 Final Advice: Build a Roofing Business You Love
Transcribe →How to Scale a Roofing Company Without Losing Control
Jun 201:00:11Tap to summarizeMost roofing companies hit a wall.The owner becomes the bottleneck. Growth creates chaos. And every problem ends up back on their desk.In this episode, Jim sits down with Chance Peare, COO of SkyRight Roofing & Gutters and founder of Framework OPS, to talk about what it really takes to scale a roofing company without losing control.Chance isn't a consultant teaching theory. He's in the trenches every day managing operations, building teams, creating systems, and solving the same challenges roofing owners face as they grow.We discuss the lessons learned from rapid growth, building an accountability-driven culture, creating clear roles and responsibilities, forecasting for growth, and developing the operational infrastructure needed to scale successfully.If you're the reason everything runs—and also the reason everything slows down—this conversation will show you how to build a company that can grow without depending on you for every decision.Connect with Chance:https://skyright.comhttps://frameworkopsllc.comListen to the episode on Spotify & Apple Podcasts (310) 👇🎧 https://roofingpod.com/spotify🍏 https://roofingpod.com/apple-podcastsPODCAST SPONSORS: - Coast: https://roofingpod.com/Coast- JobNimbus Marketing: https://roofingpod.com/jobnimbus-marketing-get-started- Day 41 Thrive: https://roofingpod.com/day-41-thriveIG: https://www.instagram.com/roofingsuccess/FB: https://www.facebook.com/groups/roofingsuccessJoin Our Facebook Group: https://roofingpod.com/facebook📱 Text Jim @ (612) 512-1812 – Say Hi!💬 Leave Us a Review: https://roofingpod.com/reviewChapters:00:00 How to Scale a Roofing Company Without Losing Control05:02 Roofing Company Org Charts & Accountability Systems07:48 Getting Roofing Employees to Follow Processes16:00 Residential vs Commercial Roofing Growth Strategies19:07 How to Add Commercial Roofing Revenue Streams25:01 How to Get Commercial Roofing Leads Without Marketing29:51 Commercial Roofing Bid Process Explained39:44 Roofing KPIs, Margins & Job Costing43:10 Preventing Material Price Increases from Killing Profit47:02 Roofing Company Budgeting & Forecasting51:04 Capacity Planning for Roofing Contractors55:59 Roofing Operations Audit: What to Fix First
Transcribe →The Hiring Mistake That Destroys Roofing Companies with Jon Abernathy
May 2600:59:32Tap to summarizeWhat actually makes a roofing company successful long term?According to Jon Abernathy, it’s not having the biggest sales team. It’s having the right people, the right culture, and the right systems.Jon is the founder of Abernathy Roofing and a longtime roofing contractor with more than 25 years of experience in the industry. After building one of the strongest roofing brands in his market, he went on to help TAMKO redesign its Contractor Edge program and now coaches contractors through the Roofing Strong Alliance.In this episode, Jon shares the lessons he learned from swinging hammers and framing houses to scaling a multi-location roofing business. He breaks down the hiring mistakes that cost him the most money, why culture always beats talent, and how focusing on customer experience completely changed the trajectory of his company.We also dive into project management, production systems, profit sharing, speed to lead, and the operational leaks that quietly kill roofing companies. Jon explains how simple process changes saved hundreds of thousands of dollars, improved customer satisfaction, and helped his team scale without losing quality.If you’re an owner trying to build a better team, tighten up operations, or create a company people actually want to work for, this conversation is packed with practical takeaways you can implement immediately.Learn more about TAMKO: https://www.tamko.comListen to the episode on Spotify & Apple Podcasts (309) 👇🎧 https://roofingpod.com/spotify🍏 https://roofingpod.com/apple-podcastsPODCAST SPONSORS: - Coast: https://roofingpod.com/Coast- JobNimbus Marketing: https://roofingpod.com/jobnimbus-marketing-get-started- Day 41 Thrive: https://roofingpod.com/day-41-thriveIG: https://www.instagram.com/roofingsuccess/FB: https://www.facebook.com/groups/roofingsuccessJoin Our Facebook Group: https://roofingpod.com/facebook📱 Text Jim @ (612) 512-1812 – Say Hi!💬 Leave Us a Review: https://roofingpod.com/reviewChapters: 0:00 – Why Culture Matters More Than Money in Roofing Sales1:27 – Jon Abernathy’s Journey from Homebuilding to Roofing Success3:10 – How Jon Built a Roofing Empire & Partnered with TAMKO5:49 – Hiring Roofing Sales Reps: Slow to Hire, Fast to Fire10:21 – The Biggest Red Flags When Hiring Roofing Salespeople13:13 – Building a Roofing Company Culture Focused on Family & Community17:48 – The Cost of Keeping Toxic High-Producing Sales Reps Too Long21:45 – Where Jon Found His Best Roofing Salespeople26:27 – The “Dumb Tax” Roofing Contractors Pay on Bad Install Quality32:30 – Why Roofing Sales Reps Make Terrible Project Managers37:21 – Roofing Profitability Secrets: Efficiency, Waste Reduction & Incentives46:40 – Why Most Roofing Companies Don’t Need More Leads, They Need Better Processes
Transcribe →The Customer Experience Strategy Behind 500+ Roofing Reviews with Mike Cochran
May 1901:01:51Tap to summarize500+ roofing reviews don’t happen by accident.Mike Cochran of APEX Roofing built one of the most trusted roofing companies in Texas by focusing on one thing most roofers overlook… customer experience. From communication and follow-up to handling mistakes the right way, Mike shares the systems and mindset that helped APEX grow through referrals, repeat business, and loyal relationships.In this episode, you’ll learn:- Why Mike DOESN’T want a perfect 5.0 rating- How great communication creates more referrals- The customer experience details that separate great companies from average onesIf you want to grow a roofing company people trust — this episode is for you.Check out APEX Roofing: https://apexroofingcompanies.comListen to the episode on Spotify & Apple Podcasts (308) 👇🎧 https://roofingpod.com/spotify🍏 https://roofingpod.com/apple-podcastsPODCAST SPONSORS: - Coast: https://roofingpod.com/Coast- JobNimbus Marketing: https://roofingpod.com/jobnimbus-marketing-get-started- Day 41 Thrive: https://roofingpod.com/day-41-thriveIG: https://www.instagram.com/roofingsuccess/FB: https://www.facebook.com/groups/roofingsuccessJoin Our Facebook Group: https://roofingpod.com/facebook📱 Text Jim @ (612) 512-1812 – Say Hi!💬 Leave Us a Review: https://roofingpod.com/review
Transcribe →Inside a Marketing Expert’s Mind: The Strategy Behind Launching Owl Roofing with Tim Brown
May 1201:11:43Tap to summarizeWhat happens when one of roofing’s top marketers launches his own roofing company?In this episode of the Roofing Success Podcast, Jim Ahlin sits down with Tim Brown to break down the strategy behind launching Owl Roofing.From choosing a memorable brand name and testing yard sign messaging, to building a retail-first roofing company powered by SEO, Google Ads, AI search, and strong branding, Tim shares the real-world marketing playbook he’s using to grow fast in a competitive market.They also dive into:• Why branding can LOWER your cost per lead• How to dominate a tight local market instead of chasing everyone• What roofing companies need to do now to show up in ChatGPT and AI searchIf you want to build a roofing company people remember and search for, this episode is packed with practical insights you can apply right away.Connect with Tim: https://www.facebook.com/invigorated/https://www.linkedin.com/in/tim-brown-%F0%9F%AA%9D-3160bb35/https://www.instagram.com/timishness/https://owlroofing.com/https://hookagency.com/Listen to the episode on Spotify & Apple Podcasts (307) 👇🎧 https://roofingpod.com/spotify🍏 https://roofingpod.com/apple-podcastsPODCAST SPONSORS: - Coast: https://roofingpod.com/Coast- JobNimbus Marketing: https://roofingpod.com/jobnimbus-marketing-get-started- Day 41 Thrive: https://roofingpod.com/day-41-thriveIG: https://www.instagram.com/roofingsuccess/FB: https://www.facebook.com/groups/roofingsuccessJoin Our Facebook Group: https://roofingpod.com/facebook📱 Text Jim @ (612) 512-1812 – Say Hi!💬 Leave Us a Review: https://roofingpod.com/reviewChapters: 00:00 Why Tim Brown Started Owl Roofing03:02 Building a Roofing Company From a Marketing Mindset05:05 Choosing the Perfect Roofing Brand Name09:01 How Google Sees Roofing Company Names11:28 Retail Roofing vs Storm Chasing Strategy13:20 Testing Yard Signs and Brand Messaging17:20 Radio Ads, Billboards, and Attention Marketing20:27 Marketing Budget Strategy for Roofing Companies24:03 Why Branding Lowers Your Cost Per Lead31:05 Creating the Perfect Roofing Customer Avatar34:45 SEO, Google Ads, and AI Search Optimization45:10 The Marketing Channels Driving Leads Right Now59:53 How to Rank in ChatGPT and AI Search Results
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