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.
32episodes
Episodes
Newest firstAll episodes
The Future of Roofing Marketing: AI, Estimates, and Visibility with Marcus Sheridan
Mar 2401:05:08Tap to summarizeAI is changing roofing marketing fast… and most contractors don’t see how big this shift is.In this episode, Marcus Sheridan explains what’s happening now and how to stay ahead.Search has already changed.It’s not about ranking #1 on Google anymore.AI is deciding who gets recommended… and who doesn’t.So ask yourself: Is your company showing up when AI is asked who to trust?Inside, you’ll learn:The two sides of AI every roofer must understandWhy online estimates are now being rewardedThe mistake contractors make with AI visibilityWhy pricing transparency is becoming requiredHow estimators can increase your leadsListen to the episode on Spotify & Apple Podcasts (300) 👇🎧 https://roofingpod.com/spotify🍏 https://roofingpod.com/apple-podcasts📘 Get Marcus’ FREE book for contractors: https://priceguide.ai/priceguide-book-landing/Learn more about Marcus: https://marcussheridan.com/PODCAST SPONSORS: - JobNimbus Marketing: https://roofingpod.com/jobnimbus-marketing-get-started- Day 41 Thrive: https://roofingpod.com/day-41-thrive- AI Roofing Revolution: https://roofingpod.com/airoofingrevolution- The Roofing & Solar Reform Alliance: https://roofingpod.com/RSRAIG: 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/review00:00 | How AI Is Changing Roofing Marketing Right Now02:15 | What Contractors Must Understand About AI (2 Sides Explained)06:45 | Why Ranking #1 on Google Doesn’t Matter Anymore11:30 | How AI Decides Which Roofing Companies to Recommend16:20 | The Biggest Mistake Roofers Make Checking ChatGPT22:10 | Why Pricing Transparency Is Now Required to Compete28:05 | How Online Estimates Are Taking Over Google Search34:40 | How Adding an Estimator Can 3X Your Leads41:15 | What Is AI Visibility and How Do You Improve It?48:30 | The Future of Search: AI Agents Doing the Work for Customers55:20 | Will Human Sales Still Matter in an AI-Driven World?01:02:00 | How Roofing Companies Must Adapt to Win in the AI Era
Transcribe →The Right Way to Measure AI in Your Roofing Business (AI Master Series – Part 2)
Mar 1700:58:45Tap to summarizeAI is here whether roofing companies are ready or not.In Part 2 of the AI Master Series, we break down something most contractors miss: how to actually measure AI in your business. Because if you’re not tracking the numbers, you have no idea if AI is helping… or just wasting time.We talk about the metrics that matter, how to set AI goals, and how to make sure your team actually adopts the tools instead of fighting them.If you want your company to run leaner, make better decisions, and stay ahead of competitors using AI, this episode will give you the roadmap.Listen to the episode on Spotify & Apple Podcasts (299) 👇🎧 https://roofingpod.com/spotify🍏 https://roofingpod.com/apple-podcastsYou can find Roz on:https://www.airoofingrevolution.com/PODCAST SPONSORS: - JobNimbus Marketing: https://roofingpod.com/jobnimbus-marketing-get-started- Day 41 Thrive: https://roofingpod.com/day-41-thrive- AI Roofing Revolution: https://roofingpod.com/airoofingrevolution- The Roofing & Solar Reform Alliance: https://roofingpod.com/RSRAIG: 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/review00:00 What Is the AI Master Series for Roofing Companies?01:12 How Do You Measure AI Success in a Roofing Business?03:05 What Metrics Should Roofing Companies Track for AI?05:20 How to Calculate ROI From AI in Your Roofing Company08:10 What KPIs Should Owners Put on an AI Dashboard?12:02 Why Roofing Contractors Must Know Their Numbers Before Using AI16:30 How AI Reduces Errors and Saves Money in Roofing Operations20:15 Why Employees Resist AI (And How to Get Team Buy-In)25:40 What Happens If Your Roofing Company Ignores AI?
Transcribe →AI Is Already Inside Your Roofing Business (AI Master Series – Part 1)
Mar 1001:12:59Tap to summarizeArtificial intelligence is already being used inside your business, whether you planned for it or not. Employees are experimenting with tools like ChatGPT, competitors are adopting AI, and the companies that figure it out first will gain a major advantage.In this episode, Jim sits down with Rosalynn Verges from AI Roofing Revolution to break down what AI really means for roofing and home service companies. They discuss why AI is not just a technology problem but a leadership and strategy decision.You’ll learn how to think about AI in your business, how to identify the best opportunities using a SWOT analysis, and how to reimagine your organization as humans and AI begin working together. The conversation also covers how leaders can involve their teams in the process and avoid the common mistakes companies make when adopting AI.If you’re trying to understand where AI fits into your roofing company and how to start implementing it the right way, this episode will give you a clear starting point.Listen to the episode on Spotify & Apple Podcasts (298) 👇🎧 https://roofingpod.com/spotify🍏 https://roofingpod.com/apple-podcastsYou can find Roz on:https://www.airoofingrevolution.com/PODCAST SPONSORS: - JobNimbus Marketing: https://roofingpod.com/jobnimbus-marketing-get-started- Day 41 Thrive: https://roofingpod.com/day-41-thrive- AI Roofing Revolution: https://roofingpod.com/airoofingrevolution- The Roofing & Solar Reform Alliance: https://roofingpod.com/RSRAIG: 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/review00:00 Introduction: AI Is Already Inside Your Business02:45 How AI Is Already Being Used by Employees07:05 Practical Ways Roofing Companies Are Using AI12:15 Time Savings and Productivity Gains with AI21:05 Why AI Needs a Business Strategy First26:45 Using SWOT Analysis to Identify AI Opportunities36:20 Reimagining Your Org Chart with AI45:10 AI + Humans: Finding the Right Balance54:30 The Role of an AI Champion in Your Company
Transcribe →Adapting to the New Insurance Reality in Roofing with Nick Royer
Mar 300:45:09Tap to summarizeWhat does it take to build a roofing company that lasts more than a decade in today’s market?In this episode, I sit down with Nick Royer, co-owner of a $24 million roofing company in Dallas. Thirteen years in business. Twenty-six project managers. No reckless growth. Just high standards, disciplined hiring, and leadership from the front.We talk about how roofing has changed. Claim denials are more common. Deductibles are higher. Appraisals are now part of the normal process. The contractors who are not adapting are getting left behind.Nick shares how he sets clear expectations with homeowners, trains his team to handle denials with confidence, and why he still knocks doors alongside his reps every week. We also break down hiring slow, protecting culture, and building a strong team instead of just a big one.The easy years are over. The companies that raise their standards and stay disciplined will win the next five.Listen to the episode on Spotify & Apple Podcasts (297) 👇🎧 https://roofingpod.com/spotify🍏 https://roofingpod.com/apple-podcastsYou can find Nick on:https://newviewroofing.com/https://www.instagram.com/newviewroofing/https://www.facebook.com/newviewroof/https://www.youtube.com/@newviewroofingPODCAST SPONSORS: - JobNimbus Marketing: https://roofingpod.com/jobnimbus-marketing-get-started- Day 41 Thrive: https://roofingpod.com/day-41-thrive- AI Roofing Revolution: https://roofingpod.com/airoofingrevolution- The Roofing & Solar Reform Alliance: https://roofingpod.com/RSRAIG: 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/review00:00 How to Build a $24M Roofing Company the Slow and Smart Way01:26 Why Growing Too Fast Can Destroy a Roofing Company03:20 How Insurance Deductibles and Appraisals Changed Roofing Sales05:41 How to Win Roof Claim Denials Using the Appraisal Process07:52 How to Educate Homeowners on Their Insurance Policy Before You Sell10:28 How to Set Expectations and Avoid Angry Roofing Customers12:08 How to Train Sales Reps to Handle Tough Conversations16:56 How to Build a High-Performance Roofing Sales Culture18:33 Should Roofing Company Owners Still Knock Doors?23:59 How to Hire the Right Roofing Sales Reps (And Avoid Bad Hires)26:59 Why Friends and Family Are Your First Roofing Leads31:22 How High Standards and Professionalism Win More Roof Sales35:02 How to Stay Competitive in Roofing for the Next 5 Years38:52 The Mindset Shift That Keeps You Winning in Roofing Long Term
Transcribe →Reactive vs Proactive: The Leadership Shift That Changes Everything with Greg Hayne
Feb 2400:59:02Tap to summarizeMost roofing company owners don’t mean to be reactive. It just becomes the default.You start the day answering emails, solving problems, and putting out fires. Before long, your business is running you instead of the other way around.In this episode, we unpack the shift from reactive to proactive leadership and why the biggest growth ceiling in your company is usually you. We talk about making hard decisions faster, communicating with urgency, playing to your strengths, and expanding your leadership capacity so the same problems no longer overwhelm you.The contractors operating at higher margins are not lucky. They think differently. They lead differently.If you are ready to stop surviving and start leading with intention, this conversation will challenge you.Listen to the episode on Spotify & Apple Podcasts (296) 👇🎧 https://roofingpod.com/spotify🍏 https://roofingpod.com/apple-podcastsYou can find Greg on:https://www.haynecoachinggroup.comInstagram @haynecoachinggroup.comFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/haynecoachinggroupLinkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ghayneYouTube: @haynecoachinggroup Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/pants-around-ankles-prevention/id1672129894PODCAST SPONSORS: - JobNimbus Marketing: https://roofingpod.com/jobnimbus-marketing-get-started- Day 41 Thrive: https://roofingpod.com/day-41-thrive- AI Roofing Revolution: https://roofingpod.com/airoofingrevolution- The Roofing & Solar Reform Alliance: https://roofingpod.com/RSRAIG: 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/review00:00 — How to Take Control of Your Life and Business Growth 02:27 — Greg Hayne’s Commercial Roofing Career Journey 03:45 — What Is Proactive Growth in Business? 05:05 — How to Stop Being Reactive as a Business Owner 09:53 — When to Fire an Employee (And Why Waiting Costs You) 12:49 — How to Use Right Brain Thinking for Better Decisions 20:32 — How to Increase Your Capacity as a Business Leader 25:05 — Do Roofing Contractors Need a Business Coach? 28:56 — Why Communication Urgency Matters in Roofing 33:42 — How to Improve Customer Service in Roofing Companies 40:46 — Why Roofing Profit Margins Are Shrinking 47:24 — How Top Roofing Companies Reach 20%+ EBITDA
Transcribe →Why Homeowners Forget Your Roofing Company (And How to Fix It) with Nick Branon
Feb 1701:03:07Tap to summarizeMost homeowners forget who did their roof, and it’s not because the work was bad. They forget because the roofer felt like every other roofer. Ask someone who replaced their roof 8 or 10 years ago who they used, and most of the time they can’t remember. That’s the real problem.In this video, Jim sits down with Nick Branon, CEO of Hero Roofing, to talk about why roofing companies get forgotten and what the best ones do differently. This isn’t theory. Nick helped grow Hero Roofing into a powerhouse by focusing on relationships, community, and customer experience instead of racing to the bottom on price. It’s not about being the cheapest, knocking more doors, or chasing storms. It’s about how you make people feel long after the job is done.You’ll learn:- Why homeowners forget roofers even when the job goes well- How Nick built a brand people remember and talk about years later- What actually creates referrals without begging for themListen to the episode on Spotify & Apple Podcasts (295) 👇🎧 https://roofingpod.com/spotify🍏 https://roofingpod.com/apple-podcastsLinks: https://yourroofhero.comhttps://www.facebook.com/yourroofherohttps://www.instagram.com/yourroofherohttps://www.linkedin.com/in/nick-branon-415a62229https://www.ewccv.com/cvs/PODCAST SPONSORS: - JobNimbus Marketing: https://roofingpod.com/jobnimbus-marketing-get-started- Day 41 Thrive: https://roofingpod.com/day-41-thrive- AI Roofing Revolution: https://roofingpod.com/airoofingrevolution- The Roofing & Solar Reform Alliance: https://roofingpod.com/RSRAIG: 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/review00:00 — How Customer Experience Beats Price in Roofing02:08 — How Hero Roofing Grew From $1,400 to $13M05:05 — Why Community Marketing Drives Roofing Growth06:58 — Roofing Market Slowdowns and Storm Dependency09:22 — Competing on Value vs Price in Roofing13:14 — Turning Customers Into Referral Machines17:37 — Retail vs Storm Roofing Business Models21:42 — Pricing Insurance Jobs vs Retail Roofs29:12 — What Private Equity Looks for in Roofing Companies33:28 — Scaling Challenges From $1M to $10M+40:38 — Why Roofing Repairs Are a Profit Driver56:02 — How to Prepare Your Roofing Company for Acquisition
Transcribe →Most Roofing Owners Are Chasing the Wrong Kind of Success with Jeff Valder
Feb 1000:54:34Tap to summarizeMost roofing owners are chasing money, growth, and results.But not many stop to ask what that chase is costing them.In this episode of the Roofing Success Podcast, Jim Ahlin talks with Jeff Valder about leadership, identity, and what success really looks like in the roofing industry.Jeff has spent years working alongside roofing companies and now coaches leaders who feel burned out, stuck, or frustrated, even when things look good on the surface.They discuss:- Why owners tie their identity to their business- Excellence versus perfection- What real leadership looks like- Why knowing who you are outside of work mattersListen to the episode on Spotify & Apple Podcasts (294) 👇🎧 https://roofingpod.com/spotify🍏 https://roofingpod.com/apple-podcastsLinks: https://day41thrive.comlinkedin.com/in/jeffvalderPODCAST SPONSORS: - JobNimbus Marketing: https://roofingpod.com/jobnimbus-marketing-get-started- Day 41 Thrive: https://roofingpod.com/day-41-thrive- AI Roofing Revolution: https://roofingpod.com/airoofingrevolution- The Roofing & Solar Reform Alliance: https://roofingpod.com/RSRAIG: 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/review00:00 — How to Overcome Perfectionism as a Business Leader01:41 — Meet Jeff Valder03:21 — How Jeff Got Into Roofing07:23 — From Sales Leader to Business Coach11:53 — Who Are You Without Your Business?15:41 — Avoiding Identity Loss as an Entrepreneur20:53 — Discovering Your Natural Strengths26:18 — The Path to Self-Awareness28:41 — “Paint the Apple” Purpose Framework33:09 — Legacy Thinking in Leadership37:10 — Excellence vs Perfectionism45:23 — How Self-Awareness Shapes Culture
Transcribe →Your First 5 Minutes Are Costing You Millions
Feb 300:46:51Tap to summarizeMost roofing companies don’t have a lead problem.They have a response time problem.In this video, Jim breaks down the most overlooked part of the customer journey- what happens in the first 5 minutes after a lead comes in.And the numbers don’t lie:• Most contractors don’t answer fast enough• Buyers go with the first company that responds• After 5 minutes, your chances drop off hard• Fixing this ONE thing can add serious revenue without buying more leadsThis is a practical breakdown of why speed to lead matters, where most companies mess it up, and how tightening it up can change your business fast.If you want to run a tighter operation, book more jobs, and stop letting good leads slip through the cracks, this one’s worth your time.Listen to the episode on Spotify & Apple Podcasts (293) 👇🎧 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-thrive- AI Roofing Revolution: https://roofingpod.com/airoofingrevolution- The Roofing & Solar Reform Alliance: https://roofingpod.com/RSRAIG: 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/review00:00 — The #1 Missed Opportunity Costing Roofers Millions04:10 — How Missed Calls Kill Roofing Sales06:35 — Why the First 5 Minutes Matter09:53 — The Conversion Cliff Explained12:40 — Why Customers Choose the First Responder15:20 — How Speed to Lead Increases Revenue18:10 — Automation Tools for Instant Lead Response21:30 — AI Chat vs AI Voice for Roofing Companies24:45 — Automating Appointment Booking29:29 — Speed to Quote: Closing Jobs Faster39:30 — How to Audit Your Lead Response Process45:30 — Fixing Your Roofing Intake System
Transcribe →Most Roofing Companies Are Built on Lies, and I Refused to Be One of Them with Taylor Ammons
Jan 2701:02:59Tap to summarizeMost roofing companies are built on lies.Shady claims. Fake damage. Lying to homeowners just to get deals. Taylor Ammons of Paragon Roofing saw it firsthand. And he REFUSED to play that game.This episode is raw and real. From being handed a ladder and told to go fake hail damage…To building a company with integrity — the right way.If you’ve ever thought:- “There’s gotta be a better way to do this...”- “I want to grow without selling my soul…”- “I’m sick of reps lying just to close deals…”- Then this episode will hit home for you.You’ll see how Taylor walked away from the lies. Built a legit company. And now attracts sales reps who actually care about the customer.Listen to the episode on Spotify & Apple Podcasts (292) 👇🎧 https://roofingpod.com/spotify🍏 https://roofingpod.com/apple-podcastsLinks: https://www.instagram.com/taylorammons360/?hl=enhttps://www.linkedin.com/in/taylorammons/https://paragonroofingusa.com/https://www.instagram.com/paragonroofingtn/https://www.facebook.com/paragonroofingtn/PODCAST SPONSORS: - JobNimbus Marketing: https://roofingpod.com/jobnimbus-marketing-get-started- Day 41 Thrive: https://roofingpod.com/day-41-thrive- AI Roofing Revolution: https://roofingpod.com/airoofingrevolution- The Roofing & Solar Reform Alliance: https://roofingpod.com/RSRAIG: 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/review00:00 — What Homeowners Really Buy When Choosing a Roofer03:45 — From Car Sales to Roofing Sales08:52 — Why Integrity Matters in Roofing13:04 — How Reputation Impacts Roofing Sales15:28 — Building Systems to Scale a Roofing Company20:30 — Why Sales Reps Need Roofing Knowledge24:11 — Training & Replicating Top Salespeople29:12 — Hiring Roofing Sales Reps the Right Way34:49 — How Long It Takes to Train a Rep40:11 — Transitioning From Sales Rep to Owner51:00 — Insurance Claims & Industry Changes59:29 — Financial Lessons & Growth Advice
Transcribe →Why Roofing Is the Best Second-Chance Industry in America with Raymond Little
Jan 2000:58:34Tap to summarizeRaymond Little is a former roofing company owner who helped scale Perimeter Roofing into a multi-million-dollar operation before exiting to private equity. He now works as a partner and coach with Storm Ventures Group (SVG).In this episode of the Roofing Success Podcast, Raymond shares how roofing became his second chance after addiction, what it really takes to scale a roofing company, and the sacrifices required to go from knocking doors to leading elite sales teams. He delivers real talk on leadership, sales discipline, social media, and what no one tells you about life after an acquisition.If you’re serious about growth, hustle, and building something that lasts, this is an episode you don’t want to miss.🎧 Listen on Spotify & Apple Podcasts Spotify: https://roofingpod.com/spotifyApple Podcasts: https://roofingpod.com/apple-podcasts🔗 Guest Links Raymond Little (Facebook): https://www.facebook.com/raymond.little.520 SVG University: https://www.svguniversity.com/2dayswithraymondlittle🤝 Podcast Sponsors JobNimbus Marketing: https://roofingpod.com/jobnimbus-marketing-get-started Day 41 Thrive: https://roofingpod.com/day-41-thrive AI Roofing Revolution: https://roofingpod.com/airoofingrevolution The Roofing & Solar Reform Alliance: https://roofingpod.com/RSRA📲 Follow Roofing Success Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/roofingsuccess/ Facebook Group: https://roofingpod.com/facebook📱 Text Jim: (612) 512-1812 ⭐ Leave a Review: https://roofingpod.com/review⏱ Episode Chapters00:00 — How AI Is Changing Insurance Roofing Claims03:37 — Building a $30M Roofing Company06:03 — Why Roofing Codes Matter in Insurance Work11:34 — Are Insurance Claims Getting Harder?15:41 — Storm vs Retail Roofing Business Models20:30 — Using AI & Drones for Roofing Leads25:14 — Onboarding Homeowners the Right Way31:05 — Documentation Mistakes That Kill Claims35:10 — Winning Insurance Scope Battles42:25 — Training & Scaling Roofing Teams49:45 — Growth Stages: $3M to $25M+1:01:49 — Future of Roofing & AI
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