Roofing Success

40 Episodes
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By: Jim Ahlin

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.

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How to Build a Roofing Company That Survives the Tough Years
#326
Today at 5:00 AM

The roofing business has ups and downs. John Famularo has survived them for 39 years.

He’s watched prices rise, markets slow down, and roofing companies disappear. Through it all, ABC Roofing has kept moving forward. John says the key is knowing your numbers, taking care of your people, and being willing to change when the market changes.

In this conversation, John shares:

- How to protect your company when business slows down
- Why keeping cash in the business matters
- How great employees, service, and warranties create long-term growth


The Roofing Companies That Scale Learn to Say No
#325
09/15/2026

More revenue doesn’t always mean more profit. Duncan McClung learned this while growing Almost Heaven Roofing.

His company started in general contracting and took on all kinds of work. But spreading the team too thin came with expensive lessons. Duncan eventually narrowed the company’s focus to roofing. Revenue dropped at first, but the bottom line improved substantially.

In this conversation, Duncan shares:

- Why learning to say “no” protects your profit
- How to get sales and production working together
- How to build a company that can run without...


Why This Roofer Stopped Waiting for the Next Storm with Daniel Cloteaux
#324
09/08/2026

What happens when your roofing company no longer has to wait for the next big storm to stay busy?

In this episode of the Roofing Success Podcast, Jim Ahlin sits down with Daniel Cloteaux, founder of Cloteaux Roofing & Construction and a third-generation roofer, to talk about building a business that can succeed with or without a hurricane. Daniel shares how combining retail and insurance roofing changed his approach to growth, along with the leadership, hiring, and financial lessons he learned along the way.

In this episode:

• Building a roofing business that doesn’t depe...


The Difference Between Average and Elite Roofing Companies with John Eggen
#323
09/01/2026

What separates an average roofing company from an elite one? John Eggen, COO of Big League Roofers, believes it comes down to understanding. Listen before you speak. Inspect before you recommend. Educate instead of just sell. And make “above and beyond” the standard. In this episode, John and Jim Ahlin talk about building better salespeople, stronger leaders, and processes that help a roofing company grow without losing quality.

John also shares how Big League Roofers is making the shift from insurance to retail, why losing on price isn’t always a loss, and why trust will beat being...


Why Roofing Companies Need Standards Before They Scale with Jonathan Baldivino
#322
08/25/2026

Every roofing company wants to grow, but scaling without standards can turn small problems into big ones.

Jonathan Baldivino started in roofing doing cleanup, worked his way up to installer, and eventually built Roofscapes Northwest. As the company grew, he learned that hard work alone wasn’t enough. He needed clear standards, better systems, the right numbers, and great people.

In this episode, Jonathan and Jim Ahlin talk about building standards your team can actually follow, using data instead of gut feelings, hiring the right people, and knowing when your company is truly ready to sc...


Storms Don't Build Great Roofing Companies. Systems Do... with Trey Hostetler
#321
08/18/2026

How do you build a roofing company that lasts?

For Trey Hostetler, owner of Titan Roofing in Springfield, Ohio, it started with one simple belief. You're either growing or you're dying.

In this conversation, Trey shares his journey from installing roofs to building one of the fastest-growing roofing companies in the country. We talk about leadership, hiring, company culture, mentorship, faith, and the lessons that shaped him along the way.

If you're a roofing company owner looking to build a stronger team, become a better leader, and keep growing no matter what challenges...


The Roofing Companies That Thrive Do This Differently with Jacob Vanhorn
#320
08/11/2026

What separates roofing companies that keep growing from the ones that struggle when the market changes?

Jacob Vanhorn, CEO of Birdcreek Roofing, shares the systems, leadership principles, and sales strategies that have helped his company navigate both record-breaking storm years and slower retail markets. If you want to build a roofing company that lasts, this episode is packed with practical lessons.

In this episode, you'll learn:
- Why storms expose your processes while slow markets expose your people.
- How to protect profit margins and build a stronger sales team.
- The...


Why the Best Roofers Build Relationships, Not Just Roofs with Stephen Lane
#319
08/04/2026

What does it take to build a roofing company that thrives without relying on storms?

Stephen Lane of Roughneck Roofing shares how he built a strong retail roofing business by focusing on relationships, community involvement, and delivering an outstanding customer experience.

In this episode, you'll learn:
- How referral partners can create a steady stream of high-quality roofing leads.
- Why customer communication is your biggest competitive advantage.
- The lessons Stephen learned about cash flow, marketing, and growing a business the right way.

Connect with Stephen: 
🌐 https://roughneckroofingllc.com<...


She Bought a Roofing Company Without Any Roofing Experience with Emily May
#318
07/28/2026

Emily May is the owner of M&M Roofing in Texas. After spending 17 years as a nurse, she took a leap of faith and bought a roofing company with no industry experience. Since then, she has built M&M Roofing by focusing on branding, systems, technology, job costing, and creating an outstanding customer experience.

In this episode, Emily shares what it was really like buying a roofing company with no roofing background, the lessons she learned along the way, and how she continues to grow her business. Whether you are looking to improve your leadership, strengthen your...


Why Trust Is Your Biggest Competitive Advantage in Roofing with Ted Sellers
#317
07/21/2026

Most roofing companies have a story, but Ted Sellers has built something truly different.

In this interview, Ted shares how he went from working in marketing to building Sellers Roofing, one of the few Black-owned, union roofing companies in Minnesota. Along the way, he opens up about the hard lessons that shaped his business, from cash flow struggles and hiring mistakes to finding the right people and building a company that customers trust.

We also talk about what it really means to be a union contractor, how it has helped his team deliver better work...


Why Roofers Are Being Lied To About Zero-Click Search and Google Leads
#316
07/14/2026

Everyone 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...


When Hustle Stops Working in Your Roofing Business (And What to Do Next)
#315
07/07/2026

Scott 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...


From Owner Dependence to Scalable Roofing Business with Sej Sorathia Deribin
#314
06/30/2026

What 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...


The 5 Numbers Every Roofing Contractor Must Track with Jon Broce
#313
06/23/2026

Most 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...


Why Networking Beats Marketing for Roofing Companies with Nicholas Riley
#312
06/16/2026

Most 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...


Build A Roofing Business That You Love with Kody Landals
#311
06/09/2026

Building 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 ma...


How to Scale a Roofing Company Without Losing Control
#310
06/02/2026

Most 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...


The Hiring Mistake That Destroys Roofing Companies with Jon Abernathy
#309
05/26/2026

What 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 l...


The Customer Experience Strategy Behind 500+ Roofing Reviews with Mike Cochran
#308
05/19/2026

500+ 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 ones


Inside a Marketing Expert’s Mind: The Strategy Behind Launching Owl Roofing with Tim Brown
#307
05/12/2026

What 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 le...


From $1,500 to a Multi-Million Dollar Business: The Blueprint for Market Domination with Mark Easton
#306
05/05/2026

From $1,500… to a multi-million dollar roofing company.

That’s the journey Mark Easton breaks down in this episode.

He shares how Buccos Roofing started with just a few guys, one truck, and a simple belief… roofing is a real business, not just a trade. And over time, that mindset turned into a company doing over 1,000 installs a year.

But this wasn’t overnight.

We get into the long grind… years of reinvesting, figuring things out, and the moment that pushed Mark back into serious growth mode after hitting a plateau.

You’ll...


The Real Stages of Growing a Roofing Business with Zachiary Kuper
#305
04/28/2026

Most roofing businesses don’t fail because of bad sales… they fail because they don’t understand what stage they’re in.

In this episode, Zachiary Kuper breaks down what growth really looks like—from getting off the ground to managing crews, sales teams, and the daily chaos that comes with scaling.

With over 15 years in the industry, Zach shares what he’s learned building and running S&K Construction And Remodeling, where he now oversees multiple crews, sales reps, and project managers while staying deeply involved in sales and operations.

You’ll hear how he ap...


How to Scale a Roofing Company Without Losing Control with Josh Swisher
#304
04/21/2026

Scaling a roofing company sounds great… until everything starts slipping. More jobs, more people, more chaos. Suddenly you are stuck trying to hold it all together. In this video, Josh Swisher shares what it really takes to grow without losing control, based on his journey from tarp dragging to building a $10M+ company.

Here’s what you’ll learn:
- Why fast growth like $5M to $12M can break your business if you are not ready
- The real reason throwing bodies at problems kills your margins
- The 3 numbers that actually control your profit...


Roofing Is Changing FAST… Most Owners Won’t Survive This Shift
#303
04/14/2026

The roofing industry today doesn’t even look like it did a few years ago.

In this conversation, Greta Bajrami Campoverde — COO & Co-Founder of Golden Group Roofing — shares what she’s seen building her company through it all. More talent is coming in. Tech, AI, and private equity are changing the game. And most companies are not ready. She breaks down how to attract (and keep) great people, why old-school leadership is failing, and what “brand” actually means (hint: it’s not your logo).

If you’re running your company the same way you always have, this is yo...


The Problem With Copying $10M Roofing Companies
#302
04/07/2026

Most roofing companies see what a $10M business is doing and assume they should copy it.

The systems, the hires, the structure… it all looks like the path forward.

But the truth is, that advice often doesn’t apply yet.

In this video, we break down why copying bigger companies can actually slow your growth, create unnecessary complexity, and pull you away from what really matters at your stage.

Because running a $10M playbook at $1M doesn’t make you grow faster… it usually creates problems you’re not ready to solve.


The Biggest Trends Roofing Companies Need to Know in 2026
#301
03/31/2026

Most roofers already feel what’s wrong in their business…

This just puts data behind it.

In this conversation, we break down what’s actually happening in roofing right now using the Peak Performance Report—and a lot of it confirms what you already know.

Speed to lead is too slow. Reviews are driving more business than people think. Automation is becoming a must. And poor communication is still one of the biggest reasons customers leave bad reviews.

Nothing here is surprising. But what matters is what you do with it.


The Future of Roofing Marketing: AI, Estimates, and Visibility with Marcus Sheridan
#300
03/24/2026

AI 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 mi...


The Right Way to Measure AI in Your Roofing Business (AI Master Series – Part 2)
#299
03/17/2026

AI 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 c...


AI Is Already Inside Your Roofing Business (AI Master Series – Part 1)
#298
03/10/2026

Artificial 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, ho...


Adapting to the New Insurance Reality in Roofing with Nick Royer
#297
03/03/2026

What 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 se...


Reactive vs Proactive: The Leadership Shift That Changes Everything with Greg Hayne
#296
02/24/2026

Most 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 op...


Why Homeowners Forget Your Roofing Company (And How to Fix It) with Nick Branon
#295
02/17/2026

Most 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 cust...


Most Roofing Owners Are Chasing the Wrong Kind of Success with Jeff Valder
#294
02/10/2026

Most 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...


Your First 5 Minutes Are Costing You Millions
#293
02/03/2026

Most 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 leads

This is a practical breakdown of why speed to lead...


Most Roofing Companies Are Built on Lies, and I Refused to Be One of Them with Taylor Ammons
#292
01/27/2026

Most 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...


Why Roofing Is the Best Second-Chance Industry in America with Raymond Little
#291
01/20/2026

Raymond 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...


Roofers Are Losing Claims Because They Don’t Know This with Lisa Cimaroli
#290
01/13/2026

Most roofers are losing insurance claims because they don’t know how to document the job the right way.

In this video, Lisa Cimaroli breaks it all down. Why roofers are getting denied. What they’re missing. And how to fix it.

Lisa is the Founder of Roof Rider Academy, an Expert Witness, and the B2B Director at PayPixel and StormView AI. She’s helped oversee over $80 million in claims and scaled her roofing company to $30 million in just 3 years.

Here’s what you’ll learn:

✔ Why you must know your code bo...


Most Roofers Say ‘Know Your Numbers’—But This Is What That Actually Means with Corey Combes
#289
01/06/2026

Everyone says, “Know your numbers.”
But almost no one tells you what that actually means.

That’s why I brought on Corey Combes. His company got rocked. 2025 was a tough year, and like many owners, he thought he knew his numbers… until the money didn’t line up.

So he started digging. Hard. And what he found changed everything.

Corey breaks down the real reason why jobs can look profitable on paper, but still leave you broke. He shares the exact numbers he tracks now, how he figured out what it actually costs to s...


If You Missed These 2025 Roofing Lessons, 2026 Will Hurt (Year-End Review)
#288
12/30/2025

2025 rocked the roofing industry. And if you weren’t paying close attention… 2026 is gonna sting.

That’s why we made this episode.

To show you everything we learned in 2025 so you can avoid the mistakes, jump on the biggest trends early, and DOMINATE this next year.

Inside, you’ll learn:
- Why the best roofing companies are becoming leadership development machines (not just “roofing contractors”)
- How being the “Mayor of Your Town” crushes digital marketing—and makes you unfireable
- The “No Numbers, No Business” truth most owners don’t want to hear
- Why...


Most Roofing Owners Are Solving the Wrong Problems with Seth Larson
#287
12/23/2025

Most owners think they have a sales problem. Or a lead problem. Or a marketing problem.

But Seth shows how those aren’t the real problems.

He shares how roofing owners get stuck fixing the wrong stuff... and how to fix the right stuff that actually grows the business.

You’ll see:
✅ What Seth learned running 2 companies
✅ Why most owners hit a ceiling and stall out
✅ What happens when you stop micromanaging
✅ How to build a team that solves problems for you
✅ And what to do if you want to grow i...