Build Your Business

Ideas and practices to enhance and maximize the success of your business.

Beacon of Hope: A Partnership to Provide Roofs for Veterans

Publish Date: 6/24/24 | Author: Amy Freeman
Veterans have given to their country in so many ways. Beacon of Hope helps give back.

How to Maintain and Build Relationships with Roofing Customers

Publish Date: 7/7/24 | Author: Dan Stout
A roofing customer's trust is hard to earn, but it more than pays off in the end.

Social Media for Contractors: How to Stay Active Online as a Roofer

Publish Date: 7/7/24 | Author: Amy Freeman
Use social media to foster connections and communication with your roofing company's customers.

Smart Order: How Beacon PRO+ Makes It Easier to Order Roofing Project Materials

Publish Date: 5/31/24 | Author: Sheryll Poe
Ordering roofing materials has never been easier or more accurate thanks to Smart Order and EagleView.

How a CRM for Contractors Can Help Increase Sales

Publish Date: 5/10/24 | Author: Amy Freeman
Increase your sales and customer loyalty by using a CRM for roofing contractors.

Roofing Season Kickoff: Get Your Roofing Business in Order

Publish Date: 4/26/24 | Author: Dan Stout
April showers bring spring flowers and increased work for roofers.

How to Build Customer Trust Across Your Customer Base

Publish Date: 4/26/24 | Author: Dan Stout
A crew that considers the customer's perspective is a crew that generates referrals.

5 Tips for Recruiting Commercial Roofing Customers

Publish Date: 4/26/24 | Author: Amy Freeman
An online presence and a personal touch can help you find more customers for your commercial roofing business.

4 Benefits of Investing in a Commercial Roof 

Publish Date: 4/26/24 | Author: Sheryll Poe
Owning and maintaining a commercial building is a significant investment for any business owner, and it's important to protect it from damage.

Filing the Independent Contractor Tax Form

Publish Date: 4/26/24 | Author: Linda Light
Completing Form 1099-NEC for independent contractors is mandatory for all roofing businesses.

What Do Roofing and Waterproofing Look Like in Different Climates

Publish Date: 3/11/24 | Author: Dan Stout
Waterproofing a roof in extreme weather requires special considerations.

How Women in Roofing Can Grow The Industry

Publish Date: 3/5/24 | Author: Amy Freeman
Women play many roles in the roofing industry, from business owners to roofers and from sales professionals to marketing managers.

What You Need to Know About a Commercial Roof Installation

Publish Date: 2/27/24 | Author: Dan Stout
It takes a different set of skills to move into commercial roofing than residential roofing.

Roofing Trends and Styles You'll See in 2024

Publish Date: 1/30/24 | Author: Amy Freeman
Green and eco-friendly roofing options will be a popular trend in 2024.

4 Steps to Assess if a Roof Replacement Is Necessary

Publish Date: 1/29/24 | Author: Amy Freeman
A commercial roof assessment helps you recommend roof replacement or repair to commercial customers.

Public Liability Insurance for Roofers

Publish Date: 1/15/24 | Author: Dan Stout
Learn what type of insurance roofers might need, including public liability insurance.

Roofing in Cold Weather: Materials to Choose and Installation Challenges

Publish Date: 1/4/24 | Author: Barbara Horwitz-Bennett
Slate, metal and asphalt roofing are recommended for cold weather climates.

Compliance for Contract Workers vs. Full-Time Employees

Publish Date: 1/4/24 | Author: Linda Light
Whether your roofing company hires contract workers or full-time employees, ensure you're compliant for both before starting your next project.

Roofing Liability Insurance, Umbrella Policies and More Insurance Advice for Roofers

Publish Date: 1/4/24 | Author: Linda Light
Is your business protected with roofing liability insurance? If not, it should be.

Welding Safety for Roofers: 4 Top Tips

Publish Date: 12/12/2023 | Author: Heidi J. Ellsworth
Learn the basics of welding safety for roofers.

The OSHA Inspection Process: What You Need to Know

Publish Date: 12/12/2023 | Author: Linda Light
Part of the OSHA inspection process is a walk-through of the worksite to observe its physical condition.

5 Common Site Access Problems to Avoid by Using a Roof Work Safety Checklist 

Publish Date: 12/12/2023 | Author: Heidi J. Ellsworth
A roof work safety checklist can help you avoid site access problems such as electrical wires or downed trees.

How to Define Roofer Responsibilities for Your Next Job Posting

Publish Date: 12/12/2023 | Author: Dan Stout
Before you create a job posting online for a new employee, make sure you know what you're looking for and how to make your company stand apart from the competition.

Should Your Roofing Business Hire an Accountant?

Publish Date: 12/11/2023 | Author: Linda Light
Knowing where an accountant can fit into your company can mean the difference between success and stress in the roofing industry.

Navigating the Commercial Construction Loan Financing Market

Publish Date: 10/12/2023 | Author: Michael Russo
While commercial construction loan financing has come a long way, the wealth of choices available to roofers and other subcontractors — including internet lenders — makes searching, evaluating, applying and qualifying for commercial loans a challenging experience for the unprepared.

Finding the Best Price for Commercial Auto Insurance for Your Work Truck (Or Fleet of Trucks)

Publish Date: 10/11/2023 | Author: Amy Freeman
Even if you only have one vehicle, your roofing business needs commercial auto insurance.

A Guide to Commercial Roof Inspection

Publish Date: 9/12/2023 | Author: Dan Stout
Commercial roof inspections identify damage before it becomes a crisis.

Chimney Repair for Residential Roofers

Publish Date: 9/12/2023 | Author: Sheryl Poe
Residential roofers can help customers by knowing what to look for with chimney repair.

How to Move into Commercial Roof Coating from Residential Roofing

Publish Date: 8/18/2023 | Author: Dan Stout
There is increasing demand for commercial roof coatings, and transitioning from residential roofing may be easier than you think.

Addressing Employee Attendance Issues

Publish Date: 7/31/2023 | Author: Dan Stout
Educate new hires on the impact of absences, from sick days to zero-notice personal days.

How to Scale a Business Up (or Down) Depending on the Market

Publish Date: 7/6/2023 | Author: Sheryll Poe
Scale your business properly up and down quickly.

How To Incorporate New Roofing Technology into Your Business

Publish Date: 7/6/2023 | Author: Dan Stout
Utilizing new roofing technology including project management software and estimating software can help take your business to the next level.

Creating a Business Development Plan

Publish Date: 6/14/2023 | Author: Michael Russo
A good business development plan guides the contractor through each stage of starting and managing a new or expanding enterprise.

Continuing Education for Contractors 

Publish Date: 6/12/2023 | Author: Linda Light
Continuing education can be a valuable tool for roofers looking to learn about a new technology or improve their communication skills.

Understand the Basics of Workers' Compensation for Contractors

Publish Date: 5/30/2023 | Author: Linda Light
Workers' compensation protects you and your employees.

What Forms Do I Need to Hire an Independent Contractor?

Publish Date: 5/26/2023 | Author: Dan Stout
Tax time can be tricky to navigate, so it's worth learning how to hire an independent contractor the right way.

How to Generate Roofing Leads With Search Engine Marketing

Publish Date: 5/22/2023 | Author: Anna Anderson
Generating roofing leads with digital marketing tools from Google has never been easier.

How to Develop a Roofer Apprentice Program

Publish Date: 5/12/2023 | Author: Dan Stout
Starting a co-op program from scratch can be a lot of work, but it can yield massive benefits in the long run.

A Commercial Roofing Tools List for Installing TPO Roofing Membranes

Publish Date: 5/5/2023 | Author: Michael Russo
Careful selection of welder temperature and nozzle width will have a significant effect on the welding quality.

5 Reasons Why a Roofing Career May Be Right for You

Publish Date: 5/5/2023 | Author: Heidi J. Ellsworth
Many roofers never planned on a roofing career, but are thriving in this welcoming and challenging industry.

Project Planning for Roofing Projects

Publish Date: 5/1/2023 | Author: Dan Stout
The key to achieving professionally run roofing jobs is efficient project planning.

Ways for Commercial Contractors to Grow Their Career Through Continuing Professional Development

Publish Date: 5/1/2023 | Author: Dan Stout
Commercial roofers have many options to grow and develop their skills.

How to Hire a Roofing Crew

Publish Date: 3/27/2023 | Author: Amy Freeman
Your roofing crew acts as the face of your company, so hiring qualified crew members is a must.

Accessing Roofing Supplies Online: The Value of Using Beacon PRO+ 

Publish Date: 3/27/2023 | Author: Dan Stout
What really matters is how this tool can address the underlying needs of your business as a whole.

Can Roofers Work in Winter? 5 Steps to Get Your Roofing Business Ready for the Slow Season

Publish Date: 2/13/2023 | Author: Sheryll Poe
Learn how to scale down for the slow season.

6 Practical Tips for Small Business Roofers

Publish Date: 2/13/2023 | Author: Dan Stout
These six practical tips can help make life easier for small business roofers.

The Growing Reflective Roof Coating Market

Publish Date: 1/11/2023 | Author: Michael Russo
An elastomeric reflective roof coating can restore, protect and beautify most waterproofing systems and prolong the life of almost any low-slope roof.

4 Nail Gun Safety Tips Beyond the Basics

Publish Date: 5/27/2021 | Author: Dan Stout
Here are four nail gun safety tips to keep accidents rare.

What Are the Signs and Symptoms of Heat Exhaustion?

Publish Date: 5/27/2021 | Author: Linda LightYou and your crew should learn the signs and symptoms of heat exhaustion to ensure anyone affected gets the proper care.

Roofing Safety Starts With a Safe Jobsite

Publish Date: 4/15/2021 | Author: Linda Light
Read on for a few key ways to keep your jobsite and your workers safe.

Where to Look and What to Look for When Hiring a Roofer

Publish Date: 4/7/2021 | Author: Linda Light
If one of your biggest frustrations is sourcing workers, here are a few places to look and what to look for when hiring a roofer.

Tracking Roofing Promotions and Other Things Roofers Can Do to Prepare for Spring

Publish Date: 4/7/2021 | Author: Sheryll Poe
There are plenty of things roofers can do in the off-season to set themselves up for success in the busy spring and summer months.

What Is Synthetic Underlayment?

Publish Date: 3/26/2021 | Author: Barbara Horwitz-Bennett
Synthetic underlayment is popular among roofing contractors for its ease of installation, durability and rooftop traction. 

Products Designed for Easy Roof Installation Help Contractors Beat the Labor Shortage

Publish Date: 3/26/2021 | Author: Michael Russo
These solutions aim to offer an easy roof installation, which can reduce the time spent on each job, allowing crews to quickly move on to the next project.

Corporate Tax Filing Deadline for Roofing Companies

Publish Date: 3/3/2021 | Author: Linda Light
Read up on the requirements for filing taxes as a corporation to help your roofing business stay prepared year-round.

Tips and Tools to Better Manage Seasonal Employment 

Publish Date: 2/10/2021 | Author: Michael Russo
Luckily, strategies and tools are available that can do everything from assigning employees to jobsites to organizing paychecks.

Working in Winter Conditions: What Should You Be Aware of to Stay Safe on a Roof?

Publish Date: 2/10/2021 | Author: Amy Freeman
If your company offers emergency service, or if you want to keep some projects going during the winter months, it's essential that you know what to do to keep yourself and your team as safe as possible when faced with ice or cold.

How Do Businesses Benefit From Giving Back to the Community? 

Publish Date: 2/10/2021 | Author: Amy Freeman
Whether you make a donation to a local charity or sponsor an event that raises funds for a local organization, being active in and supportive of your community can pay off for your roofing company.

Dealing With Demanding Clients

Publish Date: 6/30/2020 | Author: Dan Stout
While the majority of clients may be great to work with, it's inevitable that you will run into a client who's less than ideal.

How to Expand a Roofing Business by Offering Drywall Services

Publish Date: 6/3/2020 | Author: Dan Stout
If you've ever wondered how to expand a roofing business by offering drywall services, here are some points to consider.

Hiring Salespeople for Roofing in the Commercial Market

Publish Date: 5/26/2020 | Author: Michael Russo
Hiring salespeople for roofing requires the same careful thought and commitment.

Website Best Practices for Residential Roofing Contractors

Publish Date: 4/23/2020 | Author: Lee Polevoi
Roofing contractors who follow website best practices can help build a strong online presence for their business.

4 Common Reasons Why Small Businesses Fail and How to Avoid Them

Publish Date: 4/21/2020 | Author: Linda Light
Understanding what it takes to run a successful residential roofing business means first understanding some of the reasons why small businesses fail.

5 Tips for Delivering a Winning Roofing Proposal

Publish Date: 4/21/2020 | Author: Michael Russo
The order of proposal elements will vary from job to job, but a few key tips will help you deliver a stellar roofing proposal every time.

Should You Offer Emergency Roof Repair Services?

Publish Date: 4/21/2020 | Author: Linda Light
A roofing emergency can occur at any time of the day or night, weekdays or weekends — even on holidays.
 

Write a Roof Repair Proposal That Protects Your Business From the Unexpected

Publish Date: 4/8/2020 | Author: Linda Light
Making sure you have certain key elements in every roof repair proposal and contract can help protect your roofing company in an emergency.

Benefits Offered to Employees: How to Support Your Team in Uncertain Times

Publish Date: 4/8/2020 | Author: Amy Freeman
Learn what can you do to support your team when money is tight.

How to Grow a Roofing Business Through the Winter

Publish Date: 2/4/2020 | Author: Linda Light
Offering services to your customers and crews through the cold winter months or industry downtime helps keep your workloads and profits more consistent year-round.

How to Save Time and Money: 3 Basic Tips for Roofers

Publish Date: 2/4/2020 | Author: Dan Stout
We're going to examine three common ways contractors might drop the ball, and how to save time and money by avoiding these mistakes.

How a CRM for Contractors Can Transform Your Roofing Business

Publish Date: 11/4/2019 | Author: Ryan Groth
What does this technology do for leaders in the roofing business, and why should you consider adopting it?

5 Tips for Finding and Hiring Seasonal Employees

Publish Date: 11/4/2019 | Author: Dan Stout
Here are five tips to mastering the fine art of seasonal staffing.

Boost Recruitment and Retention With Strong Employee Benefits

Publish Date: 11/4/2019 | Author: Linda Light
With skilled construction labor in high demand, recruitment and retention are critical for growing your business and staying profitable.

The Role of a Construction Project Manager: Making Informed Decisions on Hiring Key Personnel 

Publish Date11/4/2019 | Author: Michael Russo
What you need to know to make an informed decision about hiring this key staff member.