Tips for Being the First Contractor to Provide a Roof Proposal

In business, time is money. With advanced roofing technology, you can save time, improve your team's efficiency, and boost your company's bottom line all at once.Ranging as widely as business management systems that streamline productivity and digital measuring tools, here are a few roofing products and solutions to incorporate into your business so you can work smarter rather than harder.Drone Photography and VideoGetting aerial footage of customers' properties is a great way to show homeowners what their roof looks like before, during, and after work is complete. Drone photography and video can also save time and streamline how contractors service their customers. For example, you can safely investigate and document storm damage in less time—and without having to go up and down ladders or walk on potentially dangerous structures to perform manual inspections.During the inspection process, homeowners may be able to receive images via the drone's app. You can also show customers different visualization tools to demonstrate what their new roof would look like.Accurate, Fast Measuring ReportsWhen a customer decides to repair or replace their roof, they want a speedy estimate. With GAF QuickMeasure, contractors get accurate roof measurement reports for single-family homes within an hour for as little as $18*. Once your customer confirms the job, you can make ordering materials a breeze by using the included materials page.Project Management SystemsTo organize photos, inspection reports, incoming leads, and in-progress jobs, you need a reliable, user-friendly project management system. GAF Project ** offers an all-in one solution to help teams stay on top of documentation, streamline sales presentations, and schedule job estimates and installation alike. This tool has a built-in digital signature process for contactless agreements as well as the ability to share your screen with others on your team. You can also integrate GAF Project with certain other software platforms your company may already use.Cordless Nail Guns and Innovative Roofing MaterialsLightweight, cordless roofing nail guns can bring new efficiencies to labor-intensive installation. Many models feature an adjustable depth guide, comfortable grips, and single-action side load canisters for easy, safe use.When nails are not placed correctly, shingles could rust or leak due to delamination. Jobs go much faster when you have a larger nail zone and better nail placement accuracy. The GAF Timberline® Shingles with LayerLock™ Technology feature the industry's largest nail zone—the StrikeZone™ Nailing Area—allowing you to install roofing shingles more quickly and accurately.Shingle- Starter StripsAdd another time-saver to your roofing kit with precise, pre-cut Starter Strips from GAF instead of cutting up 3-tab asphalt shingles to make a starter strip. This product features properly positioned adhesive, reducing the risk of shingle blow-offs at the rake and eave edges. They also enable your crew to create clean, finished roof edges. Just tear the strips at the factory-made perforations, and you're ready to install. Plus, pre-cut starter strips offer more coverage per bundle compared with manually cut 3-tab shingles.Storm TrackersYou can go beyond the weather app on your phone when it comes to helping your team target customers who need your services. GAF WeatherHub ***can show you which properties have recently been affected by severe wind or hail storms. With this insight, your team can generate new roofing leads.Advances in roofing technology not only help boost your business but also make roofing more efficient. GAF offers several connected tools to help contractors manage jobs. For additional business support, visit www.gaf.com/getthere or contact your local Territory Manager.*Terms and conditions apply. Prices vary based on contractor and report type. Visit quickmeasure.gaf.com for details.** Subscription required. Terms and conditions apply. Visit gaf.com/project for details.*** Subscription required. Terms and conditions apply. Visit gaf.com/weatherhub for details.

After Danny McLaughlin became the president and CEO of Scro's Roofing Company in 2011, he looked for new ways to scale the business—and he was successful in doing so. "It was on my heart for a long time to be successful but not to stop at success," says McLaughlin. "I wanted to teach others how we got here."Now, he's giving back to the roofing industry by providing mentorship to fellow roofers.Securing a Strong FoundationWhen Scro's Roofing started in 1996, Hurricane Fran had just caused massive destruction across the Carolinas."A lot of storm chasers were taking advantage, charging $1,500 to tarp a house," says McLaughin. "Our hearts were to help the community. By tarping roofs for $300, we made a name for ourselves—in the Raleigh community and with real estate agents—as honest and trustworthy."That values-driven approach to business has been the foundation of the company since day one. With decades of roofing experience under his belt, McLaughlin coaches other contractors by volunteering his time and knowledge to help others strengthen their roofing businesses.The Secrets to SuccessMcLaughlin shares his secrets to success openly, on two conditions: pay it forward and don't take advantage of anyone or their kindness.With the "one person helps the next" approach, McLaughlin is fostering a growing network of contractors who implement positive change in the industry. And that's the kind of change that he would like to see more of: addressing the stigma around contractors so that consumers feel comfortable hiring them for their roofing projects.McLaughlin's informal mentorship network began as a result of his local, in-person bible study with 12 of his biggest competitors. After bible study, the group would talk about roofing and share tips for improvement. As he began sharing educational videos on his Facebook and YouTube channels, people began to reach out to him via social media."Soon, roofing companies from across the country were contacting me," he says. "Now, I meet with contractors from all over, and they ask questions about how to navigate problems in their company or how to set up their CRM. I teach them how to delegate. I show them what we did."Lifting the IndustryOne success story comes from a roofing company operating in an area neighboring Scro's home base of Raleigh, North Carolina."In 1.5 years, we've taken this owner and his company from being GAF-certified with a gross revenue of $1 million to being GAF Master Elite certified with a gross revenue of $3 million," says McLaughlin.GAF also provides resources to support Scro's Roofing success. He credits his faith, regional director Noreen Spuhler, and GAF for the success of his company."Noreen encouraged us to get into insurance work when I first took over at Scro's. I expressed concern, but she said, 'Don't worry about out-of-state storm chasers. I can teach you how to do insurance work, and you'll be unstoppable.'" Now, insurance work makes up 80% of Scro's business, and McLaughlin freely teaches other contractors how to get started in insurance like he did.When he meets contractors who are just beginning their business, McLaughlin encourages them to focus on people first. Putting people first requires recognizing that there's room for competition.Making a Path for Better BusinessIt's never too late to turn around a faltering business or off-track practices.By sharing his real-life work experiences, McLaughlin hopes to help new or struggling business owners shape their companies and their employees."I don't have to change the world, but if I can shift one perspective, that matters," he says. "I want to do everything I can to pour truthful and great information out so that others might run their companies in a similar fashion."In addition to the charity work the company provides to the greater Raleigh community, McLaughlin currently dedicates 20–25 hours per week to speaking with contractors one on one and creating educational videos for Facebook and the Scro's Roofing Company YouTube channel. His goal in coaching other contractors free of charge and building an informal mentorship network is to carry forward a message of honesty and doing right.Ready to grow your business with the right tools, materials, and training? Get there with GAF.

When Chad Muth founded Muth & Company Roofing 30 years ago, he had no way of knowing that a service and maintenance program would be one of the keys to his business success. What he did know was that if he was devoted, honest, and had integrity, he could be successful within the roofing industry—and he was right.Muth & Company Roofing is a GAF-certified Master Elite roofing contractor* with an extensive residential roofing division based in Westerville, Ohio. During GAF's annual WealthBuilder Conference that brings contractors together for idea sharing and business building, Muth was able to take an idea and turn it into a million-dollar-plus revenue stream.Maintenance Plans Lead to Additional WorkIn a recent Real Talk episode, Muth shared the story of his success. He explained that while attending WealthBuilder, he spent time talking to commercial roofing contractors about how their maintenance programs lead to repeat business each year and eventually reroofs. A contractor from Oregon shared that he provided a maintenance program for wood shake roofs that included algae removal and inspections each year.After speaking with these other contractors, Muth decided that his customers and community could benefit from a maintenance program as well. "There were so many issues that our repair department found that could have been prevented," says Muth.Muth says it's an easy sell when you arrive to repair a leak and educate the homeowner that with a regular maintenance plan, this leak most likely could have been prevented.An "Oil Change" for Your RoofMuth and his team at Muth & Company Roofing like to refer to this maintenance as an "oil change" for your roof."We pound all the loose nails, we caulk and seal all the flashing details, we paint everything, and then we give a detailed report," he says.They also clean the gutters and do an attic inspection, making sure baffles and intakes are correct and that bathroom fans are vented outside, not in the attic. Muth also says that he's seeing the roof life being extended anywhere from three to seven years for homeowners who take advantage of the maintenance program, which his company calls an extended service plan (ESP).One of Muth & Company Roofing's ESP customers had been in the program for about five years when they began to experience some deterioration that indicated it was time to get a new roof. After showing the owner photos of the issues and providing an estimate for a new roof, they signed without hesitation."A five-year care and maintenance plan, which developed the relationship, turned into a just shy of $15,000 roof five years later," shares Muth. "What we've found is a way to keep in contact with the customer, reach out to them every single year, extend the life of their roof, and catch problems before they have them. It's just been absolutely amazing for us."Service after the SaleMuth has found success in selling his ESP plan to his new roof customers as well. While 99% of the roofs he installs come with a GAF Golden Pledge Warranty, the roof is still subject to the elements and can benefit from inspections and maintenance. Muth adds an addendum at the bottom of the contract that allows the homeowner the option to purchase a five-year ESP for $875, which starts during the second year of the roof's lifespan and is paid for at the time of the roof purchase. He likens it to regular vehicle maintenance when purchasing a new car.Being in the neighborhood has been good for word-of-mouth referrals as well. Muth says that neighbors will see their trucks and their crew and ask the homeowner why the roofing company was there—especially since the roof was recently replaced. They tell them about the program, leading to more potential inquiries.Training OpportunitiesMuth said that the program has added benefits for his company, especially when it comes to training new hires."We put a lot of new guys with some of our seniors to go out and do the maintenance, because one of the best ways to teach a guy to roof is to show him the problems," says Muth.Adding the maintenance program has been one of the best boosters for Muth's business. "We get training out of it, we get repeat customers out of it, we get to build our reputation," he says. "It's been amazing, because it's allowed our company to grow in every single aspect."If you're inspired by Muth & Company Roofing's story and ready to find ways to grow your business, be sure to take advantage of the resources that GAF has to offer at gaf.com/getthere. You'll get access to exclusive tools and benefits that can help your roofing company grow and succeed.*Contractors enrolled in GAF certification programs are not employees or agents of GAF, and GAF does not control or otherwise supervise these independent businesses. Contractors may receive benefits, such as loyalty rewards points and discounts on marketing tools from GAF for participating in the program and offering GAF enhanced warranties, which require the use of a minimum amount of GAF products.