The Roofer Show

Dave Sullivan
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  • UPDATED WEEKLY

If you’re a Roofing Contractor looking to grow your business, make more money, and have more free time this is the podcast for you. Your host Dave Sullivan has been a successful roofing contractor for over 30 years and he shares the good, bad, and the ugly of his experience in contracting. Each week Dave interviews the industry’s top experts to pull out their best business tips and strategies that you can use to take your business to the next level. Get the answers to the questions you have to the day to day problems you face in the “real world of construction” from those that have been there and done it. Whether you have a shop of 1 or 100 there’s something here for you.

  1. 462: Tim Brown’s New Roofing Company: Building “Owl Roofing” with a One-Page Business Plan

    6 DAYS AGO

    462: Tim Brown’s New Roofing Company: Building “Owl Roofing” with a One-Page Business Plan

    As we head into 2026, many roofing contractors are rethinking how they build their business—focusing less on chaos and top-line growth, and more on profitability, structure, and long-term value. In this episode, Dave Sullivan sits down with Tim Brown of Hook Agency, who’s doing something unexpected: launching his own roofing company, Owl Roofing. Dave walks Tim through the One-Page Business Plan framework to pressure-test the idea, clarify the strategy, and uncover the real challenges that come with starting a roofing business the right way. This conversation goes far beyond marketing. Tim and Dave dig into storm work vs. retail, branding and positioning, financing-first selling, leadership depth, production risks, and what it really takes to build a roofing company that can grow without relying on the owner every day. If you’re planning your 2026 strategy—or thinking about starting, scaling, or eventually stepping back from your business—this episode will sharpen your thinking fast. What you’ll hear in this episode: Why Tim Brown is launching Owl Roofing and what he hopes to buildUsing the One-Page Business Plan to create clarity and directionStorm work vs. retail roofing and how to think about the mixWhy being “five-mile-famous” beats spreading marketing thinThe two biggest homeowner complaints: communication and clean-upFinancing-first selling: why homeowners buy payments, not pricesDave’s three-legged stool framework: Sell Work, Do Work, Keep ScoreThe real risks in roofing: hiring, production handoffs, insurance tightening, and cash flowBuilding a business that creates options—sell it, step back, or keep it cash flowing Resources mentioned: Free One-Page Business Plan for Roofing Contractors → https://theroofercoach.com/resources Roofing Success Audit → https://theroofercoach.com/resources Hook Agency → https://hookagency.com Trusted & Vetted Sponsors: Ruby Receptionists – US-based professionals who answer your phones live, create a great first impression, and tee up the sale so you can focus on running your business.Get $150 off your first month → https://theroofercoach.com/rubyProLine – The roofing CRM that sells more jobs and helps you make it home for dinner. Automate follow-up, quoting, and...

    1h 9m
  2. 418: Boost Your Roofing Business with Local SEO & Google Maps Optimization

    2 JAN

    418: Boost Your Roofing Business with Local SEO & Google Maps Optimization

    As we head into 2026, homeowners are still turning to Google when they need a roofer, and local visibility continues to drive high-quality leads. Many contractors spend money on marketing without understanding how local SEO and Google Maps actually work. In this episode, Dave breaks down the fundamentals of local search, what really drives inbound leads, and how to improve visibility without relying solely on paid ads. If homeowners can’t find you on Google, you don’t exist. In this episode, I sit down with local SEO expert Dima Sobovoy to break down how roofing contractors can win more jobs by showing up where it matters most, Google Maps and local search. We talk about why many roofing websites and SEO campaigns fail, what Google actually looks for when ranking local contractors, and how simple changes can dramatically improve visibility without chasing gimmicks or shortcuts. This episode is about building a strong local presence that consistently generates qualified leads, not just clicks. Local SEO isn’t optional for roofing contractors; it’s foundational. In this episode, Dave Sullivan talks with Dima Sobovoy about what actually drives local rankings for roofers and home service businesses. They break down the common mistakes contractors make with SEO, why “set it and forget it” marketing doesn’t work, and how Google Maps has become one of the most powerful lead sources in local markets. Dima explains the importance of Google Business Profiles, reviews, proximity, relevance, and consistency, and how contractors can improve their local presence without massive ad budgets. The conversation also covers how SEO fits into a broader business system, so leads don’t go to waste once the phone starts ringing. If you want more inbound leads from homeowners actively searching for a roofer in your area, this episode lays out the fundamentals you need to understand. This episode is a replay of a previously published episode of The Roofer Show. We’re bringing it back because the message is especially relevant as contractors plan for 2026. Original episode: https://theroofershow.com/418 What you’ll hear in this episode: Google Maps visibility is critical for roofing contractorsLocal SEO drives higher-intent leads than many paid adsGoogle Business Profiles must be actively managed, not ignoredReviews, consistency, and relevance matter more than tricksSEO only works when paired with strong follow-up systemsLong-term local visibility beats short-term marketing hacks Resources: Connect with Dave! Text Dave: (510) 612-1450 Free Strategy Call Want to grow a more profitable roofing business? Book a free strategy call with Dave here → davesullivan.as.me/free-strategy-call Free Resource Download your FREE 1-Page Business Plan for Roofing Contractors → theroofershow.com/plan Watch on YouTube Subscribe for weekly tips and full episodes → a...

    1h 22m
  3. 417: Residential vs. Commercial Roofing: Which Is Best (and Can You Do Both?)

    26/12/2025

    417: Residential vs. Commercial Roofing: Which Is Best (and Can You Do Both?)

    As contractors move through 2025 and begin planning for 2026, many are rethinking the type of work they want to focus on. Residential, commercial, storm work, or a mix of everything — each path comes with tradeoffs that aren’t always obvious. In this episode, Dave walks through the real pros and cons of residential and commercial roofing and explains how to make strategic decisions that reduce chaos and improve profitability. One of the biggest decisions roofing contractors wrestle with is whether to focus on residential, commercial, or try to do both. In this episode, I break down the real differences between residential and commercial roofing, the hidden challenges of each, and why trying to do everything often leads to confusion, thin margins, and burnout. This isn’t about which is “better.” It’s about choosing the right lane for your business, your goals, and your lifestyle — and building systems that actually support it. Many roofing contractors believe that doing both residential and commercial work will diversify risk and increase profits — but in reality, it often creates complexity, cash flow problems, and operational strain. In this episode, Dave Sullivan walks through the pros and cons of residential vs. commercial roofing based on decades of real-world experience. He explains how sales cycles, margins, staffing, systems, and customer expectations differ between the two — and why contractors often underestimate what it takes to run both successfully. Dave also introduces the idea of focus as a growth strategy, explaining how specialization can improve marketing, operations, profitability, and even business value. The goal isn’t to limit opportunity, it’s to build a business that runs cleanly, predictably, and profitably without constant firefighting. If you’ve ever felt torn between chasing bigger commercial jobs or sticking with residential work, this episode will help you make a clearer, more confident decision. This episode is a replay of a previously published episode of The Roofer Show. We’re bringing it back because the message is especially relevant as contractors plan for 2026. Original episode: https://theroofershow.com/417 What you’ll hear in this episode: Residential and commercial roofing require very different systemsTrying to do both often increases complexity and stressFocus leads to better margins and stronger executionCash flow and sales cycles differ dramatically between marketsSpecialization improves marketing clarity and positioningThe right choice depends on your goals, not industry hype Resources: Connect with Dave! Text Dave: (510) 612-1450 Free Strategy Call Want to grow a more profitable roofing business? Book a free strategy call with Dave here → davesullivan.as.me/free-strategy-call Free Resource Download your FREE 1-Page Business Plan for Roofing Contractors → theroofershow.com/plan Watch on YouTube Subscribe for

    45 min
  4. 416: Unlocking the Value of Your Roofing Business

    19/12/2025

    416: Unlocking the Value of Your Roofing Business

    As we close out the year and plan for 2025, many roofing contractors are thinking about profitability, freedom, and the long-term value of the business they’re building. Too often, owners stay busy without understanding what actually makes a roofing company valuable. In this episode, Dave breaks down what creates real business value, why systems and profit matter more than revenue alone, and how thinking like an owner changes everything. This episode is a replay of a previously published episode of The Roofer Show. We’re bringing it back because the message is especially relevant heading into 2025. Original episode: https://theroofershow.com/416 In this episode, I sit down with Greg DeSimone to break down what truly creates value in a roofing business, and why so many contractors end up walking away with far less than they expected when it’s time to exit. This conversation isn’t just about selling your business. It’s about building a company that’s profitable, transferable, and not dependent on you showing up every day. Many roofing contractors assume that revenue alone determines business value, but buyers and private equity groups see things very differently. Today, Dave Sullivan and Greg DeSimone discuss the real drivers of business valuation in the roofing and home services industry. They unpack why systems, leadership depth, clean financials, and predictable profits matter far more than top-line sales. Dave shares firsthand insight from building and exiting his own roofing company, explaining how contractors can unintentionally trap themselves inside their business by failing to delegate, document processes, and build a leadership team. The key takeaway is simple: You don’t build value at the end; you build it years in advance. Whether you plan to sell, step back, or just run a stronger business, this episode lays out what needs to be in place to make your company valuable, on your terms. What you’ll hear in this episode: Revenue alone does not equal business valueBuyers look for systems, leadership, and clean financialsA business dependent on the owner has limited valueProfitability and predictability matter more than growthExit planning should start years before you plan to sellStrong businesses are built to run without the owner Resources: Connect with Dave! Text Dave: (510) 612-1450 Free Strategy Call Want to grow a more profitable roofing business? Book a free strategy call with Dave here → davesullivan.as.me/free-strategy-call Free Resource Download your FREE 1-Page Business Plan for Roofing Contractors → theroofershow.com/plan Watch on YouTube Subscribe for weekly tips and full episodes → @DaveSullivanRooferShow Trusted & Vetted Sponsors Ruby Receptionists – US-based professionals who answer your phones live, leave a great first impression, and

    1h 7m
  5. 451: Roofing Marketing Exposed: Red Flags, KPIs, and a Smarter Plan for 2026

    12/12/2025

    451: Roofing Marketing Exposed: Red Flags, KPIs, and a Smarter Plan for 2026

    Summary / IntroMost roofing contractors don’t have a marketing problem — they have a clarity problem. In this episode, I break down the biggest red flags I see when contractors say, “My marketing isn’t working.” We talk about why spending more money won’t fix a broken system, how to spot underperforming vendors, and which KPIs actually matter if you want profitable growth. If you’re heading into 2026 without a clear plan, clean numbers, and accountability around your marketing spend, this episode will help you reset, refocus, and stop guessing. Show NotesRoofing marketing is full of noise, promises, and shiny tactics — but very little accountability. In this episode, Dave Sullivan pulls back the curtain on what’s really happening behind the scenes in many roofing companies’ marketing efforts. He explains why contractors often feel frustrated with agencies, SEO providers, and lead vendors, and how the real issue usually isn’t marketing — it’s the lack of clear goals, tracking, and ownership. Dave walks through the most common marketing red flags, including: Not knowing your true cost per lead or cost per saleNo connection between marketing spend and financial resultsRelying on “activity” instead of performanceMaking decisions based on emotion instead of numbers The conversation shifts into what contractors should be tracking, including the KPIs that tie marketing directly to sales, production, and profitability. Dave also explains why marketing must be built on a solid operational foundation — because leads don’t fix broken systems. This episode is especially valuable for contractors planning ahead for 2026 who want fewer surprises, better margins, and marketing that actually supports a profitable business. TakeawaysMarketing problems are usually business clarity problemsIf you don’t know your numbers, marketing will always feel brokenCost per lead means nothing without cost per saleSystems and follow-up matter more than lead volumeMarketing should support profit, not just growthClear KPIs create better decisions and less stress Chapters00:00 – Introduction to Roofing Marketing Reality 05:42 – Common Marketing Red Flags Contractors Miss 12:18 – Why “More Leads” Isn’t the Answer 19:07 – KPIs That Actually Matter in Roofing 27:34 – Connecting Marketing to Sales and Profit 35:10 – Why Broken Systems Kill Good Marketing 44:02 – Planning Smarter for 2026 52:41 – Final Thoughts on Marketing Clarity Links Referenced in This Episodehttps://theroofercoach.com https://theroofercoach.com/resources https://smasupport.us https://useproline.com Companies MentionedRuby Receptionists SMA Support Proline 👉 Download the Roofing Business Success Audit at theroofercoach.com/resources

    52 min
  6. 450: Why I Walked Away From a $100M Roofing Goal — And Built a $10M Lifestyle Business Instead

    05/12/2025

    450: Why I Walked Away From a $100M Roofing Goal — And Built a $10M Lifestyle Business Instead

    Summary / IntroFor a long time, I thought bigger was always better. More revenue. More locations. More chaos. In this episode, I explain why I intentionally walked away from a $100M roofing goal — and why building a focused, profitable $10M lifestyle business turned out to be the smarter move. This isn’t an anti-growth conversation. It’s about intentional growth, profit, freedom, and building a business that actually supports your life instead of consuming it. Show NotesIn the roofing industry, growth is often treated as the ultimate scoreboard — but revenue alone doesn’t equal success. In this episode, Dave Sullivan shares the real story behind walking away from an aggressive $100M growth target and choosing to build a highly profitable, well-run $10M roofing business instead. He breaks down the hidden costs of chasing scale too early, including stress, operational breakdowns, thin margins, and losing control of your time. Dave explains why many contractors feel trapped despite strong sales numbers, and how growth without systems, leadership, and financial clarity often leads to burnout rather than freedom. The conversation focuses on aligning business goals with personal goals — something most contractors never stop to consider. This episode challenges the idea that “bigger is always better” and offers a different framework: build a business that’s profitable, stable, and capable of running without you at the center. If you’ve ever questioned whether your current growth path is actually worth it, this episode will help you think differently. TakeawaysRevenue alone is not a measure of successGrowth without systems creates stress, not freedomProfit and control matter more than top-line numbersLifestyle goals should drive business decisionsA smaller, well-run business can be far more valuableIntentional growth beats uncontrolled expansion Chapters00:00 – Introduction 04:32 – The $100M Goal and Why It Looked Attractive 10:18 – The Hidden Cost of Scaling Too Fast 18:44 – What Contractors Don’t See About Big Growth 26:11 – Redefining Success in Roofing 34:27 – Building a Lifestyle Business on Purpose 42:06 – Profit, Control, and Freedom 49:55 – Final Thoughts on Intentional Growth Links Referenced in This Episodehttps://theroofercoach.com https://theroofercoach.com/resources Companies MentionedRuby Receptionists SMA Support Proline 👉 Download the Roofing Business Success Audit at theroofercoach.com/resources

    1h 33m
  7. 449: How This Roofing Contractor Scaled His Business in 3 Years With Tech, Culture, and Systems

    28/11/2025

    449: How This Roofing Contractor Scaled His Business in 3 Years With Tech, Culture, and Systems

    Summary / IntroScaling a roofing business isn’t about working harder — it’s about building the right foundation. In this episode, I sit down with a roofing contractor who successfully scaled his business in just three years by focusing on technology, company culture, and systems, instead of chasing chaos or volume. We talk about what actually drives sustainable growth, how to avoid common scaling mistakes, and why leadership and structure matter more than leads. Show NotesMost roofing contractors want to scale, but very few do it without breaking their business in the process. In this episode, Dave Sullivan talks with a roofing contractor who scaled his company in just three years by focusing on the fundamentals: the right technology, a strong company culture, and repeatable systems. Instead of chasing every opportunity or growing too fast, this business focused on clarity, accountability, and building a team that could execute consistently. The conversation covers how technology can support — not replace — good leadership, why culture becomes more important as a business grows, and how systems create consistency across sales, production, and customer experience. Dave also breaks down common scaling traps that cause contractors to stall or burn out, including hiring too fast, skipping financial discipline, and trying to grow without structure. This episode is a practical look at what sustainable growth actually looks like in the roofing industry. TakeawaysSustainable growth starts with systems, not speedTechnology supports leadership — it doesn’t replace itCulture drives accountability and performanceClear processes reduce chaos as a business scalesScaling without structure leads to burnoutStrong foundations create repeatable results Chapters00:00 – Introduction 05:11 – The First 3 Years of Growth 12:44 – The Role of Technology in Scaling 21:08 – Building and Protecting Company Culture 29:36 – Systems That Support Growth 37:54 – Leadership Challenges During Expansion 46:02 – Lessons Learned From Scaling 54:31 – Final Thoughts on Sustainable Growth Links Referenced in This Episodehttps://theroofercoach.com https://theroofercoach.com/resources Companies MentionedRuby Receptionists SMA Support Proline 👉 Download the Roofing Business Success Audit at theroofercoach.com/resources

    54 min
  8. 448: How a $200 Million Roofer Gets Leads — And How You Can Too (with Matt Tyner)

    21/11/2025

    448: How a $200 Million Roofer Gets Leads — And How You Can Too (with Matt Tyner)

    Summary / IntroBig results don’t come from secret tactics — they come from doing the fundamentals better than everyone else. In this episode, I sit down with Matt Tyner to break down how a $200 million roofing company consistently generates leads — and more importantly, how those same principles apply to contractors at any size. This conversation isn’t about hacks or hype. It’s about systems, brand, consistency, and doing the right things long enough to win. Show NotesMany roofing contractors believe that large companies have access to special lead sources that smaller operators don’t. That’s not true. In this episode, Dave Sullivan talks with Matt Tyner about how a $200 million roofing company actually generates leads — and why most of those strategies are available to any contractor willing to focus on the fundamentals. They discuss the importance of brand recognition, speed to lead, consistent follow-up, and marketing that’s built to support long-term growth instead of short-term spikes. Matt shares insights into how large roofing companies think about lead generation differently — not as a one-time tactic, but as a system that supports sales, operations, and customer experience. Dave also explains why most contractors struggle with lead generation not because of traffic or spend, but because of breakdowns after the phone rings. This episode is a reality check for contractors chasing the next marketing trick instead of building a repeatable lead engine. TakeawaysBig roofing companies win by executing fundamentals consistentlyLead generation is a system, not a tacticBrand recognition compounds over timeSpeed to lead is still one of the biggest advantagesFollow-up and process matter more than volumeSmaller contractors can apply the same principles at their scale Chapters00:00 – Introduction 04:58 – How Big Roofing Companies Think About Leads 12:41 – Brand vs. Tactics in Lead Generation 20:36 – Why Speed to Lead Still Wins 29:14 – Follow-Up Systems That Convert 38:07 – Applying Big-Company Lessons at Any Size 46:52 – Common Mistakes Contractors Make 55:11 – Final Thoughts on Sustainable Lead Generation Links Referenced in This Episodehttps://theroofercoach.com https://theroofercoach.com/resources Companies MentionedRuby Receptionists SMA Support Proline 👉 Download the Roofing Business Success Audit at theroofercoach.com/resources

    55 min
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About

If you’re a Roofing Contractor looking to grow your business, make more money, and have more free time this is the podcast for you. Your host Dave Sullivan has been a successful roofing contractor for over 30 years and he shares the good, bad, and the ugly of his experience in contracting. Each week Dave interviews the industry’s top experts to pull out their best business tips and strategies that you can use to take your business to the next level. Get the answers to the questions you have to the day to day problems you face in the “real world of construction” from those that have been there and done it. Whether you have a shop of 1 or 100 there’s something here for you.

Information

  • Creator
    Dave Sullivan
  • Years Active
    2017 - 2026
  • Episodes
    479
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © Copyright 2026 Dave Sullivan
  • Show Website
    The Roofer Show

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