Smarter Roofer Podcast: Break Into Commercial Roofing

Matt Raber challenges the belief... that some people just aren’t cut out for sales. In this practical breakdown, he explains why discomfort comes from lack of education—and how learning to handle objections with confidence changes everything. Follow us at https://smarterroofer.com/follow00:00 Why people say they’re not cut out for sales00:22 Sales fear comes from lack of education01:30 Close in the direction of the objection02:45 Turning hesitation into forward movement

Many contractors wear “busy” like a badge of honor, but... busy can hide serious problems. In this episode, Owen, Elias, and Mervin break down why profit—not volume—is the real scorecard, and how pricing, trust, and systems determine whether your business actually works for you. Follow us at https://smarterroofer.com/follow00:00 Busy vs. profitable: the wrong question contractors ask03:25 Volume without systems and why it leads to burnout05:47 Pricing for value instead of racing to the bottom09:54 Trust, relationships, and selling the right solution

Elias Raber breaks down one of the most overlooked problems in roofing sales: contractors who aren’t fully sold on what they’re offering. Using real jobsite examples, he explains why belief in your system determines whether you lead the sale or get pushed into someone else’s terms. Follow us at https://smarterroofer.com/follow00:18 Why belief comes before selling00:23 The biggest missing piece in lost jobs01:36 Saying no and selling the right system02:07 You’re always selling or being sold

Recorded on the road, Elias and Rudy break down what they’re actually seeing in the field as they head into 2026. From real contract wins to lessons learned in past downturns, this episode explains why mindset, visibility, and follow-up matter more than market conditions. Follow at https://smarterroofer.com/followCHAPTERS:00:43 Why contractors are asking about the 2026 roofing forecast02:01 Real project wins that point to stronger demand04:32 Lessons from building a roofing company during a downturn13:55 Why advertising, professionalism, and follow-up separate winners

Many roofing contractors stall out because... they play it safe—small goals, no delegation, and minimal risk. In this episode, Owen, Elias, and Mervin break down why dreaming bigger, getting clear on targets, and delegating the right work can unlock real growth in a commercial roofing business. Follow us at https://smarterroofer.com/follow00:00 Why “playing it safe” keeps roofers stuck02:14 Make big plans that stir action and growth06:21 Getting clear on goals and telling others07:34 Delegation: the fastest path past the $1M ceiling

Elias Raber delivers a straight-shooting reminder... that success isn’t about the industry—it’s about personal growth. In this short but powerful message, he explains why learning, environment, and mindset determine whether a contractor moves forward or stays stuck. Follow us at https://smarterroofer.com/follow00:20 Why struggling isn’t about your industry01:17 The real reason growth stalls01:36 How your environment shapes results02:30 What you put into your mind determines output

•Join the Workshop https://smarterroofer.com/lead •See Mervin's seam taper: https://pro-commercial-roofing-tools.square.site/ –– What you do in the next 90 days will determine how the rest of your year goes... In this episode, Owen, Elias, and Mervin break down a practical 30-60-90 day plan for roof coating contractors—covering marketing, pipeline building, follow-up, and where to focus when work slows down. You’ll hear real examples, numbers, and hard-earned lessons you can apply immediately. Follow us at https://smarterroofer.com/follow00:40 Why the next 90 days matter more than the rest of the year02:41 The #1 focus for the next 30 days: estimates, roofs, and visibility06:19 Smart marketing moves in the first 60 days12:47 Filling your pipeline and following up without losing trust

https://smarterroofer.com/follow – In today’s episode... we break down one of the most overlooked advantages in the commercial roofing and roof-coating business: speed.From bidding and communication to job completion and follow-up, speed builds trust, wins jobs, and creates repeat customers. Slow service doesn’t just cost time—it costs credibility, referrals, and long-term revenue.You’ll hear real-world examples of how contractors lose work not because of price or quality, but because someone else moved faster. If you want more jobs, better relationships with building owners, and a business that creates freedom instead of frustration, this episode is for you.👉 Money loves speed—and customers reward the contractor who delivers fast, clear, and professional service.[2:13] Why Fast Service Wins Jobs[5:08] Speed, Communication, and Trust[8:46] How Slow Service Loses Customers

Comfort zones feel safe, but they quietly block growth, opportunity, and the life you actually want. In this episode, Owen Shrock, Elias Raber, and Mervin Mullet unpack why discomfort is a requirement for progress, how indecision keeps people stuck, and practical ways to move forward one step at a time.[0:45] What Is a Comfort Zone—And Why Are They So Dangerous?[2:10] When “Getting Out of Your Comfort Zone” Isn’t Worth It[7:05] Business Comfort Zones: Public Speaking, Leadership & Visibility[9:00] From Fear to Confidence: Doing the Thing Anyway[12:10] The Line That Changes Everything: You Get What You TolerateFeedback? Drop a comment on your favorite podcast app!

Besides tips for a great New Year, get a few tips on sponsoring new team members. Feedback? Drop a comment!

What if giving wasn’t just a holiday idea but a year-round advantage in business and life? In this episode, Owen Shrock, Elias Raber, and Mervin Mullet unpack why the most successful contractors focus on being a net positive, how giving goes far beyond money, and why consistent generosity compounds over time—in leadership, teams, and profits. Give at https://smarterroofer.com/give1:23 The Season of Giving vs. a Life of Giving3:34 Giving Without Keeping Score4:55 Are You Net Positive—or Net Negative?6:50 “Do the Reps”: How Giving Becomes Who You Are

Drop a comment, with your BIGGEST takeaway from this episode. Did you like it?

1:00 What Contractors Should STOP Doing in 20263:30 Facebook Ads vs. Real Relationships5:30 Personal Life Cuts: Social Media, Red Bull, and Small Subcontracting Jobs8:00 Hobbies, Hunting, and Why Men Lose Themselves Without Purpose13:00 Recharge vs. Overindulgence + Final Challenge to the AudienceIn this episode of The Smarter Roofer Podcast, Owen, Elias, and first-time co-host Mervin dive into a different kind of year-end planning; instead of asking what to start, they tackle what contractors should stop doing in 2026. From overpriced marketing traps to the hidden cost of small subcontracting jobs, the guys unpack the habits that quietly drain profits and momentum. They also get personal, sharing how social media, hobbies, and even “good things” can stunt growth when they’re out of balance. Elias opens up about a powerful moment of realizing that achieving old dreams didn’t bring fulfillment and why purpose matters more than ever. You’ll walk away challenged, refocused, and ready to make strategic cuts that push your roofing business forward.

IMPORTANT subject that we're STILL teaching today, all these years later! Enjoy this throwback from August 2017, and then drop us a comment!

Is work-life balance real or fake? Let us know in the comments! And get tickets at https://smarterroofer.com/bold

Enjoy this throwback episode! Drop a comment, wherever you're listening! https://smarterroofer.com/follow

Do NOT go the way of the 1,700 businesses that closed their doors yesterday... Enjoy this episode, leave a comment... Then Get Your Tickets At https://smarterroofer.com/bold

Enjoy this throwback to another GEMS Monday Morning Motivation recording! You can instantly unlock all 31 GEMS videos by joining the Smarter Roofer Growth Alliance at smarterroofer.com/grow

Leave a review at smarterroofer.com/rate-podcast. In this episode we cover: Dealing with $800k problemsHow to treat B2B peopleUpcoming Leadership SeminarAlex Hormozi's advice for growth

Enjoy this throwback to another GEMS Monday Morning Motivation recording! You can instantly unlock all 31 GEMS videos by joining the Smarter Roofer Growth Alliance at smarterroofer.com/grow

Leave a review at smarterroofer.com/rate-podcast. In this episode we cover: Leadership challenges in business and family lifeThe importance of vision and clarity in leadershipTaking massive action to avoid stagnation and frustrationSocietal changes affecting men's leadershipThe foundational role of healthy relationships in effective leadershipAnnouncement of an upcoming event

Enjoy this throwback to another GEMS Monday Morning Motivation recording! You can instantly unlock all 31 GEMS videos by joining the Smarter Roofer Growth Alliance at smarterroofer.com/grow

Enjoy the NEW format? Leave a review at smarterroofer.com/rate-podcast In this episode we cover:Challenges of customer acquisition in the commercial roofing restoration nicheThe significance of consistent advertising and lead generationInsights on leadership growth and personal development in businessStrategies for understanding customer needs and providing superior service

Enjoy the podcast relaunch with a BRAND NEW format. Kicking it off with a throwback to the GEMS Monday Morning Motivation recording! You can instantly unlock all 31 GEMS videos by joining the Smarter Roofer Growth Alliance at smarterroofer.com/grow

Special gift from Owen, Elias, and Matt: Closing keynote speech from the 2024 Smarter Roofer Conference.

00:00 The Power of Live Events03:11 Personal Growth Through Challenges04:19 Upcoming Smarter Roofer Conference

00:00 Paradigm shift03:20 Balance personal and customer interests in business07:21 Appreciation and value drive loyalty, not money12:09 Tailor solutions by understanding individual needs first

00:00 Opportunities abound; significant changes occurring nationwide05:48 Hopeful outlook despite market technical challenges09:00 Switch from residential to commercial for growth10:55 Supporting others benefits all in commercial roofing

00:00 Bought land, built high-end STRs on it03:50 Take the first step; figure out later07:52 Frustration with outdated, sparse, free website design10:28 Customized long guns improve successful western hunting15:33 Start small, persist, and avoid impatience; success grows16:59 Mastery requires dedication, not constant "instrument-switching"

00:00 Continuing recovery; team support helped resilience05:23 Prioritize family and balance life with business09:27 Embrace struggles; they help personal growth spiritually13:37 Camping adventure in Montana seeking hunting success14:16 Super fortunate: found elk first morning, successful hunt18:01 Struggles lead to growth and appreciation

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