Choosing metal tools you can trust

By Jenny Yu.  

Mark Bitten of Them Roof Boys shares why Van Mark Products is their go-to for reliable metal equipment. 

On the average roofing jobsite these days, leading with efficiency and precision are key to ensuring a successful project. In a recent episode of Roofing Road Trips®, Karen Edwards spoke with Mark Bitten, owner of Them Roof Boys, about how investing in the right tools and equipment, especially from Van Mark Products, helps contractors complete jobs on schedule and provide quality service to customers.  

From accidental roofer to leading industry voice 

Mark’s path to roofing wasn’t exactly planned, but it quickly turned into a long-term career. “I got into roofing just kind of by fluke,” Mark shared. “I just took a job as a roofing laborer, and after a while, I realized I could make a real career. That's when I started to take it seriously.” 

As Mark embraced the roofing life, he started sharing playful videos on his YouTube channel that showcased his personality and life as a roofer. The channel features hundreds of videos, attracting tens of thousands of subscribers and millions of views. “When I started making videos, I was mostly trying to entertain people. Then it evolved into educational videos about the work itself,” Mark said. “I moved into short form content on TikTok, and that's when it really started to take off.” That evolution has helped connect Mark with a wider audience of contractors looking for practical, real-world insights. 

Growing a business with the right tools 

Now, Mark runs his own company that focuses on residential roofing and siding, including work with custom metal trims, flashings and transitions that require precision in the field. As his business grew, Mark said relying on pre-manufactured metal components created challenges. “When you’re working on an old house, a pre-made piece of metal doesn’t always fit,” Mark explained. “I realized, if I could bend it myself, I’d be quicker, save money and do a better job overall.”  

This realization pushed Mark to bring metal bending capabilities in-house, and choosing the best equipment was essential for a smooth transition. “The first brake I ever used was a Van Mark. Once I got my hands on some other brands, I really knew that Van Mark was the way to go,” Mark said. “The nice thing about the Van Mark is just how the brake itself operates. Because of how it's engineered, it can take on any gauge of metal, whereas with competitors, you would have to adjust the brake for each gauge of metal.” 

The flexibility and ease of use save Mark’s team time, allowing for more efficient operations. For contractors managing tight schedules, reliable equipment can be a productivity and profitability game changer.  

Listen to the podcast or Watch the recording to learn more about Them Roof Boys and how Van Mark Products can help transform your workflows!