Growth starts with training

By Jesse Sanchez. 

Learn how education, manufacturer relationships and technology are shaping how roofing contractors build stronger businesses and earn customer trust. 

For roofing contractors, sustained growth is rarely the result of installation skills alone. It is built through a combination of ongoing education, reliable manufacturer partnerships and a steady commitment to adapting as the industry evolves. That dynamic was on display during this episode of the Roofing Road Trips® podcast recorded live during a business-building workshop sponsored by CertainTeed, at Fenway Park in Boston. The conversation featured Robert Rich, a Connecticut contractor whose career spans 28 years, offering a clear view into how experienced professionals are approaching growth in a changing market. 

For Robert, the value of events like this starts with exposure, not just to new ideas, but to practical tools and conversations that directly influence how a business operates in the field. “Listen, it’s so jam packed,” he said. “And that’s why we come to these things. It’s why they’re so important to us.” That intensity reflects the pace of an industry where processes, materials and expectations are constantly evolving, something Robert sees firsthand in his own work. He described how staying current is not optional but built into how he operates, from the way his crews are trained to how his business adapts in real time to new standards and customer expectations. 

That same mindset carries into his day-to-day operations, where training is treated as a continuous system rather than a one-time step. New employees are brought into structured learning environments that emphasize proper installation methods, safety protocols and a full understanding of how roofing systems perform. In coastal markets, where roofs are regularly exposed to ice damming, high winds and sustained moisture, that preparation becomes essential, ensuring crews deliver work that holds up under real-world conditions rather than failing under pressure. 

At the same time, those installation standards are reinforced through strong manufacturer relationships. Robert pointed to his long-standing alignment with CertainTeed as a critical factor in maintaining consistency across projects. “That relationship is very important to me because they have my back as I have theirs,” he said. A dynamic Robert sees as a true partnership, where both sides stay aligned to make sure every system performs the way it is supposed to in the field 

As operations evolve, technology is increasingly shaping how contractors communicate that reliability to customers. Tools that track storm activity, document completed work and showcase past projects are helping contractors demonstrate credibility before a project even begins, strengthening both transparency and brand trust. 

Looking ahead, Robert emphasizes that this same focus on sustainability extends to workforce development. By engaging with trade schools and supporting new entrants into the field, contractors are working to reduce barriers to entry and build a more confident, prepared next generation. Robert expressed that need from personal experience, noting the uncertainty many face early on: “I was there. I know what that nervousness is. It’s ‘What am I going to do when I leave this place?’” 

As the industry continues to shift, the path forward is becoming clearer, contractors who integrate training, relationships and technology into a unified approach are positioning their businesses for long-term stability and growth. 

Listen to the podcast to learn more about how training, manufacturer partnerships and evolving technology are shaping the future of roofing contractors and driving long-term business growth!