How training is helping contractors succeed in siding

By Emma Peterson.

Experts explore why siding has become an attractive growth market for roofing contractors and how training programs are removing barriers to entry.

As markets remain competitive and differentiation becomes more important, many contractors are looking for ways to expand their offerings. Why? Not only do diverse offerings create multiple paths of income for a business, having a wide portfolio can help you stand out to home and business owners!

One of the easiest ways for roofers in particular to expand their offerings is to add siding. To learn about why this is a good market for roofing contractors to expand into and to explore the different training opportunities available to help get your crew up to speed in a new market, we hosted Josh Wilens, Alex Birnbaum and Kristina Hill on an episode of Coffee Conversations all about how “siding is becoming a key part of how contractors build stronger customer relationships and grow project value.”

Siding is a great opportunity for roofers. Not only does it allow you to present yourself as a complete exterior solution provider, but it is also a fun challenge for your crew. Kristina reflected on the process of adding siding into her business, HomeShield Roofing & Exteriors:

Siding has been a bit of a pain point for us with finding good team members that fit the way that we like to do things. We've fired many subcontractors because of quality of product, ability to take feedback, etc. But we keep at it not just because it’s a great market opportunity but when you can find team members to add in your pocket that do things the way you do, it is such a fun thing.

And one of the best ways to create those teams that make expansion more than just a logistical choice is to train them. Alex, who is a senior director at QXO explained, “The biggest barrier that we see is people don't get into siding because they're concerned about learning how to do installation or finding that reliable team.”

In response to this pattern, QXO has made it a priority to make comprehensive training programs available to contractors all over the country. Josh explained, “This year alone we've run four trainings focused on siding at various hot markets around the country with one of our vinyl suppliers. And the way we developed these trainings is to be helpful for all audiences. We’re focused on expanding awareness and making sure that everyone feels confident, whether that’s an in-house crew or a subcontracting one.”

The result of these trainings? Attendees leave with more than just product knowledge, they leave with hands-on experience and a familiarity with the product that gives them the confidence they need to start installing siding in the field. In other words, they become those ideal crews that Kristina noted help make the expansion of siding not just a good business prospect but a fun challenge.

Listen to the whole episode or Watch the recording to learn more!