Leveraging the off-season to build momentum for 2026

By Jesse Sanchez. 

A new Read Listen Watch® session explores how roofing professionals can turn downtime into strategic growth through planning, training and technology. 

TAMKO® takes center stage in an upcoming Read Listen Watch® focused on helping roofing professionals rethink what the off-season can deliver for their businesses. Set for December 17, 2025, the session brings together host Heidi J. Ellsworth and TAMKO’s Jon Abernathy to examine how contractors can transform slower months into a period of preparation, opportunity and long-term positioning. 

Rather than viewing winter as a pause, the discussion frames downtime as a chance to respond to a shifting roofing landscape. Heidi and Jon will walk through the current state of the industry, including economic pressure, evolving consumer demand and the growing impact of extreme weather. These forces continue to reshape how contractors plan production, staffing and customer engagement. Understanding them early allows companies to adjust before the next busy season begins. 

A central focus of the conversation is extending the roofing season through cold weather applications, winter safety practices and restoration work. For many contractors, these areas represent practical ways to keep crews working while meeting real market needs. Restoration demand in particular has become a steady source of work tied closely to severe weather patterns, making preparedness and safety training critical elements of off-season strategy. 

From there, the session moves into preparing for 2026 with a disciplined look at business fundamentals. Financial review plays a key role, starting with a clear assessment of 2025 performance and a detailed approach to budgeting for the year ahead. Heidi and Jon emphasize knowing the numbers, mitigating risk and aligning production goals with realistic financial expectations. 

Training also emerges as a pillar of off-season growth. Topics include production training, jobsite and project review, safety practices, product education and sales training. Warranties, new products and consumer trends are positioned not as add-ons but as essential knowledge areas that support credibility and sales success. 

Technology rounds out the discussion, with attention given to CRMs and the increasing role of AI in managing customer relationships and performance. Affinity programs, partnerships and business-building tools available through TAMKO are presented as ways contractors can stay connected and competitive year-round. 

Together, the session outlines a clear message for contractors willing to plan ahead. The off-season is not a setback but a strategic window to strengthen operations, sharpen skills and enter the next year with confidence.  

Join Heidi Ellsworth and Jon Abernathy and register to learn more about leveraging the off-season for growth and prepare your business for 2026!