Showing the heart of roofing

By Emma Peterson. 

Randy Chaffee explains how real jobsite moments and authentic culture can inspire young people to join the roofing trade. 

As many of our experienced roofers and contractors reach the age of retirement, the labor shortage in construction has become more apparent than ever. To learn about how the roofing industry can address this issue and find new talent, Karen Edwards hosted Randy Chaffee from Source One Marketing for an episode of MetalCast™. 

The biggest point that Randy made in this episode was that many young folks do not know that roofing is a career option. He used his own life as an example:  

I grew up on a farm, but I didn't grow up thinking I'm going to sling metal or build barns or do roofing, let alone sell the stuff. As boys, we were all thinking about being a fireman or a soldier or something. Unless you’re a legacy, like your dad or uncle or someone was in it, no one really knows about the roofing industry as a kid.  

Because of this, the first step to bringing new people into roofing is helping them understand everything this industry has to offer. Randy explained, “Show them the early morning arrival and the guys busting each other's chops. Show them the jobsite. Show them crews singing songs while they're building, some good old rock and roll. Show them talking to the customer, telling them what a great job they did today. Show them the industry.” 

This is especially important with the younger generation, who want more than just a paycheck; they want a purpose and a community. Randy elaborated on this, sharing, “They want more. They want to think they're doing something good for society. They want to think they're working for somebody that believes in sustainability. They want a purpose and that's not bad. I respect that they want to enjoy their life and their job.” 

So, how do you show newcomers that they can get that purpose, that career and that sense of belonging in the roofing industry? Social media is a powerful way to give them a window into your company culture. Randy explained, “People want raw, organic and authentic. They don't want Hollywood-style perfection. Just take your iPhone or your Android and just go shoot a video of you and your crew talking about the job you’re doing or hanging out off-the-job, that’s the stuff they want to see. And that’s the stuff that will bring them in and show them that you are more than a business, you are a team and culture.” 

Listen to the recording or Watch the entire podcast to hear more from Randy about bringing in new talent to the roofing industry.