Trends in the Roofing Industry: AI, Robotics, Marketing and Staying Grounded

By Adam Cabrera. 

In an industry looking toward AI and robotics, Heidi’s insights reveal that staying grounded is just as vital. 

Usually, Heidi J. Ellsworth is the one interviewing roofing professionals. However, this time in a recent Ingage podcast episode, Pam Torrey from Ingage invited Heidi to share some of her insights about trends, challenges and opportunities that she sees in the industry as well as emphasizing the critical role of new technology and community involvement. 

Heidi has a passion for helping contractors tell their stories and started in the roofing industry in 1994. On her own Roofing Road Trips podcasts, Heidi speaks to professionals all throughout the industry and has an ear to the ground on all things roofing.  

"I think AI is going to change how the industry does business," Heidi said. Having seen the transformations firsthand, she also believes that robotics will revolutionize the industry within the next decade. This tech shift, she says, will address labor shortages and increase efficiency — a vital consideration in a rapidly evolving market. 

Heidi’s insights into in-home sales and customer interaction are of particular interest. "In-home sales are changing... A lot of people are saying, 'Can I just do it virtually?'", she shared, indicating the use of technology in sales and marketing. AI also has the potential to help match salespeople with customers, redefining the customer experience. 

However, amidst all the talk of technology, the emphasis on authenticity and genuine relationships in marketing efforts resonated loud and clear. "The businesses that can be trusted, be a trusted brand, be authentic and be real... that’s the pivot point right not," Heidi explained. 

Along with authenticity, Heidi also recommends community involvement. "Be involved with your local associations, be involved in your community, and really try to incorporate yourself and your employees." Involvement, she assures us, will be pivotal to any company’s growth and success in the coming years. 

From the impact of AI and robotics to the power of authenticity and community involvement, it's clear that the future of the industry is as much about embracing change as it is about staying grounded. 

If you want to hear more of Heidi’s insights into the industry, be sure to check out the Ingage podcast.