Running a roofing business isn’t just about getting jobs done—it’s about inspiring your team, delivering results, and creating a legacy that sets your company apart.
- Leadership in roofing requires more than a title; it’s about earning trust, building strong relationships, and developing the kind of influence that keeps your business thriving year after year.
- John Maxwell’s 5 Levels of Leadership offers a clear path for growth, helping roofing business owners move beyond basic management to become respected leaders.
- Whether you’re just starting out or looking to take your company to new heights, climbing these levels can transform your business and your impact on the people around you.
In the article below, we’ll explore what it means to climb these levels as a roofing leader and offer actionable steps to progress through each stage.
From building trust to creating a lasting legacy, these insights are tailored specifically to roofing business owners who want to lead with purpose and results.
1. Position (Rights)
- How It Applies:
A roofing business owner starts as the boss. Employees, sales reps, and subcontractors follow orders because the owner has the title and authority. - Example:
- Assigning crews to jobs and managing schedules through positional authority.
- “You have to complete this roof today because I’m the owner and this is the job I assigned to you.”
- Opportunity for Growth:
A roofing business owner relying only on position won’t inspire loyalty or long-term commitment. They must go beyond the title to build relationships.
2. Permission (Relationships)
- How It Applies:
Roofing owners who prioritize relationships create a culture where subcontractors and sales reps feel valued and respected. This builds trust and teamwork. - Example:
- Spending time with subcontractors on-site to understand their challenges.
- Acknowledging a top-performing salesperson’s achievements in a team meeting or via bonuses.
- “Let’s have a quick check-in to see how the weather delays are impacting your timeline and how I can help.”
- Benefit:
Builds goodwill, reduces turnover of subs and sales reps, and makes people want to work harder for you.
3. Production (Results)
- How It Applies:
Roofing owners who consistently deliver high-quality roofs on time and within budget demonstrate strong leadership. Results speak louder than words. - Example:
- Closing a record-breaking year by leading a sales push and organizing crews efficiently to complete high-value roofs.
- Using marketing strategies to ensure a steady flow of leads while ensuring completed jobs have zero warranty callbacks.
- “We’ve closed $1M in sales this month because we all focused on efficient job completion and satisfied customers.”
- Key Point:
Results build credibility with employees and subcontractors, and referrals build trust with customers.
4. People Development (Reproduction)
- How It Applies:
Great roofing business owners grow their team by developing key players—training a sales manager, mentoring a project manager, or helping a subcontractor become a reliable team leader. - Example:
- Training a salesperson to manage their own small team of sales reps.
- Creating a development plan for a top subcontractor to handle larger, more profitable jobs.
- “I’ll help you learn how to manage crews so you can oversee three jobs at once and grow with the company.”
- Result:
Investing in people ensures the business can scale without the owner micromanaging everything.
5. Pinnacle (Respect)
Legacy:
A pinnacle roofing leader creates a company that thrives even when they’re not involved daily, often inspiring others in the roofing business.
How It Applies:
At this stage, the roofing business owner becomes a respected leader in the industry. People follow them not just because of their title, relationships, or results, but because of their character and reputation.
Example:
Hosting roofing events or seminars to train other roofing companies on best practices in sales or project management.
Being featured in roofing magazines or speaking at industry conferences as a thought leader.
“We’re a company that treats subcontractors with respect and prioritizes quality over shortcuts, and the industry recognizes that.”
How to Climb the 5 Levels in Roofing Leadership
Leadership in the roofing business isn’t just about being the boss—it’s about creating a company that people trust, respect, and want to work with. John Maxwell’s 5 Levels of Leadership provides a framework for roofing business owners to grow their influence, build a strong team, and leave a lasting legacy.
Here’s how roofing business owners can climb through the levels and become respected leaders:
Start with Position and Move Beyond It
Leadership begins with Position, where people follow because of your title. In roofing, this means subcontractors and sales reps listen to you because you control the jobs and the paychecks. However, staying at this level limits your growth. To climb higher, focus on building relationships and earning trust.
1. Build Trust and Relationships
The second level, Permission, is about connection. People follow because they trust you and want to be part of your vision.
- Actionable Tips:
- Spend time with your sales team and crews. Ask for their input on how to improve processes.
- Celebrate wins publicly—recognize a top-performing salesperson or reward a crew for completing a challenging roof ahead of schedule.
Why It Matters: When people feel valued, they’re more likely to stay loyal to your company. Strong relationships with subcontractors and employees create a culture of teamwork and accountability.
2. Focus on Delivering Results
At the Production level, your leadership is defined by outcomes. People follow because they see your ability to produce results consistently.
- How to Excel Here:
- Streamline your processes to ensure jobs are completed on time and within budget.
- Use technology like project management software to track schedules and address issues proactively.
Key Example: If your company guarantees leak-free roofs for 10 years, deliver on that promise every time. Consistency builds credibility with your team, subcontractors, and clients.
3. Develop Future Leaders
The fourth level, People Development, separates good leaders from great ones. It’s about multiplying your impact by training others to lead.
- Practical Steps:
- Mentor a sales rep to become a sales manager or help a project manager oversee multiple jobs.
- Offer training programs to teach subcontractors advanced skills, allowing them to take on more complex projects.
Why It’s Crucial: Developing leaders within your company frees you to focus on growth instead of day-to-day operations. A well-trained team also ensures your company thrives, even when you’re not directly involved.
4. Leave a Legacy
At the Pinnacle level, leadership becomes about influence and legacy. People follow because of who you are and what your company represents.
- How to Achieve This:
- Build a reputation as a company that prioritizes quality, fairness, and innovation.
- Get involved in your industry—speak at roofing events or mentor other roofing business owners.
End Goal: A Pinnacle leader creates a company that’s respected by clients, admired by peers, and trusted by employees. Your influence extends beyond your business, inspiring others in the industry.
