What does it really take to build a thriving roofing business in today's competitive market? According to Ronnie Lawler, CEO of Avco Roofing, the answer might surprise you.

"The most important part of our business is the people side," reveals Lawler in this compelling conversation that peels back the curtain on what truly drives sustainable growth in the roofing industry. From his unlikely start as an 11-year-old newspaper salesman knocking doors in New Jersey to building a multimillion-dollar roofing company, Lawler shares the hard-won wisdom that comes from being in the trenches.

Lawler doesn't shy away from discussing the mistakes that shaped his leadership philosophy. He candidly explains how promoting top salespeople into management roles backfired when they lacked leadership skills, and how ignoring "yellow flags" about character in favor of potential performance created costly problems. These lessons transformed how Avco approaches hiring, training, and retention.

Perhaps most valuable is Lawler's insight into why door-to-door sales remains effective despite changing times. "Our number one sales guy this year has knocked the most doors," he notes, while breaking down the psychology that separates successful reps from those who fail. His practical advice for overcoming mental barriers and rejection will resonate with anyone who's ever felt anxiety about prospecting.

What truly sets this conversation apart is Lawler's counterintuitive approach to retaining talent. Despite not being the highest-paying company in their markets, Avco rarely loses employees to competitors. The secret? Lawler blocks the first hour of every day for connecting with team members – no meetings, no exceptions – a practice he's maintained for seven years. "Professional problems are personal problems, just in fancier clothes," he explains, emphasizing the power of understanding the whole person.

Whether you're running a roofing business or simply interested in leadership principles that work, this episode delivers actionable strategies for building systems, developing people, and creating a culture where everyone thrives. Subscribe now and discover why the human element remains the ultimate competitive advantage.

What does it take to build a thriving retail roofing business in America's most impoverished region? Juan Curling's remarkable journey from missionary kid to successful entrepreneur offers a masterclass in process-driven sales, faith-based leadership, and the power of perseverance.

Born in Mexico to missionary parents, Juan's life took a dramatic turn when his father abandoned the family while his mother battled cancer. At just 16, he stepped into the role of man of the house, developing leadership skills that would later serve him in business. Through a series of divine appointments and strategic decisions, Juan eventually founded Frontline, a roofing company that achieves what most would consider impossible: a 70% close rate with 50% profit margins in retail sales.

Unlike most roofing companies that rely heavily on storm insurance work, Juan's business generates 98% of its revenue from retail customers in South Texas—an area with three counties ranking among the nation's 17 poorest. His secret? A meticulously structured sales process where every lead receives 27 contact attempts in three days, coupled with specialized departments handling everything from lead generation to final closing. "Getting the lead is the easiest part," Juan explains. "The money is made on how you handle that lead."

The conversation offers invaluable insights into effective sales techniques, including what Juan calls a "spiral close" where objections are systematically addressed throughout the presentation rather than at the end. He also shares his unique compensation structure featuring salary advances with quarterly "true-ups" that keeps his team motivated year-round despite seasonal fluctuations.

Beyond business strategies, Juan's story is fundamentally about faith and priorities. He recounts a pivotal moment when he nearly sacrificed his marriage for career success, only to discover that honoring God and family first mysteriously eliminated the business obstacles he couldn't control. "Put God first, put your family second, and work fits into there," he advises. "Don't grow if you're not ready to do that."

Whether you're looking to strengthen your retail sales approach or seeking a more balanced path to entrepreneurial success, this episode offers both practical tactics and profound wisdom from someone who's built something extraordinary against all odds.

What happens when you dare to stand out in an industry where everyone looks the same? Adam Ross of Honeybee Roofing discovered the answer when he traded in traditional red, white, and blue branding for bright yellow trucks that literally stop traffic.

"When I had one truck, people told me they saw our trucks everywhere," Adam shares, describing how his distinctive branding transformed his business visibility in Rockford, Illinois. Within just 30 days of rebranding, their SEO performance skyrocketed, proving that sometimes the boldest moves bring the sweetest rewards.

But Honeybee Roofing's success stems from something much deeper than eye-catching colors. Adam has built his $2.25 million company on relationship foundations that most contractors overlook. While competitors chase storms hours away, Adam focuses on serving his local community with what he calls "unreasonable hospitality." His philosophy is simple yet profound: "We treat our clients like neighbors because they are neighbors."

This relationship-centered approach has yielded remarkable results. Adam recounts how a single relationship led to a contract for 14 duplexes—a job that generated more revenue than their entire previous year combined. "I had two hours of work into that specific project but years of work into the relationship," he explains, revealing the compounding power of consistent connection.

Beyond business strategy, Adam shares candid insights about balancing entrepreneurship with family life and faith. From establishing financial systems to creating meaningful routines, he demonstrates that success comes from small, consistent actions rather than grand gestures. His humility shines through when he advises: "Be open to the fact that other people know things you don't."

Whether you're a roofing contractor looking to differentiate your brand, an entrepreneur seeking sustainable growth strategies, or a business owner navigating work-life balance, Adam's journey offers practical wisdom you can apply immediately. Ready to transform your approach to business relationships and create a brand that truly stands out?