Most roofing companies enter a new year with excitement, but very few enter with a plan.
Without intentional planning, youâre left reacting to slow seasons, supply costs, crew shortages, weather changes, and unpredictable cash flow.
At The Roofing Academy, weâve seen one clear truth:
The roofing companies that grow year after year are the ones that plan ahead â before the season hits.
This blog will walk you through the core concepts of what effective annual planning looks like, why it matters, and what every roofing contractor should be thinking about as we head into 2026.
Why Annual Planning Is Critical for Roofing Companies
Roofing is not a smooth, predictable industry.
Itâs seasonal. Itâs volatile. Itâs competitive. Itâs labor-dependent.
Annual planning helps you:
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Anticipate busy and slow seasons
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Protect your margins
Member Spotlight
This month, weâre spotlighting Luke Rivera of Versacon Roofing â a true example of consistency, leadership, and growth-minded determination.
Luke shows up with the hunger to learn, the discipline to stay consistent, and the commitment to excellence that every roofing leader should strive for. He tracks job profitability closely, aligns his margins with a solid financial plan, and builds his business with intention.
One thing that sets Luke apart is his leadership. Heâs created clear roles and responsibilities for his team, invests in training, and delegates with confidence â empowering his people to take ownership and execute at a high level.
And unlike many contractors who resist change, Luke embraces it. He approaches new systems, strategies, and challenges with a positive, adaptable mindset that fuels long-term success.
Weâre proud to recognize your growth, Luke. Your leadership and drive continue to inspire everyone in The Roofing Academy community.
Announcements
The 2026 Profit Playbook: Strategic Planning to Scaling Your Roofing Company
Running a roofing company without a clear plan is like sending your roofing crew on a roof without a nail gun.
This free webinar will show you how to create a solid plan for your roofing business. You will be able to have a clear picture of what your financials, operational, and leadership systems need to incorporate so that you will position your company for profitable and scalable growth in 2026.
Get more out of JobNimbus
Make JobNimbus work harder for you. In this free 1-hour audit, our experts will assess your account setup, workflows, and usage to ensure you're getting the full value of the systems. You'll walk away with clear, customized recommendations to save time, boost productivity, and scale with confidence.
Do You Have What It Takes To Join the Best Contractors in the Nation?
If you're a contractor who stands behind your work and values doing business the right way, this is your opportunity to join a network that stands behind you.
Build your credibility. Earn Homeowners trust. Grow your reputation with a company that truly has your back.
The Academy's Spotlight
How to Hire Train and Retain Top Talent
In this episode, I sit down with Mike Matalone, Founder and Chief Talent Officer of XP3 Talent System and author of the Amazon best-seller Hire ⢠Train ⢠Retain. Mike shares actionable strategies that roofing and trade business owners can use to hire the right people, train them effectively, and retain top talent to drive growth.
We dive into the science of employee engagement, discretionary effort, and how aligning your teamâs behaviors with their roles can double productivity without adding new hires. Mike breaks down why having a strong mission, vision, and core values is critical to motivating your team and creating long-term success.
Mike also shares practical tips on building a high-performing culture, aligning roles with individual strengths, and creating a psychological connection that keeps employees committed to your business goals.
If youâre a roofing contractor, trade business owner, or entrepreneur looking to scale your business through better team management, this episode is packed with insights you can start applying today.
The Start Build Grow Show is all about helping business owners start, build, and grow their companies by sharing real stories from entrepreneurs in the contracting and roofing industries.
Do you have a story worth sharing? Or know someone whose journey could inspire others?
đŠ Send us an email at [email protected]
Weâre always looking for passionate leaders and innovative thinkers to join us on the show!
Is Overhead Killing Your Profits? Hereâs How to Fix It
Most roofing companies donât realize how fast overhead can quietly drain profitâuntil itâs too late. In this monthâs featured video, I break down what overhead really is, why it matters more than you think, and how even small inefficiencies in staffing, subscriptions, or operations can cut straight into your bottom line.
When I started tracking overhead consistently, everything changed. Knowing my true overhead percentage gave me clarity on where money was leaking, what needed to be optimized, and how to protect profit without slowing down growth. Most owners arenât struggling because they lack revenueâtheyâre struggling because hidden overhead is eating it up.
In this video, Iâll walk you through the essentials: what to measure, how often to review it, and the simple adjustments that can save your business thousands each year. When you understand your numbers, you can make smarter, faster decisions that strengthen your companyâs financial foundation.
If youâre unsure where your overhead percentage sitsâor if you want help tightening up the areas that are quietly costing youâthis is the perfect place to start. Watch the video, take action, and start keeping more of the money you work hard to earn.
Industry News
In the U.S. roofing industry, a new reality has emerged: while demand remains, margins are tightening. Two cost drivers dominate the conversation right now for roofing companies aiming to scale: material price inflation and rising labor costs.
What's Happening & Why It Matters
Material cost inflation:
- According to an industry overview, the installation cost of a full asphalt shingle roof in 2025 has surged to an average of around $30,680, marking a ~15% increase from 2022.
- One detailed cost breakdown notes national asphaltâshingle roofs for a standard home now range from $8,500 to $14,300 for a 2,000 ft² home in 2025âchiefly driven by rising material and labor rates.
- Tariffs and trade policy changes are putting added pressure on material costs. For example, new tariffs on imported materials were cited as pushing supplier and distributor pricing upward.
These factors force roofing contractors to either absorb higher costs (squeezing margin) or pass them on to customers (risking competitiveness).
Industry Events
1. RoofCon 2026
Dates: January 5â7, 2026
Location: Oklahoma City Convention Center | OKC, OK
The premier event for roofing and solar professionals, RoofCon 2026 brings together industry leaders from January 5â7 at the Oklahoma City Convention Center. Designed for business owners and team leaders committed to growth, innovation, and leadership, this conference features 50+ breakout sessions, training led by top industry experts, and an expo floor with 175+ vendors offering the latest products, tools, and services.
Whether youâre focused on scaling your roofing company, improving operations, or exploring new opportunities in solar, RoofCon offers the systems, strategies, and connections to elevate your business. Itâs the perfect environment to learn, network, and gain clarity for the year ahead.
If you want to start 2026 with confidence, RoofCon is the place to be.
2. International Roofing Expo (IRE)
Dates: January 20â22, 2026
Location: Las Vegas Convention Center
Pricing: Starting at $110
The International Roofing Expo returns January 20â22 in Las Vegas, bringing together residential and commercial roofing professionals, contractors, and industry innovators from across the country. As one of the largest roofing events in the world, IRE offers access to new products, hands-on demonstrations, expert-led training sessions, and unmatched networking opportunities.
Attendees can explore the latest advancements from top suppliers and gain practical, high-value insights through the expo floor, educational programming, and product showcases. Whether youâre looking to stay ahead of industry trends, sharpen your skills, or make meaningful connections, IRE delivers the tools and knowledge needed to grow your roofing business.
If you want to kick off the year with fresh ideas, cutting-edge resources, and industry-leading education, IRE 2026 is a must-attend event.
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