When it comes to growing a roofing business, the goal isn’t always to sell it. For many entrepreneurs, the satisfaction of running a successful company, creating jobs, and contributing to the community is the ultimate reward. However, if you’ve got your eyes set on an exit strategy involving private equity (PE) firms, it’s important to recognize that this isn’t a one-size-fits-all goal. Not every business owner is ready—or should be—scaling for a sale to PE.
But if selling to private equity is your goal, there are some non-negotiable steps you must take to ensure your business is in the best shape to attract buyers and secure the best deal. Private equity investors are looking for companies with strong systems, solid financials, and a path to continued growth. So, if you plan to make that exit, it's vital to ensure everything is dialed in.
Why Selling to Private Equity Isn’t the Right Goal for Every Roofing Business
Not every roofing contractor is aiming to sell their business to a private equity firm. And that's okay! Many roofing businesses thrive by focusing on local growth, building long-term customer relationships, and developing strong regional reputations. The idea of selling the company and stepping away from the business can seem less appealing for some, especially if you enjoy the day-to-day operations or have built your business around family or legacy.
Stat Fact: According to the National Roofing Contractors Association (NRCA), there are roughly 120,000 roofing contractors in the U.S., many of whom focus on long-term operations rather than exit strategies.
For others, the goal might be to scale for other reasons—perhaps for generational wealth, personal retirement, or just taking on new challenges. Scaling to sell to a private equity firm is a significant undertaking, and it may require changes in leadership, structure, and culture that not all owners are willing to make.
However, for those who are determined to sell, private equity can offer an excellent opportunity for a lucrative exit, provided you’ve prepared your business properly.
Private Equity Investors Are Looking for Well-Organized Companies
Private equity investors typically look for businesses that are efficient, scalable, and have strong systems in place. The roofing industry is large and continues to grow, but it’s also competitive. Roofing companies that stand out to PE investors are those that have moved beyond the chaotic, “fly-by-the-seat-of-your-pants” model and are operating like well-oiled machines.
For a roofing company to be an attractive investment target, there are key areas that investors focus on:
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Clear financial records that show consistent revenue growth and profitability.
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Efficient operations with established processes that can easily scale.
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Strong leadership that can run the business independently post-sale.
Let’s dive into what it takes to get your roofing company ready for a potential sale.
The Academy's Spotlight
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How Private Equity is Transforming Roofing Businesses!
In this episode of The Start Build Grow Show, I’m joined by Josh Sparks the Chief Executive Officer of Infinity Home Services (IHS), a powerhouse in the roofing industry!
Josh steers the growth of an enterprise that spans high-quality home exterior brands across the United States and Canada. His path in the roofing industry started humbly as a shingler and was followed by his founding of Infinity Exteriors, which led to two successful growth capital transactions that marked the genesis of IHS. Josh’s leadership is characterized by an unrelenting focus on the company’s mission – to save communities from unscrupulous contractors – and supported by an infectious culture and proven operating model.
During our conversation, we took a journey down memory lane where Josh tells us how he founded the mission for his business. We also dived into the most effective strategies for building and scaling a roofing business. Josh shares his insights on leadership, growth, and overcoming challenges.
Biggest Mistakes Roofing Contractors Make When Scaling Their Business
In this video, we dive into the most common mistakes roofing contractors make when trying to scale their business too quickly. Learn why sustainable growth, having the right team, and building repeatable processes are crucial for long-term success.
Scaling too fast can lead to chaos if you don’t have the right hiring, training, and development systems in place. Discover how to avoid the pitfalls of rapid scaling and grow your roofing business in a sustainable way.
Industry Events
1. JobNimbus Solution Summit
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Dates: February 10-13, 2025
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Location: Hard Rock Hotel, Los Cabos, Mexico
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Pricing: Starting at $2,200
Join industry experts at this 3-day international summit focused on advancing your company in 2025. The JobNimbus Solution Summit offers intensive learning sessions, unparalleled networking, and actionable advice to help roofing professionals drive success. Register soon, as spots are limited.
2. International Roofing Expo (IRE)
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Dates: February 19-21, 2025
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Location: Henry Gonzales Convention Center, San Antonio TX
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Pricing: Starting at &100
The International Roofing Expo (IRE) is the premier roofing and exteriors event in North America, with a 65-year legacy. This event serves as a platform for groundbreaking technology, projects, and educational opportunities. Attendees can choose from over 50 educational sessions on various topics, such as sustainability and waterproofing while networking with peers and industry innovators.
3. ServiceCON 2025
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Dates: March 12-14, 2025
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Location: The Woodlands Resort, Houston TX
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Pricing: Starting at $795
ServiceCon 2025 brings together the best practices from across the service industry, offering roofing professionals an invaluable opportunity to extract insights and participate in innovative discussions. Don’t miss this chance to grow your business and connect with industry leaders!
4. Transform25
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Dates: April 14-16, 2025
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Location: Hilton DFW Lakes Executive Conference Center,
Grapevine TX -
Pricing: Starting at $750
Don’t miss the ultimate business development event tailored for roofing and contracting professionals! Presented by Sales Transformation Group, the leading sales training and coaching platform for the trades, this year’s events are designed specifically for both RESIDENTIAL and COMMERCIAL contractors.
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