Why Most Roofing Companies Struggle With Cash Flow
If you've ever looked at your sales numbers and thought:
"We're selling roofs... so why does it still feel like there's never enough money in the bank?"
You're not alone.
One of the biggest frustrations roofing business owners face is the disconnect between revenue and cash flow.
You can have:
- More jobs than ever
- A full production schedule
- Record-breaking sales
And still find yourself stressed about:
- Payroll
- Material bills
- Vendor payments
- Taxes
- Collections
- Unexpected expenses
The truth is, many roofing companies don't have a sales problem.
They have a cash flow problem.

Revenue Doesn't Equal Financial Health
One of the biggest misconceptions in the roofing industry is that growing revenue automatically means a healthier business.
Unfortunately, that's not always the case.
We've seen roofing companies doing:
- $1 million annually
- $5 million annually
Member Spotlight

This month, we’re proud to spotlight Jack Cottrell and the team at Jack the Roofer for their commitment to implementing the Roofing Success System with consistency and purpose.
Jack has embraced the importance of financial visibility, using accurate and timely numbers to make confident business decisions instead of relying on guesswork. He understands that sustainable growth starts with clarity and a willingness to address challenges head-on.
What stands out most is Jack’s commitment to leadership. By courageously tackling difficult issues and building a team that’s equipped and empowered to lead, he’s creating a business that can continue to grow beyond the owner.
We’re excited to recognize the progress Jack and the Jack the Roofer team are making and look forward to seeing their continued success. Keep leading with purpose and building a business that’s designed to last.
Work With The Academy
Explore how The Roofing Academy supports contractors through coaching, systems, and proven processes designed for real growth.

Growing a successful roofing company isn’t about working harder—it’s about building the right systems.
The START Program was created for roofing contractors who are ready to move beyond trial and error and build a business with structure, consistency, and long-term growth in mind.
For just $397 per month, you’ll gain access to the guidance, coaching, and proven business framework trusted by roofing contractors across the country. Whether you’re looking to improve operations, become a stronger leader, increase profitability, or build a company that can grow without depending on you every day, the START Program provides the roadmap to get there.
If you’re serious about creating a roofing business that’s profitable, scalable, and built to last, there’s no better time to start.
Your next level starts with the right foundation. Join the START Program today for just $397/month.

Getting your CRM set up the right way is one of the most important steps in building a scalable roofing business.
With 1-on-1 support from Taymar Parry, you’ll get hands-on guidance to build out your JobNimbus system—from workflows and work orders to forms and process alignment. As certified JobNimbus partners, our team is trained to help you streamline your operations, improve efficiency, and create systems your team can actually follow.
If your CRM feels disorganized or underutilized, this is where you bring structure and clarity back into your business.
The Start Build Grow Show
The Financial Truth Nobody Tells Roofing Contractors

In this episode, I sit down with Brie Reis, CEO of Elite Roofing & Solar, and Jenn Allen, Financial Systems Coach for The Roofing Academy and Founder of Lucid Co., to unpack one of the most overlooked—but most important—parts of running a successful roofing company: the financial side of the business.
Brie shares lessons from scaling one of the fastest-growing roofing companies in Colorado while navigating the real challenges that come with growth, leadership, and building a sustainable business. Jenn brings over a decade of accounting and roofing industry experience to the conversation, breaking down why so many contractors struggle with cash flow, inaccurate job costing, and financial systems that can’t support long-term growth.
We dive into the good, the bad, and the ugly of construction finances, including why many business owners don’t truly know their numbers, how poor financial visibility impacts profitability, and what systems need to be in place before a company can scale effectively. Jenn also explains how tools like QuickBooks and JobNimbus should work together, why clean bookkeeping alone isn’t enough, and how contractors can build financial clarity and confidence in their decision-making.
Toward the end of the conversation, Brie and Jenn share practical insights on leadership, accountability, and creating structure within a growing business—while also discussing the mindset shifts owners need to make if they want long-term success and stability.
If you’re a contractor or business owner looking to improve cash flow, understand your numbers, and build a business that scales with confidence, this episode will give you practical strategies and real-world insights you can start applying immediately.
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?
đź“© Send us an email at [email protected]
We’re always looking for passionate leaders and innovative thinkers to join us on the show!
This Months Social Spotlight
This Months Reminder

I started this a couple of weeks ago when you first mentioned contributing to the newsletter. A quote came to mind and I just finished jotting down some thoughts about it if you'd like to use it. I'm including a photo of the version of this quote I have at home lol. And I am not fabricating when I say I have it by my sink for a reason. When I found it more than 20 years ago my first thought was, I need to get that and put it by the sink. Haha I didn't realize how much the words would help me so many other areas of life, but it really has.
"After long periods of slower movement across the roofing industry, this busy season brings a welcomed shift — but growth still comes with pressure.
Army General George S. Patton Jr. said, “Accept the challenges so that you can feel the exhilaration of victory.”
I have this quote on a small garden stone that has sat by my kitchen sink since I moved into my first home more than 20 years ago. Over the years, it has been a tangible reminder each day through personal growth, professional development, spiritual and emotional growth, and all the ordinary day-to-day challenges of life.
Above all, it has given me the perseverance to power through one of my least favorite household responsibilities: doing the dishes.
For our members stepping into busy season, the reminder still fits. The volume may start pouring in, and with that comes stress, decisions, moving parts, and plenty of chances for the pressure to either wear you down or sharpen your focus.
Growth requires more than just pushing through. It requires staying steady, paying attention to the way you talk yourself through the pressure, and getting your systems dialed in enough to handle the volume ahead.
The challenge is real — but so is the victory on the other side of it."
If You Don’t Track These 3 Numbers, Your Roofing Business Is At Risk

If you want to run a profitable roofing company—not just work in chaos—you need to know the three numbers that determine whether your business grows or collapses. In this video, I break down the exact financial metrics every roofing contractor must track monthly: gross profit, overhead, and net profit. These three roofing business numbers tell the real story of your company’s health, efficiency, and long-term scalability.
As a roofing business coach at The Roofing Academy, I’ve worked with thousands of contractors who were stuck because they were focused on the wrong things—like revenue, leads, or “staying busy.” But busy doesn’t equal profitable. Your roofing profit margins, job efficiency, and overhead percentage are what drive sustainable growth, and when you understand them, you can make smarter decisions, increase margins, and create a predictable, scalable business.
If you’re not sure where your numbers stand—or you want help building a simple tracking system—book a free call with our team. We’ll walk you through how to measure the right KPIs, improve your profitability, and build a roofing company that supports your life… not one that drains it.
The Shocking Truth: Insurance Companies Are Using AI and Drones to Deny More Roofing Claims Than Ever Before
For years, roofing contractors built entire divisions around storm restoration and insurance work.
But something is changing.
Many contractors are seeing more claim denials, more pushback from adjusters, and more homeowners receiving unexpected notices from their insurance companies. The reason may not be what you think.
Insurance carriers are increasingly using artificial intelligence, aerial imagery, satellite technology, and drones to evaluate roofs before a contractor ever sets foot on the property. In some cases, homeowners are being told to replace their roof, or risk losing coverage based solely on remote inspections.

The Roofing Industry Is Entering a New Era
Historically, a homeowner would file a claim, an adjuster would visit the property, and the contractor would help document the damage.
Today, carriers are using technology to make decisions faster and reduce claim costs. AI-powered systems can analyze aerial imagery, identify potential roof damage, estimate roof age, and flag properties for further review. Many insurers are investing heavily in technology that allows them to assess roofs without risk and without sending someone to the property.
The result?
Contractors are finding themselves having to prove damage that an AI system has already questioned.
Industry Events
1. Limitless Roofing Summit 2026
Date: October 14–15, 2026
Location: Circle R Ranch — Flower Mound, TX
Time: Two-day owner-only summit (schedule to be released closer to event date)
The Limitless Roofing Summit 2026 is an owner-only event designed for roofing company leaders who want real-world strategies, stronger relationships, and practical business growth—not theory or surface-level presentations.
Built on a “collaboration over competition” mindset, the summit brings together roofing company owners and select industry partners for two days of structured conversation, peer-to-peer learning, and implementation-focused discussions.
Unlike traditional conferences, this event is centered around participation and real dialogue. Attendees will engage directly with other operators who are actively running and scaling roofing companies, creating an environment focused on shared experience and practical problem-solving.
Key themes of the summit include leadership development, operational improvement, sales performance, and scalable business systems that support long-term growth.
Attendees can expect:
- Owner-only conversations with roofing company leaders
- Honest discussions around real business challenges and solutions
- Partner resources designed to support execution and growth
- A collaborative environment built for implementation
If you’re focused on building a stronger, more scalable roofing business through better systems, leadership, and relationships, this is an event designed for you.
2. Western Roofing Expo 2026
Date: September 27–29, 2026
Location: Paris Las Vegas — Las Vegas, NV
Time: Multi-day event featuring seminars, trade show, competitions, and networking events
Hosted by the Western States Roofing Contractors Association (WSRCA), the Western Roofing Expo is recognized as one of the leading regional roofing and waterproofing events in the United States.
Since 1974, WSRCA has focused on providing roofing professionals with industry education, resources, and networking opportunities designed to support long-term success and professional development.
The expo features a two-day trade show, 28 educational seminars, keynote luncheons, live product demonstrations, The Roofing Games™ shingling competition, and multiple networking events that bring together contractors, manufacturers, suppliers, and industry professionals from across the country.
Attendees can explore new products and technologies, connect with peers and manufacturers, and gain practical insights that can be applied directly to business operations and field performance.
If you’re looking to stay current with industry trends, strengthen relationships, and continue growing within the roofing industry, the Western Roofing Expo remains one of the key regional events to attend.
3. Win The Storm 2026
Date: October 28–30, 2026
Location: Kay Bailey Hutchison Convention Center — Dallas, TX
Time: Three-day conference featuring speakers, breakout sessions, networking events, and exhibitor experiences
Win The Storm 2026 is a contractor-focused roofing conference built around leadership, growth, networking, and industry innovation.
The event brings together roofing company owners, contractors, vendors, and industry professionals for three days of education, collaboration, and business-focused conversations designed to help companies grow and operate more effectively.
Attendees can expect main-stage speakers, breakout sessions, panel discussions, exhibitor experiences, and networking opportunities centered around leadership development, operational improvement, sales growth, and industry relationships.
The conference also features exhibitor and vendor participation from companies across the roofing and construction industries, giving attendees access to tools, systems, technology, and services shaping the future of roofing.
For roofing professionals focused on growth, leadership, and building stronger industry connections, Win The Storm continues to be one of the most recognized contractor-focused events in the industry.
The Roofing Academy Newsletter
Welcome to The Roofing Academy Insider, your monthly dose of exclusive insights, strategies, and tools designed tohelp you start, build and grow your business. Each issue is packed with valuable content curated by industry expert Randy, aimed at helping ambitious roofing professionals like you streamline operations, boost profitability, and achieve unprecedented growth.



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