Rookie needs some help

fayetteroofing Said: I cant help but feel a little resentment to the posters who dont understand how a salesperson can relate to the job without ever having done the installations his or herself. I own my small, yet profitable company, and as its only salesperson, I hardly ever get on the roof. Thats what I hire actual roofers for. As long as we salespeople know as much as possible and strive to continually educate ourselves about product and installation, I dont think experience is truly necessary... While I would love to have some, Im scared to death of heights :laugh: Dont ask me why God put a passion for roofing in my blood.. But its there and I cant get rid of it. A long time ago I resolved that I may not ever be a roofer, but I am a damned good, honest salesperson. Those who are talented enough to be roofers AND powerhouse salespeople.. well, right on! But I dont come across too many of them. So weve got to divide and equally apply our talents.

and of course its harder to understand the technical aspects of the job without having ever installed a roof.. But where theres a will, theres a way. There has never been a question that one of my mentors or Roofers Coffee Shop has not been able to answer. Kudos to you Justin for jumping in so optimistically. I pray that God will bring a great mentor into your life. I think a lot of the others here will agree that working alongside an experienced maestro youll grow by leaps and bounds. Wish I could offer more insight, but I am a residential hound dog, whereas youre a commerical breed.

Sincerely, Charisse

Thanks for the positive feedback!! I'm remaining optimistic even though I get very overwhelmed at times... I'm praying for a good mentor because I know I will need one!!

What Roofers don't understand is that we also need Salesmen. Both are different breeds and are so different from one another. In commercial sales, depend alot on your wholesale salesman. Their are alot of Reps out there that will go with you to a jobsite and give you there expert advice for free. You buy from them and they should help you out! Now, I to have also started to head more into the commercial arena. I have done residential most of my life and that's what I am good at. From field worker, to sales, to project manager, to vice-president within the company. I have lived residential, now we are headed into the commercial field and I also have had to learn. I do hit the books, but ultimately depend on our field workers to get it right. We have our estimates done with what-if's involved in them. Repairs are done solely on a time and material basis only. (Just to many variables involved in that side of things). The forums are a great place to start, don't worry about the Roofers on here that may put you down or the company down. However, they should be helping you get accustomed to your job. It is in their best interest for you to have as much knowledge and leverage as possible, this will only help them in the long run.

Keep up you spirits and you will do fine. Blood, sweat will get you to glory!