Want to be a roofing foreman, or maybe company CEO? Roofing is so much more than well-paying manual labor. Learn how to turn your entry role into a successful, and financially rewarding, long-term career.
The Ascent: From Installer to Roofing Foreman
In roofing, the sky’s the limit, says Sean Napolitano, owner of A1 Roofing Company. An installer can become roofing foreman. An intern can become marketing director. To get ahead, you don’t need a college degree or years of experience, says Sean, “you just have to be honest, do good work, have a good attitude, and be consistent.”
Earn for the Future: Roofing Offers Solid Pay
From day one, you can earn a living in roofing. On average, entry-level roofers in the U.S. earn $42,000 per year. Regionally, salary averages fluctuate, up to even 15% to 20% greater in high-cost regions. Despite this, says Joe Goff, Marketing Director at A1 Roofing Company, “opportunities in the trades are often undervalued” by job seekers. This means that folks who dive into roofing have greater career—and salary—growth opportunities than other, non-trade industries, “especially for some of the niche positions within roofing, like human resources or marketing,” says Joe.
Beginners Welcome
“Show up consistently with a positive attitude,” says Sean, and you can learn as you go. “We have a good core group within our company. As long as a new hire is around them and has a willingness to learn, they will pick up those skills.”
Separately, GAF Roofing Academy offers future roofers a tuition-free, nationally recognized roofing training program with classroom and hands-on training in residential and commercial installation, solar, in-home sales, and restoration. A1 Roofing Company is a valued workforce development partner opening job opportunities for GAF Roofing Academy academy graduates. “We know GAF Roofing Academy graduates will be doing things correctly,” says Sean. “Completing the training shows passion for the career they’d like to pursue. And, we know they’ll be trained on topics like how to safely use a nail gun and understand the basics of a GAF roofing system.”
Build Progressive Roofing Skills
To progress in your career, look for opportunities to expand your skill set in both traditional techniques and technology. At A1 Roofing Company, automated sheet metal fabrication and installation is a good fit for those willing to learn something new. “Believe it or not,” says Sean, “the newer employees often have an advantage because they grew up with a technology, with always having a cell phone in their hand.” As roofing companies adopt new equipment and technology, roofers have less need for brute strength. Career seekers may find positions that are less physically taxing but are still traditional field jobs.
Build People Skills, Too
A future leader isn’t necessarily the strongest person on the crew. A great roofing foreman leads through strong listening, respectful communication, and interpersonal skills.
One overlooked skill, says Joe, is the ability to communicate across the entire company. “Say hello and thank you,” says Joe, “to the office worker writing your check.” Don’t ignore everyone but your field team if you want to be trusted to represent the company. A roofer who treats coworkers with respect, shows gratitude, participates in company events, and learns how different departments depend on each other is building leadership habits before ever receiving a leadership title, says Joe.
Customer communication also matters. Joe recommends that you listen first, avoid overpromising, and be honest when you need to bring in someone else with more information. Joe recommends leading with humility and solution. For example, “I understand what you’re asking. I don’t have the answer right now, but I’ll check with the right person and follow up,” will build trust.
Lead Up to Foreman
“If you want to go to the next level, you need to take initiative,” Sean says. “Be in front of the problem, not behind the problem.”
For Sean, a worker with a good attitude who seeks solutions is a valuable asset. A future leader is someone who makes Sean’s job as owner smoother. They spot potential issues early; communicate before small problems become big problems; suggest possible solutions—not just make complaints—to their supervisors.
Leadership is leading by example: keeping the job site clean, following safety procedures, mentoring newer workers, handling responsibility, and keeping a positive attitude throughout.
Take Trainings and Earning Certifications
Earn certifications to boost your career growth. “Courses in construction management or project management are great for the resume,” says Joe.
“OSHA safety training is also huge,” says Sean. “And also, every day on the job is a tryout. How are you showing up? Are you a good role model? Can we trust you with expensive equipment?” If you want to say yes, but don’t yet have the experience, trainings and certifications may signal to your employer that you’re expanding your skill set to grow with them. GAF CARE Contractor Training Center provides roofing-related trainings.
Think Beyond the Roof
One of the best-kept secrets in roofing is how many careers exist beyond the roof system. The roofing industry not only needs installers, service technicians, sheet metal mechanics, and foremen—it also needs warehouse teams, fleet managers, estimators, salespeople, legal support, office managers, marketers, HR professionals, accountants, operations leaders, and so much more.
In 2017, Joe interned at A1 Roofing for his marketing degree. He had no plans to stay in roofing, much less stay with A1 Roofing for nearly a decade. Joe now interacts with marketing, human resources, public relations, technology, project management, and company operations.
For people who start in the field, that means the future does not have to be limited to one role. Field experience can become the foundation for leadership, estimating, sales, training, safety, or management. For people with business, marketing, or administrative skills, roofing can also offer opportunities they may never have considered.
Start Today
Ready to begin a rewarding career in roofing? Learn about entry-level roofing jobs via the GAF Roofing Academy. Or connect with the GAF CARE Contractor Training Center—a place where new and veteran industry professionals continue to grow with online and hands-on training and education.
