By Luis Ramos, Territory Manager – Southeast Florida
A strong partnership with a trusted manufacturer is one of the most powerful tools in a low-slope roofer’s arsenal. It starts, of course, with the products, but manufacturers like MuleHide can do so much more.
Here are some ways to turn the connection into a competitive advantage. Accessing these resources is convenient, easy and, best of all, free.
Your Territory Manager is Part of Your Team
Your territory manager is your primary contact with the manufacturer. Consider them an extension of your team. Tap their deep product, technical and industry expertise. Draw on the support they can provide to help you win jobs, keep projects running smoothly and deliver high-quality roofs.
If you’re new to low-slope roofing, they can ease the learning curve, providing the knowledge, tools and assistance you need to get started. If you’re a more experienced commercial contractor, they’re an ongoing technical resource and strong partner as you continue to grow.
Ask them to join you on the roof, whether you’re bidding on a project, are about to start a job, need advice on navigating an unexpected challenge, or simply want to ensure you’ll be handing the project to the warranty inspector on a silver platter. Let them experience the roof up close and personal. They may see things you’ve missed or have ideas you wouldn’t have thought of. Then use that information to create your plan of attack.
Invite them to join you in meetings with architects, roof consultants, public adjusters, and building owners and managers. They can support you by providing product and technical information, answering their questions and addressing any concerns they may have.
Reach out to your territory manager whenever you have a question, need advice or want feedback on an idea. They’re just a phone call, text message or email away. No time is “wrong.” They understand that roofing is not a 9-to-5 job and know you need a prompt response because you can’t sit idle while you wait to hear back. And no question is “dumb.” No one knows everything. (Anyone who says they do should probably be avoided!) However, it’s your territory manager’s job, with access to a wide variety of resources, to provide the answers or offer solutions so you can complete jobs correctly and according to local code requirements or the manufacturer’s specifications.
A Vast Technical Resource
Your territory manager is your go-to resource, but they are just one member of the manufacturer’s team. Technical service administrators are available by phone or email to provide roofing system and installation advice. Field technical representatives handle warranty inspections and offer guidance.
Tap these low-slope roofing experts to:
Help you interpret local building codes, ensuring you meet all the requirements.
Recommend the most appropriate roof assembly and attachment method based on a project’s specific requirements and local building codes.
Answer your installation or application questions to help you avoid mistakes.
Offer advice on maintaining and repairing an existing roof to fix problems and maximize performance and lifespan.
Help you win a job by providing a system letter comparing their system with those from other manufacturers.
Provide guidance to ensure a project meets all requirements for the desired warranty.
Training
Training is one of the most valuable services a manufacturer provides. Work with your territory manager to plan a program that meets your goals and needs.
You can come to the manufacturer’s training facility for a day or two of focused work. Or the manufacturer will come to your facility or your distributor’s location. Every interaction on a job site is a training opportunity, too – a chance for you to ask questions and the territory manager or field technical representative to share information and their observations.
If you’re just starting in low-slope roofing, an “Intro to Low-Slope” program will give you a solid foundation. If you’re adding a new type of low-slope system to the menu of options you offer, the manufacturer can teach you when to use it (and when not to), how to develop accurate estimates, and how to correctly and efficiently install or apply the system. More advanced courses can help you further hone your skills and keep you up-to-date on the latest products.
You already rely on your manufacturer to provide the high-quality products you need. Take the relationship further and look to them for the information, training and support that will fuel your success. It’s easy to do. It’s free. It will deliver results.