Building better leaders: Why roofing contractors are turning to roundtable discussions

By Jesse Sanchez.

A glimpse inside the new Business Accelerator Roundtables that are changing how contractors lead and grow their teams.

In the middle of a challenging economy and the ever-rising customer expectations, roofing contractors across the country are discovering a new tool for growth — not in the form of technology or materials, but in conversation. Owens Corning’s latest expansion of its Business Accelerator program is placing renewed emphasis on peer-led learning through small, focused roundtables facilitated by leadership expert Sue Hawkes of YESS!

These Business Accelerator Roundtables are gaining momentum within the Owens Corning network, offering contractors a rare opportunity to work through business challenges with other professionals in a confidential and collaborative space.

“Small cohorts, 12 to 15 people max,” Sue said during a recent Roofing Road Trips® podcast episode. “You want to hear from the people who have been there, done that. There is nothing like walking into a room and being able to say, ‘This really awful thing just happened,’ and be honest about it.”

These aren’t your typical networking events. Sue noted that each session is structured around open problem-solving, guided check-ins and a commitment to accountability. Unlike traditional training, these meetings help contractors move beyond theory into real-world action.

“Everybody’s accounted for,” said Jon Gardner, head of learning and development at Owens Corning. “Regardless of what your position is in the company, you have full clarity of what your objectives are and what the entire organization is wanting to get done.”

The roundtables are designed to address issues like leadership gaps, accountability breakdowns and operational blind spots. Contractors share insights not found in manuals or webinars. Sue stated, “It’s like having speed dial access to better than Google, because they’ve been there.”  

While the initiative is still in its early phases, the response has been strong. “That one meeting made my whole year,” is a sentiment Sue has heard repeatedly in over 20 years of leading peer groups. Therefore, success isn't just about shingles and spreadsheets — it's about leadership, clarity and culture.

Read the transcript or Listen to the podcast to learn more about how these roundtables are reshaping contractor leadership — and why so many roofing pros are signing up!