Growing roofing contractor and consultant relationships

By Jonny Suchor. 

Industry veteran shines a light on the importance of collaboration between contractors and consultants for industry growth and success. 

In a Roofing Road Trips® episode from RoofersCoffeeShop®, Heidi J. Ellsworth and industry veteran Ron Harriman from Benchmark dive into the dynamics between roofing contractors and consultants and how the two parties can better work together to foster relationships and excellence for the industry.  

Since its inception in 1983, Benchmark has had a longstanding commitment to the roofing industry as a roof and pavement consulting firm. “The expertise we provide is to help clients understand where they're at with their roof. We also assist them with projects, putting together concepts, plans and specifications, find qualifying roofing contractors to bid on projects or in some cases just negotiating contracts with roofing contractors," Ron shared. 

Throughout his years in the industry, Ron has worn many hats as a crewman, estimator, project manager and now consultant. Having seen a lot of different sides of roofing, he agrees that the relationship between consultants and contractors has been tumultuous but continues to improve. Ron stresses the importance of collaboration and mutual respect to earn more business and ultimately benefit everyone involved and the industry at large. 

Those that embrace collaboration can accomplish great things, because “relationships pay” according to Ron. For contractors who are not already connected with the roofing consultants in their local community or wherever they're doing business, Ron suggests starting with a cup of coffee to take that first step to get to know them and start building those relationships. “Let's engage with one another, not around a project or a client so much, but let's have coffee. Tell me your story. I'll tell you mine. It does take a little bit of that outreach. I think I'd encourage a very slow approach to it to develop trust,” Ron shared. “There's so much that we can do to help each other that it probably doesn't take more than one cup of coffee to figure out, oh, I can help you with that.”  

While contractors and consultants have different and distinct roles, taking the time to plant a seed with a consultant in your marketplace and establishing that trust with one another not only fosters excellence for your roofing projects, but the industry as a whole. Ron shared, "I think it takes some honesty and vulnerability, transparency, willingness to help. It likewise takes a little time and who isn't busy? But I'm pretty convinced that what you shine light on will ultimately grow." 

Read the transcript or Listen to the podcast to learn more about Benchmark and the dynamics between roofing contractors and consultants.