Looking back at our 2018 Influencers’ insights

By Emma Peterson. 

From cell phones and safety to training and diversity, we’re taking a look back at what the industry has been talking about this year.  

Here at RoofersCoffeeShop® (RCS) we host an Influencer program. This program brings together experts from across the industry, some are consultants while others are business owners and roofers, for one common purpose – to share their expert advice and insights with other professionals to help them grow their business and/or careers. To help foster these crucial conversations, we ask our Influencers a timely question every month to hear their thoughts. As we transition into the new year, we thought this was the perfect moment to look back at 2018 and what was happening in the industry!  

1 – The hidden risk: Cell phone use on jobsites by Trent Cotney 

As smartphones continue to grow more high-tech and our world becomes more digital-focused, it is key to be aware of the role it might be playing on your jobsite. In an article all about this, Trent Cotney of Cotney Construction Law points out that, “There are stories of workers who have severed fingers on construction sites because they were using their cell phones while operating a saw – among other stories. For worker safety, it’s important to have a cell phone policy on your construction site.” 

2 – With safety in mind, cell phones are not allowed on the roof by Rudy Gutierrez 

On the same topic, Rudy Gutierrez (SHELL Roofing) also pointed to the risks that cell phones can pose on the job site. He acknowledges the good they can do with business operations and communications but emphasizes the need to stay focused and productive on the roof. 

3 – You must work with employees on compensation for personal phone use by Charles Antis 

Beyond having a policy about where phones can be used, it is also important to realize that phones are now a tool for employees to complete their work. And same as an impact driver or a computer, you need to equip your employees with those tools. Charles Antis, the founder and CEO of Antis Roofing, explained, “If the phone is needed to perform at the work and you're going to need to call somebody offsite and they need to answer that phone, then you should compensate for that phone." 

4 – Well-trained employees make fewer mistakes, minimizing risk and optimizing opportunities by Wendy Marvin 

Shifting topics a bit, Wendy Marvin shared an article about how training is at the core of her company, Matrix Roof and Home. She explained, “Well-trained employees make fewer mistakes, minimizing risk and optimizing opportunities. Employees who feel valued and invested in tend to stay longer. Making the time for training is a priority for us, as it should be for anyone who has a desire to not just exist, but to succeed in our industry.” 

5 – Creating diversity means engaging with and educating local and regional demographics by Rudy Gutierrez  

And last but certainly not least, Rudy Gutierrez made our top five Influencer articles list with his insights on uplifting underrepresented groups in roofing. His main point? Diversity strategy is a crucial opportunity for an industry that has been struggling with labor shortages.  

Explore more of the insights from our industry experts!