Strategies that strengthen contractor growth year-round

By Jesse Sanchez. 

TAMKO aims to help contractors extend seasons, boost performance and educate homeowners on risk and value. 

As colder temperatures arrive and storm activity shifts, TAMKO’s Director of Contractor Engagement Jon Abernathy* and veteran roofer Jon Broce** are using the brand’s contractor program to help roofing companies view the off-season as a period for growth rather than a forced slowdown. Abernathy explained, during this Read Listen Watch® (RLW), that he played “a key role in developing TAMKO's new contractor program that went to market early this year,” noting that his work now centers on “hearing from contractors, understanding what their needs are and helping educate them within their business.” Alongside him, Broce, a fourth-generation roofer who helped build and scale Day 41 Thrive, brings firsthand experience in operational efficiency and training to the initiative. 

This guidance comes at an important time for contractors navigating uneven demand. Abernathy acknowledged that the fourth quarter has been a little softer, particularly in markets where the new construction segment is slowing. He attributed that shift largely to high interest rates and inflation, which are making homebuilding more difficult for buyers to justify. Despite the slowdown, he pointed out that unusual late-season storms are still emerging in some regions, noting that seeing that kind of activity in Kansas is “kind of uncommon this time of year in the Midwest.” 

Those weather patterns reinforce the value of winter-ready systems, especially products designed for colder installation temperatures. Abernathy pointed to TAMKO’s StormFighter Flex® polymer-modified shingle as an example, calling it “the only one in the industry that can install down to 25 degrees.”*** He contrasted that capability with products that must be installed above 40 degrees to maintain warranty coverage. The added flexibility, he said, “adds a lot of opportunity for contractors to continue to install roofs through the winter season,” effectively helping them keep crews active and revenue flowing. 

The advantages of winter-ready systems extend beyond scheduling. Broce emphasized that contractors who lean into premium products and documented performance can create clearer value for homeowners, especially when deductibles and out-of-pocket expenses are rising. He pointed out that roofers need to move beyond a transactional mindset and structure their conversations around risk and long-term outcomes rather than simply installation. As he put it, strong communication should help customers understand what it actually looks like to deliver value and teach contractors to focus on the details that move the needle in the business, rather than getting lost in volume alone. 

Maintenance programs are another area where Broce sees opportunity for contractors to separate themselves. He explained that recurring inspections and proactive documentation can protect both homeowners and contractors, because tracking conditions over time helps avoid disputes and clarifies responsibility when claims arise. Drawing from his experience, Broce stressed the importance of disciplined systems, comparing strong maintenance processes to the same operational structure needed for financial success. “Some simple numbers to know are just closing rates,” he said, emphasizing that contractors who measure and document consistently are better positioned to make informed decisions. By pairing stronger product performance with systematic maintenance and recordkeeping, contractors can create a more defensible position with insurers and a more trusted relationship with customers. 

Collectively, these strategies frame the off-season not as a slowdown but as a strategic window, one that allows contractors to extend their season, introduce higher-performing systems and reinforce long-term relationships built on protection, documentation and education. 

Listen to the podcast or Watch the conversation to learn more about how TAMKO’s winter-ready products and programs help contractors grow through the off-season! 

* The views and opinions expressed are based on the author’s long tenure and personal experiences as a roofing contractor prior to coming to TAMKO. As such, his views are intended for general informational purposes only and should not be considered professional advice regarding insurance, financing, legal matters, or business transactions. Readers are encouraged to consult with qualified professionals before making any decisions related to their business operations. 

** The individual featured is not an employee, agent, or representative of TAMKO; however, they may maintain a contractual relationship with TAMKO and receive certain benefits in connection with that relationship. The views and opinions expressed are based on their personal experience and are provided for general informational purposes only. TAMKO has not independently verified these statements, which may include inaccuracies, and they should not be relied upon for product, installation, warranty, or purchase decisions. Viewers are encouraged to consult with qualified professionals before making business or purchasing decisions 

***Please consult TAMKO’s Limited Warranty and Application Instructions for requirements.