VIDEO: How I Started My Roofing Business at 18

Jim Bush shares his roofing origin story

Jim Bush launched his roofing career by starting Weather Shield Roofing Systems at the age of 18 and hasn’t looked back, other than to reflect.

Roofing Contractor presents The Best of Success Podcast Show

Grit and Determination

Jim Bush, unemployed and starting a family amid the economic uncertainty of the early 1980s, launched a roofing company that now leads West Michigan’s commercial roofing market, ranks among RC’s Top 100 Contractors, and was recently included on Inc. Magazine's Inc. 5000 Fastest Growing Companies in America.

He recently joined RC Group Publisher Jill Bloom to share his roofing origin story and how he was able to turn his company into a perennial RC Top 100 Contractor, and one of Inc. Magazine's Inc. 5000 Fastest Growing Companies in America, by focusing on some core beliefs. And a little “magic.”

“I started just knocking on doors… had a few carpentry tools, but I didn’t own a ladder, I didn’t have a pickup truck,” Bush recalled. “But I’m in business, so what does an entrepreneur do? You go figure it out and just start and make it work. Honestly, I think that entrepreneurial drive is the magic of the roofing industry.”

Watch the full conversation here.

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Jill Bloom is the innovative Group Publisher of Roofing Contractor, Walls & Ceilings, Building Enclosure, Roofing Supply Pro, and the highly regarded Best of Success event. With a deep commitment to advancing the roofing, construction, and building enclosure industries, Jill oversees a robust portfolio of publications, podcasts, and events that empower professionals with knowledge, inspiration, and connections.

Her brands deliver exceptional value across multiple platforms, including:

Techos y Más, the Spanish-language eNews of Roofing Contractor.
Safety Advisor, an eNews focused on critical resources for jobsite safety.
Thermal Talk, an eNews focused on insights and news for the insulation contractor.
eRock, a leading eNews for drywall contractors.
The Enclosure Experts podcast, offering architects deep insights into building enclosure technologies.
If Walls Could Talk, a podcast dedicated to exploring trends and innovations for the wall and ceiling contractor.
The Best of Success Podcast, providing thought leadership and practical advice for roofing professionals.

Jill’s passion for professional development and fostering industry connections is exemplified by the Best of Success event, a premier gathering of contractors, suppliers, and thought leaders for unmatched education and networking.

Art Aisner is Editor-in-Chief of Roofing Contractor and Roofing Supply Pro. He spent the bulk of his career as a multi-media journalist for newspapers and television stations before joining the RC team in 2015. He is the driving force behind the publication’s content development, editorial strategy and other initiatives that serve growing audiences in the roofing space.