After going virtual in a year dominated by the COVID-19 pandemic, Roofing Contractor’s annual Best of Success returned to an in-person event that didn’t disappoint.
The intensive, two-day educational and networking event returned to the Omni Frisco Hotel, located in the Dallas Cowboys World Headquarters plaza known as The Star, providing the perfect backdrop for some of the best roofing contractors and professionals in the industry to focus on how to successfully build and grow their businesses.
True to the event's name, the line-up of speakers and presentations featured some of the best roofers and consultants in the industry. But the focus – especially following such a challenging year where many couldn’t be together in person – was on the people. RC Publisher Jill Bloom likened it to a family reunion in her opening remarks.
“The roofing industry is family,” said Bloom. "We want to help you build relationships that will change your lives and business, and that's what we're about at Best of Success."
The conference kicked off with a candid look into the inner workings of a successful, family-run roofing business and what happens when the dynamics and professional goals change. Best Roofing’s Gregg Wallick and his sons, Zach and Ian, shared how they navigated through the challenge of redefining roles when Zach left the family business. It’s one of several sessions available to be seen in its entirety on-demand through September 2022.
Wallick, a repeat speaker over the years, relished the opportunity to share his story with his sons in a special environment.
“I’m thankful for what Roofing Contractor has done here, to create this venue that allows us to come together once a year and share ideas and network,” he said. “I have made some of my closest, best friends from Best of Success.”
Session speakers ranged from industry veterans to others that may be relatively new, but are having big impacts in their respective markets. Attendees heard the wisdom of Ridgeworth Roofing President Rod Petrick, who reflected on nearly five decades of roofing; and Reid Ribble, CEO of the National Roofing Contractors Association, about how the industry moves forward after a tumultuous period of economic uncertainty. They also got fresh perspectives on how to develop their business and grow their marketing programs from contractors leveraging technology every day. Husband-and-wife duo Stefany and Justin Dant, of Soderburg Roofing and Contracting in Fort Collins, Colo., shared how they discovered the importance of online customer reviews for their business and developed a system to have their customers become one of their best sales tools.
Long-time conference attendee Jonathan Sherwood, founder of Sherfire Seamless Systems and Roofers Helping Roofers, joined the stage for the first time to present on the power of video and social media to impact the community while growing a business. He said the experience was influential and positive, and that he appreciated others having the courage to get back together in-person and try and improve.
“It’s not always about making money,” he said. “It’s about being able to see other human beings, rub shoulders, have interactions, and share some of our wins and share some of our losses with one another, knowing we’re not the only ones going through what’s going on.”
That same spirit will carry Best of Success into its 18th year in 2022. Bloom said the industry can expect the same great networking opportunities and a new line-up of industry leaders and influencers. But there will be one major change – the event is moving from the fall to Dec. 4-6 in Scottsdale, Ariz. See you in the Grand Canyon State!
See more coverage at www.roofingcontractor.com.
