Allan York
Senior VP & GM- Construction & Solar, EagleView Technologies
RC: Please describe the state of the roofing industry right now and what tech’s role is within the space.
AY: The first thing roofers need to do before assessing ROI is ensure they use a tech stack supporting their workflow. After they have the correct tech stack in place. There are many ways to assess ROI, but some factors that should be considered are the number of sales sites per day, closing ratios, accuracy of orders, consistency of margin, employee turnover and effectiveness of production crews. Roofers should also be aware that technology can minimize commission adjustments and can have a significant impact on ROI. The key is never to stop trying to innovate your current process.
RC: What areas of tech are growing within the roofing sphere?
AY: Sales companions are the growth leaders in roofing! Using tech to create quotes and automated customer presentations is growing every day. It influences the ability to complete a virtual sale, which keeps sales off the road and the roof to complete quotes. Until recently, drones have been used chiefly for marketing in the roofing industry; with the recent addition of autonomous flight and machine learning damage assessment, the use cases are skyrocketing and changing the industry.
RC: Where do you believe technology makes the most significant impact in roofing?
AY: Tech should be emphasized in all areas of roofing; using the right tech allows contractors to automate business practices, give real-time updates to customers, create material orders, and so much more. What we don’t talk about enough in the industry is how technology aids safety. Contractors can keep their employees safe by eliminating site visits, keeping an employee off the road and eliminating roof climbs. Although the risks will never be eliminated, technology facilitates remote quotes, measurements, and more.
RC: Complete this sentence and then explain: Roofers may regret not immediately _____________ regarding technology.
AY: Roofers will regret not implementing the right tech stack into their business now. The roofers using technology in their daily workflow are scaling their business faster than their counterparts.
RC: What makes you feel optimistic about using and adopting technology in roofing?
AY: The use of technology makes for a better consumer experience. Technology allows contractors to give customers formal and professional-looking quotes and aids communication with the customer. A customer can receive real-time updates on their roof status without making a phone call. This transparency and professionalism with the customer aids trust and creates a more significant referral opportunity. Upleveling this industry's professionalism and consumer respect is good for all of us.
RC: What will the roofing tech landscape look like in five or 10 years? Will we recognize the industry?
AY: The heart of the industry will always be the physical work of installing and replacing roofs; this will always be recognizable. Tech isn’t going to change that, but tech will continue to change things rapidly, and the tech itself will continue to change. There will continue to be more providers of technology in the future, technology companies will continue to work together, and the technology companies that continue to work together will flourish; the companies that choose to isolate themselves from other technology companies will fade away.
