If I Could Go Back to That Kid With the Tool Belt
I was 25, strong, eager, and knew almost nothing. I thought hard work and showing up on time were enough. Fourteen years, hundreds of houses, and countless mistakes later, I’d sit that young version of myself down and share some hard-earned truths.
I've been on that roof. Let me save you the trip.
The Eight Lessons
1. Details Matter More Than Speed
The difference between a five-year roof and a thirty-year roof is in the flashing, the overlaps, and the small things most people never see. Slow down and do it right the first time. Callbacks are expensive and damage your reputation.
2. Good Help Is Everything
A reliable crew member who shows up and cares is worth more than fancy tools or a shiny truck. Take care of good people. Train them well. The business lives or dies on the quality of your team.
3. Communicate Like Your Business Depends On It
Most problems with customers come from poor communication. Set clear expectations, take lots of photos, and over-communicate. It prevents misunderstandings and builds trust.
4. Water Is the Enemy
Everything I’ve learned comes back to managing water. Flash everything properly. Create positive slopes. Keep water away from the house. Master this and most other problems solve themselves.
5. Price Honestly and Build Buffers
Don’t be the cheapest guy. You’ll attract the worst customers and lose money on every job. Build in margins for weather delays, mistakes, and the unexpected. Quality work costs more — and it should.
6. Take Care of Your Body
I ignored this one for too long. Stretch. Use proper lifting techniques. Wear good boots and knee pads. The physical toll adds up. You want to still be able to climb ladders when you’re 50.
7. Learn the Business Side
I was great at the work but hated the paperwork, insurance, and accounting. Learn it early. A good contractor who can also run the business side has a huge advantage.
8. Know When to Walk Away
Some jobs aren’t worth it. Some customers will never be happy. Some projects have too many red flags. Protect your time, your crew, and your sanity. Walk away from bad situations.
What I Got Right
I showed up every day ready to work. I asked questions and learned from the older guys. I took pride in quality work. Those habits served me well.
What I’d Change
I’d spend more time learning proper business practices earlier. I’d document everything with photos from day one. I’d focus more on specialty skills instead of trying to be everything to everyone.
Why I’m Sharing This Now
Running Fletcher Exteriors LLC taught me these lessons the hard way. Now I get to pass them on without the stress of meeting payroll or chasing payments. Writing these articles lets me help far more people than I ever could with one crew.
To the young guys and gals just starting in the trades: Work hard, stay curious, and respect the craft. The knowledge you gain is valuable and worth protecting.
To homeowners reading this: Hire contractors who understand these principles. The ones who focus on details, communicate well, and stand behind their work.
And to my younger self: You’re going to make a lot of mistakes, kid. But you’ll learn from every one of them. Keep climbing.
Stay warm. Stay dry.
— Dean
No notes on this sheet yet.