Hardworking. Determined. Positive. This is how we would describe one of our clients, Bob Poutre, founder of Roof Tech in Stillwater, Minnesota. Bob began his commercial roofing company over 29 years ago and recently we had the opportunity to sit down with him to hear more about his journey to success. We hope you gain as much inspiration from our conversation as we did.
At the time I started Roof Tech, I was living in the Twin Cities and working for another roofing company. The more I learned, the more I advanced in my job. After 6 years of working for someone else I wanted to focus solely on commercial roofing and decided to take a chance and start my own thing.
There are two things that I love most about my work. The first is I truly love helping clients. I love that I get to help people solve problems. The second is that I love seeing others succeed. The very first roofer I ever hired just retired 2 years ago after being with Roof Tech for 26 years.
My biggest obstacle was learning how to own and run my own business. The roofing part of my work I knew well, but operating a business was something I had to learn. A great piece of advice I received right away and will never forget, “surround yourself with good people and the rest will fall into place”. That has proved to be true.
This might sound cliche, but I’d have to say I’d probably start another commercial roofing company.
I use a lot of paper! I actually still use a paper calendar and I live by my notes and lists. It’s worked for me for 29 years. As far as staying refreshed, I love getting away to our cabin on the lake. I really try to check out from work, enjoy different activities and relax.
I have 3 books that have been great resources for me in my business and even though I may not look at them too often any more, I still have them on my desk. They are “Traction” by Gino Wickman, “Get a Grip” by Douglas Weiss and “All Buts Stink” by Walter Bond.
It really works! The power of consistency and staying top of mind to our audience has proven its importance. One email message in particular sticks out to me. The subject of our message prompted a brand new client to make the decision to move forward with his roofing project. This wouldn’t have happened without the marketing efforts from Wild Fig.
Bob, it was wonderful to chat with you! Thank you for sharing your experience and wisdom with us. It is a pleasure to work with you and your team, we are looking forward to seeing what the future holds for Roof Tech.
Learn more about Bob, his amazing team and all the outstanding work they have done at www.rooftech.com