How to Start a Roofing Company with No Money

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00:22 Short answer
00:54 Get a side gig, not a job
02:20 Set up your salary/minimum wage
02:36 Focus on small tickets
03:27 Get office fast
05:09 Stay away from subcontracting
06:08 Start putting 5% into marketing
07:35 Wrap your vehicle fast
In this video, Dmitry offers some tips on how to keep your roofing business afloat when there's no money. You can make it happen and we're here to help!
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[@THERAWONE1]

When I first started I work a 64 hour a week job at a Steel Mill while roofing 6 hours a day .... it beat me up but walking away was the best decision I've ever made .

[@CloneDanMan]

This man responded on social media within 30 secs. Unreal. Can’t thank him enough

[@RoofingInsights3.0]

Just happened to check insta, usually not that fast....

[@johnboggs8765]

Roofing Insights I’m getting ready to letter my truck this week. Do you suggest spending the extra money to have it wrapped?

[@deadlymig123]

my dad started off as a saleman for other roofing companies and he then branched off and now we’re the preffered contractor where we live making easy $400,000 a year between the two of us. Step by step

[@RoofingInsights3.0]

This is how it’s done!!! Good job!!!

[@deadlymig123]

BlaBla BlaBla profit 🤛🏻

[@Matt-ro7cb]

That’s what I’m trying to do but I can’t seem to get hired as a roofing salesman with 6 years of construction experience ...

[@victorramirez7343]

Hey Miguel !! Congrats on the success makes me proud , what city is your company based in

[@petechilimindris9900]

@@Matt-ro7cb I got hired by a local roofing and remodeling co. For sales and I learned alot in that aspect of the biz so now I'm back to building on my own and ramping up again selling my own jobs. Still have to do some sub jobs with my guys but I'm ready to be stepping into all my own jobs. Just keep at it and they'll hire you. I was only there two months but I sold 8 roofs and was only taking a small amount of leads to start bc they would only give me a few a week but it helped me grow as a person and business owner.

[@ismaelsosa1259]

That's crazy most successful people I know STARTED with no money and with little to no knowledge about the thing they're doing. They just kept going

[@RoofingInsights3.0]

#truth

[@youngingbrown]

I started my company with $500, used that to get the LLC, business cards and one shirt. 9 months later at $500,000 in sales

[@unolowmanta7508]

Oh my that's insane!! Is that roofing?.

[@davidrosales6314]

Brooo what?

[@yvngsoto2603]

Great video and super informative!! I look forward to watching the rest of your videos!

[@nyleslehnen1293]

I agree, I've owned 2 roofing cos for the last decade (both are still in business) and that's a solid outline.

[@WhiteExcalibur808]

I’ve learned a lot from this guy he is very resourceful

[@faststang5897]

Thank you for the information. Very soon I’ll have my C-39

[@robertakers2018]

Your awesome guy thank you keep it up

[@Julioccas]

Great video!

[@sweetkellymay]

Over 10 minutes of dialog, off the top of his head, Dmitry definitely knows what he's talking about..

[@RoofingInsights3.0]

It was actually 20 minutes, my editor cut half of the mumbling off 😂😂😂😂

[@roofingadvisors6886]

Very risky to start a business in any industry. Thanks for this info!

[@josephstevenson242]

Hey man I think u r awesome you are keeping me motivated started Major league roofing in auburn wa may this year and you have helped me alot thank you so much I am very interested in you helping me scale soon please

[@dominickwiecien2874]

I been watching your videos a lot recently and reading peoples comments. I’m really inspired by your work and effort you put in. I’m looking to start my roofing business in Canada and have certain connections and worked for suppliers. Would love too ask you for help soon. Videos are very informative.

[@RoofingInsights3.0]

I appreciate that! Let us know how we can help. Check out roofing-school.com is affordable and will save you lots of head aches first year in business!

[@luisvalencia7034]

I just started following you and I am speechless I really want to know when your next class is going to be?

[@maryknopp8418]

I ran a crew of roofers. Not licensed or bonded.. Lost a ton of money/tools. I had a partner who would hit the bank acct and I finally gave up. I would like to try it again "on my own" I will be following your videos.

[@aeries7957]

Hi! Question; for someone who is just starting a company, would you recommend hiring employees? And how to choose them? Thanks! -Arianna

[@MaksimGoodlooking]

Спасибо!

[@ryantheentrepreneur4040]

Great advice! I’m leaving my company next spring and going full time 😁

[@RoofingInsights3.0]

That exciting!!!! Let me know if I can help you in anyway in your journey

[@LuisVazquez-xi2yq]

After Watching your Videos, DEFINITELY , this one was the one that made me Subscribe to your Channel

[@RoofingInsights3.0]

Thank you for that.

[@DmytroKovalenkoAir]

I like your video.

[@lynntheroofinggal]

I meed to attemd the seminar

[@AngryPickles]

Dmitry started with a Jetta!??!?! Lol. Did you say "you trust me over a guy working out the back of his truck?...I can make three trips for the same gas if you have any issues?" ...I do my inspections in a chevy spark with a telescopic huhu ladder by the way. So I can relate.

[@aliamirshah4322]

Can you make a video how to install roofing

[@unolowmanta7508]

What type of small ticket should I focus on, for someone that's just starting out

[@atozconstructioninc.7311]

Good info 👍

[@RoofingInsights3.0]

Thanks 👍

[@justinomora6695]

Hello Dimitry, I am planning to open an office-branch of my roofing business in a new city. Have you done a video about that? Would you mind sharing some ideas? I have some ideas in mind, but would like to hear some insights from successful people like you. By the way thank you for all the videos you shared with us. They are very helpful. Sincerely. JM

[@travisedwards9983]

Hell. I'm going to wrap my truck and I only get the jobs, rolling through a neighborhood or parked imfromt6of a roof you are doing would have to make a statement

[@10milewarren]

How much do u charge per square on a tear off?

[@blakecariker4910]

Dimitri, are you still roofing? Any projects with big time?

[@5thsealministries685]

DID YOU HAVE YOUR COMP WHEN YOU RENTED YOUR OFFICE

[@franciscoambriz105]

Team up with at least 2 other contractors and share a crew of subs so you can control the scheduling. focus on inbound marketing only. Constantly work on your sales process and offer value. answer calls and respond to text and emails quickly no matter the time.

[@RoofingInsights3.0]

Good solid tips

[@victorramirez7343]

Great marketing strategies Francisco do you own a roofing company

[@lynntheroofinggal]

Share the subs? How does that work?

[@jameshenson4089]

We are starting a business insured and have LLC. How do I need to go about pricing going to start small and do HVAC curbs example 8'-5'

[@ashleybaughman4518]

Thank you working on starting a business, i tell my husband all the time we are going to have to stop subbing and also i just put the companys name on the car, and today ill be fileing a LLC ill watch the rest of your videos! Thank you! 😁

[@victorramirez7343]

Ashley you and your husband are on track to a very lucrative future keep up the great work and continue to strive !!!

[@bigbrotherinlife1654]

Do you need experience working in roofing? I've been working in Carpentry for 7yrs now but have no roofing experience

[@ap1234family]

I know you said stay away from subcontracting, but what if other companies are trying to give me big jobs? Like big warehouses? (Amazon, Tesla, schools)

[@puprilla]

I live in one of the most hail hitting states in the nation right now Colorado I've been roofing for 10 years there hasn't been a type of roofing that I have not been able to install I do standing seam custom asphalt shingles all the way down to roof coating I have no capital and I can't wait to start my roofing company I know for a fact after all these years of experience and seeing how companies fall through having no good customer service I know ill succeed until then I'll watch you and learn more thank u!!

[@puprilla]

@layne stayley funny right 😆 i make 80k a yr and im a felon whos gunna be more successful than u thats laughable

[@puprilla]

@layne stayley 😆 ya ok buddy u cant even spell "and" ur a vet...how sad u have to work for a living! Must not be to talented if u own ur company but only clear 80k im a employee making that!

[@puprilla]

@layne stayley 😆 yup

[@puprilla]

@layne stayley ya im a employee that means i dont pay for anything really looks like im losing and im only 27 😆 plus im certified lmfao ur just a old sour loser who don't even have one video about how badass ur roofing is

[@puprilla]

@layne stayley but ur not taking that home 😆

[@landomontuvik8066]

Wanting to open shop in Georgia, is it true I don’t need a general contractor license to roof? People telling me it’s 50/50

[@johnzamudio4230]

What if i want to be a contractor but i already worked in roofing and i know i dont want to go threw being a subcontractor..i have workers with me already..

[@tinamcwilliams7029]

I'll explain my story. I worked roofing all my life and one year about 13 years ago I took a fall breaking 8 bones in one shot. Was well established and list everything being it was also winter. I was known as a hard worker and managed to land a really good job making wire and cable. 100,000 k job with retirement and now have 5 weeks vacation. Thinking I was done roofing people would come to me looking for a new roof .my reputation was is so great that the trade pulled me back into the game. Being I work 2nd shift I'm able to start my crew and compete engineering my jobs and at 2 o clock I'm gone in champlain cable. This works for me i have my cake and eat it too. I range from 20 to 30 roof a year and money made staying in buissness.

[@TODOSSOMOSHERMANOSFER]

brother how can I connect with more work I have been struggling for a year

[@Voganes]

Great video Dima! My set back is finding a crew that have some kind of roofing background how do I go about finding these guys? Thanks for all that you do.

[@RoofingInsights3.0]

Dima? Only my mom and my wife are allowed to call me that!

[@aaronborrero7274]

I got a question I’m geting my license for roofing I’m having a hard time thinking I don’t have a truck or equipments in California u can’t get caught roofing jobs without license to get a permit u got to be licensed what should I do starting off with no truck and equipment

[@brandiburk2820]

I agree with 5% marketing but you need to do a video about taxes I think. I have really messed myself over for the last five years with taxes. I forget to pay in because my previous jobs were all W-2s. Then at the end of the year I owe a crap ton of taxes.

[@chirina5]

Do you have any tips for me? I'm starting a waterproofing business and definitely could use any tips when it comes to taxes

[@brandiburk2820]

I would say save a minimum 3o% back from all profit. Pay in quarterly. Just think of it this way if you overpay it’s like a savings account or Christmas at the beginning of the year. LOL

[@flovaladez601]

What forms of marketing do you use?

[@CloneDanMan]

Dmitri- few questions If you just started your business and are a single owner how can I avoid sub contracting when all everyone talks about is labor shortage?? I live in Jacksonville Fl and roofing companies struggle to find employees. Seems like sub contracting is only option to get off ground running and being able to generate revenue. Also- not to get personal but 10 percent margin seem low especially since you aren’t subbing out work

[@RoofingInsights3.0]

Good talking to you man. Let’s stay in touch!!!

[@olexandrgurenko3192]

I guess he mentioned not to become a subcontractor, you should better sell your services directly to homeowner

[@Lemuria-Lin]

Not even a roofer, jus here to hear Dmitry talk😘 *LOVE* Dmitry's voice❣️

[@RoofingInsights3.0]

Thank you! What do you do?

[@Lemuria-Lin]

@@RoofingInsights3.0 licensed in cosmetology since '96, but specialize in creative color & hair extensions. No idea why I watch roofing videos- however, I do now know that I would make an excellent color blender for tuckpointing 🙈😹😹😹😹😹

[@RoofingInsights3.0]

😂😂😂

[@Lemuria-Lin]

@@RoofingInsights3.0 I notice different random roof company trucks wherever I'm at (Chicago, LA, Miami) and found a video with you being interviewed talking about bad contractors. Somehow from there I got hooked on Roofing Insights(Dmitry) and Digital Roofing Innovations (Zach) I need to stop there 🙈 cuz I sold my condo back in '04 & have been a transient renter ever since 😹

[@Lemuria-Lin]

@@RoofingInsights3.0 hella bored from covid salon closures, roofing seems to be a good way to get sun while making a paycheck- just doesn't look to female friendly🤷🏼‍♀️

[@MurkedStat]

Can you explain more on Step 5 " Stay away from subcontracting." What other options are there?

[@RoofingInsights3.0]

No subcontracting means not to take jobs from other contractors and go straight to consumer

[@lsuronak1992]

This! I was thinking he meant not to subcontract your work crew and hire your own people and own payroll. I would like to hear his opinion on that also though!

[@5thsealministries685]

DO YOUR SUBS CARRY THEIR OWN COMP INSURANCE OR DO YOU PAY TO COVER THEM

[@brandiburk2820]

For people who will advertise a manufacturer it seems they are willing to pay up to 1/2 of the wrap

[@littleshopofsawdust1157]

Anywhere else in the country, you can do it. In Florida, it costs a huge amount of money just to get a license. It's sad

[@RoofingInsights3.0]

I am licensed in Florida, didn't cost much, just lots of learning.

[@thelokoshon2721]

what kind of person do you recommend that I get advice from, lawyers or mentors.. I have 16 years old and i see a lot of inmigrants they managed to create their own company..

[@RoofingInsights3.0]

Both

[@davidflores5783]

Im 19 been working in roofing for 3 years, wanna become independent but not sure if to. Rn the crew im un does subcontracting jobs and i see my boss struggle. I have money to start it but im not super confident!

[@sammyb5455]

What country are you in? Maybe we can work together.

[@michaelbowman9226]

How did you avoid sub contracting in the beginning?

[@RoofingInsights3.0]

I didn't, its part of roofing business

[@Stop_All_That_Crying]

How much I insurance do I need to purchase? Who do you recommend?

[@RoofingInsights3.0]

Very minimum in the beginning, but it gets expensive later, but you can afford it if you do it right

[@project_baby7064]

Can I get in touch with you by phone? I need some little advice and a few questions

[@eldorian6097]

Do you offer classes for doing insurance claims ? I do roofing (installs , repairs, etc) however o don’t know how to do claims I feel like I could sell so much more thanks in advance.

[@nenesmith3246]

Same here

[@miltonrios7942]

Does anyone have an idea/ tips by now?

[@5thsealministries685]

WHERE I LIVE , NO COMP , NO ROOF VERY EXPENSIVE, HELP ME MY FRIEND

[@jorgetum2942]

Dm man .. i can't think of another idea .. i got sued twice man .. n now i own so many money .. help me out man .. i try so hard but nothing is getting up the latter

[@brandiburk2820]

Thank you for sharing this video Dimitri. I have decided to take the jump and start my own roofing and construction company. I have been in the business for almost 4 years working for others. I just don’t see the point in it anymore. I’m ready to change my future. And my children’s future.

[@RoofingInsights3.0]

Way to go!!! Keep us posted. What market are you in?

[@brandiburk2820]

Roofing Insights Roofing and Construction

[@RoofingInsights3.0]

@@brandiburk2820 What city?

[@brandiburk2820]

Roofing and construction. Burleson Texas.

[@nenesmith3246]

How has its gone for you so far? I’m doing the same here in Fort Worth

[@user-el6le1xr3z]

boss man, i’m 17. i have a bit of experience and bit of contacts. i’m thinking about continuing working during the summer and launch my company in the winter, have it running for june of next year. how much much should i have saved up in a year to purchase a good van and get some advertising

[@RoofingInsights3.0]

Good plan my friend

[@mr.fenceguy6040]

I am from Chicago and have strong selling skills is it possible to sell the jobs to sub contractors or some way ?

[@RoofingInsights3.0]

Very possible, We can show you, lets connect.

[@erictoye8971]

Bro, you realize in Illinois is 50% of wages for work comp? We mostly have no choice but to have subs or lie about the actual roofing laborers role.

[@RoofingInsights3.0]

Same here in Minnesota

[@josecruz3795]

Is there a certain amount of time that you have to be in the roofing industry before you can have your roofing license?

[@RoofingInsights3.0]

Depends on state. Many states no

[@idjrod49]

Still trying to figure out how to get supplies paid for, if INS don’t pay until roof is done. Need help. Bus loan?

[@RoofingInsights3.0]

Suppliers give you materials for 30 days before you have to pay

[@jorgetum2942]

You forgetting about something.. something that you know someone can get big ... tell me about it .. i did all what's you said .. i couldn't. So i know there is something more about it..

[@carlsbadroofrepair5417]

I can't really read any of it, my eyes are getting old, hearing is good though!

[@samualc.porter2284]

Can you make a video on how i need to do taxes with a company like how do i get started by taking taxes out on employees like i have no idea where to start when it comes to starting my company and filling taxes on the company like can you explain everything on that please thank you

[@regularreviews3658]

Hire an accountant

[@jeremyderr5479]

Just trying to sub contracting is becoming a big deal. Smdh

[@AlwaysAllat]

Man I’m 17 years old I work on roofs on Saturday on Sunday it was a bitch at first but I started when I was 15 I’m still learning but idk if I should do it for my future

[@imvictiny6122]

Same here but I'm a year older.

[@CBRRR-eh3ky]

Do you not enjoy it or would you like to try a few other things before deciding which one you wanna settle with?

[@AlwaysAllat]

07 CBR1000RR roofing I’m used to it I just don’t know if u make good money later on in life 🧐

[@RoofingInsights3.0]

Roofing is amazing industry!!! You can become millionaire by 30, I would love to be your mentor in your journey!

[@raulvazquez2495]

@@RoofingInsights3.0 my father works for a roofing company and ive been helping him a lot lately im 15 and he told me that i should commit to this because i already know how to do everything but i wanted to know if its a good future i enjoy it but i wanna make lots of money i just wanted to know if this would make me rich thank you

[@petersekh1935]

Its 4 am right now... how did you use a jetta to do roofing at the beginning ? Btw I am about to open my own roofing business. Shitting my pants, got some money and some experience behind me.... and I think I got a nice name hopefully 10k is decent. (Got more in case of emergency) like another 5 to throw at it.... for the life of me I dont know where to start so I'm thinking calling an accountant tomorrow.... I'm 27 wish me luck. I'm entering this for a long run

[@RoofingInsights3.0]

You are way ahead from where I start. Learn as much as I can. Check out roofing-school.com it’s couple hundred bucks well spent. You will see lots of good lessons from my journey and will see how the best companies in the country operate. Good luck. Ask questions along the way. What city are you in?

[@petersekh1935]

@@RoofingInsights3.0 thanks for reply :) . your videos been very helpful Dmitriy!! as soon as i feel like i can cover overhead cost/confident i can get business.... i most definitely will check out that course, hopefully within first 2 or 3 months of operating !!! im currently in Toronto, Canada. Thanks !!

[@danielromero6991]

I don’t have a license and don’t have 4 years construction record. What do I do? Can I still roof?

[@angelostevenson9106]

If u work for a company as a newbi in my state you need 3 years experience

[@Austin349Ta]

Do you still have classes?

[@RoofingInsights3.0]

Yes, roofingclass.com will have details

[@Jay-mx1hi]

Dmitri, I am 22 years old. Should I let my age intimidate me? I want to start a business but my age gets me thinking. What’s your input?

[@its_a_lexus4569]

Hell nah man im 19. Already gonna be my 2nd year in the industry n im thinking the same shit

[@gregcrockerroofmd]

i do millions out of my house, this is not important to grow business, but i have a big house and work from my pool house part of the time.

[@RoofingInsights3.0]

Good for you. I would never bring all business because I want to separate personal/business. My home is my castle.

[@borderlineiq]

I have asked this before, but just gotten flak from another fan. You say your first name differently than Dmee-tree when you first say it. Is there a Russian nickname or version that is not phonetic? At the beginning of this video, it sounded again like you were saying "Misha" or similar before you repeated your name the 2nd time.

[@RoofingInsights3.0]

It’s Dmitry, I think I say it little too fast and with Russian accent. Don’t have nicknames. In Russia short of Dmitry is “Dima”, that’s what my mom would call me but I don’t call myself that. So it’s either Dmitry or Dima, and the way I say it, no Misha.

[@borderlineiq]

@@RoofingInsights3.0 Thank you, Dmitry. I guess I hear Dima then, as it is the "ah" sound that my ears pick up which always surprises me. Your diction is very good, btw, which is another reason you should consider TV. I also wish cinema would discover you. I think you'd be a great dramatic actor, if you can avoid the Russian villain roles.

[@m.skinner6303]

You forgot to have to pay for a lawyer to write your contracts.

[@davidjimenez1086]

. Homeowners want to save money. At the the job is done by the SUBS. So technically homeowners just giving away thousands extra for the same work

[@Matt-cw1mv]

500 bucks mowing grass ???? What? Did I hear that right? Could you please tell me who pays 500 bucks to get their grass cut? Or did you mean like 10 cuts in a day at 50 bucks each?

[@RoofingInsights3.0]

Ten cuts per day $50 each.

[@chrisr.9258]

You’re talking, but not mentioning how to start a roofing biz.

[@Imtje_]

This video is very discouraging to start a business. GO FOT IT. Do not get a part time gig. Go all in

[@jacksonduvall7504]

Yeah but what happens when you’re already making $200,000 a year for the last six years but you were tired of your job?

[@christophersbutler3654]

Wudever

[@juancarlosmancia5643]

You can't start as a roofing company with no money brother. I'm a roofer you need tools, you need a good truck and dump trailers....

[@RoofingInsights3.0]

No you don’t. You can start with few hundred bucks. I did.

[@Heisrisen237]

:)

[@franciscoalvarez8001]

I am tired of this i don't even think this is a real contractor

[@RoofingInsights3.0]

Come visit our business next week. Last year 500 people came to us, we have open doors next week. Free full day class: November 13th, Minneapolis, MN. Would love to show you around

[@patthemens]

Everyone already knows you dont need any money to start a roofing company. Same as painting. Thats why every, loser, skid, jailbird is a roofer!!! 🦄🦊😎

[@RoofingInsights3.0]

not true, more think you need capital to start roofing business

[@user-pj2zw9uy5b]

I don't understand, this is a video to start a business with No money, however one of your advice is don't use subcontractor's? Also wrapping car is something you do after your first few jobs, considering you have little to no money to begin with. And also, you mention getting an office? I don't see how that is good for anyone starting out. You are already putting yourself in debt. Look I am 20 years old and only have 1600 in savings and am going to start my own business very soon. My biggest concerns are finding good subs, having to pay for insurance, and not getting enough leads, also last concern is that I do not know how to do repairs myself. I have researched so much though for months, this is my life goal. As of now I am zeroing in on door knocking and looking if I will need a loan, and if I do, which are good ones.

[@user-pj2zw9uy5b]

Just what I think, I love your videos, one of- if not the best channel on youtube in roofing and business owning.