Brent Simmons, the founder of Restoration Roofing, didn’t plan to become a roofing expert overnight. His journey began with a desire for stability, family, and a better work-life balance. “I was working for a construction company focused on apartments, which required a lot of travel. When I met my wife, I decided I didn’t want to travel anymore and joined my father’s company to help expand its roofing offerings,” Brent explains.
Starting from the Ground Up
What began as a small operation with just one person selling and managing jobs quickly grew into a well-established roofing business. “I’ve learned so much—how to sell, execute projects, and hire contractors,” Brent shares. “But the biggest lesson has been marketing. I initially used lead-buying companies, but I hated paying for ads, so I figured out how to make phones ring without paying for leads.”
Creative Marketing and Community Engagement
Brent’s marketing success comes from organic methods like social media and local community engagement. “Everyone is already on Facebook, and every city has a local page,” he says. “I posted photos and videos for years, which became one of my biggest lead sources.” He also leveraged blogging and YouTube videos to increase online visibility.
For Brent, TikTok is more about fun, but short-form videos are repurposed across platforms like Facebook, Instagram, and YouTube. Now, he’s also focusing on print ads and sponsorships with local schools to enhance brand recognition. “Even if homeowners don’t need a roof now, they’ll remember us when they do,” he says.
The Mission Behind Restoration Roofing
Although Brent didn’t start with a mission statement, his company’s purpose is clear. “At first, it was a war of survival,” he recalls. “I’ve always been hands-on, leading by example and making sure my team knows I’m here working alongside them.”
He emphasizes the importance of knowing how to perform different jobs within the company. “You don’t have to be an expert, but you should understand how every department works. When you’re small, you have to do it all. As you grow, you can bring in managers, but you still need to stay connected to the operations.”
Lessons from Marketing Partnerships
Brent’s experience with marketing companies has taught him valuable lessons about what works and what doesn’t. “I got lucky with a local marketing company when I met the owner by chance at a restaurant,” he says. “But I’ve heard horror stories of companies charging thousands with no guarantees.”
He stresses the importance of transparency, monthly reporting, and dedicated account managers. “Roofing company owners aren’t web experts, so marketing companies should focus on growing the business together with clear metrics and results.”
Advice to His Younger Self
“Sales is everything,” Brent says. “Get good at marketing and don’t be afraid to get on camera. You might have 20 competitors, but if you’re the only one making videos, you’ll convert better.”
Brent understands the initial discomfort of being on camera. “When I started, I hated how I looked and sounded. But you get over it with practice,” he explains. “It’s like exposure therapy. The more you do it, the easier it gets.”
Sustained Growth and Future Goals
Brent’s goal is sustained growth. With managers for various departments, his next step is to hire a sales manager and build partnerships with insurance agents. “I also want to return to old-school methods like door knocking after storms to generate leads,” he says.
Advice for Homeowners Choosing a Roofing Company
When selecting a roofing company, Brent advises homeowners to:
- Ensure the company has proper insurance.
- Check references and reviews.
- Look for companies that respond to reviews, especially negative ones.
Staying Motivated
Brent’s motivation comes from his passion for helping homeowners and his commitment to improving his company. “The validation you get from customers and the community keeps you going,” he says.
Brent Simmons’ journey is a story of adaptability, dedication, and innovative thinking. To learn more about Restoration Roofing and how they can help, visit restorationroofing.com