Overnight Roofing Gurus are mostly just slick talkers

Ah, the age of the internet, AI and automate EVERYTHING and lets 10x, 50x, 100x your or scale as they call it – where everyone and their dog can become an overnight sensation. And in the vast world of roofing, this phenomenon is no different. Enter the self-proclaimed sales gurus, roofing experts, and chatbot AI specialists. These are the folks who, after watching a couple of YouTube videos, suddenly feel qualified to teach the rest of us how to install a roof, what to do in unique situations, or how to combat unruly adjusters or homeowners. How to sell the most of any one given thing...

When these self-proclaimed roofing gurus or coaches face a pointed question about the industry, an application, a roofing feature, or product knowledge, they often dodge the issue, steering the conversation elsewhere. This tactic seems designed to deflect attention and prevent their lack of genuine expertise from being unmasked.

Now, I've been in the roofing industry for over 30 years. I've sold, installed and managed over a million square feet of roofing and have accumulated more than 30 years of sales experience in the construction industry. So, when I see these overnight "experts" popping up, that 3 days ago NO ONE ON THE FACE OF THE EARTH heard of, I can't help but laugh.  The sad part is many of you are seasoned as well and you pay money to go see these guys.

We all know them.  There's the TJs, Ryan's, and don't forget the Lee's oh, and his buddy from Russia with... roofing advice; the Anthony's, the Grant's and next there's the Sam's, they are all great at telling you stories and how to do things, but most of them simply sell you things to steal your money or client database.  Many of these people recommend a specific CRM or app, but actually own stock or hired someone to built it (lets face it most of these guys aren't intelligent enough to do so)... guess where the clients data goes since they own it because you accepted the terms and conditions?  Their server.  That means they can now access your clients through whatever channel they choose. Very much like the American policyholder association who affiliates with all of these people for the same purposes it’s a gimmick scam a drift. If you can’t see it then you’re probably one of the targets. 

It's like watching a reality TV show where the plot twists are as predictable as a soap opera. Now, I'm not implying that they're all cut from the same shit stained cloth. There are some shining stars in this murky galaxy. Take Becca Switzer, for instance. She's the real deal, and if you ever doubt her she'll not only tell you but show you faster than you can say "insurance claim" she is a bonafide dragon slayer in this industry;  then there is the Steve Patrick's of the World.  Now he is legit, and doesn't mind getting dirty.  Jeremy Cannefax, another dyed in the wool monster in this industry.  One other that is legit, cocky as all get out and way too arrogant but still an absolute beast:  Chad Michael, the self proclaimed "practitioner", but make no mistake about it, he is no joke when it comes to claims documenting and his marketing skills are on point.   And let's not forget Dale Childress, another beacon of hope in this sea of slithering... well, let's just call them "interesting" characters.  But Dale Childress is also the real deal.  Out of them all, Becca, Chad, Jeremy and Dale are the ones I would pay attention to.  The rest?  Sure, if you're 20 years old and just getting in the game, and have limited experience in the roofing industry, let alone know the process.  Then yeah, sure, these other people are fine. You know the ones I'm talking about. They speak out of both sides of their mouth so much that you'd think they're trying out for a ventriloquist act. It's like their opinions and "proof" are on perpetual spin cycle, leaving us all dizzy and confused. Take our dear friend from Russia, for example. One minute he's trash-talking GAF, and get sued for defamation... But hey - No problem! Just switch gears and become their biggest fan by singing their praises like they're the Garry Kasparov of roofing.  It's all in a day's work in the topsy-turvy world of roofing advice from non roofers.

To you youngin's, navigate this industry with your eyes wide open. Experience things for yourself. After all, why rely on someone else's version of the truth when you've got a perfectly good brain of your own? In the world of roofing, it's always best to trust but verify. And maybe keep an umbrella handy, just in case. 

While the internet is a great place to learn and share, it's essential to remember that not all that glitters is gold. Or in this case, not all that shingles is a roof. So, the next time you come across an "expert" online, remember to take their advice with a grain of salt – or maybe a whole salt shaker.

A staggering 60% of the industry seems to be riding the wave of this newfound momentum. But here's the catch: many professionals are getting swept up in the hype without critically evaluating the true value of these self-proclaimed experts.  Some folks on this list happened to be in the right place when Mother Nature decided to throw a party - be it a hurricane, tornado, or hailstorm. And voilà! They're not just making it rain; they're making it pour. And what do they do with this windfall? Well, they don't just buy a new umbrella. They catapult themselves into the glamorous world of digital creation or, wait for it... roofing sales coaching. Because, why not?

It's reminiscent of the dot-com bubble, where every Tom, Dick, and Harry became an overnight internet mogul. Or the oil and gas industry, where some struck black gold by merely looking at a patch of land. And let's not forget the gold miners, who, rumor has it, could find gold in their backyards if they dug deep enough.

And the funniest part? Ask them about me, and they'll either play dumb or admit they can't stand me. I'm too blunt, too direct, too honest, but all in all, they ALL know who I am.  Here's the kicker: none of them have actually me outside of some boring convention. I can just imagine the author's face when these "legends" start bragging about their "achievements." Eye-roll alert! Most of these so-called "industry leaders" are just smooth-talking scammers. Sure, they've got hustle, but they'd probably sell you a bridge if they could. So, hats off to these masters of minimal effort and maximum ego-stroking! Bravo! 

The Hype vs. Reality

The most alarming aspect is the number of professionals who invest in these gurus' products and services simply because of the buzz surrounding them. It's as if many have forgotten the innate skills, talents, and instincts they use daily, whether it's in a sales pitch to a potential client or navigating a challenging situation. Why are so many willing to pay someone else to tell them what they already know? Why attend expensive conventions or conferences where the primary goal seems to be spending money rather than making it?

Before the era of aggressive online marketing, had anyone even heard of these so-called gurus? The answer is likely no. Instead, the industry was familiar with genuine professionals—those with a proven track record, not just a flashy online presence.

The Dangers of Internet Hype; With the rise of platforms like Facebook, YouTube, and Google, it's become easier than ever for these gurus to gain visibility. But just because they're visible doesn't mean they're credible. The true professionals in the roofing industry are those who have honed their craft over years, if not decades. They have tangible success stories, not just viral marketing campaigns.

The Manufacturing Dilemma; The industry's challenges don't stop with marketing gurus. There's a significant issue with manufacturers who seem to have forgotten their place. Many roofing professionals are essentially paying these manufacturers to market their products. It's baffling to think that some of the biggest names in roofing manufacturing, like GAF (originally General Aniline & Film), have limited knowledge about the actual roofing industry. Their expertise lies in marketing, not roofing.  Or by their namesake Film.  Not roofing.

Yet, many roofing contractors allow these manufacturing giants to influence their business decisions. When you're the one promoting their products, why should you settle for minimal returns? It's time for a wake-up call.

In Conclusion, The next time Mother Nature decides to throw a party, maybe we should all RSVP. Who knows? You might just find your next career move amidst the chaos. Cheers to the opportunists! But let's be real, it's not like they're weather wizards or anything. Most of them probably couldn't predict rain if they were standing in it. Now, they're on the internet, trying to stay relevant, doing the bare minimum, enticing the sellers of the sale. All while giving their egos a nice little massage. The roofing industry belongs to the hardworking professionals who've dedicated their lives to it, not to fleeting internet gurus or out-of-touch manufacturers. It's crucial to remember your worth, trust your instincts, and make decisions that benefit you and your business. Don't let anyone else dictate the trajectory of your career.

On a personal note, I don't think everyone of these people are horrible.  Most, but not all.  I feel like many of them are scammers and you just got "took".  

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