How to Build a Legacy Roofing Company (Without Burning Out) with Curtis Eshghy
Scaling Isn’t Just About Growth — It’s About Maturity
Curtis Eshghy leads one of the fastest-growing roofing companies in the country, with over $30 million in annual revenue and 250+ employees. But as he tells it, his real growth didn’t come from hiring more salespeople or launching new offices. It came from stepping back, thinking bigger, and evolving as a leader.
This episode is packed with insights into what it takes to grow a truly legacy-driven roofing business — without losing yourself in the process.
From Doer to Coach: Seeing the Whole Field
Curtis compares his leadership evolution to football. Early on, he was on the field, making every play. But as the company scaled, he learned to become the coach, then the offensive coordinator, and eventually the GM watching from the skybox.
“You don’t see the whole field until you step back. That’s when you start making better decisions for everyone.”
That shift gave him clarity — and helped him understand where he was the best asset, and where others could shine brighter.
150 Installers, 4 Gutter Trucks, and a Tough Lesson
In an ambitious move, CN Roofing hired 150 full-time installers and built an in-house labor force. They also purchased and staffed full gutter operations.
It was a massive operational lift — and a huge liability.
While the strategy taught them a ton, Curtis emphasizes the importance of evaluating ROI, adjusting quickly, and not holding onto ideas just because they’re ambitious.
“Playing it safe will never get you anywhere. But when you take risks, make sure you’re ready to adjust fast.”
Ego vs. Efficiency: Letting Go of What No Longer Works
One of the biggest challenges Curtis faced was learning when to walk away — not just from bad hires, but from entire ideas, offices, or projects that weren’t working.
“There’s no glory in keeping seven offices open if three are dragging down the other four.”
In 2024, CN Roofing focused on balance — scaling intentionally, cutting what didn’t work, and making space for what did. This also meant pulling out of ego-driven decisions and realigning the company with its original values.
Leading Leaders: Empowering the Team to Own Their Roles
Curtis didn’t grow a powerhouse company by micromanaging. In fact, 2024 became a year of delegating decision-making and letting team members live with the outcomes.
That includes sales leaders, production heads, and even back-office staff — many of whom started in entry-level roles and worked their way up.
“The guy running production today? He was in accounting last year. The year before that, he was in sales. Now he sees the whole process and solves problems before they start.”
This cross-functional understanding gives CN Roofing a huge edge. It also creates loyalty and long-term leadership from within.
Risk Reduction: The Hidden Growth Lever
Curtis’s biggest mindset shift? Realizing that with growth comes greater risk — and responsibility.
“I’ve got 250 people counting on me. I can’t afford to make careless decisions anymore. That means personal risk reduction too.”
That includes how he drives, who he talks to, and how available he makes himself. Being the face of a high-profile brand means staying protected legally, financially, and personally.
Marketing That Moves the Needle
Curtis didn’t hold back in 2024. He went big on brand with billboards on expressways, a new AI-optimized website, and heavy outside marketing investments. The goal? Let the brand sell, not just the sales team.
“We’re not just selling roofs anymore. We’re selling a brand — and the brand is what sells the roofs.”
It’s working. CN Roofing had three reps close over $2.3M each in sales, thanks to tighter systems, stronger leadership, and better lead flow.
Culture Isn’t an Accident — It’s a Legacy
The emotional high point of the episode? Curtis reflecting on the Christmas party, where employees celebrated each other like family.
“Watching the camaraderie and the joy — it hit me. We built something real.”
Many employees are close friends and family. But the culture goes beyond that. It’s about creating opportunity for people to transform their lives — and watching that happen is the real reward.
Final Reflection: Growth With Purpose
Curtis isn’t chasing a 9-figure exit (though private equity is knocking). His vision is about more than money:
“I just want to spend my life around the people I choose — and who choose me.”
That’s the heartbeat of CN Roofing. Yes, the company is scaling. But it’s scaling with purpose, led by someone who’s just as focused on who they’re building with as what they’re building.
