Starting a roofing company takes more than knowing how to sell and install a roof. For Jacob Vollmer, owner of Skybird Roofing in North Carolina, that lesson came through experience, mistakes, and a willingness to ask for help.
On this episode of the Roofing Success Podcast, Jacob joins Jim Ahlin to discuss his journey from the contractor desk at Lowe’s to business ownership—and what he’s learning about leading a team.
Find Mentors Who Understand Your Stage of Business
Jacob learned the roofing business by working alongside an experienced contractor, observing everything from homeowner conversations to job site management. When he launched his own company, he continued seeking guidance.
His advice: find someone who has worked through the challenges you’re facing now. A strategy that works for a $200 million company may not fit a $2 million operation. Before attending a conference or investing in coaching, identify the specific problems you need help solving.
Give Your Team Clear Priorities
When Jacob struggled to decide what to tackle next, a conversation with Jim led him to read Traction and introduce structured team meetings.
Those meetings helped the team discuss problems, debate priorities, and establish direction. Jacob is honest that consistency remains a challenge, but the structure gave the business a clearer sense of purpose beyond chasing the next sale.
For roofing owners facing a long task list, the takeaway is practical: consider both the importance of a problem and the effort required to solve it. Smaller improvements can help you make progress toward bigger goals.
Turn Mistakes Into Better Decisions
Jacob shares mistakes ranging from job site damage to paying for unused software. His approach is to learn from those experiences and focus team conversations on what needs to change.
That requires accountability and room for honest discussion. Working with his siblings has helped create an environment where people feel comfortable challenging decisions—including his own.
Roofing teams need that same permission to speak up. When employees believe their input matters, problems are more likely to surface while there’s still an opportunity to address them.
Make Everyday Conversations Teaching Moments
Jacob also looks for opportunities to let newer team members hear how he handles difficult homeowner conversations. Jim suggests taking that practice further by using call transcripts and AI to identify specific coaching moments for team meetings.
The goal is to help employees build the confidence and judgment to handle situations themselves.
Jacob’s story is a reminder that leadership develops through daily choices: seeking guidance, setting priorities, owning mistakes, and helping others grow.
Listen to the full episode of the Roofing Success Podcast with Jacob Vollmer for an honest conversation about building a roofing company while becoming a better owner.
