Aren't All Roofers Drunks, Dropouts, or Dopes? And Other Common Misconceptions
A look at the team at Pro Exteriors based in Milton, DE
It’s A New Era
It’s an old stereotype: the shady contractor who shows up in a beat-up truck, takes your down payment, and disappears. Or the roofer who’s a heavy drinker, a dropout, or worse. These images have long been part of the public perception of the trades. But are they true?
The short answer is no. While you may still encounter some of these stereotypes, the exterior remodeling industry has undergone a massive transformation in recent years. Today, it’s a legitimate, professional, and highly skilled field. Let's take a look at the facts and debunk some common misconceptions.
The Evolution of the Trades
The idea that you can't make a decent living in the trades is a thing of the past. For a long time, there was a big push for everyone to go to college, with manual labor jobs often being looked down on. However, that mindset is shifting.
Personalities like Mike Rowe from the show "Dirty Jobs" have worked to change this perception, championing blue-collar jobs as viable and profitable career paths. And it's true—people in the trades can make a great living. Check out what you can expect to be paid in a number of fields by clicking here. While the work can be hot in the summer and cold in the winter, the sense of pride you get from building something with your own hands is unmatched.
“…the sense of pride you get from building something with your own hands is unmatched.”
The industry is also dealing with a massive labor shortage. The older generation of skilled tradespeople is retiring, and there aren't enough new people entering the field to replace them. This has created a huge opportunity for those who are willing to learn a trade. Companies are now offering competitive wages and comprehensive training programs to attract new talent.
More Than Just a Job: It’s a Career
The trades are a great option for people who are hands-on learners and love solving problems. Math, for instance, isn't just theory here—it's a practical tool you use every day to measure, cut, and build. This can be incredibly rewarding for those who didn't thrive in a traditional classroom setting.
If you're a high school student thinking about a career in exterior contracting, don’t feel pressured to go to college if it's not the right fit for you. Consider asking a reputable company if you can shadow one of their project managers or crew members for a day. This is a low-risk way to get an honest look at what the job is like and see if it aligns with your skills and personality.
Beyond the physical skills, successful contractors need to be good with people, especially when it comes to conflict management. Homeownership is an emotional investment, and being able to handle a client's frustrations with empathy and a promise to make things right is a skill that will take you far.
The Business Side of the Hammer
You can be the best roofer in the world, but if you don't know how to run a business, you won't last. The good news is, you don’t need to be an expert at everything. If you're physically skilled, but lack business acumen, you can work for an established company and learn the ropes. The cash flow issues that kill most contractors can be avoided if you work for a company that has the business side of things handled.
Conversely, if you're a skilled business person who has never swung a hammer, there’s a place for you in this industry too. Many people with finance degrees are finding success in home building and contracting. While a background in the physical work can be helpful, it’s not a requirement to run a successful company.
A New Era of Professionalism
There’s no hiding a Pro Exteriors truck when it’s on the job site.
The old image of the unprofessional contractor is fading away. The internet and social media have made it easier than ever for customers to share their experiences—good and bad—which holds contractors accountable.
Today, reputable companies are focused on professionalism. This means showing up in a fully branded vehicle, wearing a clean, branded uniform, and presenting a professional business card and folder. This shift signals to the customer that they're dealing with a serious, legitimate company, not a fly-by-night operation.
This transformation is also being noticed by some big-time investors. In recent years, private equity firms have started buying up home improvement companies, with some funds worth billions of dollars investing in roofing and siding businesses. When Wall Street starts to get involved, it’s a clear sign that the industry is seen as a legitimate, profitable, and stable business.
So, the next time you hear one of those old stereotypes, you can rest assured that the industry has changed. The best contractors today are professionals who are proud of their work, their businesses, and the careers they've built with their own two hands.
Want to hear more on this from a man who has more than two decades in the field? Check out episode 11 of the “You Ask, The PROs Answer” podcast, where we discuss this very topic by clicking here, or by watching the video below.
