Solving Problems, One Roof at a Time
Houston Roofing & Construction nails down solutions
When Nathan Braly, owner and general manager of Houston Roofing & Construction (HRC), pulls into the parking lot of his company, he knows that he and his knowledgeable team have another opportunity to solve problems. “I don’t know what’s going to happen in a day, but let’s greet it with a smile and come up with smart solutions for our customers,” Braly says. This positive attitude is part of what makes his roofing company so special and why the team is celebrating 10 years in the roofing business.
Since 2009, the company’s growth has increased exponentially, especially over the last three years. With eight full-time office employees and 24 full-time crew employees, Braly says the business is booming due to customer referrals and longevity. It also helps when GAF, a Standard Industries company and the nation’s largest roofing material manufacturer, endorses HRC as one of 25 certified GAF Master Elite contractors in the Bayou City.
Culture Is Crucial
HRC employees pride themselves on their culture and approach to business, which Braly says “makes their company compelling and unique.” He adds, “The goal at HRC is to make sure we deliver the best products with the best service in a safe, professional manner. We go to work every day for our customers and know that without them we have nothing. But our employees are our most valuable asset. We seek out individuals with high moral character, and train them to be the best they can be. Our culture is one of teamwork and collaboration, and our customers benefit greatly from this approach.”
When employees pitch new techniques and ideas, it demonstrates a thriving team. They enjoy what they do and have fun doing it. Braly recognizes life is tough enough, and the roofing business is hard. Therefore, he encourages a safe, fun atmosphere.
With employee incentives such as outings and lunches, to a special group space where they can unwind and relax, the team members think of each other as family. Many of the employees tell Braly that just working at HRC is reward enough. Statements like that make him proud of the team and HRC’s culture.
Diverse Team Equals Better Results
One thing that stands out at HRC is the diverse background of the team. “When you have an employee come here from a different vertical than roofing, you get diverse answers, better results and progressive thinking,” Braly says. At twice-weekly production meetings, the staff communicates to solve problems, address customer service issues and collaborate.
One employee whose knowledge is invaluable to the team is senior project manager Marty Hensley, who worked on the ExxonMobil building in Spring, Texas. He is considered a low-slope or “flat roof” expert due to his 13 years in the industry. He offers options and helps clients make educated decisions on what type of roofing systems could work best for their needs. He recently saved a client $300,000 by reassessing the initial roof concept. Hensley’s solution gave the client a better roofing system and a warranty for the product as well.
Making Folks Happy
HRC customers are very vocal about their roofing results. Online reviews indicate the company has an almost 5-star rating on Google. Satisfied customers develop business for the company through referrals to family and friends. The large volume of positive reviews reveals that HRC is consistently exceptional.
The company wants to build rapport with customers through education. Braly likes to call his team “professional problem solvers.” They figure out the best way to address roofing needs and give the customer options. Many competitors do not offer options, he says.
This group also takes pride in explaining every little facet of roofing. Braly mentions one client who was nervous about replacing her roof. Justin, an HRC employee, met with the client and took the time to explain the different roofing systems and the steps it takes to install a new roof. After the meeting, the client called to commend Justin on being honest and patient throughout the process. The fact that he alleviated her fears spoke volumes to the client.
Braly believes that employees who engage with customers help exceed consumer expectations. Educating clients also improves service, which underscores how HRC is intentional in putting its customers first.
Training Raises the Bar at HRC
One key component for HRC is training and raising the bar for employee excellence in the roofing industry. The company sets up specialized training for all its employees through GAF and the Roofing Contractors Association of Texas (RCAT). Even though the roofing industry is not regulated or licensed by the state of Texas, Braly recognizes training is a critical component to staying one step ahead of the competition. Since the team is GAF Master Elite-certified, employees learn proper installation and best practices across the industry. Less than 3 percent of all roofing contractors qualify for this designation.
Since there is no barrier to entrance into the roofing industry, this can make companies and individuals nervous when deciding which roofing company to hire. Braly and his team make sure that decision is an easy one. With training, the team exhibits competency and skills to achieve results for its clients.
Training also gives the employees a sense of ownership and pride in a job well done.
Small but Mighty
As a small roofing company, HRC is a more agile and responsive organization. Braly says, “Generally, a large roofing company is caught up in red tape on making quick decisions. Since HRC is smaller, we can promptly come together with answers for commercial or residential customers.” The team utilizes its knowledge and expertise to react quickly so customers can make decisions.
The small team also participates in the community in a big way. Showing compassion for fellow neighbors, HRC contributes to Habitat for Humanity as one of the nonprofit homebuilder’s designated Community Contractors. Along with building the structures, the company also donates supplies for the houses being built. The team’s altruistic nature toward social accountability exhibits a strong sense of empathy and kindness.
Houston’s Roofer of Choice
Knowledge and expertise play a big role at HRC. Braly feels team members want to get better every single day and improve at practicing their trade. He notices these employees want to learn, grow and improve. He says, “That’s a choice. We want to be the best roofer in the Houston area.” The staff hopes customers in Houston see the difference and make HRC the roofer of choice for many years to come.