There seems to be an underdog whose success is rising as one of the top career choices in this economy: Hail and Wind Damage Roofing Sales.  This career was not as popular five years ago as it is today.  It has come to the forefront of a career choice for many people; including women.  How it works is this:  You must have a gift in sales and working with people to start.  Not just anyone can be a roofing salesperson.  It takes dedication and hard work.  The work is similar to a Real Estate Career.  Commission sales is how you get paid, but there are no benefits offered and you must be willing to travel anywhere in the U.S.  Storm chasers are what they are called.  There have been start-up companies that have gone in and made a lot of money offering a new roof with the premise that they will build your roof off of insurance proceeds of the homeowner.  Unbeknown to the homeowner, some fly-by-night companies have made this trade look very bad due to the fact that they over-promise and under-deliver.   These companies will ask for money upfront and do the roof, only to find the homeowner frustrated at shoddy work and no one to contact for repairs.    A lot of homeowners across the country are catching on to this scam and are wary of roofing salespeople coming to their door and see them as peddlers trying to make a quick buck.

Fortunately, there are legitimate companies who offer hard-working crews who will put on a new roof for their customers who pay out of their insurance and in turn, get a nice looking roof!  There is usually no money involved for the customer to pay and they get a new roof without paying a dime.  It is interesting the way it works.  Most companies who are legitimate have been in business for quite awhile and have a main office somewhere in the States, as well as satellite offices  depending on the weather across the U.S.  These companies are usually rated highly by the Better Business Bureau and are recommended by Insurance companies such as State Farm or other family insurance companies.

My husband, who is a full-time Career Roofer, Salesman, General Manager and Project Manager, was asked a few questions about roofing:

1.        What makes roofing so lucrative, for example, how much can you make doing this?

An average salary for a salesperson last year across the country was $85,000.

2.       How do you get started, for example, if you don't live in a hail or storm area in the U.S., do you have to relocate?

People need roofs everywhere.  However, with the economy in the state that it's in, working hail zone areas where insurance companies pay for the work, the work is more plentiful.

3.       What are the requirements for being a successful roofing salesperson?  

You need an outgoing personality, a strong work ethic, not be afraid of heights and the willingness to learn.

If you are interested in the roofing business, a common place in looking for work would be a website called rooferscoffeeshop.com.  You can find employment anywhere in the country.  Go to your local neighborhood roofing company.  Look them up online and make sure they are a legitimate company.  Having a construction background helps and good math and computer skills are a plus but not required. 

For local jobs, go to www.craigslist.com, and for national job listings, go to www.monster.com, and for temporary jobs, go to www.manpower.com.

This article is dedicated to my wonderful husband and best friend; Dennis McCarty, who inspires me to reach new heights of greatness every single day of my life.