Top 3 Roofers Podcast

How New Roofers Win Trust FAST

Guest: Jacob Lafferty & James Burdette

Owners at Triple J Roofing and Restoration

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About Our Guest

James Burdette and Jacob Lafferty of Triple J Roofing

Company Phone Number:
(478) 559-7663

Bio

At Triple J Roofing and Restoration LLC, we believe that every project deserves the highest level of care and craftsmanship. Founded by Jacob Lafferty and James Burdette, our locally owned business has been proudly serving Central Georgia for over five years. We specialize in roofing and restoration services that enhance the safety, beauty, and value of your property. Our team works closely with homeowners and businesses to provide customized solutions built to last. From the first inspection to the final clean-up, we ensure a smooth and stress-free experience. With a reputation built on trust, transparency, and quality workmanship, Triple J continues to be a name families and businesses rely on.

Links

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    Episode Summary

    How New Roofers Win Trust

    BBQ, Faith, Baseball & Community Is Their Competitive Edge

    What does it take to build trust fast in one of the most competitive roofing markets in the country?

    In this episode of the Top 3 Roofers Podcast, Carm Taglia sits down with James Burdette and Jacob Lafferty of Triple J Roofing & Restoration in Macon, Georgia to talk about how they are growing a young roofing company through transparency, community involvement, relentless consistency, and a commitment to doing things the right way.

    Triple J Roofing has built its reputation by showing up differently. From door knocking and detailed roof inspections to build-day barbecues, local sponsorships, referral programs, military and first responder incentives, and a strong presence throughout Central Georgia, James and Jacob understand that homeowners rarely choose a roofer based on one advertisement.

    They choose the company they recognize, trust, and believe will still be there when something goes wrong.

    The conversation also dives into the dangers of choosing a roofing contractor based on price alone, how bad workmanship can leave homeowners paying twice, why roofing companies need to prepare for a future less dependent on insurance claims, and how Triple J is developing its team to create future leaders—not just salespeople.

    Jacob also shares his personal journey from serving five years in prison at a young age to building a career in roofing, making six figures in his first year in sales, starting a family, and now creating similar opportunities for others.

    This is a conversation about roofing, but even more than that, it is about reputation, leadership, second chances, community, and building something that lasts.

    Takeaways

    • Transparency and education build more trust than aggressive sales tactics.
    • Homeowners should look beyond the lowest roofing estimate and understand what is actually included.
    • Community involvement creates familiarity that traditional advertising alone cannot buy.
    • Reviews, local visibility, sponsorships, referrals, and consistent branding work together to build trust.
    • Roofing companies that rely entirely on storms and insurance claims may struggle as the industry changes.
    • Building a strong retail roofing business creates greater long-term stability.
    • Great companies do not just hire salespeople—they develop future leaders.
    • Your reputation is built by what happens after the check clears.
    • Sometimes the hardest door to get through in sales is your own truck door.

    Resources & Links

    FAQ

    How can a new roofing company build trust quickly in a crowded market?

    A new roofing company builds trust faster by combining repeated local visibility with strong execution. Show up on time, explain the roofing process clearly, document inspections with photos, collect reviews after completed jobs, and stay visible through signs, community events, sponsorships, and neighborhood outreach. Each touchpoint reinforces that the company is local, active, professional, and accountable.

    How should roofing salespeople use inspections to earn trust?

    Treat the inspection as an opportunity to educate, not pressure the homeowner. Arrive on time, investigate the actual source of the problem, document existing conditions, and explain what you found in plain language. Recommend only what the roof needs. Photo reports, drone inspections, attic checks, and clear repair options show that the salesperson is solving a problem rather than chasing a larger sale.

    How can a roofer win when its estimate is higher than a competitor’s?

    Do not attack the lower-priced contractor or immediately discount the job. Explain what your company controls: installation standards, supervision, materials, warranty support, communication, and how quickly you respond after the check is collected. A higher estimate becomes easier to defend when the homeowner understands what is included, who will oversee the project, and who will still answer if a problem appears later.

    How does community involvement help roofing companies build trust?

    Community involvement creates familiarity before a homeowner needs a roof. Sponsorships, local events, build-day cookouts, referral programs, and visible support for schools, teams, military members, and first responders give people repeated reasons to recognize the company. One activity may not create an immediate call, but multiple local touchpoints make later door knocks, yard signs, reviews, and estimates feel more credible.

    What is the best way for roofing companies to generate more Google reviews?

    Make the review request part of the job closeout process instead of leaving it to chance. During the final walkthrough or payment pickup, tell the customer that a review link will arrive with the invoice and explain why their feedback matters. Follow up politely if needed. Consistent review requests create current proof of completed work and help future customers evaluate the company before calling.

    How can roofing owners make door knocking feel more trustworthy?

    Door knocking feels more trustworthy when the representative is knowledgeable, relaxed, and clear that the inspection carries no obligation. Use simple conversation, explain what you can check, and avoid manufacturing urgency or claiming every roof needs replacement. Local familiarity, professional presentation, and a willingness to state the facts help lower defenses. People are more comfortable buying from a real person than a rehearsed pitch.

    Why does visible owner involvement build trust in a roofing company?

    When owners attend inspections, oversee builds, communicate directly, and respond to warranty concerns, customers see that the people whose names are attached to the company are personally accountable. That matters most for a newer roofer competing against established contractors or storm chasers. Owner involvement turns claims about quality and service into visible behavior that homeowners, neighbors, and employees can verify.

    How can a growing roofing company protect trust as it hires salespeople?

    Do not give a new hire a shirt and immediately send them onto roofs. Build a progression that starts with roofing education, appointment setting, and supervised field experience. Require consistency before increasing responsibility. Shadow representatives, review their work, correct mistakes, and make them earn the company’s trust. A structured training ladder protects roofs, homeowners, and the reputation the owners worked to build.

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