Great American Rooing Co. Inc. Company Spotlight
Back to MediaVentura County Star, 13 June 2003
Owners: Rod and Michelle Menzel
Type of products or services: Commercial and residential roofing services
Where: 3120 Paseo Mercado, Suite No. 104, Oxnard
Date established: May 1999
Telephone: 485-9426
E-mail: info@greatwayroofing.com
Web site: www.greatwayroofing.com
Employees: 14
Start-up capital: $60,000
Estimated gross revenues: $200,000
Question to Rod Menzel:
Why did you decide to start your own business?
After eight years in the banking industry, I wanted a greater challenge and decided to follow my family roots and enter the construction arena. With my management experience in banking along with Michelle’s marketing experience, we believed we had the knowledge and drive to run a successful company.
What was your background before you started your business?
I received a bachelor’s degree in both finance and real estate from California State University, Northridge, and then went right into banking where I worked my way up the ladder to becoming a vice president in four years. Michelle earned her bachelor’s degree in psychology from CSUN as well. Michelle has more than 12 years experience in marketing, working for such corporations as Sizzler International, Kinko’s and Technicolor.
What do you consider unique about your business?
We have developed a niche in the commercial sector with our Energy Star Cool Roof Systems. As opposed to the standard hot asphalt roof, we offer commercial building owners a product that has over a 25-year track record for greater longevity and efficiency. The Cool Roofs are known for their increased energy savings, providing a true return on investment. Roofing contractors must be certified by the manufacturers in order to install the Cool Roof system as well as invest upfront in the special equipment. There are very few roofing contractors in Ventura County offering the Cool Roof Systems so we felt this would allow us more opportunity to grow and stay one0step ahead of our competition.
In addition, we started our company with the idea that customer service would be our primary focus since the industry on a whole is not known for this trait. We pride ourselves on knowing the value of our customers and want them to be completely satisfied. Our crews have more than 15 years experience in roof installation. Our staff has been fully trained and follows our company system so nothing falls through the cracks.
What business courses have you found to be most valuable in getting your business off the ground and keeping it going?
My accounting and finance background along with education has given me the knowledge to set-up financial systems and a solid infrastructure for the company. I am always interested in learning how to make the company better as well as increase my business knowledge so I regularly attend business seminars/classes as well as read books. In addition, Michelle’s marketing experience has given us the opportunity to promote our business using tactics that are out-of-the-box for our industry. We’ve had great success so far and plan to continue utilizing dollars to market our business in this fashion. Michelle is taking graphic design classes to increase her knowledge and wealth for the company.
What are your plans for expansion, new products or hiring new employees?
We plan to expand within the commercial segment with the Energy Star Cool Roof Systems. There is a definite need for a cost-effective alternative to standard hot asphalt roofs. As we expand our market share in this niche, we will look to increase our number of crews as needed.
What were the biggest hurdles you overcame?
Developing and rolling out company-wide systems. We feel that in order to provide the customers with a level of quality and service they expect, we must have all of our employees working from the same page. Our current systems have helped us a great deal executing daily business functions so that we can pursue other opportunities to grow our business.
Who is your target client/customer base?
Local building owners, property managers and residential customers in Ventura County.
What is your strategy to increase market share?
Executing our marketing and sales strategies and tactic, targeting both commercial and residential markets. Continue to keep our customers happy by providing quality workmanship and great service. By maintaining high standards and delivering quality and service, we have increased our referral business by 50 percent over last year and hope this continues to grow.
What kind of completion does your business face?
There are multiple roofing contractors within Ventura County who provide a very good service. We are constantly working to improve our level of service and provide added value to our customers.
