Learning from Roofing Contractors: The Importance of Community and Teamwork
December 8, 2023
As I Meet Roofing Contractors Nationwide, I'm Always Amazed by Their Stories.
They've started their own businesses and faced tough times with so much courage. Their experiences show us that working together makes us stronger.
Sharing and Working Together Makes Us Stronger
I started to really grow in my personal and work life around 2017. This was when I began to talk openly in small groups, sharing ideas and problems. Being honest and open in these groups helped me find new ways to do better in business and understand myself more.
Being True to Yourself
The biggest change in my life was learning to be my true self. This wasn't just about feeling good personally; it was about encouraging others to find their true selves too. I started telling people about the power of finding a group, a mentor, or a community that shares your goals and values.
The Arena: A Place for Leaders to Grow
Together with Joseph Hughes from Contractor Dynamics, we started a community called
The Arena
. It quickly became a place where people with different levels of business success could come together. But what's really special about The Arena is the people – leaders who want to do great things for their teams and communities.
Insights from the Best of Success Conference
Recently, we attended the
Best of Success Conference
in Frisco, Texas. It was an enlightening experience, packed with valuable insights and great for relationship building. We had impromptu client dinners, received fantastic feedback, and listened to roofers from across the country about their experiences and struggles. Highlighting that they aren’t just out there chasing leads, but the relationships and consultative support they need to reach the next level of growth. It's amazing to not only hear about their successes, but also give space to voice frustrations and offer help where we can.
Leadership in Every Part of Life
Being a good leader is about more than just business. It's about being a better family member, partner, and person in your community. In The Arena, we focus on this kind of leadership. It's about growing, being open, and celebrating many successes. We build a support system that helps everyone keep learning and sharing.
Sharing and Helping Each Other
I encourage you to find your group, ask for help when needed, and be open and honest. Share what you know and your successes. Think about giving more than receiving. By sharing, we make our own lives richer and help make the world a better place. We all have things to teach and share, and it's important to pass this on to others.
Conclusion: Growing Together
As we go through life, let's remember how important it is to work together and be real leaders. It's not just about doing well in business; it's about creating a place where everyone can do well, learn, and give back. By finding your group and being your true self, you can change your life and make a big difference in the lives of others.
Whether you're driving, building, or reflecting — catch every episode of The Big Fish Cares Podcast on your favorite platform.
Where Real Conversations Live
Looking for more? Start here.
September 11, 2025
Charlie Kirk — a young man who built one of the most powerful youth movements in America — was assassinated in front of thousands at a rally. A sniper, 200 yards away, silenced a voice mid-sentence. And in an instant, we were reminded of the fragility of life, the cost of vision, and the high price of freedom.
August 25, 2025
I used to think winning was about stacking more wins. Build it. Grow it. Repeat. Lately, I’m a lot more interested in how we build without breaking the people we love — including ourselves. This week on Big Fish Cares , I sat down with Jonathan D. Reynolds (CEO, Titus Talent Strategies ) to talk about purpose, fatherhood, faith, and the simple truth he keeps coming back to:“Most company problems are people problems.” The 15-year-old question At 15, Jonathan asked his parents what he was “created to do.” Their answer: live in the service of others . He didn’t love that answer then. He lives it now — helping leaders find the right people, and helping people find the work they’re built for. That turned into a business and a calling. My advice would be: if you’re still waiting for a lightning-bolt purpose, serve where you stand. Purpose shows up when your service gets specific. For-profit, for good Titus calls itself for-profit for good: build a healthy company and use the profits to help those who need it most. They set a goal to give $30M by 2030 and are already about 70% of the way there . That’s not performative — that’s operationalized generosity. What I would recommend: design comp plans and culture like a family you’d be proud of. Jonathan’s team incentive started as his kids’ allowance…and it works. Leading at work vs. leading at home We talked about the gap a lot of us feel: Compassionate at work, impatient at home. Driver in the office, bulldozer in the living room. Jonathan built a transition ritual before walking through the door — slow down, ask better questions at dinner (“What was the hardest part of your day?” “What brought you joy?”), and be there. That’s leadership too. When you can’t fix it Jonathan’s parents have been detained by the Taliban in Afghanistan . No charges. No clear path. He stood outside the White House with his daughter asking for help. Impossible to carry — and yet this line anchored him: “I can’t control that. I can control my trust. I can control my love. I can control whether I get bitter.” Stay low. Stay humble. Control what you can control. That isn’t a slogan. It’s survival for leaders getting hit by real life. Try this week One conversation: name a “people problem” you’re avoiding and address it directly. One boundary: pick a start/stop for work and keep it. One practice: give something away (time, cash, credit). Open hands move resources faster. If you’re carrying a lot right now, you’re not alone. The goal isn’t a perfect life. The goal is a grounded one. Listen to the episode: Apple Podcasts If this resonated, come do the work with us inside The Pond — founders who want growth and peace in the same breath











