Podcast 148: Why You Should Develop Strategic Partnerships With Your Suppliers with Jon Gardner

Have I got a jam-packed episode for you today! I’ll be covering some industry news about upcoming expos, a new app from Owens Corning, the importance of networking, and timely information on the advantage of strategic partnerships.

I want to remind you first, though, about how important it is to have a business plan in place. You can download my FREE 1-Page Business Plan from my website to help you with that, and then you need to be consistent. Remember, when you have consistency built into your business plan you’re going to see results, and keeping consistent with those little things is what’s going to help bring you success!

Next week is the IRE, the International Roofing Expo in Dallas, TX, from February 4th-6th. This is a great opportunity to network with other contractors and see what’s going on out there. They also offer some great educational seminars, so if you have a chance to attend, you absolutely should.

Have you ever participated in the Owens Corning University Contractor Business Building Show? This is a phenomenal show you’ll want to go to, especially if you can’t make it to the IRE in Dallas. Owens Corning takes their show around the country on numerous dates, and the number of contractors and vendors you’ll be able to network with is something you don’t want to miss. Did I mention that it’s FREE?

Owens Corning has a new program called ProSell, and it’s a new way of in-home estimating that I think you’re going to love. I’ll be giving you all the details of that in this show.

Today I talk with Owens Corning National Training Leader Jon Gardner about the advantages of strategic partnerships with your suppliers. These include differentiating your business from your competition as an approved contractor, online classes for business and field training, and the opportunity to network with other professional contractors from around the country, and much more. I’ve seen these advantages first hand in my roofing business as an Owens Corning approved contractor for over 20 years.

Show Highlights:

The long term value is not saving a few bucks on a bundle of shingles, but forming relationships.
Advantages of partnering with a material manufacturer:
Partnerships provide tools and resources that are more difficult to obtain outside of these relationships.
When partnered with a manufacturer, part of their obligation and purpose is to help a contractor build their business.
Differentiates contractors by leveraging the manufacturer’s brand recognition, and to help build trust in the brand.
Homeowners are savvy and able to thoroughly research the brands used by the contractor during the “hiring” process and feel more confidence and trust when a contractor is partnering with a manufacturer.
As a contractor, you’re able to charge a higher price because you can provide more value, based on the trust and relationship with the manufacturer.