By: Maria Williams

The housing crisis in the United States has reached alarming levels. Recent statistics from the National Low Income Housing Coalition report a shortage of over 7 million affordable rental homes for low-income families nationwide. The homeownership rate has also been steadily declining, making it more difficult for individuals and families to own a home.

With this crisis, contractor companies specializing in exterior repairs for residential properties are needed more than ever. These companies, focusing on roofing, siding, and other exterior maintenance and renovation tasks, have the expertise and capacity to contribute to solving the housing crisis. They can do this by revitalizing existing housing stock. 

Many older homes need repair and renovation to make them livable and safe. These contractors can help extend the lifespan of existing homes by offering services such as roof repairs, siding replacements, and window installations. The result would be an increase in the supply of available housing options. 

Unfortunately, despite the critical role exterior repair contractors play in addressing the housing crisis, a concerning trend in the industry hinders them from doing so—the shortage of skilled workers in the trade. The younger generation isn’t entering the roofing and exterior repair industry at the same rate as previous generations. This lack of new talent entering the field could bring challenges in the future as the demand for skilled labor continues to grow. 

Austin Milam, the co-owner of Roofer911, acknowledges the challenges in attracting new talent and attributes this to multiple factors. “Firstly, I think our generation didn’t grow up with parents who taught us skill-related work. There’s also the perception that construction is a physically demanding and unrewarding career path, so many hesitate to pursue opportunities in the industry,” he remarks.

Milam argues that construction is indeed physically demanding, but unlike popular belief, it offers immense potential for financial success and career advancement. His professional story attests to this.  

The co-owner’s venture into the sector started when he took the opportunity to work for a friend’s father, who owned a roofing company. Even though he was studying finance then, he continued working part-time in the roofing business. It wasn’t long before he recognized the potential within the construction industry.

Milam decided to drop out of school, motivated by the vision of a more lucrative and hands-on career path. He learned about the roofing trade from experts and even conducted inspections himself to understand the complexities of roof repairs and replacements. The turning point in his life came when a retiring industry veteran chose to pass on his company to someone he trusted. 

Believing in Milam’s business acumen, he sold the business to him. Milam and his business partner seized the opportunity to modernize the company’s operations while leveraging its robust client base and established relationships with manufacturers. He embraced technology, and now Roofer911 uses advanced CRM systems to streamline operations.

Milam has also implemented sustainable practices, prioritizing recycling and reuse wherever possible without compromising project quality. He believes this commitment to eco-friendly practices resonates with modern consumers and sets a new standard in the roofing business.

Now, the passionate man has made it his mission to encourage the younger generation to enter the industry. Milam remains optimistic about the industry’s potential for growth. He asserts that although there are advancements in technology, such as automated measurement tools and drone inspections in the field, skilled labor and human touch are a must, especially in specialized tasks like shingle and slate work.

Recognizing the importance of nurturing talent, Roofer911 offers apprenticeship opportunities to those eager to enter the industry, provided they embody the company’s core values of integrity, reliability, and accountability. Milam hopes that by promoting a culture of learning and growth, more individuals realize the industry’s potential and join their ranks. 

Roofer911, led by Milam, aims to shape the next generation of skilled workers and leaders in the exterior repair sector through mentorship, hands-on training, and a shared commitment to excellence. With this, the forward-thinking company contributes to confronting the challenges of the housing crisis head-on, all while shaping the future of housing and construction.

Published by: Holy Minoza