How To Grow A Multi-Million Dollar Roofing Business in 3 Years

Ian Smith, Founder of Omega Exteriors, sits down with Jim Ahlin, host of The Roofing Success Podcast to share how roofing contractors can grow and achieve optimal success in their roofing businesses.

From Humble Beginnings to Roofing Success: Ian Smith’s Journey to Building Omega Exteriors

At just 26 years old, Ian Smith, the dynamic founder of Omega Exteriors, has turned his vision into a multi-million dollar roofing business. Growing up with limited resources and experiencing the loss of his father at a young age, Ian transformed these early hardships into the driving force behind his success. His story emphasizes perseverance, resilience, and a relentless pursuit of excellence in the roofing industry - one that has inspired many.

Overcoming Adversity and Shaping Success

Ian’s path to success wasn’t straightforward. By leveraging platforms like YouTube and Google, he learned to ask the right questions, honed his craft, and sought out knowledge that would set him apart. Key mentors like John Senac, Chris Zimmerman and Adam Patterson also played a pivotal role, offering guidance that helped Ian navigate challenges throughout the rise of his roofing business.

For those looking to start or scale their own roofing company, Ian’s advice is simple: never underestimate the power of curiosity and networking. Attending industry events, building authentic relationships, and learning from others opened doors and paved his journey that traditional education couldn’t.

Hiring for Character Over Experience

Ian Smith, Founder and Owner of Omega Exteriors.

A thriving company culture is at the heart of Omega Exteriors' success. Ian believes that hiring for character—looking for ethical behavior and a positive attitude—ensures a strong foundation for his team. He emphasizes the importance of creating a supportive environment where employees are empowered to grow both personally and professionally.

While many companies focus heavily on technical skills and past experience, Ian takes a different approach. For him, hiring people with ethical behavior and a positive attitude is far more important. "Skills can be taught," Ian says, "but character is what determines long-term success." By prioritizing individuals who display integrity, work ethic, and a genuine enthusiasm for their work, Ian ensures that his team is aligned with the company’s core values.

This approach has helped Omega Exteriors maintain a high level of professionalism in every aspect of the business. When employees share the same principles, such as honesty and accountability, they naturally create a cohesive and supportive environment, leading to higher performance, customer satisfaction, and overall company growth.

Expanding into New Markets and Earning Community Trust

Ian’s experience also highlights the importance of persistence and trust when expanding into rural markets. Through hard work, genuine connection, and community engagement, Omega Exteriors continues to grow its footprint while maintaining the integrity that earned them trust in the first place. Over the course of three year, Ian expanded his business from his home office in Farmington, Minnesota, to five additional locations including Rochester, Marshall, Brainerd, Ottertail and Duluth.

A Visionary Leader and the Blueprint for Success

Ian’s story is more than just one of business success—it’s a testament to the power of grit and his unwavering commitment to excellence. His ability to transform adversity into opportunity, and his dedication to building a strong company culture, has not only propelled Omega Exteriors into a multi-million dollar enterprise but also set a new standard for leadership in the roofing industry.

By focusing on ethical hiring, fostering a supportive and growth-driven environment, and maintaining a deep connection to the communities he serves, Ian has created a blueprint for sustainable success. His journey reminds us that behind every successful business is a leader who values people, asks the right questions, and never stops learning.

For those looking to follow in Ian’s footsteps, the lessons are clear: build your business on a foundation of integrity, invest in your team, and remain persistent through challenges.

In doing so, like Ian, you can create not only a thriving business but also a lasting legacy.