How a Woman's Touch Revolutionized a Man's World
How a Woman's Touch Revolutionized a Man's World
How can business owners create a purpose-driven company focused on team growth?
My "why" isn’t about money, which is something I only realized recently. It’s all about relationships and the connections I build. I use Chase Roofing as a platform to run a business that aligns with this purpose. I love seeing the best in people and watching them grow. I’m always learning and believe that self-reflection is key—it's about taking ownership of my actions. When I started focusing on myself, I noticed that the people around me began to thrive as well.
In the construction industry, this growth is easy to spot. You see women entering the field, not realizing it was an option for them, and thriving. I also have many team members in recovery from addiction or who have made mistakes in the past. Despite being judged for their past choices, I can see beyond that and help them grow. I love creating an environment where everyone can rise, stretch, and see their best potential. That’s what drives me and makes me happy to be a part of it all.
What drives business owners to keep growing their company beyond financial success?
Every business owner knows how many things go into running a business. We could talk for years about everything it takes to build a successful company. Often, it’s the challenges and setbacks that teach you the most and help you grow. You get so caught up in making the business work that sometimes you forget to ask yourself why you’re doing it.
Recently, I realized that I could’ve sold my business a long time ago, but I didn’t. That made me wonder, why do I want to keep going? I work with coaches, and through those sessions, I’ve been able to reflect and understand that my "why" has nothing to do with money. I like money and what it allows me to do, but it’s not the driving force. My "why" is about creating opportunities and facilitating something bigger.
Why should business owners set clear roles during growth?
Plan for growth, but don’t let it control you—be strategic about it. One of the most important things I always focus on is the fundamentals. Each stage of growth brings its own challenges, and at the start, it’s about creating systems and processes and getting the right people in the right roles. You can’t emphasize that enough. Whether it’s family, friends, or hired help, you need to evaluate everyone’s strengths and make sure they understand their roles clearly.
Something my husband and I learned is to respect each other’s lanes. For example, if someone asks me a question that’s in John’s area of expertise, I’ll say, “That’s John’s department,” even if I know the answer. It’s not just about knowing the answer—it’s about respecting the other things he’s managing that I might not be aware of. It’s about clear boundaries and respect.
At the beginning, having a plan is critical, as is having the hard conversations to ensure everyone understands and is on board with your plan. If someone isn’t willing, knowledgeable, or capable, you need to let them go because they’re holding up the growth of the business. In hindsight, this could have saved us a lot of time over the years.
Cash flow is another key factor. Plan your budget, track your progress, and be ready to adjust. In today’s world, we face challenges like supply chain disruptions overnight. For example, we suddenly couldn’t install tile roofs, which impacted our revenue. Being flexible and staying in your lane is crucial.
Lastly, relationships are key. Lean on your vendors and banks. Don’t wait until you need money to talk to your banker—establish a line of credit now, so you’re ready when you need it.
What are the best ways for business owners to prevent burnout?
My biggest piece of advice is to take care of yourself first and not wait until you “have time” to do it. If you don’t, you’ll burn out—and that’s not fun. You’re no good to anyone if you’re not taking care of yourself. So, before anything else, schedule things that will recharge you, whatever that looks like for you.
Personally, I’m a big fan of 15-minute breaks. There’s something magical about stopping work for just 15 minutes—whether you listen to music, dance, color, or just stare at the water. It doesn’t matter what you do; you’ll be more productive afterward. Our brains aren’t naturally wired for nonstop work, so it’s essential to take time for yourself. Make sure you’re filled up, so you can give your best.
*This interview has been edited and condensed for clarity.*
