b'MRCA STEEP SLOPESo, the MRCA is setting up for their 69th Annual Conference and Expo in Omaha, NebraskaSo What?.Big Deal!Who Cares?Jim PetersonPeterson Roofing, Inc. in Mt. Prospect, ILW HAT??? From what I understand, Omaha was hit with a few hail storms and severe weather events this past year and the area is getting bombarded with storm chasing roofing companies who are eating up all the market share.Due to this, some local roofing companies will lose their business, some will have to downsize and others may capitalize on the opportunity. Obviously, capitalizing on the opportunity sounds like the best option, but how?Let me tell you this, since I started my roofing company in 1978, hail storms were welcomed since they definitely created work for us.After a storm, when homeowners realized their roofs were damaged, they would call a few local roofing companies to get bids.They would thenWell, thats what the BIG DEAL is at the MRCAs convention send the bids to their insurance companies and decidethis year in Omaha.You wont have to go through the trial which company to contract with to replace their roof.Noand error of hard knocks that we did in order to learn how big deal.There was enough market share for all.Thisto deal with and compete with the storm chasers game. would all change. The MRCAs Steep Slope University will be providing a In the year 2000, our area was hit with another hail storm.panel of contractors that have experienced, survived and Suddenly, after the storm, there were people (now knowneven thrived in these types of situations.These contractors as door knockers) everywhere.Without even getting onwill be there to share their experiences and answer any the roofs, they were telling homeowners that not only didquestions in an open discussion forum.they need a new roof, but they can get it done for freeLindsey Douglas, from the Disaster Advocates, will follow from the insurance companies.WHAT HAPPENED?Wherethe contractors panel and help us understand how to deal did these people come from?They had their companywith insurance adjusters and insurance companies.She signs in every yard.I had never heard of any of thesewill describe how to read and handle insurance scopes companies.Our phone was NOT ringing as it usually doesof work.Having heard Lindsey previously, this is a MUST after a storm.Next thing I know, I see them installing roofssee if youre trying to learn the insurance game.Learn to everywhere.WHAT THE HECK IS GOING ON??? avoid common mistakes, how to compete in the storm Well, they are referred to as storm chasers.Our entiremarket and reclaim your market share.industry was in the process of a very big change. Even if youre not from Nebraska, I am sure youve When we did get a call for an estimate, from a homeownerexperienced the storm chasing game.So, come on who had been referred to us, the feedback was usuallyout and benefit from the Steep Slope University.See something like; your contract looks great and we knowyou there!youre a good company, but this other company is gettingAgain, I would like to thank the MRCA for making this Steep our roof done for free and they will even handle the entireSlope University possible to help keep us contractors up process with the insurance company. to snuff on industry standards, regulations and overall What do I do? How are they doing this? How do Ibusiness knowledge.learn the game?How do I compete? P.S. Dont forget to see all that is offered to new roofing contractors on the MRCAs website, its unbelievable.I What do I do? How are they doing this? How do I learnwish I would have known this in 1978.the game?How do I compete?34 www.mrca.orgMidwest Roofer'