Stir Episode 53

Melissa and Kevin’s journey with Blue Collar Roofing is a masterclass in blending partnership, creativity, and operational excellence. In this episode of Aginto’s Stir series, hosted by Chris Williams, the couple reveals how they transformed a spark of inspiration into a dynamic two-year-old business that resonates with both homeowners and industry experts. Their candid conversation is a refreshing look at what happens when passion and expertise unite, especially when that journey is shared with the person you love.

A Partnership Forged in Determination

Melissa and Kevin started their venture together—a decision born out of a blend of necessity and opportunity. As Melissa recalls, it all began when Kevin encouraged her to leave the confines of the traditional nine-to-five grind and take a leap into entrepreneurship. “He pushed me off the ledge,” she admits with a smile, a moment that would change everything. With a clear vision in mind, they joined forces, combining Melissa’s expertise in marketing, branding, and graphic design with Kevin’s operational acumen to launch Blue Collar Roofing.

Their story is a testament to the power of encouragement and trust in a partnership. Melissa’s journey began in 2021, a time when many dreams feel both fragile and formidable. Together, they spent intense weeks brainstorming the perfect name—a process that even involved running ideas through Fiverr and ChatGPT. When nothing seemed quite right, inspiration struck during a drive, leading to the creation of “Blue Collar Roofing.” A quick search confirmed the uniqueness of the name in Florida, sealing the deal on what would soon become a recognized brand.

The Power of Branding and Teamwork

From the outset, branding was at the core of their approach. Melissa recalls the exciting rush of seeing their truck wrapped in the Blue Collar Roofing design shortly after finalizing their logo. The couple didn’t just build a business; they built a brand that speaks directly to the hardworking spirit of its target audience. Their branding process wasn’t an insular exercise—it involved feedback from potential customers, including homeowners who would ultimately be their clients. This collaborative approach ensured that the brand didn’t just look good on paper, but resonated with the community it was built to serve.

The early days saw them wearing multiple hats. In the beginning, as Kevin embraced the role of taking care of operations, Melissa managed the marketing and branding aspects of the business. This division of labor allowed each to focus on what they did best while building a structure that would support growth. However, as the business matured—especially after the onset of Hurricane Milton—the dynamics shifted. Challenges in operations necessitated that both step up, blurring the lines of their original roles and requiring them to dive into areas outside their comfort zones.

Overcoming Challenges and Embracing Growth

No entrepreneurial journey is without its trials. For Melissa and Kevin, Hurricane Milton was a pivotal moment that forced them to address shortcomings in operational capacity. “I was hiring people, finding equipment, getting our act together,” Melissa explains, highlighting how the crisis propelled them to re-evaluate and improve their internal processes. This period of rapid change wasn’t without growing pains. Overstepping into areas beyond their expertise created friction, ultimately leading them to implement the Entrepreneurial Operating System (EOS) to better define roles and responsibilities.

Today, each department within Blue Collar Roofing has its own leader—a finance manager, an operations manager, a marketing manager, and a sales manager. Melissa now oversees the marketing and sales components, trusting her team’s expertise while maintaining an overarching view of the business. Kevin has emerged as the integrator, ensuring that every department works in harmony. “Each department has its own reins,” he says, emphasizing the importance of a collaborative yet distinct operational structure.

Their story reflects a broader lesson for aspiring entrepreneur couples. Melissa and Kevin prove that successful partnerships in business don’t happen by accident—they are meticulously built on trust, clear communication, and the willingness to adapt. As a married couple, they’ve learned that it’s possible to maintain both a healthy relationship and a thriving business when roles are respected and each person is allowed to excel in their area of expertise.

A Blueprint for Blue Collar Success

By building Blue Collar Roofing from the ground up, Melissa and Kevin have demonstrated that passion and practicality can coexist. Their journey is a reminder that every challenge, from branding to crisis management, is an opportunity to refine and strengthen a business. Their willingness to learn from early missteps, implement structured systems like EOS, and continuously seek feedback has set them on a path toward sustainable success.

In an industry where every roofing job matters, Blue Collar Roofing stands out not only for its quality of work but for the heart and innovation behind it. Melissa and Kevin’s story is one of perseverance, ingenuity, and a shared vision that extends far beyond the business itself.

Watch the full Stir interview with Melissa and Kevin of Blue Collar Roofing on Aginto’s website to hear more about their journey, challenges, and triumphs in building a brand that truly reflects the blue collar spirit.