Service to Shingles: Why Roofing is the Perfect Career for Veterans

Photo by Raze Solar on Unsplash

As many of our readers know, transitioning from military service to civilian life can present a wide assortment of unique challenges for veterans, especially in finding fulfilling careers that make the best use of their unique skill sets acquired from being in the service. 

In many cases, veterans tend to struggle to identify industries that align with their values, discipline, and leadership experience. Through our research and talking to veterans in the industry, we have come to learn that the roofing industry offers practical and rewarding employment for veterans, combining physical work, teamwork, and career growth opportunities. 

One inspiring example that we will get into is Brandon Foote, a Marine Corps veteran who transformed his military expertise into entrepreneurial success down in Huntsville, Alabama. His journey and all of the other topics we will cover today will only serve as a model for other veterans looking for a career now that they are back stateside.

Challenges Veterans Face in Career Transitions

The challenges of transitioning from the military to civilian life very often extend beyond just employment. 

Veterans tend to face difficulties in adapting to a less structured, “open-ended” environment. They can find themselves struggling to translate their military skills into civilian terms and find careers that offer both stability and purpose.

Loss of Structure

Any veteran would agree that the military provides a well-defined structure with clear goals and a defined sense of purpose. 

Because of this, veterans often thrive in environments where every role and task contributes to a greater purpose or mission. After service, the civilian workforce can feel somewhat disorganized or lacking in direction for a veteran. 

The sheer absence of structure and a defined mission can lead to feelings of frustration or aimlessness, making it harder to adapt and work back into society again.

With that being said, the roofing industry offers veterans a chance to regain some of that sense of purpose. Each roofing project has clear objectives, from planning and preparation to execution and completion. 

For a veteran, being able to see the tangible results of their work and feel a sense of accomplishment can be beneficial, similar to completing an operation in the field.

Difficulty Translating Military Skills

Each and every veteran brings invaluable skills to the table, such as leadership, teamwork, and problem-solving under pressure. 

However, many struggle to translate these abilities into civilian industries and professions, where the terminology and job expectations may differ greatly from their military experience. 

For example, a veteran skilled in logistics or operations management might not immediately see how these talents apply to roles in construction or roofing.

With roofing careers naturally valuing and utilizing these skills, they make for a great option for veterans. Coordinating a roofing project requires some serious logistical planning, team management, and the ability to adapt to challenges, all qualities you would find in a veteran.

Veteran Unemployment and Underemployment

According to the U.S. Department of Labor, while veteran unemployment rates have improved over recent years, many veterans still face underemployment. 

These individuals may find themselves in jobs that do not fully utilize their skills or provide opportunities for growth. Roofing careers, with their competitive pay and potential for advancement, offer a solution to this issue. 

The industry’s demand for skilled workers ensures job stability, while opportunities to move into management or even start your own operation provide room for professional development and writing your own story.

Why Roofing is a Great Career Choice for Veterans

Now, when it comes to roofing, the profession aligns perfectly with the skills and values veterans bring to the workforce. 

From its physical demands to its team-oriented nature, the industry offers a natural transition for veterans looking for a fulfilling career.

Physical and Mental Alignment

The physical fitness developed in the military directly applies to the demands of roofing work, especially in hotter climates. 

Roofing requires stamina, strength, and the ability to work in challenging environments; qualities that veterans already possess. 

Additionally, the mental discipline cultivated in the military, such as attention to detail and a focus on safety, is essential in roofing projects where every small detail matters.

High Earning Potential and Job Stability

Roofing is a skilled trade with strong earning potential. 

The Bureau of Labor Statistics reports that the median annual wage for roofers is approximately $48,000, with experienced professionals earning significantly more. 

Veterans who choose to start their own roofing businesses, like Brandon Foote, can find even greater success after several years of hard work and determination. 

Moreover, the consistent demand for roofing services, driven by new construction and much-needed repairs, offers very strong job stability.

Opportunities for Leadership

As we just said, the roofing industry offers several paths to leadership positions. 

Veterans often excel in leadership roles, and the roofing industry provides ample opportunities to lead. Supervising a crew, managing project timelines, and ensuring quality standards are responsibilities that align with the leadership skills veterans develop during service. 

Over time, veterans can advance to managerial positions or even start their own companies.

Spotlight on Brandon Foote and Advanced Roofing & Construction

Nothing displays our findings on veterans in the roofing industry better than a success story.

Brandon Foote’s journey from Marine Corps service to founding Advanced Roofing & Construction, LLC in Huntsville, Alabama is a shining example of the potential for veterans in the roofing industry. 

After completing his military service, Foote recognized the need for a career that would allow him to apply his skills in leadership, teamwork, and problem-solving, and found that roofing and construction was his next calling.

Foote’s success is rooted in the values he brought to his company from the military. His commitment to quality work, attention to detail, and fostering a supportive team environment have made Advanced Roofing a trusted name in the Huntsville, Alabama area. 

Foote believes that his military background not only prepared him for the challenges of entrepreneurship, but also gave him the resilience needed to overcome them. 

Today, his company serves as an example of how veterans can not only thrive in civilian industries, but contribute to their communities as well by offering a top quality service and creating jobs for locals and even other veterans.

Benefits of Roofing Careers for Veterans

The roofing industry offers veterans a range of benefits, from financial independence to the satisfaction of creating tangible results. 

These advantages make roofing one of the best career choices for those transitioning out of the military.

Financial Independence and Growth

As we have discussed, roofing careers provide several clear pathways to financial independence. 

For many veterans, the steady income and opportunities for advancement are significant draws. Entry-level roofing positions very often lead to higher-paying roles, including project management and business ownership. 

Programs like veteran-owned roofing companies further support career growth, offering mentorship and networking opportunities.

Tangible Accomplishments

One of the most rewarding aspects of roofing is the ability to see the results of your progress and hard work. 

Completing a roofing project provides a sense of accomplishment similar to wrapping up a successful operation. Veterans often appreciate the immediate feedback and tangible outcomes that roofing offers, making it a fulfilling career choice.

Veteran-Friendly Networks

Many roofing companies actively seek to hire veterans, recognizing the value they bring to the workforce. Organizations like Helmets to Hardhats connect veterans with skilled trade opportunities, while companies like Advanced Roofing provide mentorship and support for veterans entering the industry.

Opportunities for Community Impact

Roofing careers also allow veterans to give back to their communities, something we have found is very important to our readers. 

By providing essential services, veterans can contribute to local development and improve the lives of their neighbors. This sense of purpose resonates deeply with those who have served.

How to Get Started in the Roofing Industry

Veterans interested in pursuing roofing careers have several routes they can take to enter the industry. 

From certifications to networking, there are quite a few resources available to support their transition.

Gain Relevant Certifications

Certifications are often the first step in building a successful roofing career. 

Programs such as OSHA safety training or state-specific contractor licenses provide the necessary credentials to start working in the industry. Trade schools and online courses offer accessible options for veterans to gain these certifications.

Explore Apprenticeships and Training Programs

Apprenticeships offer hands-on experience and a chance to learn from seasoned professionals. 

Many roofing companies partner with programs like Hire Heroes USA to provide veterans with training and job placement opportunities.

Network with Veteran-Owned Businesses

Connecting with veteran-owned roofing companies, such as Advanced Roofing & Construction, can provide invaluable mentorship and guidance. 

These businesses often prioritize hiring veterans, creating a supportive environment for those transitioning into the industry.

Utilize Veteran-Focused Resources

Organizations like the National Association of Home Builders and Helmets to Hardhats offer resources specifically tailored to veterans. These programs can help with job placement, training, and connecting veterans with employers in the roofing industry.

The Resilience of Veterans in Roofing Careers

Veterans bring a unique combination of skills, discipline, and resilience to any job they work, and the roofing industry is a perfect fit for those skills. 

Their ability to adapt, lead, and work as part of a team makes them ideal candidates for roles in this field. Roofing not only provides veterans with some financial stability and career growth, but also offers them a sense of purpose and the opportunity to make a tangible impact.

Brandon Foote’s success with Advanced Roofing & Construction demonstrates the sheer potential for veterans to thrive in this industry. For those ready to transition, roofing offers a fulfilling and rewarding career path that values their contributions and supports their professional growth. 

By leveraging their skills and seeking out veteran-friendly opportunities, veterans can find lasting success in the roofing industry.