Six men wait in a conference
room. Each has been escorted in and advised that Mike would join them in about
five minutes leaving time for any others who might be running just a little
late. The online job posting for “Inspector $65,000” is why we’re here. The office is sparse with functional office
furnishings. I arrived more than 45 minutes prior to the appointment but I
didn’t go in and sign the sheet until #3.
“So is everyone ready?” I
felt compelled to break the awkward silence in the room. Only one answer. It
came from the young guy closest to the door and last to be seated. (He is #6).
“Yes, let’s get started,” with a mildly gung-ho attitude that brings a smile or
two. The ice was broken but only for a
moment. The room returns to a calm. As if on cue, Mike entered the room. He was confident. He
has a Florida tan offset by the bright yellow company polo shirt with black
American Building Contractors embroidery. He was also wearing a lanyard with
photo and Home Depot logo. He was instantly engaging and wastes no time
delivering his message. “I’m sorry about this format but we’ve found that
talking to a group like this is best way to answer questions. You’ve responded
to an ad that says ‘Inspector’ but in reality this is a sales position. ABC has
a unique relationship with The Home Depot to perform inspections and contract
roof repairs due to hail damage.” Mike goes on to explain that ABC is growing.
There are opportunities to earn pretty good money. It is an easy sell because
once the connection with a homeowner is made and hail damaged is determined the
repair is 100% paid by insurance. You will note there is a number on your
applications and that is the order in which you signed in so I will meet with
each of you one-on-one in that order.
“So, we’d work as independent
1099 subcontractors?” says the guy next to me who shared with the group that
his family was actually in the roofing business. “Yes, but we’re going to do
everything we can for you to be successful,” offers Mike. “What about expenses?
You said something about a stipend,” asked the guy across the table from me.
(He is #4 on sign in sheet.) He has construction experience and like me is not
sure he wants to be climbing up on rooftops as a guy in his 50s. “Oh yeah, we
want you to have something to work with to pay for gas and expenses so we offer
$300 a month… Once you get rolling though we pay $100 per contact on those who
agree to inspection by appraiser and $200 every time you get a start work contract
and another nice commission when the work is done, say $2,500 on a $10,000 job.”
Just then, Mike is called out
of the room. He apologizes and offers the group one of his managers to answer
questions while he takes a call. The manager accepts the chore and answers a
few more general questions about earning potential and how the system works.
“If you have a good work ethic and work the program you can certainly make
$65,000. Some make a lot more.”
“So you have to go
door-to-door?” (#5 presses.) “Well it stands to reason that you would want to
work a neighborhood that has been hit, especially when one of their neighbors
has ABC signs up and yellow tape is up
and guys (with their shirts on) are installing a clean new roof," offers the manager. “I don’t want
to go door-to-door” says #5 “This is not for me.” He leaves the room, clearly not persuaded.
Mike is neatly assembling
manila folders as he conducts his one-on-one interviews. My name is on one of
them (#3). “It’s really up to you.” This isn't an interview as much as it is recruiting I am thinking that evening. By now, Mike is probably on a plane heading back to
Deerfield Beach. I have his card. (It's Black with gold foil letters.) Maybe #6 will take the challenge. I told
my wife about this meeting. She said with a sort of funny face, “Roofing sales,
are you nuts? Why don’t you find something you are passionate about?”
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