Core values play a critical role in a company’s growth. When established effectively, they can boost employees’ dedication and motivation, leading to job satisfaction and a positive attitude towards work. Managing values efficiently is crucial, as they can significantly impact a company’s performance. Proper utilization of a company’s fundamental principles can facilitate business expansion. Tamara Chase, the co-owner of Chase Roofing, has a clear understanding of the company’s values, which include quality and compassion. These values serve as a guide for the desired outcomes she aims to achieve.
Foundation of Chase Roofing
Originally intending to pursue a career in law, Tamara’s plans changed when she was unable to gain admission to a local law school while her children were in middle school. Instead, she joined her husband’s handyman company, which he co-owned with another partner. However, due to different objectives, the partnership dissolved, and Tamara saw an opportunity to start a business with her husband. She initially took on the role of business development, handling the legalities, permits, and insurance requirements to start the company. In the early 2000s, the company shifted its focus from general contracting to roofing after a negative experience with their own roof replacement project led them to realize the need for a better homeowner experience.
After collaborating with a successful roofing crew for several years, they began building roofs for those in need after a series of devastating storms hit Florida, and the governor issued an executive order allowing residential contractors to pull roofing permits. In 2005, they officially founded Chase Roofing as a dba, marking the start of their successful roofing business.
When Hurricane Wilma hit South Florida, the couple’s home and newly formed roofing business were left without power for several weeks. However, they persisted and managed to keep the business running using a generator, laptop, and printer to work with carbon copy contracts. From that point on, they decided to focus solely on roofing and never returned to general contracting, marking the official beginning of Chase Roofing.
Over the years, they adopted a servant leadership approach and prioritized building long-lasting relationships with their clients over making quick profits, leading to business expansion. In 2010, Tamara discovered her passion for leadership and took control of the company’s operations, while her husband shifted his focus to sales and found ways to serve the customer for a lifetime and not just that initial interaction.
Best Version of Herself
Tamara is deeply committed to her work and finds great fulfillment in her role as a roofing contractor. She enjoys interacting with people, building relationships, and engaging in strategic planning throughout her day. One of her core beliefs is that everyone deserves opportunities and support, and she is a strong advocate for women in business, inspiring them to succeed and achieve their goals. Tamara finds great joy in contributing to the success of others and witnessing their happiness, which is one of her greatest sources of fulfillment. She takes pride in being the best version of herself and is passionate about giving back to her community.
Tamara now has the opportunity to follow her passions through Chase Roofing, much like she did with the nonprofit organization Emerge Movement, which she founded a few years ago. “Be the CEO your mom told you to marry,” is her motto. Her most recent adventure focuses on construction sector couples. Couples who own and run construction companies jointly face a unique set of difficulties on top of the many other responsibilities that construction companies already have. These couples may also have a significant amount of personal partnership challenges, such as feeling imprisoned, unheard, unseen, or underappreciated. When there is no time for fun, it might be difficult to know when to stop working. Is it even feasible to strike a balance? Throughout the years, Tamara has created several programs, such as retreats, masterminds, and trainings, to assist owner-operator couples in the construction sector. She brings a wealth of knowledge, skills, training, and kindness to the table in order to support couples.
Employee Growth and Development
As a woman working in a male-dominated field, Tamara recognizes the importance of creating an inclusive environment. This starts with recruiting a diverse team and fostering a culture where everyone’s opinions and talents are valued. Collaboration is crucial to this effort, as it allows individuals to leverage each other’s strengths and work together towards a shared goal.
Employee growth and development are also central to the company’s culture, and Tamara encourages her team to adopt a similar mindset and remain open to fresh perspectives. By prioritizing these values, she aims to create a supportive and empowering work environment that benefits everyone on the team. This fosters a culture of innovation and experimentation while also assisting them in remaining creative and adapting to changes in the business. The company aims to take care of its employees and keep them happy and engaged. This results in content team members who look after the clients, who then look after the business.
Tamara says, “I am very proud of the company our team has built together.”
Obstacles seldom obstruct the horizon
“I believe in challenging the status quo and thinking outside the box”- Tamara says
Tamara faced several challenges when starting the business, including the issue of not fully understanding the true overhead costs. Initially, they based job pricing on market rates rather than practical considerations, which nearly led to the company going out of business. This experience forced them to delve deeper into business dynamics and learn more about financial management.
Another significant challenge was cash flow management, which has been an ongoing learning process for the company. Developing effective systems and processes to manage cash flow requires considerable effort, and the team has had to work hard to optimize their approach.
Tamara and her team have learned many valuable lessons from these challenges and have continued to refine their business practices over time to ensure the company’s long-term success. The owner is the only one who has the ability to align everyone around a shared vision and then maintain a positive work environment. Tamara asserts that despite the busy schedule, it’s critical to maintain contact with the team. The bottom line should always be considered. The health of the business depends on profit.
Recommendations of the day
Tamara believes relationships are the root of all of her successes as she looks back over the past twenty years. There are so many opportunities to learn skill-sets in business. She advises maintaining good relationships with stakeholders to have peers to look up to and that will hold you accountable. She also advises to learn the true overhead costs associated with business so that one can charge appropriately. She adds, “remember cash is king… watch your cash-flow and save for a rainy day, they are definitely coming.”
Tamara urges one to learn one’s own leadership style and always seek to learn something new to grow. She encourages to stay updated on customer’s requirements. “Every year ask yourself, ‘Who am I serving and how’ the answer will change as your business grows and you need to adapt.” Tamara provokes.
Written by Steve Sanchez.
