The following is an excerpt of the interview and has been lightly edited for length and clarity.

Ian Smith’s love for roofing was born pounding the pavement, going door-to-door carrying a sales kit and a boatload of good intentions for homeowners faced with replacing a roof. You can tell because he still does it, training his own hires at Omega Exteriors in suburban Minneapolis the same way he learned how.

Sales always seemed to come easy to Smith, more so than academics – as his .74 college GPA would attest before dropping out. Now, nine years into his entrepreneurial roofing journey, Smith is ready to take his company to a new level, and eager for the next challenge to surface, as they always do.

How long have you been in the roofing industry, and how did you get your start?

IS: I ‘ve been in the roofing industry for 9 years. I owned my first business at 18, selling newspaper subscriptions and I heard about the opportunity in roofing. I knew newspapers wouldn't be around forever, but roofs would be, so I took a chance.

What are a few reasons why your company is successful?

IS: I like to lead from the front and go knock doors with my team. I am often seen as a kind, caring and easy person to come to. I also love building code and understanding what needs to be done for each project. And I have a great that uses the training and knowledge I’m able to provide.

What are the big challenges in your market?

IS: We are in a very saturated market, and our reputation is what makes us stand out. We believe in a strong presence in the communities where everyone recognizes our truck and company logo.

Young Gun Ian Smith (right), Owner of Omega Exteriors in Farmington, Minn., describes his passion for roofing and door-knocking as former RC Young Gun Josey Parks looks on during the workshop.
Photo: King Harrell Photography

Do you see your age as an advantage or disadvantage in this business?

IS: I see my age as a major advantage due to the fact that I have been in the trades my entire professional career and stand out as a reputable name in the industry. I believe that rising tides raise all ships and do not believe that anyone is competition. Because of this, I’m constantly trying to be around my fellow peers in the industry to be ahead of any changes coming. I try to go to every conference that I can so that I can be the most equipped to lead my team.

What area of the roofing business are you most passionate about?

IS: Sales and door knocking. I believe in showing my team that you can have a lot of success door knocking and that success is based on knowledge, integrity and confidence. I also thrive off of meeting new people, no matter what the situation is.

What’s next? What are your future plans for the business?

IS: I want to be a Top 100 roofing contractor in the U.S., not because of size but because of the impact it would have on my team and the overall success of the company.