Accepting ‘Real’ Talk to Help Your Business

By Jill Bloom, Executive Director, Roofing Contractor, Art Aisner, Editor-in-Chief

Jeff Williamson has owned D7 Roofing Services in Sacramento, Calif. for 30 years, and with that comes a lot of wisdom learned first-hand. Williamson recently caught up with RC at the 2026 Western Roofing Expo to discuss some of what he’s learned, including what he’d frankly tell his younger self, if he could.

“I was too focused on making money,” he said. “I know money is important for a new business and a small business, it’s your lifeblood. But where I had problems early on is that if I lost $500, I’d spend $5,000 of time, effort, energy, and focus agonizing over it.”

Instead, he said he turned his focus on selling and installing roofs, and the results returned then-fold.

“The lesson there was stop worrying about money,” he continued. “Do what you do, do it as best you can, and go for it!”

Williamson also talked about the importance of mentorship and how that can be a two-way street when it comes to getting straight talk about key business problems. Contractors also need to be willing to apply what they hear and learn, he said.

Watch the full conversation now.

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Jill Bloom is the innovative Executive Director of Roofing Contractor, Walls & Ceilings, Building Enclosure, Roofing Supply Pro, and the highly regarded Best of Success event. With a deep commitment to advancing the roofing, construction, and building enclosure industries, Jill oversees a robust portfolio of publications, podcasts, and events that empower professionals with knowledge, inspiration, and connections.

Her brands deliver exceptional value across multiple platforms, including:

Techos y Más, the Spanish-language newsletter of Roofing Contractor.
Safety Advisor, a newsletter focused on critical resources for jobsite safety.
Thermal Talk, a newsletter focused on insights and news for the insulation contractor.
eRock, a leading newsletter for drywall contractors.
The Enclosure Experts podcast, offering architects deep insights into building enclosure technologies.
If Walls Could Talk, a podcast dedicated to exploring trends and innovations for the wall and ceiling contractor.
The Best of Success Podcast, providing thought leadership and practical advice for roofing professionals.

Jill’s passion for professional development and fostering industry connections is exemplified by the Best of Success event, a premier gathering of contractors, suppliers, and thought leaders for unmatched education and networking.

Art Aisner is Editor-in-Chief of Roofing Contractor and Roofing Supply Pro. He spent the bulk of his career as a multi-media journalist for newspapers and television stations before joining the RC team in 2015. He is the driving force behind the publication’s content development, editorial strategy and other initiatives that serve growing audiences in the roofing space.