Managing people can be difficult and not a lot of fun. Through the years, I have found that owners tend to look for a magic formula or financial equation that enables them to pay people without having to manage them. But I’ve been consulting for more than 30 years, and I have yet to encounter such a formula. Until then, we’ll have to stick with the usual means, including magic commission and bonuses — which are probably used by roofing and the home improvement industries more than in any of the other industries I work with.
Regardless of how you pay people, you have to pay them a competitive, livable wage. If not, they will go to work for someone else. Whatever system you develop, it must be fair to both the company and the individual. It also has to be legal, and follow federal and state wage and hour rules.