Public speaking is tough. As Jerry Seinfeld once noted, “According to most studies, people's number one fear is public speaking. Number two is death. Death is number two. Does that sound right? This means to the average person, if you go to a funeral, you're better off in the casket than doing the eulogy.”

Eric Rich shares his insights on company culture at Best of Success. 


Public speaking is tough. As Jerry Seinfeld once noted, “According to most studies, people's number one fear is public speaking. Number two is death. Death is number two. Does that sound right? This means to the average person, if you go to a funeral, you're better off in the casket than doing the eulogy.”

Luckily the presenters at the sixth Roofing Contractor Best of Success Conference, which was held in Denver Sept. 27-28, didn’t seem fazed by the large crowd, as some 248 people filled the auditorium. As usual, the conference was the setting for some excellent educational sessions. One of the great features of Best of Success is that many of the speakers are contractors themselves who share their stories and expertise to help out other contractors and elevate the industry. It’s an added bonus when they tear up the room the way Eric Rich did.

Rich, CEO of Rich Roofing, spoke about the importance of a company’s culture. “The success or failure of every civilization, family, business and even individual is most often determined by its culture,” he said.

“People are what make a company great,” he concluded. “The hardest thing for your competitors to duplicate is your most powerful advantage - the minds and hearts of your employees.”

Look for full coverage of the event and the educational sessions online and in print in our December issue ofRoofing Contractor.