Kindly give our readers an introduction to your business. Please include what your business is all about, in which city you are located, and if you have offices in multiple locations/cities.
JC Roofing and Insulating has been serving the community since 1984, specializing in commercial and residential roofing projects. We’re based in South Sioux City, Nebraska, and our work spans throughout the Midwest. We focus on complete roofing solutions — from installation and repair to long-term maintenance — always putting quality, safety, and customer service first.
Kindly give us a brief description of yourself (it should include your brief educational or entrepreneurial background and list some of your major achievements).
I’ve grown up in the roofing industry, starting out in the shop, then moving into roles as a laborer, foreman, and superintendent before becoming Vice President. Having worked my way up through nearly every position at JC Roofing, I bring a hands-on understanding of the trade that guides how I lead and make decisions today. Some of my biggest achievements include successfully managing multimillion-dollar commercial roofing projects and helping grow the company’s reputation as a trusted roofing partner in the region.
What inspired you to (start a new business venture) or (make significant changes in an existing business)? How did the idea for your business come about?
My inspiration comes from carrying forward what my father, John Cain, started in 1984. Over the years, I’ve seen how roofing protects not just buildings, but the people and businesses inside them. That sense of responsibility motivates me to keep pushing for better systems, better training, and better service. In recent years, we’ve made significant efforts to grow our training programs, expand our service department, and add more crews so we can keep up with customer needs and continue to deliver the quality we’re known for.
What three pieces of advice would you give to budding entrepreneurs?
- Don’t be afraid to start at the bottom and learn every part of your business.
- Build strong relationships — your reputation is everything.
- Stay adaptable; challenges are constant, but how you respond defines your success.
What would you say are the top three skills needed to be a successful entrepreneur?
- Leadership — the ability to inspire and guide a team.
- Problem-solving — because every day brings new challenges.
- Communication — both with your team and with your clients.
To what do you most attribute your success?
I’d say persistence and a willingness to learn from every role I’ve held. Also, the support of a great team and the values of hard work and integrity passed down from my father.
How do you go about marketing your business? What has been your most successful form of marketing?
We use a mix of traditional word-of-mouth, community involvement, and digital marketing. But honestly, the most successful form of marketing has been delivering quality work. A satisfied customer is the best advertisement you can ask for.
Where did your organization’s funding/capital come from and how did you go about getting it? How did you obtain investors for your venture?
JC Roofing was founded as a family business, built from the ground up through hard work and reinvestment back into the company. We didn’t rely on outside investors — just steady growth and smart management.
What is the best way to achieve long-term success?
Take care of your people, take care of your customers, and never compromise on quality. If you focus on those three things, growth and long-term success will follow.
Where do you see yourself and your business in 5 – 10 years?
In 5–10 years, I see JC Roofing continuing to grow as one of the Midwest’s most trusted commercial roofing companies, while also expanding our residential services. Personally, I hope to keep developing the next generation of leaders within our company.
Excluding yours, what company or business do you admire the most?
I admire large, nationally recognized roofing companies that have managed to scale successfully while still maintaining quality and professionalism. Their ability to grow from local shops into respected industry leaders is something I look up to and strive to model in our own way.
How important have good employees been to your success?
Good employees are the foundation of everything we do. Roofing is a tough business, and without skilled, dedicated people in the field and office, we wouldn’t have the reputation or success we’ve built over the years.
How long do you stick with an idea before giving up?
I don’t give up easily. If something isn’t working, I adjust the approach and look for solutions, but I believe in giving ideas time to develop before deciding whether to move on.
What motivates you?
I’m motivated by the responsibility we carry to protect families, businesses, and communities with our work. I also take pride in seeing our team grow and succeed, knowing I’ve helped provide opportunities and careers for people.
What are your ideals?
Integrity, hard work, and accountability. Do the job right the first time, take care of your people, and never cut corners — those are the ideals I live by and expect from our company.
How do you generate new ideas?
By listening. I listen to our employees, our customers, and our partners. A lot of great ideas come from the field, and being open to feedback is the best way to keep improving.
How do you define success?
Success is more than profit — it’s building something that lasts, creating jobs, and earning the trust of your customers. To me, success means people know they can count on you.
How do you build a successful customer base?
By doing good work, standing behind it, and treating people with respect. If you do that consistently, word spreads, and customers not only come back — they bring their friends and family with them.
What is your favorite aspect of being an entrepreneur?
I enjoy the freedom to shape the direction of the business and the responsibility that comes with it. Every day is different, and the challenges keep me motivated. What has been your most satisfying moment in business?
One of the most satisfying moments has been watching JC Roofing grow from a small, local operation into a company trusted for major commercial projects across the Midwest. Seeing our people succeed and our customers satisfied makes the hard work worth it.
What do you feel is the major difference between entrepreneurs and those who work for someone else?
Entrepreneurs carry the weight of responsibility for everything — employees, customers, finances, and the future of the business. It’s not just about doing your job; it’s about making sure the jobs exist in the first place.
What kind of culture exists in your organization? How did you establish this tone and why did you institute this particular type of culture?
We’ve built a culture of teamwork, accountability, and safety. It started with setting expectations early, leading by example, and rewarding people who live up to our standards. This culture matters because roofing is dangerous work, and our people need to know that safety, quality, and respect come first.
In one word, characterize your life as an entrepreneur.
Relentless.
For information visit us at : https://jcroofing.com/