Boots on the Roof: An Insider’s Look at Production

Shamrock Roofing and Construction has been on the move since the recent storms. We’ve been knocking doors, inspecting roof, and filing claims. Our hustle and hard work have paid off. Your go-to roofing contractor in Overland Park has filed claims for over 500 roofs. Now, we can dive into our next step: building. 

Michael Whitcomb serves as Production Supervisor at Shamrock Roofing. Before joining our team, he worked as a subcontractor for four years. He learned essential trades, including roofing, siding, and gutters. His experience gives him unique insight into how sales and production work together. 

“I love being able to look at a project – from knocking the door all the way to the certificate of completion. I’ve been a project manager; I’ve been a subcontractor; and now I’m helping run production, which means I can assist with any step.”

Roof

Following the inspection, one of our project managers files paperwork for the production team to review. There’s a checklist for every claim that verifies the correct photos, signed documents, and shingle availability. The PM then puts in the estimate and collaborates with production to get the project off the ground. 

“Before the production team touches it, the claim is merely paperwork. The minute we put our hands on it, we are spending money on materials, permits, and a crew. It’s our responsibility to double and even triple-check that everything is in order,” Whitcomb explains. 

With the estimate in hand, production begins building the order. It starts by contacting one of our three suppliers and re-confirming the documents and photographs. Once there is a signed contract in play, Shamrock Roofing is legally bound to that customer. Whitcomb emphasized how seriously he and his team take these contracts and the commitment to each homeowner. 

“There are several checks and balances throughout the process. This is all so we can make sure that what is delivered onsite, and ultimately what is put on the roof, is exactly what the homeowner wants. That is the KEY.”

Shamrock Roofing and Construction works with upwards of 50 subcontractors in the midwest. When we hire a crew, our production team ensures their quality of work mirrors that of Shamrock Roofing. Being a supervisor, Whitcomb travels to all the different midwest branches to oversee the builds and offer guidance.

“We make calls alongside the project manager. While we trust our subcontractors to make the right decisions, we are still there to assist and move the needle if we need to. However, once we’ve built solid relationships with our crews, it becomes more of a partnership.” 

With the start of storm season, it is the busiest time of the year for the Overland Park roofing company. Spring is when all the crews are hungry and ready to work. Whitcomb says having an early storm hit over 80 percent of our markets is excellent for our cash flow and subcontractors. 

“We were ready. We didn’t know when the storm was going to hit. None of us had a crystal ball to predict the weather, but we were prepared for it. The moment it happened, by the following morning, everyone was mobilized and fired up.” 

The roofing and construction industry was the last thing on Michael Whitcomb’s mind when he was going through a rough time about five years ago. It was a close friend, John Vera Cruz, who offered to teach him about roofing. The two still work together to this day. Vera Cruz is our North Region Production Manager. 

“I wouldn’t be here today without him. He took a chance on a guy who was at rock bottom. Now here I am! I’ve never enjoyed coming to work more. I absolutely love what I do. It’s all because someone took a chance on me. And when someone gives you a chance when you’re at the bottom, it’s life changing.” 

After learning various trades as a subcontractor, Whitcomb concluded he didn’t want to be a laborer for the rest of his life. He wanted to find a way to manage production. Teaching, training, and promoting the Shamrock vision are his passions.  He shared that one of his biggest skills is working with people. To him, this industry is not just shingles and nails; it’s about the people.

“What makes homeowners happy is seeing a return on their investment. When it’s their home, it’s also their sanctuary. And I am making it better for them by providing a new roof. When they pull into the driveway, I know we’ve done our job if they think, ‘Wow, I never knew our house could look this good!’”. 

If you have yet to schedule your roof inspection with a reliable, local contractor, please call Shamrock Roofing and Construction. We’ve been around for a long time and have built long-lasting relationships with countless neighbors. Get a Shamrock sign in your yard today! Our next build could be yours!