Breakthrough Starts When You Think Beyond You (2026 Inaugural Issue)

This morning I shared a few thoughts on Lavern Zook’s contractor caII, and it got me to thinkin’… about what it really means to think bigger than yourself.

Back in 2012, Erma and I attended our very first convention (with a team of 6 people). The theme that year? Breakthrough.

During that season, we had just started our Conklin team-building journey, and honestly, we had no business being involved on paper.

We were broke. Well over 100k in credit card debt. Living in/remodeling a rough, foreclosed house we’d bought a few years before for 32,000 (with a 30k loan from my in-laws).

But someone took the time to sit down with us. They shared the business model. They shared the dream. They shared the vision… and the possibility.

And we took a chance.

Praise God we did!

Today, we’re grateful to work with some of the best team members. Over the years, this team of contractors has gone from just getting started to collectively doing millions of dollars in commercial roof coating work each year—work that supports families, creates opportunity, and didn’t exist before someone took a chance.

So here’s the question I’ll leave you with:

What if you are the one who needs to take a chance this year? And if not for yourself, what if you took a chance on a few others?

Life was never meant to be lived only for “my-self.” Some of the biggest breakthroughs happen when we think bigger than just ourselves.

– Owen

P.S. Taking a chance? Clack the reply thingy and let me know if you’re planning for a breakthrough this year. Also, what would you like to see in a future issue??

I’ve heard Donald Miller teach a simple truth that most marketing misses:
The first thing the human brain is worried about is survival.

As he puts it, “People only buy to survive.”

Before a building owner (or maintenance manager) thinks about upgrades, efficiency, or saving money… Their brain is asking one question:

“Will this help me avoid pain, loss, or danger?”

Only after that question is answered does the brain think about thriving. Here’s how this can apply to selling commercial roofs…

Survive (first):

Thrive (second):

Most roofers jump straight to thrive (energy savings, warranties, ROI)… But if you don’t clearly address survival first, the brain tunes out.

The takeaway: When your website, ads, or sales conversations clearly show how you help a building owner avoid loss first and gain value second, your message becomes easier to understand—and easier to trust.

Most commercial roofing websites aren’t losing jobs because the contractor is bad; they’re losing projects because the site feels slow, unclear, or untrustworthy in the first few seconds.

Building owners are deciding one thing fast: “Can this company protect my building… or should I keep looking?”

If your website doesn’t answer that clearly, it creates doubt, and doubt kills deals.

CommercialRoofingWebsites.com builds fast, search-engine-friendly, PROFESSIONAL websites designed specifically for commercial roofers, so Google can understand you and prospects can trust you.

Slow, confusing, outdated sites cost trust, rankings, and leads… But a purpose-built website for commercial roofing contractors will give you more credibility, more qualified leads, and faster closes. Text or caII Owen Shrock at 814-720-4890 or email [email protected] to get started right away.

If you only step into one room this winter that can genuinely change your trajectory, make it Conklin National Convention, happening January 29-31. Online registration and early-bird discounts end January 11 at midnight at http://conklinnationalconvention.com

Two big reasons to be there:

1️⃣ The Opening Session Sets the Tone for the Entire Year: Pathfinders team founder Rod Livesay will open the convention. His opening message alone is worth the trip, helping you reset your thinking, sharpen your focus, and walk into 2026 with clarity and conviction.

2️⃣ You’ll Leave With Momentum, Not Just Notes: Between powerful speakers like Brian Biro (and… Paralympian Josh Sundquist 👀), real-world contractor conversations, and world-class entertainment from Home Free, this event is designed to recharge your belief, expand your vision, and surround you with people who are actually moving forward.

If you’re serious about growth in 2026 personally, professionally, or financially, this is the next room to be in.

👉 If you have a Conklin account ID#, register before January 11 at http://conklinnationalconvention.com or reach out to Owen directly if you have questions.