In this episode of the Mission Control Podcast, Mike interviews Bradley Dillon of Virginia-based Dillon Roofing, a company celebrating 30 years since its founding by Bradley's father. Bradley details his "earned, not given" journey from a decade-long laborer to partner, emphasizing his efforts to modernize the "old school" business through CRM systems, digital roof measurements, and social media branding. The conversation explores the "gift and curse" of perfectionism, the power of organic word-of-mouth growth, and Bradley's commitment to maintaining high-quality craftsmanship over rapid, impersonal scaling. Ultimately, Bradley shares how intentionality and community trust—exemplified by over 100 five-star reviews—drive a business model focused on lasting relationships rather than just transactions.

Interested in learning more about Roofr? Get your first roof measurement report for free: https://shorturl.at/quCQ5

Dillon Roofing:

Website: https://www.dillon-roofing.com/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/DillonRoofing

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dillon_roofing

TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@dillonroofing

Bradley Dillon

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/BradleyLewisDillon/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bradley_dillon/

About Michael Stearns & Ascend Digital Agency

Ascend Digital Agency is a premier roofing-exclusive marketing agency founded by Michael Stearns, host of the Mission Control Podcast. Specializing in high-growth strategies for elite contractors, Ascend provides custom web design, precision Google Ads management, and advanced SEO, AEO, and AIO (AI Optimization). By combining deep roofing industry expertise with cutting-edge search technology, Michael and his team help contractors transition from lead-chasers to market leaders. Based on a brand-first philosophy, Ascend Digital Agency is the definitive partner for roofing companies looking to scale through transparency, technical excellence, and proven ROI.

Work with Ascend Digital Agency:

Website: https://ascenddigitalexperts.com/

Request a Consultation: https://ascenddigitalexperts.com/contact/

Follow Michael Stearns:

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/michaelstearns/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/michael.stearns.16

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/takeoffwithascend/

Follow Ascend Digital Agency:

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/takeoffwithascend/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/takeoffwithascend/

TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@ascenddigital

Subscribe to Mission Control Podcast!

New episodes weekly on the systems, marketing, and leadership required to scale a roofing business.

In this episode of the Mission Control Podcast, Mike sits down with Aaron Christy to discuss the growth of Indy Roof & Restoration and the specific marketing strategies used to dominate the Indianapolis market. A major focus is placed on leveraging real estate agents as "power partners" to generate high-quality leads with a $0 cost per acquisition. Aaron also breaks down his Google review hacks, specifically how to secure five-star reviews from every inspection, even when no damage is found, to build massive online authority. The duo further explores modern sales approaches, emphasizing character-driven hiring to avoid "sleazy" tactics and ensuring long-term brand trust

Interested in learning more about Roofr? Get your first roof measurement report for free: https://shorturl.at/quCQ5

Links Mentioned in Episode:

Check out Sharky's: https://www.facebook.com/SharkysonBrookside

Indy Roof & Restoration:

Website: https://indyroofandrestoration.com/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Indyroofandrestoration

X: https://x.com/RoofIndy

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@indyroofandrestoration

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/indyroofandrestoration/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/indyroofandrestoration

Aaron Christy:

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/aaron.christy.79

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/aaronchristy/

About Michael Stearns & Ascend Digital Agency

Ascend Digital Agency is a premier roofing-exclusive marketing agency founded by Michael Stearns, host of the Mission Control Podcast. Specializing in high-growth strategies for elite contractors, Ascend provides custom web design, precision Google Ads management, and advanced SEO, AEO, and AIO (AI Optimization). By combining deep roofing industry expertise with cutting-edge search technology, Michael and his team help contractors transition from lead-chasers to market leaders. Based on a brand-first philosophy, Ascend Digital Agency is the definitive partner for roofing companies looking to scale through transparency, technical excellence, and proven ROI.

Work with Ascend Digital Agency:

Website: https://ascenddigitalexperts.com/

Request a Consultation: https://ascenddigitalexperts.com/contact/

Follow Michael Stearns:

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/michaelstearns/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/michael.stearns.16

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/takeoffwithascend/

Follow Ascend Digital Agency:

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/takeoffwithascend/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/takeoffwithascend/

TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@ascenddigital

Subscribe to Mission Control Podcast!

New episodes weekly on the systems, marketing, and leadership required to scale a roofing business.

In this episode of the Mission Control Podcast, Mike sits down with Chris Zimmerman, co-founder of Master Your Craft, where they "teach contractors how to fish" to proactively protect homeowners and advance the roofing industry. Chris shares his "long-sighted" philosophy on building a sustainable business, detailing how he pivoted his company from 90% storm restoration to 70% retail by prioritizing systems, core values, and strategic partnerships over short-term "microwave" gratification. From mastering the psychology of sales through active listening to reducing marketing spend to under 1% by targeting partners instead of just leads, this conversation offers a masterclass in protecting your reputation and achieving long-term success in the roofing space.

Interested in learning more about Roofr? Get your first roof measurement report for free: https://shorturl.at/quCQ5

Chris Zimmerman:

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/chris.zimmerman.79

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/chris_zimmerman4

Master Your Craft:

Website: https://www.masteryourcraftgroup.com/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/masteryourcraftgroup

About Michael Stearns & Ascend Digital Agency

Ascend Digital Agency is a premier roofing-exclusive marketing agency founded by Michael Stearns, host of the Mission Control Podcast. Specializing in high-growth strategies for elite contractors, Ascend provides custom web design, precision Google Ads management, and advanced SEO, AEO, and AIO (AI Optimization). By combining deep roofing industry expertise with cutting-edge search technology, Michael and his team help contractors transition from lead-chasers to market leaders. Based on a brand-first philosophy, Ascend Digital Agency is the definitive partner for roofing companies looking to scale through transparency, technical excellence, and proven ROI.

Work with Ascend Digital Agency:

Website: https://ascenddigitalexperts.com/

Request a Consultation: https://ascenddigitalexperts.com/contact/

Follow Michael Stearns:

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/michaelstearns/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/michael.stearns.16

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/takeoffwithascend/

Follow Ascend Digital Agency:

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/takeoffwithascend/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/takeoffwithascend/

TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@ascenddigital

Subscribe to Mission Control Podcast!

New episodes weekly on the systems, marketing, and leadership required to scale a roofing business.

In this episode of the mission control podcast Mike sits down with Matt Grassmyer, the Director of Outside Sales at HailTrace, a weather consulting company specializing in severe weather forensics. Matt shares how roofing companies can master customer acquisition before, during, and after a storm. He explains that the biggest mistake roofers make is waiting for weather to hit before seeking new opportunities , emphasizing the need to build brand awareness 365 days a year. Matt highlights using HailTrace's technology to monitor past customers' neighborhoods, providing peace of mind and generating easy referrals. He also covers post-storm follow-up strategies and using sales feedback to build a purposeful content calendar.

Interested in learning more about Roofr? Get your first roof measurement report for free: https://shorturl.at/quCQ5

Check out Opus Clips:

https://www.opus.pro/

Check Out Hail Trace:

Website: https://hailtrace.com/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/HailTrace

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/hail-trace/

Instragram: https://www.instagram.com/hailtrace

Matt Grassmyer

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/matt.grassmyer

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/matt-r-grassmyer/

About Michael Stearns & Ascend Digital Agency

Ascend Digital Agency is a premier roofing-exclusive marketing agency founded by Michael Stearns, host of the Mission Control Podcast. Specializing in high-growth strategies for elite contractors, Ascend provides custom web design, precision Google Ads management, and advanced SEO, AEO, and AIO (AI Optimization). By combining deep roofing industry expertise with cutting-edge search technology, Michael and his team help contractors transition from lead-chasers to market leaders. Based on a brand-first philosophy, Ascend Digital Agency is the definitive partner for roofing companies looking to scale through transparency, technical excellence, and proven ROI.

Work with Ascend Digital Agency:

Website: https://ascenddigitalexperts.com/

Request a Consultation: https://ascenddigitalexperts.com/contact/

Follow Michael Stearns:

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/michaelstearns/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/michael.stearns.16

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/takeoffwithascend/

Follow Ascend Digital Agency:

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/takeoffwithascend/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/takeoffwithascend/

TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@ascenddigital

Subscribe to Mission Control Podcast!

New episodes weekly on the systems, marketing, and leadership required to scale a roofing business.

Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/mission-control-podcast/id1646120629

Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/1VX3wdC4b2j5Fb1V9V9yNo?si=8e1b139e5f1a4e87

In this episode, Mike sits down with Danny Shannon, who joins the show from Australia to share his incredible journey from the depths of addiction to 16 years of recovery. Danny's struggle began at age 14, leading to a daily heroin habit by 15 and nearly two decades of cycles involving incarceration and substance abuse. Throughout the conversation, Danny dives into the reality of early recovery anxiety, the importance of daily inventories for staying on track, and the inspiration behind his innovative app, Encapsulator. This platform allows users to record raw video messages to their future selves as a therapeutic tool for accountability and tracking personal growth, reflecting Danny's mission to help others find lasting serenity.

Interested in learning more about Roofr? Get your first roof measurement report for free: https://shorturl.at/quCQ5

Danny Shannon:

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/danny.shannon.395

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@dannyshannon1908

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dan_the_man_46_/

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/danny-a-shannon-05a109163/

TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@danny_shannon_1975

Encapsulator App:

Website: https://encapsulator.io/

About Michael Stearns & Ascend Digital Agency

Ascend Digital Agency is a premier roofing-exclusive marketing agency founded by Michael Stearns, host of the Mission Control Podcast. Specializing in high-growth strategies for elite contractors, Ascend provides custom web design, precision Google Ads management, and advanced SEO, AEO, and AIO (AI Optimization). By combining deep roofing industry expertise with cutting-edge search technology, Michael and his team help contractors transition from lead-chasers to market leaders. Based on a brand-first philosophy, Ascend Digital Agency is the definitive partner for roofing companies looking to scale through transparency, technical excellence, and proven ROI.

Work with Ascend Digital Agency:

Website: https://ascenddigitalexperts.com/

Request a Consultation: https://ascenddigitalexperts.com/contact/

Follow Michael Stearns:

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/michaelstearns/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/michael.stearns.16

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/takeoffwithascend/

Follow Ascend Digital Agency:

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/takeoffwithascend/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/takeoffwithascend/

TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@ascenddigital

Subscribe to Mission Control Podcast!

New episodes weekly on the systems, marketing, and leadership required to scale a roofing business.

In this episode of the Mission Control podcast, Mike Stearns welcomes George Schiano, the owner of Epic Exteriors in New Jersey. George shares the compelling story of launching his business six years ago, driven to start his own LLC the very night his previous employer announced a cut to his sales commissions. Starting with a hyper-focus on roofing, George explains how he organically expanded his services to include siding, windows, doors, and more by fulfilling the requests of past clients who already trusted his work. The conversation explores his unique sales strategies, such as leading with 48 months of interest-free financing, and the importance of taking full accountability, highlighted by a wild story of making things right after a nail gun accidentally fell through a client's ceiling.

Interested in learning more about Roofr? Get your first roof measurement report for free:

https://shorturl.at/quCQ5

George Schiano:

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/george.schiano.58

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/george-schiano-2b052b1a7/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/schiano39/

Epic Exteriors:

Website: https://epicexteriorsnj.com/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/EpicExteriorsNJ/

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@epicexteriorsnj

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/epicexteriorsnj

About Michael Stearns & Ascend Digital Agency

Ascend Digital Agency is a premier roofing-exclusive marketing agency founded by Michael Stearns, host of the Mission Control Podcast. Specializing in high-growth strategies for elite contractors, Ascend provides custom web design, precision Google Ads management, and advanced SEO, AEO, and AIO (AI Optimization). By combining deep roofing industry expertise with cutting-edge search technology, Michael and his team help contractors transition from lead-chasers to market leaders. Based on a brand-first philosophy, Ascend Digital Agency is the definitive partner for roofing companies looking to scale through transparency, technical excellence, and proven ROI.

Work with Ascend Digital Agency:

Website: https://ascenddigitalexperts.com/

Request a Consultation: https://ascenddigitalexperts.com/contact/

Follow Michael Stearns:

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/michaelstearns/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/michael.stearns.16

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/takeoffwithascend/

Follow Ascend Digital Agency:

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/takeoffwithascend/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/takeoffwithascend/

TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@ascenddigital

Subscribe to Mission Control Podcast!

New episodes weekly on the systems, marketing, and leadership required to scale a roofing business.

In this episode of the Mission Control Podcast, Mike Stearns sits down with Pete McKendrick, the Product Strategy Lead at Roofr, to break down the shifting landscape of the roofing industry as it enters 2026. Reflecting on a "stormless" 2025 that saw many contractors struggling with a lack of weather-driven sales, Pete emphasizes the critical need for robust internal systems and business diversification into services like siding and gutters to maintain profitability during down years. The conversation dives deep into the "high floor" strategy for 2026, touching on the rising costs of customer acquisition and the emerging influence of AI-powered search engines on homeowner behavior. Pete offers a powerful piece of leadership advice for the year ahead

Interested in learning more about Roofr? Get your first roof measurement report for free:

https://shorturl.at/quCQ5

Roofr:

Website: https://roofr.com/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/getroofr

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/getroofr/

TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@getroofr

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/roofr/

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@UCkQY-QKisn1rQSLwVgPIydQ

Pete McKendrick:

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/pete.mckendrick.7

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/pete-mckendrick-089079174/

About Michael Stearns & Ascend Digital Agency

Ascend Digital Agency is a premier roofing-exclusive marketing agency founded by Michael Stearns, host of the Mission Control Podcast. Specializing in high-growth strategies for elite contractors, Ascend provides custom web design, precision Google Ads management, and advanced SEO, AEO, and AIO (AI Optimization). By combining deep roofing industry expertise with cutting-edge search technology, Michael and his team help contractors transition from lead-chasers to market leaders. Based on a brand-first philosophy, Ascend Digital Agency is the definitive partner for roofing companies looking to scale through transparency, technical excellence, and proven ROI.

Work with Ascend Digital Agency:

Website: https://ascenddigitalexperts.com/

Request a Consultation: https://ascenddigitalexperts.com/contact/

Follow Michael Stearns:

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/michaelstearns/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/michael.stearns.16

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/takeoffwithascend/

Follow Ascend Digital Agency:

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/takeoffwithascend/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/takeoffwithascend/

TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@ascenddigital

Subscribe to Mission Control Podcast!

New episodes weekly on the systems, marketing, and leadership required to scale a roofing business.