Ken Baden and Jason Nemes first connected at the Blue Collar Ballers event in February of last year, and this episode is the payoff of several scheduling attempts that almost didn't happen. It's worth the wait.

Jason's background is anything but conventional for a roofing CEO. He spent years building a 4,500-person downline in the health and wellness network marketing space, and still draws a six-figure annual residual from that work today. When a friend called him to start a roofing company, Jason flew to Oklahoma to learn the basics — door knocking, inspections, filing claims — and dove in headfirst.

His first official company, Summit Solutions Roofing and Construction, launched at the end of June 2024 after a business partnership dissolved over equity disagreements. He's candid about the split, the half-million-dollar back-door he experienced from a rep he trusted, and how those hard lessons reshaped the way he moves in business today.

Jason talks about the DFW market — one of the most saturated roofing markets in the country with roughly 8,000 companies — and how he managed to cut through by staying true to who he is on social media, paying people on time, and building a culture where team members feel seen, valued, and enrolled in the vision.

Ken and Jason also get into the business side of growth: insurance vs. retail revenue, multi-state licensing in Oklahoma, Arkansas, and soon Florida and Arizona, goals of $20-30 million this year, the EBITDA benchmarks that make a PE exit viable, and what a real private equity deal looks like for a roofing company in today's market.

The conversation closes on a personal and powerful note — Jason's recovery from drug and alcohol addiction, and how the same intensity and discipline that nearly cost him everything is now the fuel behind one of the fastest-growing roofing startups in Texas.

Follow Jason: Instagram & TikTok: @TattedPrez Facebook: Jason Nemes Company Page: Summit Solutions Roofing and Construction

Follow Ken & the show: 🌐 thekitchentablepodcast.net 🌐 badenconsulting.net

Guest: Jesse Spiegel is the founder of NexLev Logic (nexlevlogic.com), an AI automation platform built exclusively for the roofing industry. With years of experience as a top-producing roofing sales rep — including $3.8M in a single storm season — Jesse turned his firsthand frustrations into a full suite of tools that help roofing companies communicate better, close more, and scale without the chaos. He currently manages roofing projects in both Colorado and Florida while growing NexLev Logic.

Host: Ken Baden is the CEO and owner of Baden Consulting and Potomac Custom Remodeling. His podcast, The Kitchen Table Podcast, is where real business conversations happen in the trades and beyond.

Topics covered in this episode:

• Jesse's origin story in roofing and his $3.8M Hurricane Irma experience
• Why great sales without great systems leads to broken promises
• How AI unlocked the ability to scale what Jesse was doing manually
• The 6 core modules of NexLev Logic's platform
• Speed-to-lead: why every second counts after a new inquiry comes in
• No Lead Left Behind: automated follow-up that runs forever until you get a yes or a no
• Subcontractor communication with built-in photo collection and Venmo incentives
• Real-time homeowner updates to reduce friction and build loyalty
• AI note-takers on sales pitches that analyze objections and send reps coaching tips
• Automated review capture that follows up persistently until the customer responds
• Ken's strategy: tighten operations before scaling to new markets
• The insurance restoration to retail roofing shift happening nationwide
• Why door knocking is still the greatest sales skill in the business

Guest: Maryori Jones | Founder, Ave Sportwear

Host: Ken Baden | CEO/Owner, Baden Consulting & Potomac Custom Remodeling

Podcast: The Kitchen Table Podcast | thekitchentablepodcast.net

Key Takeaways:

• Ave stands for Agua Viva Empire — a faith-first brand for women of all body types
• The brand was born from Maryori's postpartum experience and the loss of identity many mothers face after childbirth
• She grew up between Honduras and Mexico and was selling fruit to help her family at age 6 — entrepreneurship has always been in her DNA
• Ave is strictly women's athletic apparel, designed to serve all body types and life stages
• She is also building a hair product line alongside Ave Sportwear
• Maryori and her husband (active military) are relocating to the Chicago area soon — Ave will continue to grow online
• Social media comparison is a real issue for women — Ave is a counter-cultural brand encouraging women to love themselves from the inside out
• First-generation immigrants often carry a stronger hunger and appreciation for opportunity in America
• Both Ken and Maryori connect over rebuilding their lives and how hitting rock bottom removes the fear of failure

Resources Mentioned:

• Ave Sportwear: avesportwear.us
• State & Liberty (men's athletic-fit clothing, mentioned by Ken)
• Good Vibes Only (another clothing brand in the TKT circle)

Host: Ken Baden — CEO & President, Potomac Custom Remodeling and Baden Consulting Format: Solo episode, no guest Runtime: Approx. 21 minutes

People & Companies Mentioned:

• Dmitry Lipinskiy — Roofing Insights (hosted Ken on his podcast and radio show in Minnesota)
• Chris Simberman — industry contact discussing business pivots
• Network shoutouts: John Cena, Chris Jericho, Adam Vidzeme, Brandon J., Todd Price, John McCainbridge, Adam Champagne, Tony Flahom, Kurt Lindemann

Key Topics:

• ICE enforcement & the Hispanic labor workforce — staffing, costs, and project timelines
• Credit score landscape — 64% of Americans have a FICO above 700 (live ChatGPT lookup done on air)
• National roofing market dropped ~19% in 2025
• UPPA law — what it means for contractors working insurance claims
• Insurance drop letters — companies requiring roof replacement within 30 days or canceling policies
• Retail vs. insurance restoration — pros, cons, and why diversification is critical
• What a working retail sales system looks like (lead gen, setter-closer model, 30–35% close rate)
• Super Bowl local ad spot secured a week before the game
• 2026 mindset — down markets create market share opportunities

Baden Consulting is currently accepting a limited number of clients per quarter. Reach out to Ken directly for availability or referrals to vetted industry consultants.

Guest Information:

• Name: Ron Kmetovicz
• Book: Ghost Money: The Pathway to Financial Independence
• Website: https://ghostmoneythebook.com
• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ron-k-34218017/
• Background: Retired engineer, 20 years in Silicon Valley, consulting practice owner
• Current Location: Reno-Lake Tahoe area
• Age: 78 (still actively skiing, mountain biking, hiking)

Key Concepts Discussed:

1. Ghost Money Strategy
   • Separate investment account from 401(k)/retirement funds
   • Focus on long-term compound growth
   • Built to outlast inflation
   • Started early for maximum effect
2. Why Traditional Advice Falls Short
   • 401(k)s have limitations and restrictions
   • Inflation erodes purchasing power over time
   • Traditional retirement planning may not provide true independence
   • Need for additional wealth-building strategies
3. Ron's Background & Credibility
   • Pennsylvania farm boy upbringing
   • Penn State engineering degree
   • 20 years in Silicon Valley with top talent and equipment
   • Started consulting practice and multiple businesses
   • Successfully mentored children and grandchildren through financial development
4. Book Origins
   • Written at age 78 as legacy document for great-grandchildren
   • Based on real experience mentoring family members
   • Simple, accessible approach to complex topic
   • Not profit-driven—focused on helping youth
5. Investment Philosophy
   • Avoid gambling mentality (crypto, day trading, meme coins)
   • Focus on steady, proven growth strategies
   • Understand the difference between investing and speculation
   • Start early, stay consistent
6. Life Philosophy: "Live Where You Play"
   • Integrate work and lifestyle choices
   • Reduce commuting and unnecessary travel
   • Build life around activities you love
   • Financial independence enables lifestyle freedom

Actionable Takeaways:

• Start a separate "Ghost Money" investment account today
• Make consistent contributions, no matter how small
• Focus on long-term growth over quick wins
• Understand inflation's real impact on your purchasing power
• Avoid the allure of day trading and crypto gambling
• Read "Ghost Money" for the complete strategy
• Consider where you live vs. where you want to play

Resources Mentioned:

• Ghost Money: The Pathway to Financial Independence (book)
• Website: ghostmoneythebook.com
• Available on Amazon (search for Ron Kmetovicz to find the correct book)
• The Miracle Morning by Hal Elrod (referenced by Ken)

Warning for Book Buyers: There are other fiction books titled "Ghost Money" - make sure you're getting Ron Kmetovicz's book (spelled K-M-E-T-O-V-I-C-Z). Easiest way is to go directly to ghostmoneythebook.com.

Guest: Reed Nyffeler - Author, franchisor operating in 49 states & 9 countries Books: "Transform Through Purpose" and "Lead Exponentially" Contact: readnyffeler.com

Key Topics:

• Construction to franchise journey
• Security franchise model with proprietary software
• New low-cost franchises: Filter Go, window cleaning
• Franchise vs. entrepreneur: personality determines path
• Lead Exponentially framework for delegation
• Great Grandma vs. Grandma leadership analogy
• 6-month test: Can your business grow without you?
• Stewardship of time and talent for next generation

[00:00:00] Introduction & Reed's Background

[00:00:48] Construction Beginnings - Block layer at 14, father's home building business

[00:01:51] Career Evolution - DeWalt Power Tools, early tech, Christmas lights

[00:03:10] Discovering Franchising - The gap between skills and business knowledge

[00:04:01] Franchise Value - Recipe for success, pricing, systems, exit strategy

[00:08:00] Security Franchise Deep Dive - 49 states, Uber-like software, hundreds of millions in revenue

[00:12:00] Target Audience - Military veterans and former police officers

[00:15:00] New Low-Cost Franchises - Filter Go, window cleaning, no money down model

[00:18:00] Cross-Selling Strategy - Leveraging existing clients for warm leads

[00:20:20] Franchise vs. Entrepreneur - Personality assessment and path selection

[00:21:40] Great Grandma Analogy - Recipe creators vs. recipe perfectors

[00:24:00] The $20 Payroll Story - Learning what NOT to do

[00:26:40] Lead Exponentially Framework - Six-month test: business vs. job

[00:28:20] Teaching for Employee Benefit - Motivation beyond paycheck

[00:31:00] Five Levels of Leadership - Aligning leadership with organization size

[00:33:00] Where to Find Reed - Books, website, resources

[00:35:00] Final Wisdom - Stewardship and multigenerational impact

[00:36:15] Closing & Consulting Info

Guest: Chris Zimmerman

• Owner, At Your Service Roofing and Remodeling
• Co-founder, Master Your Craft (with John Lombard)
• 15+ years in roofing industry
• Owens Corning Platinum Preferred Contractor
• Based in Cincinnati, OH with branch in Cleveland

Key Topics Discussed:

Industry Transformation (2024)

• Market down 20-40% for most contractors
• Chris achieved best year ever despite no major storms
• The "thinning of the herd" is finally happening
• Shift from storm-dependent to sustainable business models

New Ventures with John Lombard:

1. Scientific Hail Damage Testing Service - Methodical testing to determine actual hail damage vs. "magnetic hail"
2. AI-Powered Claims Assistance Tool - Downloads expertise from Chris, John, and industry leaders to help contractors communicate effectively with insurance carriers

The Great Pivot: Restoration to Retail

• Burned company to the ground (Labor Day 2024)
• Eliminated 2 of 5 divisions
• Complete restructuring of leadership and processes
• Unified process for repairs, retail, and claims
• Eliminated door knocking entirely
• Focus on referral partnerships over cold leads

Three Mindset Shifts for Retail Success:

1. Price - You can charge premium prices in retail (just like restoration)
2. Opportunity - Build referral networks, don't rely on door knocking or expensive marketing
3. Service - Run every appointment through the same process regardless of type

Insurance Industry Challenges:

• COVID doubled claim costs while premiums stayed regulated
• Carriers forced into "poor behavior" due to financial constraints
• Fraud was "priced in" but became unmanageable
• Homeowners deserve indemnification regardless of carrier challenges

Communication is King:

• "If your skill level is a 4 and your communication level is a 9, your effectiveness is a 4" - John Lombard
• Understanding the "why" behind strategies vs. memorizing scripts
• Most contractors can't effectively "sell value"

Industry Red Flags:

• "Insurance claim specialist" = UPA violations
• Flexing on social media vs. building sustainable business
• Short-term thinking vs. long-term wealth building
• Lambos in year 2-3 = cash flow problems ahead

Advice for New Roofers:

1. Develop strong work ethic first
2. Read books constantly (1% better with each one)
3. Block out the noise and social media drama
4. Treat roofing as a career, not a job
5. Build reputation over revenue
6. Focus on long-term strategy
7. Take advantage of training resources (NTS, Master Your Craft)

Master Your Craft Details:

• Online community: $1,000-$1,500/month for 20 users
• 15-35 pre-recorded 2-hour trainings
• 3 new trainings monthly (Chris, John, + guest expert)
• Private trainings available
• Free Owens Corning University classes
• In-person classes: ~$500-600/ticket

Resources Mentioned:

• Master Your Craft
• NTS (National Testing Services)
• RSRA (Roofing & Siding Restoration Alliance) - Adam Bensman
• Owens Corning University
• Power Home Remodeling

Key Quotes:

• "Your reputation is your net worth"
• "It's way harder to sell restoration than retail these days"
• "The problem with arguing with a fool is that people from a distance can't tell who's who"
• "Slow down, make your money, do good, help people out—that good's gonna come back to you"
• "Keep it stupid simple" (KISS principle)