Building stronger businesses through changing markets

By Jesse Sanchez. 

Stan Bastek shares how training, resilient products and industry connections can help contractors prepare for changing market conditions. 

At the Florida Roofing and Sheet Metal Contractors Association (FRSA) Expo, Atlas Roofing Corporation brought more than products to the show floor. The company used the event as an opportunity to connect with contractors, provide education and highlight ways roofing professionals can strengthen their businesses during a changing economic cycle. 

Stan Bastek, vice president and general manager of the shingles and underlayments division at Atlas Roofing Corporation, explained that the company works to make industry events engaging while creating fresh opportunities for meaningful contractor connections. 

One of those opportunities is the Asphalt Life Bronco Giveaway, which gives contractors chances to win a vintage 1966 Bronco by engaging with Atlas on social media and registering system jobs through the company’s pro portal. Ten finalists will be awarded an all-expenses-paid trip to IRE 2027 in Las Vegas, where one will receive the Bronco. 

Atlas also uses its contractor outreach to provide training on products, warranties and contractor programs, along with education from outside industry speakers. That focus on education can become particularly valuable when business slows. Stan emphasized that quieter periods give contractors an opportunity to recruit, train and prepare their teams before demand increases again, noting, “When things do get busy, it's really hard to slow down and get people up to speed and give them the skills to be able to bring them the most value for their customers.” 

Changes in insurance practices and broader economic pressures are also encouraging contractors to rethink their strategies, including how they approach retail-based business compared with insurance-based work. 

At the same time, demand for resilient and energy-efficient roofing systems continues to influence product development. Stan highlighted the Pinnacle Sun Shingle as an example of the company’s efforts to make energy-efficient roofing options more accessible to homeowners. Together, these shifts are creating new opportunities for contractors to adapt their businesses while offering solutions that address evolving homeowner priorities. 

Watch the interview to learn more about how training, business preparation and resilient roofing solutions can help contractors navigate changing market conditions!