MARK ROCKEY

DES MOINES, IA (USA)
Role(s):
Founder/Owner/Principal

PROFESSIONAL RESTORATION SALES

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Location: DES MOINES
Industry: Manufacturing
Year Founded: 2007
Number Employees: 1-10 people
Description: We have been selling roofing contracts for tile, ceramic, clay, cement, polymers, stone coated steel, Spanish tile shaped steel panels. During the winter we started using scrap granite and marble to make items such as cremetory ash boxes, dresser top trays for wallets and keys and change, tissue box covers out of onyx, pen desk sets. Two things have happened in this market. Pricing of asphalt roofing products has risen drastically while my products costs have not. Alternative and green products are in demand and prices are sometimes less than asphalt. These polymer products seem to have the highest appeal due to their light weight. They run comparible to asphalt shingel weight so architects are gaining interest. The cement and some clay tiles are in the 800# per 100 SF where the polymers run 120# to 250# per 100 SF. There are many structures able to handle the heavier weights and this market is about 50% of total. This making of polymer roofing is very simple and can be in any shape, color that a client wants. I have produced several types on my own. this started when I couldn't find a lightweight shake for several clients. I simply used my background to make some prototypes. These consist of resin/concrete/recycled rubber wrapped around an insulation core. All who view these prototypes like the weight, toughness, impact resistant characteristics (in Iowa this is a huge concern). In addition, everyone likes a custom roofing look that knocks them over every day they come home from work. I want to capitalize on this but need financial help. There is a huge market out there for durable, resaonably priced, permanent roofing. Insurance companies love it and everyone loves the green aspects. In addition, people have been looking for unique gift items and the demand for my marble/granite/onyx items has soared beyond that which I can produce. This keeps my workers busy when roofing isn't possible (with the exception of my roofing product which can be installed any time of year) due to inclement weather or safety reasons. Most roofers go on unemployment starting about Dec 1st so it is difficult to find contractors to do the work that I secure, between Dec and end of Feb. This stone work fills in the gap for me and my core staff but I can only maximize the attack on the market with some financial help. My goal is to provide work for 20 to 35 workers on a flex schedule to accomodate single parents and those with other jobs, pay them on a piece work basis following quality control approval. These workers can traverse from the stone items to making the roofing tile to break any monotony and to keep them busy if we get caught up in one area. Being located in central US will allow me to open markets in Omaha, Kansas City, Minneapolis, Chicago, St Louis, Sioux Falls. The proximity minimizes shipping costs and time to market. China is starting to realize this market and I have received many samples from companies wishing to partner up with a US company. So far, I am not impressed with the quality nor the cost of shipping from China nor the 4 weeks to get here. The public can take only so much "off-site cost" in their product purchase. There are US companies getting on the bandwagon such as DeVinci, Trimline, VandeHey, Monier, ProShake, and now Eagle. They all are making either a cement or clay product and a polymenr product. The cements and clays are too heavy for the big market and the pricing for the new polymers reflect the demand with their initial pricing being way too high. I am successful in selling those high priced products but when the same or better product comes out at a reasonable price with design and color flexibility those other products will die on the vine. I currently am working with a university that is using about 15,000 square (a SQ is 100 square feet)per year in 5 states each. I have been working with them for a year, trying to locate the best tile. I finally found a lightweight, 'S' shaped ceramic tile in the color they wanted with the toughness for this climate. Once I presented this to the mfgr rep here in Florida the pricing went from $150/SQ to $225/SQ. The clients' first building will be needing 50 SQ. The pricing jumped then $3,750 just with that phone call. Then the shipping form China shot up from $1,000 to $2,000 so now the client is looking to me to offer options. I say "let's make your own roofing". They are considering the idea and my price to them will be about $140/SQ with my costs at about $30/SQ. The product will be mfgrd close, in the exact color, the exact shape and I will have their 5 state business. They will use this as a signature look (glossy golden yellow, 'S' shaped tile). I need immediate help and can be on the production in days. Thank you. Mark Rockey Professional Restoration Sales [<a href="(URL removed)">send me a message</a>] (URL removed)