Roofer doubles net profit with improved hiring systems

At a glance:

• 📍 Location: Langley, BC
• 🏢 Company: Coast Mountain Roof Ltd.
• 📈 Growth: $2.3M → $5.6M revenue
• 💰 Profit: Doubled net profit
• 👥 Team: 7-8 → 20+ employees

The Backstory: A Business Built on Grit, Not Systems

Brad Gordon didn’t set out to become a roofing business owner.

Like many trades entrepreneurs, he fell into it - starting as a teenager doing summer roofing jobs, then picking up side work through university and rugby connections. Over time, those small jobs turned into something bigger.

But the real turning point came after a major life disruption.

After being forced out of a stable career due to a medical condition, Brad took a $5,000 payout, bought a used van, and started his business from scratch.

From there, Langley roofing company Coast Mountain Roof grew, but not in a controlled way.

The Early Struggles: “Chaotic” Is an Understatement

Before joining Breakthrough Academy, Brad describes his business in one word:

Like many contractors, he was wearing every hat:

• Sales
• Operations
• Bookkeeping
• Hiring
• Project management

All while working out of his home.

“I was the business manager, the bookkeeper, the project manager, the salesman… literally working out of the back corner of this rented home.

The Real Problem: No Systems, No Visibility

Brad didn’t just feel overwhelmed, but he also lacked clarity. He didn’t know the numbers and what they even meant.

• No understanding of financials
• No predictable workflow
• No scalable structure
• Constant cash flow pressure

This is where most contractors get stuck: they work harder but don’t fix a broken system.

Brad’s Breaking Point

Every business owner hits a moment where things become unsustainable. For Brad, it came from his own bookkeeper who delivered a blunt reality check after reviewing the numbers. She made it clear that the business, as it was being run, wasn’t going to sustain itself much longer.

At the time, the company had:

• Significant supplier debt ($50K–$100K)
• Limited consistent work
• Unreliable crews
• No financial control

That’s when Brad realized he needed help and not just effort.

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Member’s Take On Breakthrough Academy

The Turning Point: Systems That Actually Scale a Business

The company’s growth wasn’t just luck. It was systems. Brad credits three key systems as transformational:

1. Organizational Structure (Org Chart)

One of the most impactful changes Brad made was implementing a clear and thoughtful organizational structure. 

In the early days, everyone, including Brad, was doing a bit of everything, which created confusion and bottlenecks across the business. 

With a defined org chart in place, roles became clear, reporting lines were established, and each team member understood exactly where they fit within the company.

This eliminated:

• Confusion
• Bottlenecks
• Owner dependency

2. Employment Agreements with Clear Accountability

This system significantly reduced the common issues that tend to slow teams down as they grow. 

With clear expectations in place, there was far less finger-pointing when things went wrong, fewer tasks slipping through the cracks.

Instead of confusion around who was responsible for what, everyone had clarity, leading to more consistent performance and accountability.

Every role now has:

• Defined deliverables
• Measurable responsibilities
• Written expectations

Why this matters:

“If it’s not one person’s job, it’s nobody’s job.”

3. Ideal Candidate Profiles (Hiring the Right People)

Hiring went from reactive to strategic.

Instead of “who’s available,” Brad focused on:

→ Skillset alignment

→ Cultural fit

→ Role clarity

“If you don’t know what you’re looking for, how can you find it?”

Beyond Systems: Solving the Hidden Struggle of Entrepreneurial Isolation

One of the most overlooked challenges in business is loneliness.

“You’re not at the game… you’re working on the proposal… trying to collect money.”

Brad found that surrounding himself with other growth-minded contractors changed everything. He got: 

• Access to proven solutions
• Real-time problem solving
• Peer accountability

He found that other contractors had lived the problems he was facing and they had the right roadmap.

Life After Systems Brought More Control and Less Chaos

The transformation wasn’t just financial, but it was also personal. 

Before implementing structured systems, days were long, filled with constant firefighting, and lacked clear organization. 

Now, roles are clearly defined across the team, the owner’s involvement in day-to-day operations has decreased, and there’s more personal time. 

The team stays focused on their specific responsibilities, which has allowed Brad to spend more time with family, enjoy sports and travel, and even work out during the day.

The Biggest Regret (And Lesson for Contractors)

Brad almost didn’t join Breakthrough Academy.

And he regrets it.

“Had I joined earlier… it would have been so much easier.”

Why?

Because systems are easier to install at $1M than $3M, before complexity compounds and before bad habits scale.

Advice for Contractors Stuck in Chaos

Brad’s advice is direct:

“You need something systematic… where you start at a blueprint and build from there.”

More specifically:

1. Know your numbers daily
2. Build systems before scaling
3. Stop relying on hustle alone

What’s Next for Coast Mountain Roof?

Now, Brad is thinking bigger:

• Scaling beyond current revenue
• Building leadership depth
• Creating long-term succession plans

Final Takeaway: Growth Doesn’t Come From Working Harder

Brad’s story is a pattern we see over and over:

• Hustle gets you started
• Systems get you scalable
• Structure creates freedom

If your business feels chaotic, working harder won’t fix it. What you need is a smarter design. Breakthrough Academy shows you how to create clear systems, empower your team, and reclaim your time. Book a call today and start turning chaos into control.

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