Sarah Weiss shares her incredible journey of growing Elite Roofing Supply from a family business into a major industry player. Sarah, inspired by her father's entrepreneurial spirit, cashed in her 401k and jumped into the roofing supply industry, growing the company to 26 locations and becoming one of the top distributors in the market.
She discusses the challenges of running a family business, the intense growth phases, and the strategic considerations that led to selling the company to Gulf Eagle Supply. Sarah provides an inside look at the emotional and mental preparations required for such a significant exit, as well as her personal reflections and plans post-sale.
This episode covers everything from bootstrapping to navigating high-stakes negotiations with Goldman Sachs, making it a must-listen for aspiring entrepreneurs and business owners.
1:03 How Sarah First Stepped Into Entrepreneurship
2:06 Starting Elite Roofing Supply With Her Dad
4:36 Navigating Family Dynamics in a Business Partnership
6:10 Smart Growth Strategies That Drove Their Success
7:30 The Early Struggle to Hit Profitability
9:00 Pushing Through the Fear of Failure
10:37 Knowing When It’s Time to Think About an Exit
11:47 How the Roofing Distribution Business Really Works
12:38 Identifying the Right Strategic Partners for Acquisition
13:30 Why She Chose Goldman Sachs to Lead the Sale
14:29 Preparing Mentally and Emotionally for the Sale Process
17:12 The Unique Strength of Family-Owned Companies
18:09 Getting Ready for the Emotional Roller Coaster Ahead
20:50 Prioritizing Rest and Recovery After the Sale
22:24 Giving Herself Time to Discover What Comes Next
