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The Customer Comes First: Keys to Langer Roofing and Sheet Metal, Inc.'s Success

Hard work, training, communication and knowing that the customer always comes first are what Mark Langer, President of Langer Roofing and Sheet Metal, Inc., attributes to his company's success over the past 53 years. It's not easy to stay in business for half a century. Langer knows this firsthand, having been with the company for many of those years. Langer started as an apprentice in 1986 and became superintendent in 1992. He noted that his hands-on experience in all aspects of the operation helps him know what it takes to make the business run.

Langer Roofing has been a mainstay in the roofing and sheet metal industry and has developed many long-term relationships with their customers over the years. "Relationships in our industry lead to consistent business and have allowed us to keep growing," said Langer. "You really have to meet your customers all the way in order to gain their trust and business."

Langer added that customer relationships are the focus for everyone on the team. "Many of our foremen are close friends with our customers. Everyone here knows the customer comes first. There are certain customers who request certain crews" he said.

The company has long been a union contractor. Langer added that the union brings the best workforce and training to the field and to the customers. "You're not going to get anyone better trained," said Langer. He emphasized that the safety education and the ongoing training are what makes his crews exceptional.

Langer stated that his relationship with the Roofers' and Sheet Metal Workers' unions is very strong and that the strength of the relationship comes from great communication. "If we have issues, we talk it out," he said.

It's also important to note that Langer Roofing is a member of RoofConnect, a national organization that combines the "best of the best" in the roofing industry. Langer's father, the company's co-founder, also co-founded RoofConnect. The membership gives Langer Roofing the opportunity to service national accounts in Wisconsin.

Accurate bidding is an additional company strength. According to Langer, looking at each job individually while learning from successes and issues of past jobs helps keep estimates accurate. He also added that it is very important to stay on top of industry trends when bidding. For example, the "green movement" added new materials including reflective sheets, vegetative roofs and more. He noted that currently photovoltaic roofs are coming on strong. For this up and coming technology, Langer partners with electrical contractors.

The time Langer puts into estimating jobs is well appreciated by Langer's clients. Bruce Petersen from Harley-Davidson confirmed this. "We continue to work with Langer Roofing because of their commitment to quality and getting the job done well," he said. "The business relationship we share with Langer is one we rely upon heavily when bidding projects. Knowing where Langer falls when it comes to job completion and their willingness to work together makes our decision easier."

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