Featured Contractor: Robert from Rovase Associates Talks ServiceWhale

We recently had the pleasure of speaking with Robert Rovase, owner and operator of  Rovase Associates, LLC. It was a great opportunity for us to  get to know more about him and his company, based out of Bristol, Pennsylvania.

ServiceWhale: How did your company get started?

Robert Rovase: Well, in 2003 I was laid off from my job so I started doing landscaping. Eventually I transitioned into doing remodeling. It was then I began hiring people to do the jobs so I could concentrate my efforts on the business side of it. I have been running my own business ever since.

SW: What does it take to become professional contractor?

RR: I would say it’s a combination of education and learning as you go. Some aspects of being a contractor, such as meeting with a client, you can’t be taught. You can be taught the basics learning how to interact with customers is something you learn by doing it. School is where you learn the basics but instinct comes with experience.

SW: How would you say your business is unique?

RR: My company takes every job seriously. It doesn’t matter how small or how big it is, $1 or $1 million. We view every job as if our lives depend on it, because it does. You never know if that small job will lead to something much larger later. If you do a good job, that person will potentially tell a neighbor, a friend or family member about you and the quality work you have done.

SW: What do you enjoy about what you do?

RR: For me, it’s seeing the customer’s joy when they see the finished work, whether it’s their bathroom, basement or something else. That look on their face is a kind of a high for me and it pushes me to continue to do my best for every customer.

SW: What was the most challenging job you have done?

RR: I would have to say it was an addition we were doing last winter. Every other day it was snowing, and it became a real challenge to get it done. The job was scheduled to be completed in two weeks but because of the weather conditions, it took about three months.

SW: What would you consider to be an easy job?

RR: I would say the easiest job for me would be doing a bathroom. Over the years, we’ve done so many bathrooms (400-500), so I can look it and know exactly what has to be done. Also kitchens and basements because we’ve done them so many times.

SW: Can you tell me about the hardest time your company has had?

RR: During the 2007-2009 recession it was really difficult. Prior to that I had a full-time staff of 8, but around 2008, it was reduced to a two man team. Luckily were able to remain in business, that really meant a lot for us. Many of our competitors went under and were not able to come back but we were able to keep our door open. We’re really proud of surviving the recession.

SW: What has been your experience in the past with lead generation services?

RR: Getting clients is the number one priority for someone like me running a business. There are a lot of lead generation companies out there and I’ve found the overhead is just too high, $80-$90 for a lead. What they give you for that price is a phone number but I’ve often found that when you call it but nobody answers or it was fake number. The services tell you that they can’t guarantee the authenticity of the phone number or that you will get a deal. It can get very expensive.

SW: What would be the best case scenario for you to get a job?

RR: The best for me is when I present the estimate to the client and they are ready to close the deal. I have men that I have to keep working so if I can close a deal right away I can plan thing out and let my guys know that they have work.

Referrals are great as well. During the winter months, business is always slow; I don’t even bother advertising. I am able to survive because of referrals from past clients.

SW: What is the hardest part about being a contractor like yourself?

RR: The hardest part is the winter, business is slow. When you have employees, you are try to keep them working. I tell my clients that if they have a job they want done quickly, they should do it in the winter. That’s the time that contractors are hungry for jobs.

SW: What’s new with your company? What are the future plans?

RR: We are always open to new challenges. Rovase Associates now has a cement department and we are doing driveways and parking lots. We also do stamped concrete. There are a lot of people that do concrete but very few of them do stamped concrete. This is something we recently added to our business and we are very proud of it.

Within the next 5-10 years our goal is to grow so big that we are part of the stock market. I want to have the team that’s dating Madonna. That’s the long term plan – to grow big.

SW: Have you observed and problems in the home improvement industry?

RR: One of the biggest problems that I see is just getting genuine clients. The services that provide us with clients don’t normally have the contractor’s best interest in mind.

SW: How did you hear about ServiceWhale?

RR: I was driving my truck listening to NPR and heard a commercial come on. I tried to sign up right there and then on my iPhone. Later TJ called me and helped me finish the registration process and get me set up.

SW: What were your thoughts when you first heard about ServiceWhale?

RR: I wondered what it would cost me. When I asked TJ, he said there was no cost for the leads. I didn’t believe him initially. I asked him why he would want to give me a client. He told me that 30 days after I get a job, I would pay a 10% commission. That’s really hard to beat.

SW: What convinced you to sign up for ServiceWhale?

RR: When TJ explained your business model and told me that you were based in the Philadelphia area, I was excited because. I think a lot of contractors are going to flood to ServiceWhale because a lot of contractors are so frustrated about leads and the other companies offering them.

SW: What do you think about ServiceWhale’s pricing model?

RR: I think its very reasonable. Some of the places I’ve used in the past want to take up to 40% of the deal before I even get paid and they’re not doing anything.

SW: In your opinion, does ServiceWhale make deal acquisitions easier?

RR: Yes, definitely. Like I said, I like the model and if you guys continue providing us with clients willing to close, contractors are going to flood to you guys and you will be very successful. I think its great that your company is providing the clients with the cost upfront so they know whether or not they want to pursue the project.

SW: What advise can offer homeowners looking to hire a contractor?

RR: They should get someone with liability insurance and a license in the state they are operating in. When I am doing a job for someone, I have my insurance company write up a certificate in their name so they know they are covered by my insurance.

SW: Are there any “red flags” that homeowners should be on the look out for when hiring a contractor?

RR: If a contractor wants all the money upfront, that’s a red flag. I divide payments into three, it helps to alleviate any fear in my clients. If a contractor wants more than 50% upfront – that’s a problem. If the client is buying the material, then the contractor should not be asking for more than 35%.

SW: Robert, what do you like to do in your free time?

RR: I’m a father of two, a 6 year old and an 8 year old. When I return home, sometimes we watch a movie or something. Being a contractor takes a lot of time, but when I do have spare time, my family comes first.

SW: Do you have a favorite television show?

RR: My favorite TV show, at the moment, is on Showtime, it’s called Billions. Shameless is another one that I like.

SW: What kind of music do you listen to in your truck?

RR: I really don’t listen to music. When I am in my truck, I am listening to NPR. I’m a politics junkie.

SW: What motivates you to succeed?

RR: Everything! Every time I see my kids I am reminded/motivated to do all the dirty work so they don’t have to do it. I want their life to be a lot better than mine.

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If you’d like to sign your business up for ServiceWhale, visit our website or give us a call at 866-977-3897 to speak with a customer service representative.