In this episode of Above the Roof, Brian and Brandi get brutally honest about the real struggles of running a business—the kind of stuff no one warns you about before you dive in.

🔹 The “Ignorance Tax” – The expensive lessons of not knowing what you don’t know
🔹 Risk Tolerance vs. Fear Paralysis – Why Brandi plays it safe while Brian jumps in headfirst
🔹 Cash Flow Chaos – Growing fast is great… until the bills hit
🔹 The Numbers Game – Why business math should’ve been taught in school
🔹 Unwavering Self-Belief – How to keep going when no one is coming to save you
🔹 The Mental Toll – Sleepless nights, doubt, and pushing through the unknown

They break down the hard truths of entrepreneurship, why failure is inevitable (and necessary), and how the only way forward is constant learning, self-improvement, and owning your mistakes.

🚀 If you’re in business (or thinking about starting one), this episode is a must-listen. Get ready for real talk, no sugarcoating, and a few laughs along the way.

In this episode of Above the Roof, Brian and Brandi take you through the gritty, chaotic, and often unexpected journey of building Colorado Family Roofing from the ground up. Brian shares his early days as a lawn care entrepreneur (including some questionable time-management strategies), his move into corporate marketing, and the pivotal moment that led him to risk it all in the roofing industry.

You'll hear:
✅ The struggles of starting a business (with zero savings and a $500 credit card)
✅ How a $1.89 soda exposed a bad business partnership
✅ The brutal reality of entrepreneurship—storm chasing, nearly going broke, and tough decisions
✅ The moment everything changed—from writing a book in a hotel room to a massive windstorm that saved the business
✅ How innovation is shaping the future—RoofMaxx, solar shingles, and keeping the business strong beyond storm season

It’s a raw, real, and brutally honest look at what it actually takes to build a successful business. If you've ever wondered what happens behind the scenes of entrepreneurship (or if you just enjoy a good "almost lost it all" story), this one’s for you.

🚀 Tune in and get ready to go Above the Roof!

Above the Roof Podcast – Episode 1: Major Fail: How a $12,000 Mistake Built a Better Business

In this debut episode of Above the Roof, Brandi Babin and Brian Barnes serve up one of Brian’s biggest—and most expensive—"learning opportunities." Seven months into starting his roofing company, Brian’s excitement over a massive job (and some tasty breakfast burritos) led to a $12,000 whoopsie-daisy. Picture this: the crew accidentally installs *pewter gray* shingles instead of *driftwood*—a color mix-up that snowballed into an HOA showdown, marriage counseling (unofficial), and a shiny, newly painted house. Spoiler alert: the barn got a facelift too.

Brian shares the gut-wrenching moment of confessing the mistake, negotiating with an understandably frustrated husband, and the hard-earned lesson of checking everything—twice. Brandi chimes in with her own close-call stories, turning the episode into a masterclass for contractors: pay attention to details, double-check your materials, and remember—there’s always another spouse. 

It’s equal parts cringe-worthy, funny, and insightful. Plus, Brian’s wallet may have taken a hit, but his integrity (and processes) came out stronger. If you’re ready for real talk, big mistakes, and the wisdom they bring, Above the Roof has you covered—just like your roof.  

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Key Takeaways:
- Attention to detail: Snap the photo *and* actually look at it.  
- Slow is smooth. Smooth is fast.  
- Always assume people are fair—until they ask for a paint job and a re-roof.  

Stay tuned for more stories, laughs, and honest lessons from Colorado Family Roofing. **Above the Roof**—because we keep it real, one roof at a time.