Rob Balfanz, senior director of workforce development at the Vinyl Siding Institute (VSI), spent much of his career in operations management for powerhouses like DHL before becoming a consultant for the home building industry and joining VSI in 2019. Even so, he's no newcomer to the trades—Balfanz comes from a family of masons from Chicago. (He even intentionally named his son Mason as a tribute to the family legacy, according to a VSI feature on Balfanz.)
His journey back toward the family business was years in the making. Still, along the way, he picked up plenty of business acumen as well as communications and coaching expertise highly relevant to vinyl siding installation and the larger home improvement industry.
In this exclusive interview with Roofing & Exteriors at the 2022 International Roofing Expo, Balfanz shares some of his well-earned insights into the vinyl siding market, including:
- How to enhance the customer service experience in light of supply chain delays
- Top tips and tricks for vinyl siding installers
- The importance of choosing a certified product and installation company
- The growth potential for the vinyl siding market sector as interest in sustainability grows