This past summer, I had the privilege of interning as an Independent Sales Contractor with Premier Roofing Company in Denver, gaining hands-on experience in both customer service and the sales process within a fast-paced and challenging industry. Each day, I was tasked with navigating neighborhoods recently impacted by hailstorms, offering free roof inspections to homeowners, and assessing the extent of the storm damage. After performing a thorough inspection and documenting the damage through photos, I would walk homeowners through the intricate process of filing insurance claims, ensuring they understood each step and were able to maximize their coverage for roof repairs or replacements.
The role taught me more than just sales tactics; it was a masterclass in communication, problem-solving, and resilience. In the field, I had to quickly build rapport with homeowners, many of whom were understandably anxious and skeptical about the process. These interactions sharpened my interpersonal skills, particularly in explaining complex information clearly and handling difficult conversations with professionalism and empathy.
I want to extend a heartfelt thank you to Shaun Van der Veen, who was an outstanding mentor throughout my time with Premier Roofing. Shaun’s guidance not only helped me excel in my role but also allowed me to grow as a communicator and problem-solver. His patience, knowledge, and willingness to answer my questions made a huge difference, and I’m grateful for the opportunity to learn from someone with such deep expertise.
I would also like to thank John Szelest, another fantastic mentor and a true example of leadership. John’s approachability, support, and willingness to share his knowledge enhanced my experience and created a positive, collaborative environment for all the sales interns. His ability to encourage both personal and professional growth was inspiring, and I truly appreciated his role as both a teacher and a friend throughout the summer.
Overall, I am extremely grateful for the experience I gained with Premier Roofing. Being part of such a driven and customer-centric team has not only strengthened my skill set but also reinforced the importance of patience, adaptability, and clear communication in any professional role. I am confident that the skills I developed—whether negotiating with homeowners, navigating insurance claims, or providing top-tier customer service—will be invaluable as I move forward in my career.