Local Competing Roofing Companies Collaborate to Combat Scams and Fraud in the Wake of the Recent Hurricanes
Manatee County, FL (October 21, 2024) – In a rare and inspiring show of unity, competing roofing companies in Manatee County are banding together to protect residents and business owners from scams and fraud following the recent hurricanes. Led by Melissa and Kevin McLin, owners of Blue Collar Roofing, this coalition of roofing professionals aims to prevent dishonest contractors and roofing companies from exploiting vulnerable home and business owners during their time of need.
It is not common for businesses within the same industry to collaborate, especially when they are direct competitors. However, the urgent need to protect the community has transcended competition. These roofing companies understand that safeguarding their neighbors is more important than any individual profit.
“Normally, we’re competing for the same jobs, but when we saw how many people were being taken advantage of after the storms, we knew it was time to work together,” said Melissa McLin. “This isn’t about business anymore—it’s about doing what’s right for our community.”
The collaboration is focused on educating residents and business owners on how to recognize and avoid fraudulent contractors. Scammers frequent flood disaster-affected areas with empty promises of quick repairs at little to no cost, claiming they will handle everything through the home or business owner’s insurance. These contractors often perform substandard work or disappear without completing the job, leaving property owners with unsafe conditions and significant financial losses.
“We’ve seen these scams too often—contractors telling people their roof repairs won’t cost a dime, only to find out later that the home or business owner is left with a denied insurance claim and a poorly done roof,” McLin explained.
McLin has reached out to several reputable roofing companies she knows personally to form this coalition and distribute crucial information to the public. So far, Blue Collar Roofing, Pro Roofing Services, Blue Vision Roofing, White Peterman Roofing, and Mighty Dog Roofing have joined forces. More will join as the effort grows. Together, they aim to create a trusted network where residents and business owners can access reliable information, ethical services, and honest direction on avoiding scams.
“The idea of working with our competitors is unusual, but we’re all part of this community. We live here, do business here, we raise our families here, and we want to protect the people we care about,” McLin added. Her goal is to ensure that Manatee County residents, whom she calls her community, are equipped with the knowledge they need to make informed decisions.
For more information or to connect with the coalition of trusted roofing companies, please contact Melissa and Kevin McLin at Bluecollarroofing.com or call 941-933-7663.
About the Coalition
Formed in response to recent natural disasters, the coalition of local roofing companies is dedicated to protecting Manatee County residents from roofing scams and fraud. Led by Melissa and Kevin McLin, the group offers educational resources and support to help home and business owners make informed decisions about roof repairs and reconstruction.
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