Andrew Ringler makes unexpected switch from finance to roofing industry

I left behind a promising career in finance to pursue a more unconventional path in the trades. Andrew Ringler, 29, co-owner and director of finance at a Michigan-based roofing company, made this unexpected switch after graduating from Michigan State University with a degree in finance.

Before joining the trades, Ringler had always envisioned himself working in equity research for a large investment fund. He had secured a consulting role that many would consider a dream job in finance, but it wasn't set to start until August 2019, leaving him without employment for several months.

In need of immediate work, Ringler turned to his college roommate, who was already working in the roofing industry doing sales, and managed to secure a summer job with him. This marked the beginning of Ringler's journey into the trades, where he would eventually find new challenges and rewards.

Working in the roofing industry proved to be a steep learning curve for Ringler, as he quickly discovered that payment for jobs was often delayed, sometimes taking months to collect. Despite this unique challenge, Ringler threw himself into his work, driven by his determination to succeed in this new field.

The influx of commission payments from roofing sales started arriving in September, marking a significant shift in my income stream. This change was particularly notable since it outpaced what I would have earned in my consulting job.

As a 1099 employee in roofing sales, I had the flexibility to structure my days as I saw fit. This freedom allowed me to spend sunny summer days working outdoors, a stark contrast to the long hours spent in an office cubicle at my consulting job. Working 10-hour days was not uncommon for me when I enjoyed what I was doing.

Having made the decision to pursue roofing sales full-time, I found that it suited my work ethic and preferences. The approval to continue selling roofs on the side proved beneficial, allowing me to capitalize on my enthusiasm for the work.

The summer of 2020 marked a turning point in my career, as I decided to leave my finance role behind. With no family or significant responsibilities, this decision seemed like an opportune moment to take a leap and explore new opportunities.

The decision to leave the comfort and security of a well-paying finance job was not taken lightly. Many colleagues and friends thought I had lost my mind when I announced my intention to switch careers. They would often ask, What's driving this change? as if they couldn't understand why someone would willingly give up financial stability for an uncertain future.

Some were particularly perplexed by the choice of industry - roofing was not exactly considered a prestigious profession. I had worked in finance for several years and had built a reputation as a skilled professional, but it seemed that my decision to leave was seen as a step down the career ladder. My friends and family members who worked in finance thought I was abandoning a dream job.

My dad, being a financial advisor himself, was initially hesitant about my decision. He worried about the stability and security that came with working in finance, especially since he had always envisioned me following in his footsteps. However, as I shared my goals and progress with him, he began to understand and eventually became supportive of my career change.

The six months or so after making the switch were marked by a mixture of skepticism and curiosity from those around me. Some people viewed me differently because of my new career choice, but it only fueled my determination to prove them wrong. I was driven to show that I had made the right decision for myself, even if it didn't align with others' expectations.

As I settled into my new role in roofing, there were moments when I wondered if I would eventually return to finance. However, the experience and skills I gained in those early months helped me build confidence in my ability to succeed in this new industry.

As I continued in the roofing trade, I found myself excelling year after year, which encouraged me to keep pushing forward. My hard work paid off, and my income reflected the long hours I put in - sometimes up to 80 or even 90 hours a week.

Having made the transition from finance, I was able to develop valuable skills such as leadership and mentoring at a relatively young age. This experience has been invaluable in my current role as a business owner.

I recently took the opportunity to strike out on my own, splitting off from the roofing company I had worked with for over six years. Now, along with two other owners, I run Pilot Roofing, which employs three full-time staff and is actively recruiting more.

As an owner, while some aspects of my job remain similar - such as data analysis - a significant portion of my day-to-day work involves interacting directly with customers and contributing positively to the community where I grew up.

In contrast to the structured and controlled environment of finance, working in the trades has brought a more casual approach to my daily routine. Conversations with customers now revolve around everyday interests like sports teams, rather than complex financial concepts.

This shift has also allowed me to form more genuine connections with people, as I'm no longer confined to a desk. The freedom to engage in real-life discussions has been refreshing and has given me the opportunity to build relationships based on shared experiences, not just professional obligations.

One of the significant benefits of transitioning into the trades is having a more flexible lifestyle. I can travel whenever I want and spend quality time with loved ones, which was often difficult to balance while working in finance. This newfound freedom has been liberating and has allowed me to prioritize my personal life.

However, this shift also brings its own set of challenges. As a roofer, I'm exposed to unpredictable variables like weather conditions, material availability, and price fluctuations, which can make the work both exciting and unpredictable. Despite these obstacles, I've found that the sense of accomplishment and pride in my work far outweighs any potential drawbacks.

Leaving behind the corporate world has proven to be a liberating experience for me. Gone are the days of climbing the corporate ladder, where prestige often seemed to be the ultimate goal. In reality, I've come to realize that prestige and personal fulfillment are not synonymous.

The trades offer a sense of security and stability that is hard to find in other industries - whether it's roofing, heating and cooling, or plumbing, these jobs will always be in demand. What's more, there's a growing opportunity for young people to join the trades and work towards a fulfilling career. With talented individuals already making waves in this industry, I'm proud to be part of a community that values hard work and dedication.