Chris Rajala

General Manager

Sarasota, Florida, United States

About

My goal is at Advanced Roofing and Sheet Metal is to apply my roofing industry knowledge, technical expertise, and established relationships to grow market share and expand the customer base. I aim to deliver results that increase revenue, enhance client satisfaction, and elevate the ARSM’s reputation while continuing to sharpen my skills and industry insight.

Experience

  • Advanced Roofing and Sheet Metal (Full-time · 4 yrs 10 mos)
    • General Manager
      Sep 2025 - Present · 10 mos

    • Director of Sales & Estimating / Partner
      Jul 2023 - Present · 3 yrs

    • Business Development Manager
      Sep 2021 - Jul 2023 · 1 yr 11 mos

      Since 1980 we’ve offered Expert Care to our customers, doing new construction and re-roofing of commercial projects. We specialize in all types of flat roofing, as well as metal roofing and tile roofing specially built for tough climates. We offer many services to condos & HOAs and our 24-hour service department gives you the opportunity to contact us at any time to utilize our capabilities and expertise in re-roofs, roof repair work, roof cleaning, roof maintenance, roof inspections, and HVAC. As the General Manager, I Lead branch operations for the Sarasota and Fort Myers locations, overseeing sales, estimating, and business development activities across the Southwest Florida commercial roofing market. Key Contributions • Directly responsible for $45M in total sales since 2021, driving revenue growth through client development, project acquisition, and strategic account management. • Oversee full P&L performance for multi-branch operations including revenue growth, budgeting, forecasting, and operational profitability. • Direct daily operations for a multi-branch commercial roofing division including sales, estimating, and client management functions. • Develop and implement strategic sales initiatives to expand market share and increase regional revenue. • Lead, mentor, and develop sales and estimating personnel while fostering a high-performance team culture. • Maintain and strengthen strategic relationships with property managers, facility directors, engineers, and general contractors. • Develop and manage annual operating budgets, ensuring departmental spending aligns with financial targets and company objectives. • Drive revenue growth through preventative maintenance programs, reroofing projects, and long-term asset management solutions. • Monitor team performance metrics and implement operational improvements to increase productivity and profitability.

  • Sales Representative at Cadamar Group
    Oct 2016 - Sep 2021 · 5 yrs

    The goal at Cadamar was to provide quality architectural solutions for commercial applications with exceptional service, integrity and value to those we are fortunate to serve. Once aligned with the premier manufacturing companies in the commercial roof systems industry, Johns Manville, and complementary product lines, I worked closely with architects, consultants, building owners and contractors to determine the best and most efficient solution for a commercial roof project's needs, both now and in the future. With great products, code approvals, product support, innovative product development and unparalleled warranty options backed by the strength of Johns Manville, Georgia Pacific and Metal Era, I was able to help address your unique cost, maintenance and energy efficiency requirements and design criteria. • Managed and expanded contractor relationships throughout the assigned territory, developing new growth accounts and strengthening market share. • Implemented territory sales strategies that increased product adoption across roofing contractors and specification partners. • Provided technical consultation on roofing systems, including code compliance, system design, and product application guidance. • Prepared project submittals, budget estimates, and tapered insulation layouts for commercial roofing projects. • Delivered contractor training seminars and AIA continuing education courses to contractors, architects, and industry professionals. • Collaborated with contractors and consultants on system specifications and product selection, helping secure project specifications and drive product sales.

  • Commercial Sales at Spec Building Materials
    Oct 2012 - Oct 2016 · 4 yrs 1 mo

    • Achieved #1 Sales Representative ranking in the business unit (2006) through strong account growth and new business acquisition. • Delivered 42.9% increase in gross profit and 37.7% increase in sales volume year-over-year within assigned territory. • Managed key food service accounts while expanding market share through new distributor partnerships and product placement opportunities. • Negotiated contracts and executed strategic promotional programs to drive revenue growth. • Developed long-term relationships with restaurant operators, distributors, and purchasing managers, strengthening customer retention and territory performance.

  • Regional Accounts Ops & Service Sales & Marketing at Crowther Roofing and Cooling
    Aug 2007 - Oct 2012 · 5 yrs 3 mos

    Managed regional commercial accounts while developing new roofing service, repair, and reroofing opportunities and supporting project execution through coordination with operations and production teams. Key Contributions • Managed and expanded relationships with contractors, property managers, and commercial clients across the assigned territory. • Generated new revenue by identifying and securing roofing maintenance, repair, and reroofing opportunities. • Prepared and presented project proposals and cost estimates, successfully negotiated contract terms and closing sales. • Conducted educational presentations and seminars on roofing systems and preventative maintenance strategies for property managers and facility teams. • Partnered with operations and production teams to ensure projects were delivered on time and with high client satisfaction.

  • Food Service at Pepsi Beverages Company
    2002 - 2007 · 5 yrs

    Developed and managed restaurant and distributor relationships, driving beverage sales through product promotions, contract negotiations, and territory growth. Key Contributions • Achieved #1 Sales Representative ranking in the business unit (2006) through strong account growth and new business acquisition. • Delivered 42.9% increase in gross profit and 37.7% increase in sales volume year-over-year within assigned territory. • Managed key food service accounts while expanding market share through new distributor partnerships and product placement opportunities. • Negotiated contracts and executed strategic promotional programs to drive revenue growth. • Developed long-term relationships with restaurant operators, distributors, and purchasing managers, strengthening customer retention and territory performance.