Michigan, US, 5th June 2025, ZEX PR WIRE, Starting a business in a competitive and complex industry like construction is not an easy venture, but it can be incredibly rewarding for those with the right mindset and preparation. With over two decades of experience and a stellar reputation in Florida’s construction industry, Tampa’s own Terrance Bradford has become a trusted authority on what it takes to not only survive but thrive in this field. Through his expertise as the founder of ELA Roof Contracting, Bradford offers practical insights to aspiring entrepreneurs looking to enter the construction business.

Building the Foundation with Industry Knowledge

One of the key pillars of success for any business, according to Terrance Bradford, is a deep understanding of the industry you’re stepping into. For construction entrepreneurs, this means gaining comprehensive knowledge of trends, challenges, and new opportunities within the field. Bradford emphasizes the importance of familiarizing yourself with the specific demands of residential, commercial, or renovation projects, which helps you identify your niche in the market.

Equally critical is mastering the regulations and compliance requirements that come with the construction territory. From local building codes to licensing hurdles, staying on top of regulatory frameworks is not an option but a necessity. “The industry evolves quickly,” Bradford notes, pointing to shifts driven by technological advancements and sustainability practices. Without staying informed, new business owners run the risk of falling behind.

Crafting a Business Plan That Works

Terrance Bradford highlights that no entrepreneurial success story begins without a solid business plan. This roadmap will not only help new business owners stay on track but also serve as a reference when navigating unforeseen obstacles.

The first step is defining your goals. Whether you plan to specialize in home renovations or large-scale commercial projects, setting clear objectives will guide every decision you make. Bradford warns budding entrepreneurs to plan their budgets meticulously, especially since construction ventures often require significant upfront investments for equipment and labor.

Identifying financial resources, including loans and grants, is equally critical. Securing enough capital to fuel your business in its formative stage gives entrepreneurs the breathing room required to focus on growth. According to Bradford, “Your business plan is your backbone, keeping you aligned and prepared for whatever challenges arise.”

Relationships That Support Success

For Terrance Bradford, relationships are the foundation of any successful business. Beyond earning money, he insists on the value of forging meaningful connections with clients, whose satisfaction directly impacts long-term success. To this end, maintaining clear and open communication is a priority at every stage of a project.

Further, delivering exceptional quality in work builds a reputation of reliability. Satisfied clients not only become repeat customers but turn into ambassadors for your brand, endorsing your services through referrals. Transparency in dealings, whether regarding timelines, costs, or unexpected challenges, helps secure client trust and solidifies partnerships.

“Happy customers are the best advertising,” Bradford explains, demonstrating the importance of reputation in the construction business. New entrepreneurs, he suggests, should aim to ensure their business name is synonymous with excellence and trustworthiness.

Empowering Your Workforce

Behind every successful construction company is a skilled and motivated team. Bradford learned early in his career the importance of surrounding himself with individuals who share his vision of quality and professionalism. He advises hiring team members whose skills and values align with the company’s mission.

Investing in continuous education and training is another area Bradford encourages entrepreneurs to prioritize. Introducing your team to the latest tools, technologies, and safety standards creates an environment that fosters growth and trust. “Your team reflects your company’s values,” Bradford explains, urging new leaders to nurture their staff as an integral part of the company’s success story.

Leveraging Technology to Innovate

To stand out in a competitive landscape, Bradford suggests integrating advanced technology into your business model. From digital tools that streamline project management to eco-conscious construction materials that appeal to environmentally responsible consumers, technology offers endless advantages.

“Using tools like project management software or adopting sustainable building practices isn’t just about innovation,” Bradford explains, “It’s about efficiency and positioning yourself as a forward-thinking leader in the industry.”

For example, platforms such as Procore or Buildertrend are invaluable for tracking progress and improving communication across teams. Meanwhile, marketing technology plays a significant role in showcasing projects through social media or a professional website, reaching potential clients more effectively.

Prioritizing Safety in Operations

Safety is at the heart of Bradford’s approach to running a successful construction business. Protecting your team and clients not only ensures smoother operations but also reduces risks to your business’s reputation.

Bradford highlights the need to implement stringent safety protocols that minimize the likelihood of workplace accidents. He also advises staying informed about local and federal regulations to keep operations compliant. Additionally, comprehensive insurance coverage is a non-negotiable investment to protect against potential liabilities.

“Safety should never be compromised,” Bradford remarks. “It’s as much about safeguarding the individuals on-site as it is about protecting the integrity of your business.”

Terrance Bradford in Tampa

Terrance Bradford has honed his expertise over two decades, making a name for himself in Tampa’s construction industry as the founder of ELA Roof Contracting. Under his leadership, ELA Roof Contracting has emerged as a trusted provider of roofing services, custom solutions, and restoration projects for both residential and commercial clients. His approach to business, rooted in innovation, quality, and customer-centric practices, has set a benchmark in the Florida construction landscape.

With certifications as a State of Florida Certified General Contractor and Roofing Contractor, Bradford’s credentials reflect his dedication to professionalism. Notably, his company’s Pro-Grade Silicone Commercial Roof Restoration System has proven especially popular in Florida, known for its challenging weather conditions.

The Path to Construction Success

Launching a successful construction business requires more than just technical expertise. It owes as much to sound planning and persistence as it does to building human connections and remaining adaptive to innovations. By incorporating insights from industry leaders like Tampa’s Terrance Bradford, aspiring entrepreneurs can position themselves to succeed and leave a lasting mark in the industry.

To learn more visit: https://terrancebradfordtampa.com/

“We Don’t Need More Programs – We Need More People Willing to Show Up and Care,” Says Center, TX Minister Jerry Lewis

Michigan, US, 5th June 2025, ZEX PR WIRE, In an era when churches invest heavily in strategic planning and outreach programming, Center, TX minister and builder Jerry Lewis offers a candid message: “We don’t need more programs, we need more people who are willing to show up and care.”

With decades of experience in both construction and ministry, Jerry Lewis has quietly built a life of service rooted in action, not performance. As a licensed minister and devoted community member, Lewis believes that meaningful ministry isn’t measured by how many events a church hosts, but by the consistency and compassion of the people within it.

“We’ve programmed ourselves into a corner,” says Lewis. “We’ve got more tools than ever, apps, calendars, budgets, but far fewer people showing up at the door of someone hurting.”

Lewis’s perspective is grounded in a life of hands-on ministry. While working full time in the trades, he has also served in local church leadership and outreach efforts across Texas. Over the years, he’s mentored men in crisis, served families facing tragedy, and walked alongside individuals living with disabilities, often outside the spotlight.

One turning point for Lewis came through his relationship with a young girl named Brooklyn. Born with multiple disabilities, Brooklyn’s joy, resilience, and spirit had a profound impact on him.

“Meeting Brooklyn shifted something in me,” says Lewis. “She didn’t need a program. She needed people. Her life reminded me that the best kind of ministry doesn’t come with a microphone, it comes with presence.”

That emphasis on presence is something Lewis sees as lacking in many modern churches. While he acknowledges the good that can come from structure and planning, he believes many congregations are mistaken in thinking that activity is effectiveness.

“You can have a church calendar full of events and still miss the lonely widow next door,” Lewis says. “You can have a youth room with LED lights and still miss the kid struggling with addiction. The answer isn’t always something new. Sometimes it’s simply someone faithful.”

Lewis’s ministry has often involved showing up in the unplanned moments: helping repair a roof, holding the hand of a dying neighbor, sitting with someone whose marriage is falling apart. He believes those moments carry more weight than most formal programming ever could.

One example Lewis often shares is when he encountered a crash victim while driving his work truck. With no emergency training, he stopped, held the man’s hand, and stayed with him until help arrived. It wasn’t organized, but it was love in action.

“That moment reminded me of what ministry really is,” says Lewis. “It’s being there when people need you. No clipboard. No rehearsal. Just a heart that’s willing.”

As a builder and a minister, Lewis has a rare blend of blue-collar grit and pastoral care. He continues to work full time while supporting churches across the state, offering leadership, mentorship, and spiritual guidance wherever needed.

“You don’t have to be on staff to do ministry,” Lewis emphasizes. “You just have to care enough to stop what you’re doing and show up.”

For Lewis, showing up isn’t just about physical presence but emotional and spiritual availability. He urges churches to equip people not just with training, but with the courage to connect.

“People are desperate for someone to sit with them, pray with them, and walk with them through their mess,” he says. “That kind of care can’t be programmed. It has to be lived.”

Looking ahead, Lewis hopes to encourage a movement of relational ministry, where churches refocus on the simple but powerful call to love one another well.

“We’ve got enough systems. What we need are people, ordinary people, who say, ‘I’ll be there,’” Lewis concludes. “That’s where healing starts. That’s where the church shines.”

About Jerry Lewis
Jerry Lewis is a licensed minister, builder, and community advocate based in Center, TX. With decades of experience in construction and local church leadership, he is known for his hands-on approach to ministry. Jerry believes that authentic care and presence are more impactful than any program, and he dedicates his life to helping others through relationship-driven service and faith in action.