Episode 214: ‘Beyond the Roof’ with Wendy Marvin
In this episode:
Christi Powell and Angela Gardner (with incoming co-host Libby) interview Wendy Marvin, founder and CEO of Matrix Roof and Home and an NRCA board member. Marvin shares that she started her company in 2007 after bad contractor experiences, focusing on customer service and transparency. She discusses how roofing has evolved, highlighting growing opportunities for women, increased technology, and the rise of private equity. She warns homeowners about predatory contractors using high-pressure sales, confusing jargon, and “sign today” tactics, and explains steps her company takes to protect single aging female homeowners, including sending estimator photos, documenting roof conditions, and hosting no-sales lunch-and-learns. Marvin explains “voting with your dollar,” emphasizing system roofing, certifications, and why low bids may signal risks. She introduces her new nonprofit, Matrix Home Hope, aimed at helping seniors and others who fall through assistance gaps, and encourages listeners to connect via LinkedIn or matrixroof.com.
Show Notes and Links:
00:00 Meet Wendy Marvin
00:42 Why She Started Matrix
01:23 Roofing Industry Changes
02:18 Spotting Predatory Contractors
04:13 Protecting Female Homeowners
05:58 Vote With Your Dollar
07:37 Matrix Home Hope Nonprofit
09:16 Advice for Women in Roofing
11:13 Life Outside the Job
12:31 Connect and Closing
About Wendy:
Wendy Marvin is the co-founder and CEO of Matrix Roof & Home, a woman-owned roofing and exterior company she started in Vancouver, Washington, back in 2007. For nearly twenty years, she has built Matrix on a simple idea: treat homeowners as smart partners, lead with education instead of pressure, and stand behind every job. Her promise to customers says it best: Your Home. Our Promise.
Wendy is also a recognizable voice in the trade. She serves on the National Roofing Contractors Association board of directors, where she chairs the Membership Growth Committee, is president of the Roofing Technology Think Tank, and is a ten-time RoofersCoffeeShop Industry Influencer. She is especially passionate about opening doors for women and young people in construction, whether through her company's community work, her non-profit Matrix Home Hope, her partnership with local CTE schools, or her belief that the roofing industry should keep pulling up more seats to the table.
Supported by:
