Young Ones to Watch: Jason Revere, Vice President of Franchise Development for Honest Abe Roofing

Jason Revere, 37, was first a business owner before jumping into franchise development. The fundamental understanding of business he gained owning a marketing and consulting company called Midnight Ride Marketing has helped the now-VP of Franchise Development for Honest Abe Roofing better connect with prospective franchisees seeking to fulfill their entrepreneurial ambitions. 

In an interview with 1851 Franchise, Revere talked about the altruistic nature of being a franchisor, the main challenge facing the franchise industry and the people he looks to as sources of inspiration. 

1851: What initially drew you to franchising?  

Revere: I think franchising—and being a franchisor—is the most altruistic endeavor. When people buy a franchise, they usually do it because they are not a ‘something’: ‘I’m not a doctor.’ ‘I’m not a roofer.’ ‘I’m not an electrician.’ ‘I’m not a plumber.’ ‘I’m not a car guy.’ ‘I’m not a chef.’ 

So, if they want to own a business that’s scalable, they’d have to invest in a franchise. To take an idea, concept or skill set and turn it into something that another person can use to achieve their dream, I view as not only super altruistic, but super fun. I can’t tell you how fun it is to talk to potential franchisees on the phone and show them what their business could be like and what their life could be like. 

1851: Where do you see the most opportunity in franchising and why are you excited about the future of the industry? 

Revere: The franchise industry is always going to be around. You’re always going to be able to have potential franchisees—the industry itself is just huge. The only hard part about this industry is finding the right franchisees. The right franchisees, those business-minded, sales-focused marketing people, are out there, and they’re looking for a way to control their own destiny and freedom. There is never a shortage of dreamers. That’s the franchising world. 

The roofing industry is growing, too, because as the population grows, so does the number of roofs that need replacement. All you have to do is be better than everybody else at finding the customers, which we are, so our industry is always going to be around. Who wants to get on top of a roof and replace their own roof? 

1851: What advice do you have for other young up-and-comers in the space? 

Revere: Buckle up and be prepared for bumps in the road. It’s never easy. You’ve got to understand that it’s going to take more effort than you thought it would, so take the amount of effort you think it’s going to take, let’s say, to get your first franchisee and multiply it by 10. Then multiply that amount of effort by 20 to get your second franchisee.

Realize it’s going to be harder than you thought it would, but also realize it’s going to be even more rewarding than you thought it would, too. When your first franchisee shows you photographs of the new home he has purchased and says, “Courtesy of Honest Abe Roofing,” try not to tear up. 

1851: What advice would you give your younger self?

Revere: The same advice: It’s going to be harder than you thought it was. 

1851: Who is someone you look to for inspiration?

Revere: No. 1 would be Kevin Newton, CEO of Honest Abe Roofing. I have always found him to be an inspirational guy. He’s just a cool guy to be around, who relentlessly chases his dreams and is willing to risk it all at the drop of a hat because of how much he believes in himself, his team and his vision. 

No. 2 would be my wife. My wife is a person worth looking up to. She is the coach and executive director of our swim team here locally in the evenings, and a stay-at-home mom and teacher to our three daughters during the day, so she never takes a break. She works relentlessly and is just super inspirational for me and for all of the swimmers that she’s able to coach.