Local Competing Roofing Companies Collaborate to Combat Scams and Fraud in the Wake of the Recent Hurricanes
Manatee County, FL (October 21, 2024) – In a rare and inspiring show of unity, competing
roofing companies in Manatee County are banding together to protect residents and business
owners from scams and fraud following the recent hurricanes. Led by Melissa and Kevin McLin,
owners of Blue Collar Roofing, this coalition of roofing professionals aims to prevent dishonest
contractors and roofing companies from exploiting vulnerable home and business owners during
their time of need.
It is not common for businesses within the same industry to collaborate, especially when they are
direct competitors. However, the urgent need to protect the community has transcended
competition. These roofing companies understand that safeguarding their neighbors is more
important than any individual profit.
“Normally, we’re competing for the same jobs, but when we saw how many people were being
taken advantage of after the storms, we knew it was time to work together,” said Melissa McLin.
“This isn’t about business anymore—it’s about doing what’s right for our community.”
The collaboration is focused on educating residents and business owners on how to recognize
and avoid fraudulent contractors. Scammers frequent flood disaster-affected areas with empty
promises of quick repairs at little to no cost, claiming they will handle everything through the
home or business owner’s insurance. These contractors often perform substandard work or
disappear without completing the job, leaving property owners with unsafe conditions and
significant financial losses.
“We’ve seen these scams too often—contractors telling people their roof repairs won’t cost a
dime, only to find out later that the home or business owner is left with a denied insurance claim
and a poorly done roof,” McLin explained.
McLin has reached out to several reputable roofing companies she knows personally to form this
coalition and distribute crucial information to the public. So far, Blue Collar Roofing, Pro
Roofing Services, Blue Vision Roofing, White Peterman Roofing, and Mighty Dog Roofing have
joined forces. More will join as the effort grows. Together, they aim to create a trusted network
where residents and business owners can access reliable information, ethical services, and honest
direction on avoiding scams.
“The idea of working with our competitors is unusual, but we’re all part of this community. We
live here, do business here, we raise our families here, and we want to protect the people we care
about,” McLin added. Her goal is to ensure that Manatee County residents, whom she calls her
community, are equipped with the knowledge they need to make informed decisions.
For more information or to connect with the coalition of trusted roofing companies, please
contact Melissa and Kevin McLin at Bluecollarroofing.com or call 941-933-7663.
About the Coalition
Formed in response to recent natural disasters, the coalition of local roofing companies is
dedicated to protecting Manatee County residents from roofing scams and fraud. Led by Melissa
and Kevin McLin, the group offers educational resources and support to help home and business
owners make informed decisions about roof repairs and reconstruction.
For More information on insurance fraud visit this website…
CAPTAIN STACY MCINTYRE
8600 Hidden River Parkway, Suite 100
Tampa, FL 33637-1016
813-972-8602
Stacy.McIntyre@myfloridacfo.com
Counties Served: Desoto, Hardee, Hernando, Highlands, Hillsborough, Manatee, Pasco, Pinellas, Polk, Sarasota.
Ways you can be sure your not a victim.
- Use a Local Reputable Roofing Company
- Verify their roofing Licensee is valid in the state of FL. Use this link to verify
- Check their general liability insurance – ask for a copy and verify its an active policy.
- Never give a roofer your insurance policy # or claim #. They dont need it up front.
- Do not let a roofer open a claim on your behalf.
- Do not sign an “assignment of benefits form”
- If your gut tells you its too good to be true it is!
There is no such thing as a FREE ROOF
