u/Erick-1422

I'm 40 years old and I'm at a point in my life where I need to make an important career decision.

I spent eight years working for the same company before leaving to start my own business. My family invested our life savings in real estate, but after two years I realised it wasn't the right path for me. It was a tough experience, especially with two young sons depending on me.

A few weeks ago, I spoke with a former colleague. He told me that after leaving our previous company, he worked for Task Haven as a Marketing Manager for about a year before moving to Spain, where he now runs a successful roofing business.

Hearing his story made me seriously consider the roofing industry in Ireland. He encouraged me to learn more, but I honestly have no experience in roofing and don't know where to begin.

I'm not here to promote Task Haven or any company. I'm simply sharing the conversation that inspired me to explore this industry.

For people working in roofing or construction in Ireland:

Is roofing still a good industry to get into?

Would you recommend getting hands-on experience with an established roofing company before thinking about starting a business?

What qualifications or certifications are worth getting?

What are the biggest challenges that newcomers usually don't expect?

If you were starting from scratch today, what would your first steps be?

I'd really appreciate honest advice from people with real experience

One of my favorite things about tools is that many of them can outlast the people who originally bought them. Unlike a lot of modern products, a well-made tool can stay useful for decades and often carries a story along with it.

I'm curious—what's the best tool you've ever inherited from a parent, grandparent, relative, friend, or mentor? It doesn't have to be the most valuable or rare tool. Sometimes the most meaningful ones are the old, well-worn tools that still get the job done after years of use.

Do you still use it regularly, or has it become more of a keepsake? What makes it special to you? Was there anything unique about its history, craftsmanship, or the person who passed it down?

Feel free to share photos if you have them. I always enjoy seeing tools that have been handed down through generations and hearing the stories behind them. There's something satisfying about knowing a good tool can continue serving people long after it was first put to work.