From Apprentice to Director: How Reilly Stow Built an 'Adaptable Advantage' in Flat Roofing

Every year, the BMI Apprentice of the Year competition brings together emerging talent in the roofing industry. Now in its 9th year, the event is designed to test much more than just technical skill; it evaluates the business acumen, teamwork, and presentation skills needed to build a successful roofing career . The journey doesn't end when the trophies are handed out; for many, it's the catalyst needed to launch a lifelong business career.

We caught up with Reilly Stow, a finalist from the 2022 competition. Reilly took home the Highly Commended title, finishing second in the flat roofing category. Today, he’s applying everything he learned as an apprentice to a completely new challenge, running his own commercial roofing business. We spoke to Reilly about his journey, the reality of business ownership, and what it truly means to build an "adaptable advantage" in modern construction.

Finalist to Director: The High Performance Journey

For Reilly Stow, a Director of High Performance Roofing Solutions Ltd, that journey is a firsthand reality.

Reilly took part in the BMI Apprentice of the Year competition in 2022, where he earned the Highly Commended title. Today, he runs High Performance Roofing Solutions Ltd,, specialising in commercial refurbishment projects across the South East.

"The idea behind the company came from wanting to deliver commercial flat roofing properly,"Reilly explains. "We wanted a real focus on quality workmanship, professionalism, and long-term relationships. We’re still a young business, but we’ve already started building a strong portfolio of projects and clients that we’re really proud of."

Navigating the 'Adaptable Advantage'

Going from being a student at college to handling the everyday pressures, money, and responsibilities of running your own business is a massive shift that requires a huge amount of adaptability. We asked Reilly to think back to his own journey, the steps he took to navigate this change, and see if he dove straight into the deep end.

"I definitely didn’t go straight into running a business overnight. After my apprenticeship, I spent over three years working for established roofing companies and learning as much as I possibly could, not just technically on the tools, but also how projects are managed, how clients are dealt with, and how professional businesses operate day to day. The transition into business ownership was a big step because suddenly, the responsibility sits with you. You’re not just thinking about roofing anymore; you’re thinking about planning work, pricing jobs, managing cash flow, speaking with clients, organising materials, and making sure your team is looked after.

For me, adaptability has been one of the biggest parts of that journey. Every week brings new challenges, and you have to stay calm, learn quickly, and keep moving forward. Being willing to adapt and improve constantly is probably one of the biggest advantages you can have in this industry."

The Lessons That Stick: Moving Beyond the Tools

Finalists are pushed out of their comfort zones to showcase soft skills that become vital later in business. Looking back at your time as an apprentice, what were the standout lessons that stayed with you? Are there specific 'soft skills' you still rely on?

"One of the biggest lessons I learned as an apprentice was the importance of attitude and professionalism. Problem-solving is something I use every single day now. Roofing is never completely

straightforward, especially in refurbishment work where every roof can present different challenges. Being able to stay composed and think logically through problems is a huge part of the job.

Communication is another massive one. Whether it’s speaking with clients, suppliers, or your own team, being able to communicate clearly and professionally makes a huge difference."

A Day in the Life of a Business Owner

There is a common misconception that becoming the boss means stepping away from the hard graft. For Reilly, the reality is a mix of high-level management and active, on-site labor. What does a typical day in the life of a business owner actually look like for you?

"A typical day usually starts early and most days are still very hands-on. I’m out on site with the team carrying out the work, loading materials, solving problems as they come up, and making sure the standard of work is where it needs to be. When the day on site finishes, the work usually doesn’t stop there. Evenings are often spent pricing jobs, replying to clients, organising materials, or planning upcoming projects.

Outside of work, fitness is also a big part of my routine. I’ll usually train in the gym with the lads, which helps me switch off mentally and keep myself disciplined physically. Roofing is a demanding trade, so keeping yourself fit and maintaining a strong mindset definitely helps. I think people sometimes see business ownership as just the end goal, but especially in the early stages, it’s a lot of graft, long hours, and consistency behind the scenes. You have to genuinely enjoy the process and be willing to keep pushing forward even when things get difficult. That said, I love it. Seeing the business gradually grow, building relationships with clients, and creating something you’re proud of makes the hard work worth it."

Words of Wisdom for Future Finalists

As the next generation of roofing talent prepares for upcoming cohorts at the BMI Academy, Reilly reflects on the lasting impact the competition had on his career and offers some advice for those about to follow in his footsteps. What was the lasting impact of the AOTY competition on your career? What advice would you give to future contestants?

"The competition gave me a huge confidence boost and really pushed me to believe in my own ability. It also opened my eyes to the opportunities that exist within the roofing industry if you’re willing to work hard and keep developing yourself. My advice to anyone taking part would be to fully embrace the experience and not put too much pressure on yourself. The competition itself is a great achievement to be part of, and it’s an opportunity to learn from some very experienced people in the industry.

Also, don’t underestimate how important your attitude is. Being willing to learn, staying humble, and consistently putting effort in will take you a very long way."

Want to see High Performance Roofing Solutions Ltd in action? Head over to their website to explore their services and portfolio, or connect directly with Reilly on Linkedin to follow his business journey.

Want to learn more about Apprentice of the Year?

To find out more about the event, track previous winners, or learn how BMI is supporting construction colleges and the next generation of roofers, visit the BMI Apprentice of the Year Page.