Nick Zavala did not take a straight line into leadership. Before he became the leader of American Home Contractors, he was a young man searching for purpose, stumbling through adversity, and learning the trades one job at a time. His path is a story of discipline, resilience, and choosing to grow through the challenges rather than running from them.

In this episode, Nick sits down with Josh to talk about the journey from production manager to leading a forty million dollar multi-state brand, and the setbacks that shaped him into the leader he is today. Nick opens up about the tough years that forced him to develop character, direction, and a mindset built around service and responsibility.

Josh and Nick explore:

How adversity becomes the foundation for strong leadership
What it takes to scale from a local shop to a multi-state operation
Leading through change and keeping culture strong as a company grows
The rise of Tesla Solar and how AHC became a national leader
The habits and philosophies that keep leaders grounded
Tactical advice for operators on how to understand their business at every level

Nick’s story is a reminder of one of the core Stoic ideas: the obstacle is the way. Strength is built by doing the hard things, showing up for your people, and staying committed to growth even when the path is not clear.

The Long Game is hosted by Josh Sparks, Founder and CEO of Infinity Home Services, a platform built to elevate what it means to be a contractor in North America. Each episode features real conversations with leaders who build their companies by building their people first.

Subscribe for new episodes and more conversations like this one.

Kent Gardner, President of SRS Building Products, has lived every chapter of the roofing industry. From a blue collar upbringing in Sugar Creek, to leading one of the largest distribution networks in North America, Kent’s story is about discipline, responsibility, and staying steady when everything around you speeds up.

In this conversation, Kent and Josh talk about the leadership lessons forged in the military, the early days of SRS, the realities of private equity, and why relationships still matter even as technology and AI reshape the industry. Kent also shares why he believes the roofing industry is on the verge of a major surge and what leaders should be preparing for now.

Kent’s journey is a reminder that steady, grounded leaders create the conditions for teams to thrive. You show up, you listen, you lift people up, and you stay focused on the long view.

The Long Game is hosted by Josh Sparks, Founder and CEO of Infinity Home Services, a platform on a mission to elevate what it means to be a contractor in North America. Each episode features real stories from industry leaders who are playing the long game by putting people first and letting the profits follow.

Subscribe for new episodes and more stories like Kent’s.

John Henderson didn’t start out in roofing, he started out framing houses and learning the trades from the ground up. But over time, he saw something others didn’t: an opportunity to build a roofing company that stood out for all the right reasons—integrity, simplicity, and people who cared.

In this episode, Josh sits down with the founder of Henderson Roofing, based in Westerly, Rhode Island, to talk about the power of humility, why slow growth often creates stronger teams, and how the right partnership can help you grow without losing yourself in the process.

“If someone can prove me wrong and show me my mistake in any thought or action, I shall gladly change. I seek the truth, which never harmed anyone.” — Marcus Aurelius

John doesn’t showboat. He leads quietly—with curiosity, conviction, and the willingness to admit what he doesn’t know. And that’s what makes him such a respected leaders at IHS.

The Long Game is hosted by Josh Sparks, Founder and CEO of Infinity Home Services—a platform on a mission to elevate what it means to be a contractor in North America. Each episode features real stories from industry leaders who are playing the long game—by putting people first and letting the profits follow.

🔔 Subscribe for new episodes and more stories like John’s.