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Advertiser Spotlight: Educated Roofing Systems Winning Over the Hill Country

Shea Downs | Roofing Built on Relationships, Reputation, and Real Savings

In an industry where trust is earned job by job, Educated Roofing Systems (ERS) has built a name for itself by sticking to a simple promise: offer high-quality roofing solutions at fair, honest prices — and back it all up with personal service and deep community roots.

Led by Shea Downs, ERS offers full-service roofing for residential, commercial, and new construction projects across Dripping Springs and the surrounding Hill Country. Whether it’s a minor repair or a major replacement, their approach is consistent — honest information, zero pressure, and no unnecessary markups.

High Quality, No Compromises

“We show our clients that with our company, you don’t have to choose between high quality and reasonable pricing,” Shea says. “With ERS, you can have both.”

That blend of integrity and affordability is one of the reasons Educated Roofing Systems has become a go-to resource for both homeowners and real estate professionals in the area. Their team is experienced, streamlined, and customer-focused — no bloated overhead, no gimmicks, and no cutting corners.

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The Central Texas Challenge: Heat and Hail

In the Hill Country, a roof isn't just an aesthetic choice; it’s a defense system. Central Texas weather is notoriously tough on materials:

A Happy Accident That Turned into a Passion

Shea admits his start in roofing wasn’t exactly a lifelong dream. “I kind of just fell into roofing sales,” he says. “It’s a pretty boring story, honestly. But I’ve stayed with it for over 10 years because I really enjoy helping people and providing well-priced, honest services.”

What began as a job quickly became a calling — and that passion now powers every project ERS takes on.

A “Win-Win” — Times Five

One project that stands out for Shea involved a roof replacement estimate on a home that was under contract. The seller had received a quote that seemed unusually high, and the agent called ERS for a second opinion.

“She sent me the other roofer’s scope of work, which I matched — and I was able to provide a number that was almost 30 percent, or $10,000, lower than the original bid,” Shea explains. “The seller was happy with the lower number, the buyer agreed after a few reference checks, and the job got done. At the end of the day, the buyer, seller, both realtors, and a roofer were all happy.”

He laughs, “People are always happy with a win-win, but how about a win-win-win-win-win situation?”

Reputation Over Ads

Educated Roofing Systems doesn’t rely on flashy campaigns or aggressive sales tactics to earn new business. “In the roofing industry, honest tradesmen can be hard to come by,” Shea says. “We work hard to set ourselves apart. There are many great and honest companies out there, and we want our name to be synonymous with trust.”

That’s why ERS relies on referrals and partnerships as the backbone of their business model — especially relationships with local Realtors.

“For ten years, my primary focus has been helping Realtors get their homes bought and sold. I’ve found that great Realtors make great partners, so when I was invited to join a group made up of the best Realtors in our area, I couldn’t sign up fast enough. Please take my money!”

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Keeping it Simple and Personal

What sets ERS apart is their lean, experienced team. “We do a lot of business every year, but the majority of our projects are touched by just the salesperson and the crew,” Shea says. “That keeps things efficient, and it allows us to pass those savings directly on to our customers.”

He also highlights the value of working with professionals who are in it for the long haul. “Every person in our office — except for two newer salespeople who we support closely — has at least a decade in the industry. That’s rare in roofing, where so many contractors come and go with the storms. We’re here for the long run. We love what we do, and we plan to retire as roofers.”

The Dripping Springs Difference

Shea and his family love being part of the Dripping Springs community. “People here know each other. They show up to events, support the schools, and support local businesses,” he says. “That kind of culture has been lost in most places, and I’m grateful to be part of a town that still values it.”

Though Shea stays busy with his two young daughters at home, he enjoys community events on Mercer Street — especially the Dripping Springs Songwriters Festival and Christmas on Mercer. “Everyone’s in the holiday spirit. It’s one of the best times of the year.”

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Advice to Homeowners: Ask the Right Questions

When it comes to choosing a roofing contractor, Shea recommends doing your homework.

“Expensive ad campaigns and big offices often mean higher pricing — those costs get passed on to the customer,” he says. “Ask your contractor about how their organization is set up. Who’s actually working on your project? Will they be there if you need them after hours?”

At ERS, clients get direct cell phone numbers, and Shea himself is quick to respond whenever possible. “Dinner and bath time are sacred at our house,” he says. “But outside of that, I’m probably going to answer when you call.”

Contact Educated Roofing Systems

Shea Downs of Educating Roofing Systems is a valued paid advertiser with Dripping Springs Elite Real Estate Professionals.