Expert Conversations
Why more homeowners and contractors are turning to metal roofing
By Jenny Yu. As homeowner interest in metal roofing continues to grow, contractors can leverage new tools and resources to establish themselves in the metal space. As demand for metal roofing continues to rise, contractors are finding new opportunities to expand their offerings, increase margins and deliver long-term value to ...
Where robots fit into roofing
By Emma Peterson. A conversation with John Kenney on preparing for the integration of robotics and automation. In a new Read Listen Watch® (RLW), Karen Edwards sat down with John Kenney to talk about robotics and automation in the roofing industry. John is the CEO of Cotney Consulting Group ...
Gain margins and control the jobsite with rollformers
By Jenny Yu. Understanding panel profiles, production needs and equipment configurations can help contractors make informed equipment investments. In a recent Lunch & Learn titled “How to Choose the Right Rollformer,” Karen Edwards spoke with MetalForming (MF) Business Development Director Chad Rowe about the factors contractors should consider when ...
From McMansions to green homes: Modern homeowner priorities
By Emma Peterson. In this Contractor Outlook, we dive into what today’s homeowners really want alongside Allison Hadley. Allison Hadley is the spokesperson of American Home Shield (AHS), a home warranty provider in the United States. Allison was commissioned by AHS to conduct independent consumer research in the home ...
Championing contractors at the Capitol and beyond
By Jenny Yu. NRCA leaders discuss the 2026 Roofing Day and ongoing advocacy efforts. In this episode of Roofing Road Trips®, Heidi J. Ellsworth spoke with Duane Musser and Brad Stine of the National Roofing Contractors Association (NRCA) to discuss the 2026 Roofing Day in D.C. and how ongoing ...
Operating in the intersection of regulatory pressure and economic volatility
By Emma Peterson. A conversation with Trent Cotney on why proactive policies and operations matter more now than ever. Going into 2026, there was a lot of commotion to keep track of, from uncertainty about tariffs to immigration changes and beyond. And now, one quarter into the year, there are ...
Speed and simplicity: The installation solution contractors need
By Jenny Yu. All Weather Insulated Panel’s OneDek system provides the innovation needed to address the industry’s challenges. According to Gary Sweeney, the director of low slope roofing for All Weather Insulated Panels (AWIP), the commercial roofing industry can sometimes be slow to adapt to new innovations. “The commercial ...
Avenues to stay engaged and informed
By Jenny Yu. Learn how the Metal Construction Association is working to help contractors and manufacturers navigate evolving standards and market demands. As metal roofing continues to gain market share across residential and commercial construction, the Metal Construction Association (MCA) is expanding its efforts around workforce development, code advocacy ...
Stopping snow before it slides
By Emma Peterson. Roofing professionals discuss designing snow retention systems to protect buildings, property and people. In a new episode of Roofing Road Trips®, Karen Edwards sat down with Tony Abate and Nick Piontek for a conversation about snow retention systems. Tony is the manager at Richards Building Supply in ...
When your company grows beyond you
By Emma Peterson. How succession planning and fractional advisors help owners secure their legacy and their company’s future. In the trades, businesses often start as small, family-owned operations. And when these businesses are small, it’s natural that many owners find themselves wearing multiple hats and managing a seemingly endless ...
















