Expert Conversations
Different trades, same challenges
By Emma Peterson. FEI's National Conference brings contractors from multiple industries together to create stronger solutions for everyone. In the third week of October, the FEI Group will be hosting their annual National Conference! This year the three-day event (October 21-23, 2026) will bring independent contractors from across the United States together ...
Why the roof edge deserves more attention
By The Coffee Shops®. The most vulnerable part of the building envelope can determine whether or not a roof survives a major storm. For many roofing professionals, the roof field often gets the most attention during design and installation. Yet according to Jason Hildenbrand, director of private label and OEM ...
Going into the last quarter of 2026
By Emma Peterson. A look at the economic market, the industry outlook and more. In a new episode of Contractor Outlook™, Heidi J. Ellsworth sits down with Alex Chausovsky, the president and CEO of 3DM Consulting (a business and operations advisory firm), for a discussion about the state of ...
El crecimiento sostenible no sucede por accidente
Por The Coffee Shops®. Las personas antes que las ventas, los sistemas antes que la velocidad y el liderazgo antes que la expansión. En este episodio de Almuerzo y Aprendizaje, Jessica Bravo conversa con Andres Beltran, fundador de Build Lead Win y speaker de SRS Para Latinos. Durante la ...
Questions every contractor should ask about pipe collars
By Jesse Sanchez. Understanding material, durability, warranty and availability can help contractors choose a pipe collar designed to protect vulnerable roof penetrations. Roof penetrations can create vulnerable areas where leaks develop, making the products used to protect them an important consideration for roofing contractors. On this episode of Roofing Road ...
Building confidence beyond the classroom
By The Coffee Shops®. How hands-on training, field support and peer learning help contractors apply coatings knowledge. While certification is a crucial element of roofing education, the next step is learning how to apply that knowledge in the field. In one episode of Roofing Road Trips®, James Conneely of ASC ...
Planning for snow retention on low-slope roofs
By Jesse Sanchez. Slippery single-ply membranes and changing project specifications are bringing more attention to snow retention on commercial roofing systems. Snow retention is often associated with steep-slope residential roofing, but low-slope commercial roofs can face similar risks when snow and ice begin to move. On this episode of Roofing Road Trips®, ...
A stronger future for metal construction
By The Coffee Shops®. Lakeside Construction Fasteners and Direct Metals expand product access while supporting investments in distribution, technology and domestic manufacturing. For metal construction professionals, reliable access to products, technical information and responsive service can make a significant difference. In one MetalCast™ episode, Heidi J. Ellsworth spoke with Lakeside Construction Fasteners ...
Strong rep relationships strengthen roofing projects
By Jesse Sanchez. Manufacturer representatives can give contractors added technical knowledge, training and jobsite support throughout the life of a project. For contractors navigating low-slope roofing, a manufacturer representative can offer much more than product information. On this episode of Roofing Road Trips®, host Megan Ellsworth spoke with MuleHide Territory Manager Luis ...
Training the next generation of metal roofing pros
By The Coffee Shops®. Learn how training, mentorship and industry engagement can help contractors recruit and develop the future workforce. The future of metal roofing and construction depends on attracting skilled workers and helping them succeed from day one. In a recent MetalCast™ episode, host Karen Edwards sat down with Jon Olson ...
