Education & Learning
SkillsUSA from the student perspective
By Emma Peterson. Three students from Oregon share their SkillsUSA experiences and stories. This year, Lauren White, editor of The Coffee Shops™, had the opportunity to attend the 2026 Oregon SkillsUSA state competition. SkillsUSA competitions are fundamental and valuable opportunities for supporting the next generation of tradespeople as they grow ...
Conexión, competencia y camaradería: Dentro de la feria anual de RCAW
Por The Coffee Shops, traducido por Alberto Torres. Contratistas, fabricantes y proveedores de servicios llegaron listos para aprender, competir y conectar, y la feria anual de RCAW cumplió con las expectativas. Entre ráfagas de nieve, competencias de colocación de shingles y entrevistas, la feria anual organizada por la Roofing Contractors ...
Connection, competition and camaraderie: Inside RCAW’s annual trade show
By The Coffee Shops. Contractors, manufacturers and service providers came ready to learn, compete and connect, and RCAW’s annual trade show delivered. Amidst snow flurries, shingle competitions and interviews, the annual trade show hosted by the Roofing Contractors Association of Washington (RCAW) at the Muckleshoot Casino delivered what many attendees ...
SkillsUSA is building the workforce of tomorrow
By Emma Peterson. How SkillsUSA is preparing the next generation of roofing and construction professionals through competitions and conferences. The phrase “labor shortage” is far from unfamiliar for anyone who has been around the roofing sector or the larger construction trade. In fact, reports indicate that 36% of roofing contractors ...
You’re invited to CRCA’s National Conference and Annual General Meeting!
By Emma Peterson. Celebrate 65 years of networking and learning in Québec City at the end of May 2026. The Canadian Roofing Contractors Association (CRCA) is hosting their National Conference and Annual General Meeting (AGM) from May 28-30, 2026, in Québec City, Québec. This milestone event brings roofing professionals ...
Explore the rise of barndominiums in modern construction
By The Coffee Shops. Attendees of this METALCON Live! will gain a deeper understanding of materials, collaboration and opportunities in barndominium construction. On May 20, 2026, MetalCoffeeShop® will host a METALCON Live! panel titled “Barndominiums: Building Smarter With Metal,” bringing together industry experts to explore how this fast-growing segment ...
The future is worth celebrating
By Dani Sheehan. SkillsUSA National Signing Day is a chance to celebrate the trades, encourage young talent and highlight roofing and construction careers for the next generation. From estimating and project management to installation, service and sheet metal fabrication, every successful business depends on individuals who are trained, motivated and ...
New on S-5-University™: Designing solar in snow country with PVKIT®
By Ali Turner, S-5! This course explores how the PVKIT rail-less solar mounting solution is uniquely suited for snow-prone regions. Designing solar for snow-heavy regions comes with a unique set of challenges. From increased structural loads to installation complexities on metal roofs, engineers and installers must account for conditions that can ...
IKO 2026 Profit Power Series kicks off with packed roofing contractor workshops in Halifax and Winnipeg
Industry pros share practical strategies on marketing, crafting the perfect sales pitch and scaling up your business with roofing contractors in two fully booked Canadian events. IKO’s 2026 Profit Power series hit the ground running with two full-house roofing contractor workshops in Halifax and Winnipeg, leaving attendees energized, inspired and armed ...
Spray foam industry builds momentum at 2026 convention
By Jenny Yu. The 2026 SPFA Convention and Expo brought together contractors and manufacturers to focus on education and growth. The Spray Polyurethane Foam Alliance (SPFA) 2026 Convention and Expo brought the spray foam industry together, drawing nearly 2,300 attendees and 106 exhibitors to Las Vegas for several days ...
