Heidi J. Ellsworth, President
Local sheet metal shops on the rise: How demand for metal construction is reshaping fabrication
By Heidi J. Ellsworth. Regional fabricators are expanding as metal construction drives new opportunities. Across North America and beyond, local and regional sheet metal shops are seeing renewed growth as demand for metal construction continues to accelerate. From roofing and siding to architectural metal and building envelope systems, the increasing ...
Why roofing contractors must understand lightning protection
By Heidi J. Ellsworth. Protecting people, property and performance through proper coordination, education and certified expertise. Lightning protection is one of the most overlooked, yet critical components of the building envelope and roofing contractors are right in the middle of it. Every roof system, whether residential or commercial, plays a direct ...
Automation, craftsmanship and culture define the future of metal building manufacturing
By Heidi J. Ellsworth. Inside a visit to Schulte Building Systems with Sherwin-Williams showcasing innovation, people and performance. My recent visit to Schulte Building Systems alongside Sherwin-Williams offered a firsthand look at what happens when advanced manufacturing meets deep-rooted craftsmanship and an exceptional company culture. It was more than a plant tour; ...
Roofing Alliance student voices from the 2026 competition highlight what the next generation wants from the roofing industry
By Heidi J. Ellsworth, The Coffee Shops. From culture to career growth, students share what matters most as they prepare to enter the roofing workforce. At the International Roofing Expo (IRE), the Roofing Alliance Student Competition showcased more than the technical skills of construction management students. It provided a powerful ...
Steel coil service centers power the growth of metal buildings and fabrication
By Heidi J. Ellsworth. How service centers are driving speed, customization and regional growth across metal construction. The metal building industry is experiencing unprecedented growth, fueled by demand for durability, sustainability and design flexibility. At the center of this momentum is a critical but often underrecognized segment of the supply ...
Heidi J. Ellsworth joins roofing industry leaders in an LBM Journal feature
By Emma Peterson. Ronn Levine’s article dives into the challenges and opportunities in the roofing industry presented by labor, economic and technology trends. Recently, award-winning writer and editor Ronn Levine wrote an article for LBM Journal diving into the roles technology, relationships and training play in the roofing industry. The ...
Snow retention training highlights safety, liability and long-term roof performance
By Heidi J. Ellsworth. This educational session in Salt Lake City focuses on protecting people, property and roofing professionals in high snow regions. RoofersCoffeeShop® and MetalCoffeeShop® recently attended a powerful and eye-opening snow retention training hosted by TRA Snow and Sun at the AGC of Utah Training Center in Salt Lake ...
Momentum builds as Roof Coatings Manufacturer Association (RCMA) advances innovation and leadership
By Heidi J. Ellsworth. Join RCMA this October in Atlanta for the 2026 Fall Meeting. At The Coffee Shops™, we are committed to sharing timely industry information while supporting the associations that move roofing forward. Organizations like the Roof Coatings Manufacturers Association (RCMA) play a vital role in advancing education, advocacy and ...
Eagleview Horizon™ takes center stage above New York City
By Heidi J. Ellsworth. From above the rooftops of New York’s Financial District, Eagleview Horizon ™ introduces a new era of geospatial intelligence. From 60 floors above Manhattan, with sweeping views of rooftops stretching toward the skyline’s endless horizon, Eagleview introduced a product designed to change how the ...
QXO accelerates industry transformation with TopBuild acquisition
By Heidi J. Ellsworth. Strategic growth, scale and cross-trade integration signal a new era for building products distribution. The pace of change across the building products industry continues to accelerate, and the latest announcement from QXO is one that should have every contractor, manufacturer and distributor paying close attention. In ...
