By Jesse Sanchez. 

A closer look at how durability, chemical resistance and long-term performance are shaping contractor decisions. 

Contractors are reevaluating what defines long-term performance as commercial roofing systems face increasing expectations for building usage, environmental exposure and long-term costs, Materials are no longer judged primarily on upfront cost or ease of installation, but on how reliably they perform under evolving conditions. Within that shift, polyvinyl chloride (PVC) roofing membranes are gaining momentum for their ability to combine installation familiarity with long-term resilience. 

That momentum is rooted in recent changes in how risk is understood. Roofing systems are exposed not only to weather, but to the environments that develop and evolve around them over time. In this episode of Roofing Road Trips®, Jamie Treglio of IB Roof Systems™, noted how nearby developments, from restaurants to industrial operations, can introduce chemical exposure to your building that might accelerate membrane deterioration. PVC’s resistance to those chemicals positions it as a system designed not just for current conditions, but for the unknown variables that emerge over decades. 

From there, performance considerations extend beyond chemical exposure into overall building protection. PVC membranes offer inherent fire resistance, including self-extinguishing properties that can help limit damage when a flame source is removed. As Jamie explained, “it is going to put itself out once the flame source is removed,” a characteristic that reinforces its value in high-risk environments. In environments such as data centers or buildings incorporating rooftop solar, where risk tolerance is low and continuity is critical, that added layer of protection becomes a defining advantage rather than a secondary benefit. 

Even with those performance gains, installation remains straightforward. PVC systems follow the same general application methods as other single-ply membranes, allowing contractors to integrate them into existing workflows without disruption. Jamie shared, “it's still going down the same way that TPO goes down, right? So they do a lot of TPO jobs and then they come over and PVC feels the same for the install, but they're getting these added benefits,” noting that crews can realize added performance benefits without introducing new complexity on the jobsite. 

Ultimately, the rise of PVC reflects a growing emphasis on lifecycle value. Building owners are increasingly planning for longer hold periods, placing greater importance on systems that can perform for 35 years or more with proper maintenance. As Jamie noted, “We need to start thinking long-term here,” a shift that represents how durability, resistance and consistency are no longer differentiators, but requirements. 

For contractors, this shift signals more than a change in material preference. It points to a more strategic approach to roofing, one that prioritizes long-term performance, reduces uncertainty and supports sustained relationships through service and maintenance over time. 

Learn more about how PVC roofing systems deliver long-term performance through chemical resistance, durability and lifecycle-focused value for commercial buildings!

By Jesse Sanchez. 

Examining how data and AI are reshaping how roofing companies scale, integrate and compete. 

As consolidation accelerates across the roofing industry, technology is increasingly defining how companies grow, integrate operations and remain competitive. That shift takes focus in this episode of Roofing Road Trips®, where host Karen Edwards speaks with Vishal Laddha of ServiceTitan about the expanding role of digital infrastructure in an industry undergoing rapid change. 

The conversation reflects a measurable shift in how roofing businesses are evaluated. As private equity firms continue to acquire and combine contractors, the emphasis is moving beyond financial performance toward the systems that support long-term scalability. As Vishal explains, “These firms often want to roll out multiple companies and want to operate them as one seamless business.” Platforms that unify reporting, streamline workflows and centralize customer data are no longer viewed as operational upgrades, but as essential components of a business built for growth. 

That reality becomes more complex as companies attempt to integrate multiple brands into a single operating structure. Centralized systems allow leadership teams to manage finance, sales and customer relationships across regions while maintaining visibility of performance at the local level. Without that level of coordination, expansion can introduce friction, limiting efficiency and slowing decision-making at scale. 

At the same time, many contractors continue to operate within fragmented technology environments. It remains common for companies to rely on separate tools for sales, production and customer management, creating disconnects that affect both communication and performance tracking. Vishal notes, “contractors historically have had to cobble together multiple tools, one for their sales team, one for their production team, one to manage their leads and so forth.” Even when data is available, it is often siloed or underutilized, making it difficult to form a complete and accurate view of the business. 

Artificial intelligence is beginning to shift that dynamic. What once served primarily as automation for routine tasks is evolving into systems capable of generating estimates, identifying sales trends and providing actionable insights that support team development. As these tools become more predictive, they allow contractors to anticipate customer needs, refine internal processes and respond with greater precision. 

Together, these changes point to a broader transformation within the industry. Roofing companies are increasingly operating as data-driven organizations, where connected systems and accessible information shape both daily execution and long-term strategy. Vishal shared, “Roofing companies will really start to operate more like modern, enterprise-grade, data-driven companies.” For contractors navigating consolidation or preparing for it, investing in technology is becoming less about staying current and more about establishing the foundation for sustained growth. 

Listen to the podcast to learn more about how technology, data and AI are shaping the future of roofing consolidation and business growth!

By Jenny Yu.  

Industry leaders discuss how manufacturer reps continue to bridge the gap between contractors, distributors and suppliers. 

In this episode of Roofing Road Trips®, Heidi J. Ellsworth sat down with Jim Rizzo of PermaBond and Randy Chaffee, RCS Influencer and owner of Source One Marketing, to discuss how manufacturer representatives continue to play a critical role in the roofing and metal industries.  

While digital tools are becoming more common across the industry, both guests emphasized that relationships remain the foundation of successful sales and support strategies. “A lot of people think AI and technology can substitute relationships,” Randy stated. “If you think that having the relationships and fostering those relationships on every level can be substituted by AI, you’re going to lose quickly.” 

Randy also noted that successful reps are not only focused on buyers and executives, but also on counter staff, outside sales teams and contractors. He explained that smaller distributor events and local meetings often create stronger long-term connections than larger trade shows. “To be in that small-town USA with your little tabletop, actually meeting and talking and glad-handing with your customers, that’s something reps do very well,” Randy said.  

Jim agreed, adding that contractor engagement has evolved significantly over the years. He said younger contractors are more collaborative and open to working closely with manufacturer representatives than previous generations. “Younger folks really like that engagement to work together,” Jim said. “Today, you see the younger people really engaging reps a lot more. And I think that’s great.” 

The conversation also explored the growing diversity within the rep community, including more second- and third-generation businesses and increased participation from women in leadership roles. “Back in the day, you didn't see a lot of women,” Jim said. “Now women are in a lot of places, working with a lot of contractors and people in the architectural community. It’s awesome.” 

Both guests stressed that modern reps must adapt communication strategies across generations and platforms. Randy pointed to social media and digital visibility as important ways to stay connected with younger professionals entering the industry. “You have to go where your people live,” Randy said. “The generations see things differently. They don’t have the same interests that some of us older folks do.” 

Read the first article in this series or Listen to the podcast to learn more about the evolving role of manufacturer relationships in roofing and metal construction.

By Jenny Yu.  

The Stienecker brothers shared how Nitro Roofing has evolved from local roofing work into an in-demand national contractor. 

For more than 25 years, Nitro Roofing & Construction has built its reputation on family values, hard work and a commitment to quality craftsmanship. In a recent episode of Stories From the Roof, Megan Ellsworth spoke with brothers Wesley, Austin and Connor Stienecker about how the Ohio-based company has grown from humble beginnings into a multigenerational roofing and exterior contracting business, serving residential and commercial customers across the country.  

The company’s roots trace back to the late 1990s when Wesley, the oldest brother and current CPO of the company, first started working roofing jobs as a teenager for his uncle’s side business. The first job threw him straight into the fire. “The roof had five wood shake layers, there were piles of trash around the whole house that we had to pick up by hand,” Wesley retold. “It was a horrible job, but it was our start into the industry.” 

Since then, Nitro Roofing has experienced steady growth, expanding from local residential roofing work into commercial contracting and nationwide projects. Austin, the second brother and CEO of the company, said the company has grown significantly since the brothers took over ownership from their parents in 2023. 

“We were at about $3 million when I came back in 2019,” Austin said, adding that the COVID-19 pandemic set the stage for the company to open a new branch in Columbus and enter the commercial roofing space. “Now we’re doing close to $15 million and probably looking at $18 million this year. We grew so much over a couple of years.” 

This growth has also included government contracting and specialty exterior projects throughout the United States, with the team currently working on projects ranging from churches and recreation centers to military facilities and custom architectural buildings. “We're on a Naval base right now in Georgia, and we did this really cool Native American museum that has a longboard siding on it,” Austin shared. “It's like our Mona Lisa.” 

While the business has evolved, the brothers emphasized that Nitro Roofing’s family first culture remains unchanged. Connor, the youngest brother and CSO of the company, recalled his own growth by learning from his family members. “When I started, I was the grunt: working on the ground, picking up all the shingles, tending them. Eventually, just by watching my brothers and my dad work, it all came with the nature of just working through it,” Connor shared. “I’m still learning, day in and day out, because we see new things almost every day. It never is a dull day, that’s for sure.” 

Wesley agreed, adding that the learning goes both ways. “It's been a blessing working with our parents, our uncle and my brothers. We’ve all learned from each other over the years.” Wesley expressed. “It's been a wonderful trip.” 

Listen to the full episode to hear more roofing lessons learned from the Stienecker brothers!

By Emma Peterson. 

The highly anticipated 104th Florida Roofing and Sheet Metal Association Convention and Expo is just around the corner!  

In a new Roofing Road Trips®, Megan Ellsworth sat down with Tibor Torok, president of the Florida Roofing and Sheet Metall Association (FRSA), for a conversation about their annual convention and expo. This year’s show will take place June 10-12, 2026, at the Gaylord Palms Resort in Kissimmee, Florida.  

This is a highly anticipated event, drawing thousands of contractors, suppliers and industry leaders from across Florida and beyond. Tibor explained, “There's only one roofing association that is larger than our trade show, and that's the NRCA...People from all over gravitate to our show to see what's upcoming, what's new.” 

In preparation for this, Tibor and his team have been working hard at making sure the show will be one to remember. He spoke a bit about the event highlights attendees can look forward to this year:  

We have a dozen or so first-time exhibitors offering new products and services in addition to the hundreds of long-term people that come year after year and support us. We have a free welcome reception (sponsored by Adams and Reese) and a business lunch that are great for networking. There’s also a Jimmy Buffet themed casino party, a clay sporting tournament and a golf tournament for people to enjoy.  

FRSA will also be offering over 30 hours of continuing education. Taught by professionals in the field, these courses cover everything from Florida building codes and sales training to metal roofing training and fall protection education.  

All of this can feel like a lot to take in, especially if this is your first time attending the FRSA Convention and Expo. Tibor’s advice to newcomers? Take your time and ask questions. He explained:  

Last year we had over 5,000 attendees. So, give yourself time for things like registration. Also Gaylord Palms is large and events happen in multiple locations. Download the show app to get a complete exhibitor list, seminar schedule and floor plan. Overall, take your time and enjoy learning about the new products and methods in the industry. And if you have any questions, ask. You’ll be surprised how many people will engage with you. 

Listen to the episode or Watch the recording to hear more from Tibor. And if you haven't already, make sure to register for the 104th FRSA Convention and Expo.

By Emma Peterson.  

Learn from John Kenney’s decades of experience and insights through Cotney Consulting Group’s accessible online training programs!  

Through our work reporting on the world of roofing, The Coffee Shops™ crew get the chance to talk to experts and leaders from all across the industry. One of those experts that we’ve had the honor to work with especially closely is John Kenney.  

John is the CEO of Cotney Consulting Group and has over four decades of history working in the roofing industry. He is also incredibly passionate about and involved in industry organizations, sitting on the board of Board of Directors for RT3 (Roofing Technology Think Tank) and a participating member of National Women in Roofing’s Membership Committee.  And the best part? John is actively working on sharing his knowledge and experience with the rest of the roofing industry through Cotney Consulting Group’s training programs!  

To learn more about these programs, Megan Ellsworth sat down with John for an episode of Roofing Road Trips®. First, they discussed what inspired John to start these structured trainings. He shared:  

What pushed me into building the structure training programs was actually seeing the same problems repeat themselves at different companies. It's kind of like Einstein's theory. If we continue to do the same thing over and over, we're not going to get a different result. So, what I saw was estimators promoted without training, which makes sense as it’s very hard to train in-house with estimators because there's so much going on, but also sets them and the company up for disaster. They're expected to manage their people without any type of leadership tools whatsoever.  

Having noticed this issue cropping up in businesses all over the industry, John decided to create the training that they’re missing in an accessible, online format that can be fit into their busy schedules. He explained, “The reason I made them online is because it's learning at your own pace. And as we all know in this industry, you're busy. And this is something you can do for a couple hours at night. You can do it on your lunch break because it can be done very easily.” 

Currently, there are a few of John’s different programs already available to professionals – Estimating sales, project management, superintendent resources, service/maintenance, business operations and leadership skills. Each of these tracks are designed to stand on their own. John elaborated, “Online training allowed me to take all the decades that I've been in this business with my real-world experience and put it into lessons... each track is built to stand on its own. So, I have three or four different programs in estimating itself, and you don't have to take all of them at once. You take them when you're ready.” 

The result? Higher-skilled roofing professionals that not only succeed in their own careers but boost the business they’re a part of.  

Want to learn more about John’s training programs? Listen to the whole podcast or explore Cotney’s training page. 

By Jenny Yu.  

S-5! introduces their latest solar attachment product to the general construction market. 

At the 2026 International Roofing Expo (IRE), Karen Edwards spoke with Todd Lindstrom, product specialist at S-5!, about the company’s new product, the Facet™ Mount and how this development broadens the company’s reach across the roofing landscape. 

“Facet, or Facet Mount, brings us into the flat roof category, where traditionally S-5! has been a metal roofing attachment company,” Todd said. As a company that specializes in attachments and methodologies for working on metal roofs, the facet opens the door for more contractors to incorporate S-5! products into their toolboxes. “It's actually a product that's been in the general solar construction space since 2008, but what we've decided to do is bring it out as a general construction product.” 

By bringing the facet to the general construction market, S-5! aims to help contractors in other trades, such as HVAC and electric, perform their services to a roofer’s satisfaction. “This is a great solution done with the roofing material manufacturer and the roofer in mind,” Todd shared, noting that the attachment provider collaborated with roofing partners in the development stages. “We made sure they liked how it went in, why it went in; it gave them the room to maneuver, the room to be confident that their warranty would stand up as a result of the work they were doing.” This collaboration extended to roofing manufacturers, incorporating their feedback to create a product that fits the needs of all parties involved in a roofing project.  

Todd also explained the origin of the product for what was then known as the Staples Center in Los Angeles, now named Crypto.com Arena, home of the Los Angeles Lakers. “It was the first stadium where solar was incorporated on the roof. They had a brand-new roof, and at that time, the solar industry had no known developed products for the interface,” Todd said. “You had to sit eight or nine inches off the deck to create the right amount of clearance for whatever you're waterproofing. A practical product didn't exist, so it was invented for that site.” 

Staples Center was S-5!’s first install of the Facet Mount, now 18 years active. “So, it's a new product, but it's not new,” Todd stated. In pioneering this product and now expanding its reach to more general contractors throughout the trades, S-5! is confident the Facet can fulfill any job it meets. “It's been around a while, with hundreds of thousands of units deployed both here and in Europe, so we're quite familiar with anything that could be thrown at us.” 

Watch the interview to learn more about S-5!’s roof attachment innovations for metal roofing, solar and beyond!

Por Alberto Torres. 

Crecer en roofing no es suerte: es estrategia, educación y certificación. 

Durante un episodio de La Voz de los Ruferos, grabado en Boston en el evento Business Building Workshop, tuve el honor de platicar con Walter Guamán, dueño de WG Construction, de cómo el programa Contractors Edge de CertainTeed ha sido clave en el crecimiento de su empresa. Walter representa una historia común pero poderosa dentro de la industria: la transición de subcontratista a dueño de negocio, impulsada por experiencia, visión y acceso a las herramientas correctas. 

Walter comenzó en el roofing desde muy joven, trabajando junto a su padre. Con el tiempo, esa experiencia se convirtió en la base para emprender. “Desde niño trabajaba en roofing, siempre pensé que algún día tendría mi propia compañía,” compartió. En 2021, junto a su esposa, decidió dar el salto y fundar WG Construction. Como muchos contratistas latinos, el camino no fue fácil, pero sí claro: crecer con estructura, no solo con trabajo duro. 

Desde el inicio, Walter y su esposa sabían que necesitaban algo más que experiencia técnica para escalar su negocio. Fue ahí donde el programa Contractors Edge entró en juego. “El programa tiene de todo: literatura, muestras, educación, todo lo que necesitas para crecer,” explicó. Gracias a estas herramientas, Walter puede presentarse ante sus clientes con mayor preparación y profesionalismo, mostrando exactamente qué productos instalará y por qué. 

Uno de los mayores beneficios de certificarse ha sido la credibilidad frente al cliente. “Ya no es solo mi palabra, el cliente recibe la garantía directamente y dice: ‘esto sí es verdad’.” Esa confianza se traduce en más cierres de venta, mejores proyectos y, sobre todo, referencias. 

Además, las certificaciones le han permitido competir en otro nivel: 

• Ofrecer garantías más sólidas  
• Justificar precios más altos  
• Acceder a proyectos de mayor valor  

“Puedes vender a precios más altos porque tienes las credenciales y el respaldo,” agregó. 

Para Walter, el crecimiento no termina con obtener una certificación. La educación continua es clave para mantenerse competitivo. “El programa tiene toda la información online, con unos clics puedes aprender cómo instalar correctamente.” Esto no solo beneficia al dueño, sino a todo su equipo. Walter utiliza estos recursos para capacitar a sus trabajadores y mantener estándares de calidad consistentes. 

Aunque siempre habrá nuevos contratistas en la industria, Walter tiene claro quiénes tendrán ventaja. “El contratista certificado va a ganar el trabajo, porque el cliente quiere tranquilidad.” En un mercado donde los clientes invierten grandes cantidades en sus hogares, la confianza y el respaldo de una marca como CertainTeed hacen toda la diferencia. Walter lo resume de forma directa: “Que se unan al programa, tiene todo para crecer el negocio.” Para muchos contratistas latinos, el siguiente nivel no está en trabajar más, sino en trabajar mejor, con estructura, educación y certificaciones que respalden su trabajo. 

Walter ve un futuro positivo tanto para su empresa como para la industria. “El sueño es crecer y mientras tengamos el apoyo, vamos a seguir creciendo.” Con más recursos disponibles en español, más educación accesible y programas diseñados para apoyar a los contratistas, el camino está más claro que nunca. 

Historias como la de Walter reflejan una realidad creciente en la industria del roofing: el éxito no llega solo con experiencia, sino con educación, estrategia y las herramientas adecuadas. Para los contratistas latinos que buscan dar el siguiente paso, la oportunidad ya está ahí, solo falta tomarla. 

Escuchar o ver el video de este episodio para descubrir más de la experiencia y consejos para contratistas.

By Dani Sheehan. 

Contractors looking to differentiate in 2026 are finding new opportunities in spray polyurethane foam (SPF) roofing systems that solve challenges traditional systems can’t always address. 

For contractors looking to grow their commercial capabilities, spray polyurethane foam (SPF) can be more than another system to offer. It can become a strategic service line that opens the door to restoration work, complex reroofing projects and energy-focused upgrades. 

Why spray foam stands out 

Many roof systems perform well on straightforward projects. But not every roof is straightforward. Buildings with multiple penetrations, rooftop equipment, irregular layouts or curved structures often create labor-intensive installation challenges for conventional materials. 

Because the material is spray-applied and fully adhered, SPF conforms to the substrate and creates a seamless surface across transitions, penetrations and hard-to-detail areas. Instead of cutting and fitting around every obstacle, you can create a continuous insulated roofing system that helps simplify difficult applications. 

As Will Lorenz of General Coatings Manufacturing Corp shared during a live soundstage interview at the International Roofing Expo (IRE) 2026, “The more difficult the building is, the more it’s a perfect fit for spray foam.” 

A smart path for recover and restoration projects 

As more commercial roofs age, owners are increasingly interested in restoration and recover options that preserve existing assets. In many cases, a full tear-off may not be necessary if the substrate remains sound. 

Spray foam can help you answer restoration demand by adding insulation, improving waterproofing performance and renewing aging roof systems without the cost and disruption of removing the entire roof assembly. 

For owners, that can mean: 

• Reduced landfill waste from tear-offs 
• Lower disruption to occupied buildings 
• Faster project timelines 
• Improved thermal performance 
• Extended roof service life 

Training is what turns opportunity into profit 

Spray foam roofing is not a plug-and-play category. Successful installation requires an understanding of proportioning equipment, spray technique, substrate conditions, weather variables and coating application standards. Industry associations such as the Spray Polyurethane Foam Alliance (SPFA) and Roof Coatings Manufacturers Association (RCMA) continue to play an important role in advancing best practices, education and professionalism across the category. 

Manufacturers matter too. Contractors entering or expanding in SPF need partners who can provide product guidance, jobsite support, inspections and warranty pathways. As Will explained, “People install it and make it a roof.” Quality materials matter, but quality outcomes depend on trained contractors backed by responsive manufacturers. 

General Coatings is available to help you evaluate opportunities, choose the right coating systems, troubleshoot field conditions and build long-term confidence in SPF installations. If you want to expand their commercial offerings, improve margins and solve more complex problems for your customers, spray foam may be one of the smartest additions to the toolbox. 

Learn how General Coatings can help build your business with spray foam! 

By Jenny Yu.  

Mark Bitten of Them Roof Boys shares why Van Mark Products is their go-to for reliable metal equipment. 

On the average roofing jobsite these days, leading with efficiency and precision are key to ensuring a successful project. In a recent episode of Roofing Road Trips®, Karen Edwards spoke with Mark Bitten, owner of Them Roof Boys, about how investing in the right tools and equipment, especially from Van Mark Products, helps contractors complete jobs on schedule and provide quality service to customers.  

From accidental roofer to leading industry voice 

Mark’s path to roofing wasn’t exactly planned, but it quickly turned into a long-term career. “I got into roofing just kind of by fluke,” Mark shared. “I just took a job as a roofing laborer, and after a while, I realized I could make a real career. That's when I started to take it seriously.” 

As Mark embraced the roofing life, he started sharing playful videos on his YouTube channel that showcased his personality and life as a roofer. The channel features hundreds of videos, attracting tens of thousands of subscribers and millions of views. “When I started making videos, I was mostly trying to entertain people. Then it evolved into educational videos about the work itself,” Mark said. “I moved into short form content on TikTok, and that's when it really started to take off.” That evolution has helped connect Mark with a wider audience of contractors looking for practical, real-world insights. 

Growing a business with the right tools 

Now, Mark runs his own company that focuses on residential roofing and siding, including work with custom metal trims, flashings and transitions that require precision in the field. As his business grew, Mark said relying on pre-manufactured metal components created challenges. “When you’re working on an old house, a pre-made piece of metal doesn’t always fit,” Mark explained. “I realized, if I could bend it myself, I’d be quicker, save money and do a better job overall.”  

This realization pushed Mark to bring metal bending capabilities in-house, and choosing the best equipment was essential for a smooth transition. “The first brake I ever used was a Van Mark. Once I got my hands on some other brands, I really knew that Van Mark was the way to go,” Mark said. “The nice thing about the Van Mark is just how the brake itself operates. Because of how it's engineered, it can take on any gauge of metal, whereas with competitors, you would have to adjust the brake for each gauge of metal.” 

The flexibility and ease of use save Mark’s team time, allowing for more efficient operations. For contractors managing tight schedules, reliable equipment can be a productivity and profitability game changer.  

Listen to the podcast or Watch the recording to learn more about Them Roof Boys and how Van Mark Products can help transform your workflows!