By Jesse Sanchez. 

The Ascent Series 2026 brings one-day growth events to Dallas, Atlanta and Tampa for contractors using JobNimbus. 

Contractors looking to sharpen their operations and build stronger growth strategies will have three opportunities this June to connect with JobNimbus experts, industry partners and peers at the Ascent Series 2026. These one-day-only events are designed for contractors already building their businesses on JobNimbus and looking for practical ways to improve performance. Each stop will focus on the full workflow from being found by customers to winning work and getting paid, with sessions built around strategies contractors can use right away. 

The Ascent Series 2026 will be held in Dallas on June 12, Atlanta on June 17 and Tampa on June 19. Each event runs from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. local time, with registration and networking beginning at 9:30 a.m. Tickets are $69 per person and cover event sessions, lunch and swag. 

The agenda for each event includes “The Elite Workflow: From First Click to Final Payment,” a contractor panel on how top contractors win more jobs, a session on “Speed to Lead,” a look at what is new and next from JobNimbus and a roofer spotlight focused on scaling. The day will close with key takeaways followed by a happy hour sponsored by Owens Corning®. 

Speakers include Danny Kerr, co-founder of Breakthrough Academy; Heath Hicks, co-owner of The Catch-All; Rob Soper, business development lead at Eagleview; Nick Pagnani, director of professional services; Justin Visitacion, founder of Ember Roofing; Eddie Whalen, product manager for Marketing Hub; Mitch Woodward, enterprise accounts sales; Dave Banas of Owens Corning; and Justin O’Neil, founder of FairClaims Roofing. 

Attendees will also have a chance to win a Catch-All gutter protection system at each Ascent stop. The giveaway, valued at $5,000, will be awarded to one winner in each city during the event. 

Event sponsors include Owens Corning, ABC Supply, QXO and The Catch-All. 

Learn more about the Ascent Series 2026 and reserve your seat.

By Emma Peterson. 

A look at the Oregon National Women in Roofing Council’s recent calendar. 

Recently, the Oregon Council of National Women in Roofing (NWIR) sent out a snapshot of their recent and upcoming events – and they are certainly keeping busy!  

On April 21, they hosted their 2026 annual member drive, which was a resounding success. The theme of the event was luau and attendees enjoyed a fun, festive afternoon full of prizes and new connections. It was an especially good evening for Tracie Reyes with Superior Roofing, who won the event’s grand raffle prize — a $1,500 Hawaiian Airlines gift card! Overall, it was a great way for the Oregon Council to kick off the spring and get ready for what’s coming in the rest of the year as they continue to build their community.  

Then on May 12, 2026, the Oregon Council worked with SRS Distribution to give their NWIR members a special opportunity – a Hands-On James Hardie training at SRS Distribution Inc. in Clackamas! Trainers at this event walked through everything from siding best practices and installation tips to industry insights and more!  

And just three days after that event, on May 15, 2026, the council was tabling at the Oregon Tradeswomen Career Fair! This event is about introducing women to the apprenticeship and trade opportunities and saw thousands of students, jobseekers and employers come together to network and connect.  

And looking forward, they’re not slowing down! The next big event on the Oregon Council’s calendar is a community service project on June 9, 2026. Held in conjunction with National Roofing Week, this event is the free reroof for a family in Portland, Oregon. The entire project is made possible by donations from NWIR members and industry companies, like Malarkey Roofing Products, Owens Corning, Bliss Roofing, ABC Supply and SRS Distribution. If you want to get involved, there’s still time. You can sign up to donate to the project or send questions to stephaniebaird@comcast.net. 

By Emma Peterson. 

Dive into the ways a proactive mindset and powerful tech tools can help contractors grow through market shifts. 

If 2025 taught us anything, it’s that there is always room for surprises. From immigration policy changes to tariffs and beyond, a lot has happened. But it is important to remember that surprises come with every year, take 2008 and the market crashed or 2020 and the global shut down as examples. What’s important to remember from all of these instances is that we, as humans and as the roofing industry, have been able to weather the curveballs each year brings. To look at how we can navigate any turbulence 2026 has in store for us, Karen Edwards sat down with Kevin Hocevar and Larry Sullivan from ABC Supply for an episode of Roofing Road Trips®. 

Kevin and Larry are the perfect duo to talk to about this topic. Larry is ABC’s VP of digital data and analytics with a background in tech that starts back when he was a teenager working at his dad’s company. As for Kevin, he is the director of research at ABC Supply. Prior to joining ABC in this role in 2022, Kevin was an equity research analyst specializing in the building product space. Needless to say, they’re the pros when it comes to understanding these things.  

Looking at 2026, their advice centers on being adaptable and nimble through unprecedented market shifts. “Our markets are cyclical; there will always be ups and downs. What a lot of companies are doing is finding ways to manage expenses, be more productive and grow into new avenues,” Kevin explained. By letting these goals guide your operations, you can maximize short-term profits, taking advantage of any softness in the market, while also positioning yourself for long-term success when/if the markets do turn.  

So, how specifically should you manage expenses while also increasing productivity and growth this year? Leveraging technology to its full potential. Larry explained, “Here at ABC we’ve developed a powerful digital platform to help our thousands of customers find success.” This platform, which can be accessed online through your myABCsupply acount, connects contractors directly with tech-driven tools. 

One of the foundations of the tools available through myABCsupply is artificial intelligence. Artificial intelligence (AI) can be found in tools like ABC’s recommendation engine. Larry shared a bit of how this tool works, saying, “The recommendation engine learns about our contractors based on their purchasing pattern, location and other general data. Then it does what it sounds like, recommends products to them.” Overall, this tool makes it easier for contractors to put together orders efficiently and without forgetting a product.  

This is just one example of the many ways ABC is connecting contractors with the technology they need to make their operations more efficient. As Kevin put it, “We operate in a great industry and if you are nimble and proactive, you will be able to adapt to whatever gets thrown your way.” And that adaptability is the key to weathering any unpredictability that might come in 2026 and beyond. 

Check out the full conversation with Kevin and Larry!

By Jenny Yu.  

By prioritizing customer service and distributor relationships, ASC is building long-term value for contractors and partners. 

ASC Building Materials is doubling down on a values-driven strategy centered on distribution partnerships and customer-first service, positioning itself for continued growth in the competitive roofing market. 

At the 2026 International Roofing Expo, Megan Ellsworth spoke with Sales Director Gabe Rodriguez about the company’s long-standing commitment to working through trusted distribution channels. “We don’t sell direct,” Gabe said. “We heavily believe in partnership through distribution. We truly value our partners; they’re amazing for us.” That approach includes key relationships with major distributors such as SRS Distribution, ABC Supply and QXO, along with regional partners that help ASC reach contractors where they do business. 

Gabe emphasized that while ASC continues to expand its product portfolio from coatings to self-adhered membranes and sealants, its competitive edge lies in a company constant. “Product is product, but it’s the customer service you get at the end of the day that’s going to make you want to come back,” he explained of ASC’s commitment to its customers. 

That philosophy extends to how ASC supports contractors beyond the sale. Through initiatives like its contractor certification program, the company aims to equip customers with the tools, knowledge and confidence to grow their businesses. Gabe noted that ASC takes pride not only in supplying materials but also in contributing to contractor success. “Even watching them grow their business is amazing to see,” he said. “When someone grows, we all grow.” 

Trade shows also play a key role in reinforcing ASC’s customer-centric approach. Events like the International Roofing Expo and upcoming appearances at the Western Roofing Expo provide opportunities to reconnect with partners, gather feedback and better understand contractor pain points. “The shows are great to see customers you don’t see on a regular basis,” Gabe said. “It’s a laid-back platform where you can just talk, see how they’re doing and ask what’s next for them.” 

As ASC continues to grow, its focus remains clear: strengthen distribution relationships, prioritize service and meet customers where they are. 

Watch the full interview to hear more insights from ASC Building Materials.

By Emma Peterson. 

Explore how artificial intelligence will be reshaping contractor operations in 2026. 

Across the industry, artificial intelligence (AI) is transforming the way contractors and other professionals do business. To learn more about how AI technology is being used into the current industry landscape, Kevin Hocevar, the director of research at ABC Supply, and Larry Sullivan, ABC’s VP of digital data and analytics, joined us for an episode of Roofing Road Trips®.  

For context, the roofing industry is, overall, in a fairly stable place for the time being. Kevin explained, “If you take a step back at the 10,000-foot level and look at the broadest measure of economic activity, so things like gross domestic product (GDP), we’re doing okay. Growth is below average, but it’s not a recession, we are still growing.” A great example of what this state of stability looks like is to take a look at the labor pool. Kevin shared, “If you take labor, markets have been loosening. You've got nonfarm payroll data, which has been growing slowly. The unemployment rate has ticked higher, but looking at the glass half full, unemployment rates are around 4.3% today, which is toward the lower end of historic ranges and represents a fairly healthy labor market overall.” In other words, we are going into the new year with a cautiously positive economic outlook.   

So, how does AI fit into this economic landscape? Larry dove into how this technology can help contractors, sharing, “AI has the capacity to make things easier for contractors and their customers... It is getting embedded into all the tools we use, all the applications we use.” So, whether you are AI’s biggest fan or not, it is here and finding ways to effectively use it is key to staying competitive. 

There are many ways that contractors can incorporate AI into their existing operations. Larry explained, “You can start today, very simplistically. Have AI field emails for you to keep things organized. Or maybe have it help you make an existing customer proposal look more professional...For contractors in particular, AI is already helping them with things like measurement reports.” At the end of the day, staying competitive through AI is all about finding the ways that it can work with your existing operations, not about building new operations around AI. Larry put it simply, “There's AI everywhere, it’s in commercial and sports games and search engines... At this point, I actually think that it's going to just start fading into the noise to where we don't even have to talk about AI. It's just technology. It's just how we operate.” Overall, as AI continues to integrate into everyday tools, roofing contractors who embrace it as a practical enhancement rather than a disruption will be best positioned to stay efficient, competitive and ready for the future. 

Listen to the whole podcast to learn more about how technology fits into the current state of the industry.

By Oklahoma Roofing Contractors Association.

The votes are in and it's time to meet your new board! 

It's official, the 2026-2027 Oklahoma Roofing Contractors Association (ORCA) has a new Board of Directors. This group, which was voted in by members of ORCA, will navigate many complex issues the roofing industry is currently facing. In the past, the board's service has been key to driving and shaping the organization. As we welcome these new folks into this role, we want to take a moment to thank the outgoing Board of Directors for their countless contributions.

Below you'll find the list of our 15 members of the 2026-27 ORCA Board of Directors. In addition to the new board, ORCA is in has also added something new this year - an Advisory Board. This board was created to work alongside the Board of Directors and serve to bring additional industry experience and knowledge to the organization. This year's Advisory Board will consist of two members (listed below the Board of Directors), one representative from the contractor side of the business and one representative from the vendor side of the business.

ORCA executive committee

• President: Matt Morgan - ScissorTail Roofing & Construction, LLC
• Vice president: Michael Cagle - All-American Roofing
• Treasurer: Chrisinda Gonzales - Alpha Pro Roofing & Construction
• Secretary: Justin Bedwell - Camouflage Roofing & Construction

Board of Directors - At large members

• James Brooks - GAF
• Jordyn Cartmell - Mansell & Engel, PC
• Eric Hamilton - Trinity Restoration & Construction
• Brant Holloway - Thunder City Roofing
• Kirsten Land - Land Enterprises Roofing Company
• Scott McCollum - Roof Rx
• Erica Moody - Moody & Foster Roofing
• Jeff Parker - Nations Best Roofing
• Brad Patterson - SRS Building Products
• Jake Phipps - On-Point Construction Management
• Robert Wilson - ABC Supply Co., Inc.

Advisory board

• LJ Clark - Dream Team Roofing
• Dax Deardeuff - Alliant Insurance Services

Committee involvement

To our membership at large, please consider volunteering to serve on one of our committees. As ORCA grows and plans for the future, the real work happens at the committee level. This is a great way for you to participate and integrate yourself into the association. We are always in search of service-minded, talented, willing team players to play a role in the organization. In fact, many of our committee members ultimately wind up serving on our Board of Directors. If you're interested in learning more about and/or joining one of the following committees, please feel free to reach out to me at any time. I'm happy to discuss what all committee membership entails. 

• Education and safety committee: Chair - Scott McCollum
• Events committee: Chair - Michael Cagle
• Legislative committee: Chair - Kerry Hilbert
• Membership and marketing committee: Chair Chrisinda Gonzales

The new board of directors and the creation of the advisory board are just two of the updates and changes ORCA is making in response to the evolving industry and shifting political climate. Thank you again for your support of ORCA, which makes all our operations possible. The best is yet to come and you are a part of that. 

Dan has a deep commitment to service, reliability and results.

Low-slope roofing manufacturer MuleHide has hired Daniel Kline as territory manager for Alabama and Mississippi.

He is the company’s lead contact with customers in the territory. His responsibilities include helping ensure that projects are completed efficiently and according to specification, working with contractors and ABC Supply Co. Inc. branch teams to develop the best solutions to meet property owners’ roofing needs and providing ongoing product, technical and sales training for contractors and ABC Supply associates.

Kline had been an outside sales associate in ABC Supply’s Lakeland, Florida, branch since 2020. Prior to that, he honed his sales and management skills during a 21-year career in the auto dealership industry in Florida.

“Dan has a deep commitment to service, reliability and results,” said southeast regional director Matt Bost. “He knows how to deliver solutions for his customers. His 5-plus years with ABC Supply have also given him a strong foundation in the roofing industry. We’re excited to have him bring that background to MuleHide and our Alabama-Mississippi territory.”

About MuleHide

MuleHide offers premium-quality, high-performance roofing products and systems that meet the current and emerging needs of the design community, contractors and building owners with a strong focus on sustainable solutions. More information is available at mulehide.com and on LinkedIn, Facebook, Instagram and YouTube.

By Jenny Yu.  

Contractors will gain practical insights from leading experts while connecting with top manufacturers and suppliers. 

The Florida Roofing and Sheet Metal Contractors Association (FRSA) is hosting its 104th Convention & Expo from June 10-12, 2026, at the Gaylord Palms Resort & Convention Center in in Kissimmee, Florida. With a strong lineup of sponsors and an educational program packed with timely topics, this year’s event is set to provide contractors with practical insights and valuable networking opportunities. 

A wide range of industry leaders are lending their support for the event, underscoring its importance across the roofing and metal construction sectors. Platinum sponsors include Eagle Roofing Products, ABC Supply and TAMKO®; while gold sponsors CertainTeed LLC, Polyglass and SOPREMA further highlight the depth of industry participation. Additional support from emerald sponsor Adams & Reese LLP; sapphire sponsors BITEC, Drexel Metals, MetalForming LLC and Sika Corporation; silver sponsor SRS Building Products; bronze sponsors Duro-Last®, IB Roof Systems™, PAC-CLAD Petersen and Roof Hugger; and affiliate sponsor, Roofing Contractors Association of South Florida (RCASF), reinforce the event’s focus on innovation, performance and contractor success. 

Educational sessions 

Education remains the cornerstone of the convention, with sessions designed to address today’s most pressing challenges in the industry while providing attendees with opportunities to earn CE credits. Legal and compliance topics are a hot topic with multiple sessions led by Trent Cotney, RoofersCoffeeShop® Influencer and partner at Adams & Reese LLP, including: 

• “Building an OSHA Inspection SOP” - Wednesday, June 10, 8:00 a.m. 
• “Roofing Legal, Labor and Policy Trends” - Wednesday, June 10, 12:30 p.m. and Friday, June 12, 7:00 a.m. 
• “Artificial Intelligence in Roofing” - Thursday, June 11, 7:00 a.m. 
• “ICE Raids and I-9 Audit Defense” - Thursday, June 11, 8:15 a.m. and Friday, June 12, 8:15 a.m. 

These sessions will provide contractors with actionable guidance on navigating regulations, mitigating risk and adapting to emerging technologies.  

Business operations are also a key focus. John Kenney, Influencer of The Coffee Shops™ and CEO of Cotney Consulting Group, will lead “Estimating for Small Business” on Wednesday, June 10, at 9:15 a.m. and Thursday, June 11, at 7:00 a.m., offering practical strategies to improve accuracy and profitability for contractors of all sizes. Meanwhile, Chad Westbrook, founder of Service Alignment, will present “Documenting a Roofing Project” on Thursday, June 11, at 9:30 a.m. and Friday, June 12, at 7:00 a.m., helping attendees strengthen processes that support accountability, communication and long-term project success. 

Additional sessions cover critical issues including Florida Building Code updates, metal roofing best practices and safety topics such as heat illness prevention. The “SkillsUSA: Build a Workforce Pipeline” session on Thursday, June 11, at 9:30 a.m., will also highlight strategies for developing the next generation of roofers, a growing priority for contractors facing ongoing workforce shortages. Together, these seminars provide well-rounded education opportunities tailored to both roofing and sheet metal professionals.  

Register to reserve your spot and take full advantage of everything the 104th FRSA Convention & Expo has to offer!

The seven award categories included: commercial roofs, commercial walls, residential roofs, residential walls, accents, sustainable and interiors.

The winners of ATAS International’s 2025 Project of the Year competition were announced on May 4th. First, second and third place winners in each of seven categories were chosen by an independent panel of judges, comprised of ATAS advisory board members. The seven award categories included: commercial roofs, commercial walls, residential roofs, residential walls, accents, sustainable and interiors. 

Plant Hall Music Room in Tampa, Florida, received the first-place honors for commercial roofs. The stainless steel Field-Lok panels, with a 1 ½” seam height, were installed on this project. The architect was Rowe Architects, and the metal roof panels were installed by Quality Roofing, Inc. The distributor was Spec Building Materials.

For the commercial walls category, Brookley Flats in Boston, Massachusetts, took first place. Rigid Wall II panels in .040 aluminum were used to clad these affordable condominiums in the Jamaica Plain neighborhood. Six colors were used to create the unique design, including Black, Chocolate Brown, Redwood, Mission Red, Brite Red and Boysenberry. The building was designed by JGE Architecture & Design, and the installer was Longarone Exteriors. The panels were purchased through Kamco Supply Corp of Boston. 

Winning the first-place award in the residential roofs category was a private residence in Margate City, New Jersey. Dutch Seam .040 aluminum standing seam metal panels in Black were installed on the roof of this new home. TJC Architect designed this house, Leeds Builders acted as the general contractor and the metal roofing panels were installed by D&A Home Improvement. The distributor was ABC Supply Company. 

For the residential walls category, a private residence in Harsens Island, Michigan, took first place. The .032 aluminum Opaline panels in Classic Bronze were installed on this custom home, which was designed by DesignTeam Plus, Inc. The panels were purchased through Core Supply. 

The International Dark Sky Discovery Center in Fountain Hills, Arizona, won first-place in the accents category. A dome, manufactured from luned and curved .040 aluminum panels in a custom color, was designed by Swaback Architects & Planners. Global Roofing Group installed the panels. The general contractor was McCarthy Building Company.

For the sustainable category, the TransEdge Modification Center in Allentown, Pennsylvania, took first place. Isoleren ML steel faced insulated metal panels in Charcoal Grey, and SterraCore aluminum composite material panels in Brite Red and Dove Grey were installed by Schlosser Steel Buildings, Inc. MKSD Architects was the architect for the project, and the general contractor was Boyle Construction. 

The Ewing Town Center in Ewing, New Jersey, won first place in the interiors category. City Interiors installed Lineair Linear ceiling panels in the Birch woodgrain finish. FM Construction Group, LLC, was the general contractor, and the distributor was Fantin Supply House.  

ATAS’ Vice President of Sales and Marketing, Jim Bush, commented, “Congratulations to the winners of the 2025 ATAS Project of the Year Awards. The diversity and creative application of metal panels highlights the durability, aesthetics and adaptability that metal contributes to today’s architectural design and construction. These outstanding projects reflect the innovation and craftsmanship that continue to advance our industry.” 

To view the booklet of all the 2025 winners and nominated projects go to https://view.publitas.com/atas-international-inc/2025-project-of-the-year/page/1

To submit a project for 2026, go to https://atas.com/project-of-the-year-entry-form

About ATAS International, Inc.

Founded in 1963, ATAS International, Inc. is a leading manufacturer of metal roofing, wall cladding, ceilings, perimeter edge metal and accessories. The ATAS portfolio features an expansive selection of products available in aluminum, steel, zinc, stainless steel and copper. Standard profiles include narrow and wide ribbed wall panels, corrugated styles, architectural plate systems, standing seam and batten seam roof systems, metal shingles, shakes, tiles and more. Additional options include curved, tapered and perforated panels; concealed or exposed fasteners; smooth or embossed textures; horizontal and vertical applications; and a choice of over 40 stock colors with 70% PVDF finish.

With sustainability at the forefront of modern building design, ATAS proudly supports green building objectives with high performance solutions, such as solar-ready roof panels, insulated metal panels, cool roofing products and solar air heating wall panels. The ATAS team consists of product and market specialists that provide a high level of support for your project, from initial discovery and design to installation.  ATAS has two ISO 9001:2015 certified manufacturing locations in the United States: the headquarters in Allentown, Pennsylvania, and their facility in Mesa, Arizona. ATAS also has a second location in Allentown, Pennsylvania, and one in University Park, Illinois. On April 1, 2025, ATAS expanded its portfolio with Metalwërks® Series of architectural plate systems, located in Elkton, Maryland.  

For more information about ATAS International, please visit www.atas.com or call 610.395.8445.

By Jesse Sanchez. 

Why roofing contractors are moving toward a single end-to-end platform and how Atlas AI is designed to turn unified data into measurable business insight. 

Roofing contractors are not looking to add more technology to their operations just for the sake of it. They are looking for smarter systems that can work seamlessly together, getting the most out of modern innovations to help streamline their work. During conversations from The Coffee Shops™ sound stage at the International Roofing Expo (IRE), ServiceTitan leaders Chris Petros and Vishal Laddha each noted that the industry is at an inflection point. As companies grow, the opportunity to replace disconnected tools with a more unified approach that strengthens visibility and control is too great to pass up. When data is centralized and workflows are aligned, reporting becomes faster and production is easier to track. Instead of friction, contractors gain clarity at the exact moment they need it most. 

Chris, chief operating officer at ServiceTitan, said contractors are looking for standardized, system-driven operations. He described ServiceTitan as “a business management software that helps roofing contractors really improve their day-to-day operations,” built by turning proven best practices into product features that support sales, margins and customer experience. That standardization begins at the top of the funnel. “People spend money on marketing; they want to convert those leads into booked appointments,” Chris said. From there, contractors want structured in-home presentations, multiple pricing options and clear job tracking that carries through production and closeout. 

Vishal, who leads strategy for exteriors, said many contractors still rely on “three, four, five different softwares” to manage those steps. That fragmentation limits what automation and artificial intelligence can actually deliver. “Having all of your data in a single ecosystem is very important in order for that AI to truly be able to make recommendations on your business,” he said. 

Both leaders pointed to Atlas, ServiceTitan’s AI platform, as the next step in that evolution. Chris explained that Atlas is focused on practical applications that contractors can use immediately in their day-to-day operations, rather than experimental or theoretical tools. Vishal added that AI is designed to function much like a chief of staff for business owners, surfacing key performance insights automatically and delivering answers about sales, operations and productivity without requiring custom dashboards or manual report building. 

To make a single-platform strategy practical for roofing contractors, ServiceTitan has built integrations with major industry partners, including what many refer to as “the big three” distributors, ABC Supply, QXO and SRS Distribution, along with measurement providers that deliver roof reports and estimating data. By connecting ordering, measurements, scheduling and reporting within one ecosystem, contractors can reduce manual entry and minimize communication gaps between the office and the field. At IRE, Chris said many discussions centered on production discipline and capacity planning, particularly “keeping their crews fully utilized and staying ahead of production.” Ultimately, the objective is not just streamlined data but stronger execution, giving contractors the visibility and structure needed to grow without losing control. 

Watch the interviews to learn more about how a single end-to-end platform powered by Atlas AI can help roofing contractors unify their data, streamline operations and gain real-time insight into performance!