By Emma Peterson. 

Find commercial project success with the right distributor.  

In the roofing industry, having the right partner can be the difference between a successful business and a struggling one. As John Kenney wrote in one article, “Effective collaboration ensures that customers receive durable roofing solutions tailored to their specific needs, combining superior materials with expert installation techniques.”  

So, how do you build those powerful partnerships that lead to growth and success for all parties? A great place to start is being strategic in picking your distributors! Your distributor is not only your source of high-performance products, they are also a key to keeping your projects on track and can offer valuable insights during the project timeline. 

A great example of a dependable distributor that is a perfect partner for commercial contractors looking to grow is Commercial Distribution Specialists (CDS). CDS is a title given to SRS Distribution locations that have special focus and experience in commercial and low-slope roofing. The teams at these locations can offer personalized support to your business at every stage of the roofing process:  

• Actionable guidance: At each CDS branch, you will find a team that is ready to help you find the right materials for your project. From the salesperson that assists with product selection to the territory manager that offers you consultations and sales insights, CDS offers the guidance you need to succeed.  
• Dedicated support: When you work with a CDS location, you gain access to the larger SRS Distribution resources, meaning whatever you need, whenever you need it, they will make it happen. A great example of this is the CDS will-call program that allows contractors to call in orders and pick them up just 30 minutes later! 
• Future-looking advice: And CDS’ support is not limited to a single project! Their expert team keeps a finger on the pulse of the industry, making them a valuable resource for businesses wanting to stay on top of the trends. 

Overall, building a strategic partnership with a roofing distributor like CDS not only makes your current projects more efficient, but sets your business up for long-term growth.  

Find a CDS branch near you!

By Emma Peterson. 

From safer deliveries to crane support, CDS helps contractors minimize injury risks. 

Roofing consistently ranks in the top five of the most dangerous professions in the U.S. Forbes reported in 2021 that there were “2.4 nonfatal injuries per 100 full-time workers” and “59 fatalities per 100,000 full-time workers.” These are sobering numbers, but the good news is there is a lot that can be done to help lower these statistics, starting with where you get your materials and products!  

Partnering with the right distributor, like Commercial Distribution Specialists (CDS), can help eliminate common safety concerns, like material handling and delivery driving. 

Safer driving  

For many people, the term roofing safety evokes imagery of fall protection and PPE. But safe jobsite practices go far beyond and before you even step on the roof. For many industry professionals, safe practices begin on the road.  

Driving is a routine part of any roofing professional’s day, whether they’re hauling trailers, getting to work and rushing to gather materials. And it is an underrated dangerous part of being on the job. In 2023 alone, there were “41,000 people killed on the nation’s roads in traffic crashes." These crashes can occur for a variety of reasons, such as fatigue, distraction, damaged vehicles or simply going too fast. And beyond the tragic loss of life, poor or dangerous driving can be connected to a variety of jobsite issues like delays. 

So, how can working with a distributor lower your crew’s safety risks on the road? CDS is a part of the SRS Distribution family, meaning they have access to extensive inventory and delivery options. They make it easy to get materials to your jobsite without having to rush around town risking dangerous traffic situations. Their drivers are both cautious drivers and knowledgeable about low-slope roofing, making them the perfect partners for getting any commercial project going in a timely and accurate manner.  

Managing material handling 

Another common safety issue that goes unnoticed in the roofing industry is material handling. Roofing is an inherently physical job, and it is not uncommon for roofers to develop back injuries and other musculoskeletal strains as they work to get materials to the right place on the jobsite and roof.  

But you can help ease this weight, literally and mentally, for your crew by working with CDS! They have an expert fleet of crane trucks and knuckle booms that can get you your materials where you need them, when you need them. Further, their operating team is trained with the most up-to-date safety protocols, ensuring the safest operation of the equipment.  

At the end of the day, partnering with a distributor like CDS not only helps you get the materials you need for your next low-slope roofing project, but it helps your team stay safe. Find a CDS branch near you! 

By Emma Peterson. 

How CDS helps contractors manage product deliveries, roofing timelines and on-site surprises. 

Managing commercial roofing projects can be a complex and busy job. There are many logistical challenges that must be addressed, such as hoisting materials to the roof, timing with contractors and crews and coordinating material movement. Luckily, there are some ways you can make this entire process more efficient – starting with partnering with the right distributor.  

A common bottleneck or friction point on the job site is staying on schedule. Things like simple miscommunications about timing and late deliveries can lead to delays that throw off the entire project timeline. That’s why working with a distributor like Commercial Distribution Specialists (CDS) is game-changing.  

CDS helps manage the timing and logistics of your job site. They have an in-house fleet of trucks and knuckle booms that make sure you get your products to the right place, on time. They also have the expertise to be able to advise you on every step of your next low-slope roofing project. Their services include: 

• Product selection assistance: In each of the 35+ CDS branches around the country, they host a showroom of products. Their on-site showroom sales teams will help you select and purchase the right products for your next project. 
• Timely delivery of materials: CDS is a part of the SRS Distribution family, meaning they have access to extensive inventory and delivery options. For example, some CDS locations run a will-call program that will get you your products in as little as 30 minutes! All you have to do is pick up your paperwork in the office, head to the designated pick-up area and the warehouse personnel will load your order into your vehicle.
• Localized support and advice: And that same team that helps you pick the right products are more than just a salesperson; they are a valuable resource for you. Whether it’s consultations on products, sales insights or advice about an on-site problem, they are ready to help you solve any low-slope roofing challenges you might face.  

At the end of the day, timeline and logistical hiccups are commonplace in the roofing industry. But by partnering with a distribution partner like CDS, you can get the assistance and deliveries needed to minimize their impact and keep your project on schedule.  

Find a CDS branch near you!

By Emma Peterson. 

Learn about how SRS Distribution is evolving to better support the building products industry.  

Since its inception in 2008, SRS Distribution has become one of the fastest-growing building products distribution companies in the U.S. They have branches across the country, and in recent years have seen their growth increase exponentially. In 2024, Home Depot® acquired SRS, backing them with the resources of the world's largest home improvement retailer. While at the Western Roofing Expo, we had the chance to interview Chad Buhrman, SRS vice president of commercial roofing, to learn more about the importance of these acquisitions and how they are enabling SRS to better serve their customers. 

At the end of the day, the goal is to provide everything that a builder could need, whether they are working in commercial or residential, on the roof or in the building. Chad shared, “We are trying to be a central hub where our customers can get everything they need. A one-stop-shop distributor that you’re able to utilize on every project.”  

To become the centralized source for all of their customer needs, SRS has launched a variety of initiatives. One such initiative is their expansion into commercial roofing. Chad explained, “We're very strong in residential and we are now doubling down on our commercial efforts. With the Home Depot acquisition, that's really given us the runway and resources to grow that piece of the business, and that's going to be our focus going on the 2026.” A great example of this initiative is their Commercial Distribution Specialist branches. These branches create a space for experts in commercial roofing to connect directly with contractors in the field. Chad shared, “We have 400 branches and there are 45 of those we've designated as commercial hubs. Our goal is to grow that number by 5-10 in the new year.” 

Another one of their efforts towards becoming a centralized hub for building products professionals is their recent acquisition of GMS, a leading name in specialty building product distribution. Chad explained, “By acquiring GMS, we’re adding acoustical ceiling, steel studs, gypsum, roll insulation and more to our offerings. In general, we're seeing diversification in the industry; roofers are not only doing the outside of building but often heading inside, too. So, this is our response to their need for support in that growth.”  

Watch to the entire interview to hear more from Chad about how SRS is growing and expanding to better serve their customers and industry.

By Emma Peterson. 

From buying your company vehicle to insuring and maintaining it, learn how smarter fleet management lowers overhead costs. 

In the roofing industry, some of the biggest expenses contractors will have to handle when running a roofing business are labor, materials and their fleet. In this Coffee Conversations sponsored by QXO, Karen Edwards sat down with Seth Pietsch, Damien Katzenmeyer and Rich Carroll to discuss that third and less talked about expense – the fleet.  

When we talk about a “fleet” in roofing, we’re talking about the trucks and other vehicles that contractors use to transport people and materials to and from the job site. From a technical perspective, the term fleet is often used when the number of company vehicles exceeds 5. Seth, the president of Integrity Insurance and Bonding explained, “From the insurance company's perspective, you get fleet rated once you have 5 or more vehicles, not counting any trailers.”   

Having that many vehicles might sound like a lot to smaller contractors, but it is something that often naturally grows as your company expands. Damien, the VP of fleet and logistics at QXO, shared, “We have over 2,500 Commercial Distribution Specialist trucks, another 400 or 500 pickups, and then all sorts of trailers and material handling equipment.”  While this is the high end of how big fleets can get, even if your fleet is just 5 trucks, it’s important to make sure you are managing them closely and carefully.  

Here are a few key things to consider: 

Purchasing your vehicles 

The first part of fleet management is getting the fleet in the first place. There are a few different options available to contractors looking to purchase a vehicle for business purposes. Damien noted a few key questions to consider. He shared, “Are you going to use capital and pay for it? Are you going to get a loan? Are you going to lease the vehicle?” There are pros and cons to each option, so it is important to look at your business model to see what would work best for your company.  

You should also think about the timeframe for when you are purchasing vehicles. Damien explained, “Depending on how big your fleet is, you should balance when you buy and how you rotate the vehicles through the company. So, say you have a big outlay and you buy 10 vehicles in one year. Well, in 5 years, when they're all due to be replaced, you're going to have a big outlay again. But if you spread it over time, that cost will be spread out, too.” 

Sorting out insurance 

After you get your vehicle(s) it’s time to get them insured. Seth explained, “If you have 5 vehicles in your auto policy, you're considered fleet rated by the insurance companies. The important thing is to look at how you’re structured, so that’s with your employees, your subcontractors, your W-2s, your 1099s, etc. because there has to be an insurable interest in that vehicle for your insurance company to apply coverage.”  

In action, this means that if you are the owner of a company and buy a vehicle in your name for the company, you must make sure to have a lease agreement between you and the business to count it as insurable interest. If you have a vehicle in your name without that lease, you can run into issues where if there is an accident or claim, your insurance could deny coverage.  

For those with fewer than 5 vehicles, it’s still important to make sure you keep things documented, even if you do not technically have a fleet for insurance purposes. Rich Carroll, the co-founder of Carroll Consulting, explained, “Keep in mind that there's still other regulations that you might need to follow, even if you're less than 5 vehicles. You’ll want to have a structured maintenance program and things like that.” 

Make a maintenance program 

Once you have an insured vehicle, you need to establish a maintenance program that is easy to track and keep up with. Damien elaborated, “You’ve got to have a scheduled maintenance program, so you can understand how long the vehicle is going to last.” To build a proper maintenance program, you should think about how you are using the vehicle – such as how much it will be hauling and how many miles it will be driving.  

Once you have a goal of how long you want the vehicle to last based on how you will be using it, it’s time to find a way to keep track of maintenance. There are a lot of new programs and softwares out there that can now help manage this! Rich explained, “There's some service softwares that'll give you reminders to potentially go check the odometer to see where things are at, these are easy to adapt to a small fleet too! There’s also more advanced programs, like I have a customer that's working on his own with AI to try to create something with cameras, so when their vehicles are coming in, they can monitor if there's any new damage and wear.” 

Overall, no matter what your maintenance management program looks like, being proactive is key. Damien explained, “When you keep up with your maintenance, you'll bring your total cost of ownership down. When you think, ‘I'm going to skip the preventative maintenance this time and save the $200 this month,’ ultimately you end up costing yourself more in the long run.” 

Listen to the full episode or Watch the recording to learn more about managing a fleet of vehicles. 

By Emma Peterson. 

From picking the right product to passing final inspection, CDS is your go-to for commercial roofing materials and support. 

In any roofing project, there are numerous moving pieces and elements to keep track of. From inventory to staging and scheduling, it’s a lot to manage. One way to help your team stay on top of it all is by partnering with the right distributor.  

What a distributor can do for you 

First and foremost, working with high-quality distributors like Commercial Distribution Specialists (CDS) is key to making sure that your projects stay on track and on time. Being able to count on things like quality products, timely deliveries and clear communication from your distributor makes a world of difference when it comes to avoiding costly delays and surprises.  

Further, many distributors can help you beyond even just connecting you to high-performance products. Across different parts of the roofing process, like submittals and warranty paperwork, a good distributor can offer insights and support that make your job easier.  

Why Commercial Distribution Specialists  

Commercial Distribution Specialists (CDS) is a designation awarded to SRS Distribution locations that are experts in commercial roofing products, particularly low-slope roofing. What does this mean for you? The teams that have been awarded this designation are the perfect partner for your next roofing job!  

Not only are CDS teams committed to getting your products to you in a timely and efficient manner, they also offer a comprehensive suite of services to help with all stages of your project, from the picking products to making everything is ready for that final inspection. These services include:  

• Product selection: Each CDS branch features a showroom and a team ready to help you explore your product options and get you the right material for your job. 
• One-stop shop: Through their connection to the larger SRS Distribution family, CDS branches have extensive inventories of commercial roofing products, making them a one-stop shop for your needs.  
• Timeline support: CDS locations have will-call programs that are designed to make sure you get what you need when you need it. All you have to do is call a location with a will-call and show up 30 minutes later to pick up your supplies!  
• Consultation and insights: Struggling with a certain part of a project? CDS territory managers are always ready to help! Whether it’s consultations on products, sales insights or something else, they are there for you.  

Start your next project with confidence and support by partnering with your local Commercial Distribution Specialists branch.

By Emma Peterson. 

Learn about the efficiency and performance that make TPO and PVC a great option for commercial roofs. 

When beginning any roofing project, choosing the material/product to install is one of the most crucial steps. The material a roof is made of, whether it is a residential or commercial property, is key to its success. Not only do contractors need to make sure they are choosing a durable material that will withstand anything the local climate can throw at it, they also need to think about cost-effectiveness for the owner. Balancing both of these factors can be a bit of a challenge, but the experts at Commercial Distribution Specialists have settled on TPO (thermoplastic polyolefin) and PVC (polyvinyl chloride) as two of their favorite reroofing options for low-slope roofs.  

Why TPO? 

TPO is a type of single-ply roofing that is made of a blend of polypropylene and ethylene-propylene rubber that has been rolled into a large sheet. This blend gives it a variety of benefits including: 

• Affordability: Using TPO can save businesses thousands of dollars in comparison to options like asphalt shingles and metal. And this affordability does not sacrifice its durability.  
• Durability: TPO roofs tend to last up to two decades since they are resistant to UV rays, heat and weather elements.  
• Energy-efficiency: TPO roofs have a reflective property, which can make buildings more energy efficient by reducing the amount of heat absorption (and subsequent removal of that heat by air conditioning units) in the summer.  
• Ease of installation: Additionally, TPO roofing is relatively easy to install without large maintenance or repair demands over the course of its life span.  

Benefits of PVC 

PVC roofing is another single-ply membrane that is used in both commercial and residential roofing. It is most well-known for being white, making it very reflective of heat absorption. But that’s not the only advantages that come with using PVC on a flat roof. 

• Waterproofing: PVC is a single-ply membrane with welded seams. This means it does not have gaps in it (like asphalt shingles might have) and is therefore “virtually impervious to leaks.” 
• Resistance to elements: In addition to great performance in the face of water intrusion, PVC is highly resistant to other things like fire, chemical and wind. This makes it ideal for areas with high levels of humidity, frequent rainfall or other weather conditions that can degrade traditional roofing materials.  
• Insulation: PVC also has low thermal conductivity which makes it a perfect insulator. This helps retain heat inside the building in cold times and keep heat out in the hot times, ultimately saving energy and expenses over the years. 
• UV resistance: In addition to handling water and moisture well, PVC is able to resist UV radiation, making it “an excellent choice for hot climates where conventional asphalt shingles would be prone to fading or cracking over time due to sun exposure.” 

Choosing your material 

At the end of the day, there is not always a right answer for what product to use. It’s important to consider the roof you are working with and the area you are located in when making a decision on products and materials. Make sure that you consult with professionals, like those at Commercial Distributions Specialists, to get the best understanding of your product options and how they will perform in relation to your local climate, building codes and more. 

By Emma Peterson. 

Looking back at the last month at The Coffee Shops™! 

Construction season is in full swing with the long summer days and better weather. Here at The Coffee Shops™ we have also been busy this last month!  

One of our most-read articles from July 2025 came from Dani Sheehan and focused on how changes to federal programs granting temporary legal status and work authorization affect the roofing industry. In her article, she highlights that the National Roofing Contractors Association (NRCA) and other allied business associations sent an official letter to the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) asking for clear guidance and a transition period to help businesses comply with these changes. She explained, “As this letter to DHS underscores, employers and employees need time and clarity to ensure they are following the law properly. As the rules shift, it’s critical that business owners anticipate coming changes to remain compliant and to protect the skilled workers who help keep your company running.” 

There has also been a lot of talk about customizing your technological tools to work better for your company. Jesse Sanchez wrote one article about a MetalTalk with Dave Chapman from Estimating Edge about the importance of tech stacks while Emma Peterson wrote about tech in terms of SRS Distribution’s Roof Hub program. 

Another trend we’ve seen in the last month is a continuing emphasis on training and partnerships. Our list features multiple articles about these topics, including an article about how Tremco Roofing is bringing training to contractors and one about how partnering with manufacturers like Commercial Distribution Specialists (CDS) can boost your bottom line! 

Explore our top articles from July 2025 

10 - Eagleview and SkyWatch announce alliance to expand access to ultra high-resolution aerial imagery 

9 - 17 feet of snow is no joke on a roof by Rocky Mountain Snow Guards 

8 - Fourth time’s the charm: Homeowner receives a roof free of charge by Jenny Yu 

7 - A roofer's guide to chemical exposure prevention by Cotney Consulting Group 

6 - Why every roofing contractor needs a tech stack by Jesse Sanchez 

5 - Taking training opportunities right to contractors by Emma Peterson 

4 - Building a partnership between contractors and manufacturers by Emma Peterson 

3 - NRCA continues to request stability and support from administration by Dani Sheehan 

2 - Partnering with a roofing distributor by Emma Peterson 

1 - Make Roof Hub your own with customization tools! by Emma Peterson 

By Emma Peterson. 

Learn how working with Commercial Distribution Specialists can help your bottom line. 

Building a close relationship with your roofing product distributor not only can help your business’s operations, but it can also boost your profitability. One example of an incredible distributor for contractors to partner with is Commercial Distribution Specialists (CDS).  

The team at CDS is dedicated to treating contractors like you as more than just a client, but as a partner. They care as much as you do about each project and want to help you and your company goal. Their mission is to create powerful relationships as your supply partner that helps everyone succeed, make money, have fun and grow.  

How CDS helps you 

As your supplier partner, CDS can help you in a variety of ways! One of the biggest ways they do this is by smoothing out the logistic side of operating a roofing or construction business. Their fleets consist of efficient trucks and knuckle booms, ensuring that you get products on time. They also make sure you have the right products for your job, with every location stocking the best commercial products from manufacturers like Carlisle, Johns Manville, GAF, Elevate and Versico. 

Beyond the logistical benefit to partnering with CDS, their team also brings valuable expertise to the table. At each branch location, the employees are experienced and knowledgeable about low-slope roofing. That positions them perfectly to help you get the critical materials for your project in an accurate and timely manner.  

A growing network of support 

With over 35 branch locations around the United States, CDS is a great option if you are looking for a roofing distributor to partnership. And this powerful network of support continues to grow. Just last month, CDS announced that their newest location is coming to 3850 Columbia Ave. in Osage Beach, Missouri! 

Check out all of CDS’ locations and find a trusted branch team to partner with on your next project.

By Emma Peterson.

Learn how to leverage this digital platform to make your estimating and ordering more efficient.

From making orders to examining roofs, technology has undoubtedly changed the way that roofing contractors operate their businesses. And the biggest thing about technology is that it is still changing the game today. In an episode of Roofing Road Trips®, Ashley Garcia and Kevin Carfa stopped by to talk about how SRS Distribution’s latest addition to their Roof Hub platform, the built-in estimator!  

Roof Hub is an impressive digital platform that was designed to help contractors streamline and manage their operations more efficiently and effectively. Some of its older features include real-time delivery tracking, easy online ordering, access to invoice history, integrated training resources and interactive storm maps. One of the most powerful parts of the newer Estimator is that it integrates with all those existing features. Kevin elaborated, “It is just built right into Roof Hub. There's real-time pricing and we even have that template integration. Overall, this is the seamless flow that starts with the template and goes all the way through that kind of one-click order at the tail end.”

So where does the Estimator fit into that process? Ashley explained, “We wanted to create a very easy experience that allows contractors to be at a client’s house and generate the estimate on site. So in order to do that, all you have to do is log in and click create new estimate. From there, you're just entering in the basic job information.” But where the integration with the larger Roof Hub really shines here is the ability to create templates based on different presets you have set up in Roof Hub. As Ashley put it, “When you're out in the field, these templates mean you're not having to redundantly enter this information over and over again, but you’re still able to use the good, better, best pricing strategy implemented inside of Roof Hub to give the client choices that make them feel empowered and understood.”

Read the transcript or Listen to the episode to learn more about the Roof Hub Estimator tools and the larger SRS digital ecosystem.