By Emma Peterson. 

Catch up on the biggest industry stories from May 2026. 

This last May, The Coffee Shops™ crew has been working hard to keep up with all the news and developments of the industry, whether it’s new events, evolving technology, shifting regulations or something else! To help readers like you keep up with everything, we like to put together a list of the top articles each month so you can see what the industry has been talking about.  

This month, we saw multiple articles about artificial intelligence (AI) on our top ten list. In eighth spot was “Cutting through the noise around AI,” which highlights Patrick Garcia of SRS Distribution and Fred Castonguay of Reworked.ai’s insights into how business can use AI effectively. The other article, in the fifth spot on our list, explores the common fear of AI taking human jobs with Denver Riggleman, the co-founder and CEO of Hootl. 

This month’s top list also saw articles from Coffee Shops’ President Heidi J. Ellsworth and our friends at Cotney Consulting Group. In her article, Heidi shares how Thomas Roofing delivers both quality craftsmanship and community support. As for the Cotney Consulting Group article, it dives into the difference between business and profitability, emphasizing how successful contractors are the ones who operate with better habits.  

And in the top spot for the month is one of my articles about “how the Farnsworth Group fosters business growth by helping contractors and other professionals better understand the market around them.” 

May 2026 top article list 

10 - Thomas Roofing and Supply builds a legacy through family, quality and community by Heidi J. Ellsworth 

9 - The operational habits that separate profitable contractors from busy ones by Cotney Consulting Group 

8 - Cutting through the noise around AI by Emma Peterson 

7 - Kick off the summer with the SRS XTV Soccer Tour! by Emma Peterson 

6 - Investing in people, not just positions by Emma Peterson 

5 - Is AI coming for our jobs? by Emma Peterson 

4 - When your company grows beyond you by Emma Peterson 

3 - Beyond the roof: Taking care of families in need by Emma Peterson 

2 - Training as the foundation of a stronger roofing industry by Emma Peterson 

1 - Seeing the big picture by Emma Peterson 

By Heidi J. Ellsworth.

Understanding housing trends can help roofing contractors better prepare for what is coming next. 

One of the smartest things roofing contractors can do to better predict future business is to pay attention to what is happening in the housing market. While roofing often feels insulated from economic shifts because roofs eventually need to be repaired or replaced no matter what, the reality is that housing activity can provide valuable clues about where opportunities and slowdowns may be headed. 

Whether it is home sales, rental growth, mortgage rates or new housing starts, these economic indicators often act as an early warning system for contractors. Following housing trends can help roofing businesses better understand consumer confidence, predict shifts in residential reroofing demand and even anticipate labor and material needs. 

According to recent insights from Sage Economics, the 2026 spring housing market has been softer than many expected. Rising mortgage rates, which recently climbed to a nine-month high of 6.51% for a 30-year fixed mortgage, have significantly slowed buyer activity and reduced mortgage applications. Pending home sales have improved modestly but continue to face pressure from affordability concerns and limited housing supply. Sage economists have noted that the current housing market is experiencing another sluggish spring selling season as affordability challenges continue to impact buyer confidence. 

Why does this matter to roofing contractors? Because home sales often create roofing opportunities. When homes change ownership, inspections frequently uncover roofing concerns that need repair or replacement before a transaction closes. New homeowners also tend to invest in upgrades shortly after purchasing. Slower home sales can mean fewer immediate opportunities tied to real estate activity. 

But it is not time to panic. Contractors should not only focus on home ownership trends as housing-related indicators. Rental housing, especially the growth of build-to-rent communities and multifamily housing, is becoming increasingly important. In an economy where homeownership has become less affordable due to higher mortgage rates, more consumers stay in rental housing longer. This often increases demand for apartment construction and renovations while reducing movement in the traditional home buying cycle.  

Sage highlighted this in their report which found a continued rise of build-to-rent housing, showing how developers are responding to affordability challenges by expanding rental options instead of for-sale inventory. For roofing contractors, this trend could mean increased opportunities in multifamily reroofing, maintenance contracts and long-term relationships with property management companies. 

Housing starts and permitting are another important trend to monitor. Sage reported that while housing starts have remained relatively elevated recently, growth has largely been driven by multifamily projects, while single-family permitting remainsdown year over year. That distinction matters because it can shift where roofing demand develops geographically and by project type. Contractors focused solely on steep-slope residential work may experience different market conditions than those working in commercial or multifamily sectors. 

It is the roofing contractors who pay attention to and understand these shifts that will be better positioned to offer in-demand services. Because the good news is that roofing remains essential. Roofs age, storms happen and maintenance never stops. But at the same time, understanding market and business trends can help contractors make better hiring decisions, adjust marketing strategies and plan for future growth. 

At the end of the day, economic uncertainty does not mean contractors should panic. It means they should pay attention. As housing trends, mortgage rates and economic conditions continue to shift, staying informed has never been more important for roofing contractors.  

Follow RoofersCoffeeShop® as we continue reporting on the latest housing, economic and construction trends from trusted industry experts like Sage Economics. Visit Sage Policy Group to learn more about their economic forecasting and analysis and explore Dr. Anirban Basu on the RoofersCoffeeShop Speakers Bureau to learn more about one of the roofing industry’s leading economic voices and keynote speakers. 

Despite the macro headwinds, firm-level fundamentals tell a resilient story.

The ACEC Research Institute released its Engineering Business Sentiment Survey Q2 today, painting a picture of an industry that remains fundamentally sound, while recalibrating in response to a more uncertain economic environment. 

The quarterly survey of 583 engineering firm executives found firm finances and industry performance still strong — net ratings of +79 and +74, respectively — yet confidence in the broader U.S. economy dropped 26 points quarter over quarter to +19. The 12-month economic outlook has turned negative at -6.  

Political uncertainty (cited by 90% of respondents), inflation and rising costs (84%), geopolitical tensions (81%) and recession concerns (69%) are the primary drivers of that caution. Firms place the probability of a recession in the next six months at 46%. 

Despite the macro headwinds, firm-level fundamentals tell a resilient story. Nearly half of respondents (49%) report backlogs of one year or more, with the median holding steady at 11 months showing there is plenty of work to be done. Sixty-four percent expect hiring to increase over the next 12 months. Workforce pressures are also easing — only 33% of firms turned down work due to staffing shortages in the past six months, down from 51% in Q4 2024. This position of strength gives firms more capacity to pursue the right work rather than any work. Among those still turning down projects, 83% say they are being more selective about what they accept. 

Current sector performance remains broadly positive led by data centers (+87) and energy and utilities (+80). Federal, military, state and local government buildings posted the largest year-over-year gain in future sentiment, up 53 points — a striking recovery from the uncertainty that gripped the sector following the tariff announcements of Q2 2025. Tariff concern itself has faded considerably, with its net rating falling from +49 at its peak to just +9 this quarter. 

“The sector is shifting from a growth posture driven by demand and labor constraints to one defined by cautious expansion, cost management and strategic selectivity," said ACEC board chair Steve Lefton. “Firms are healthy and they're planning to grow with greater discipline and a closer eye on the horizon.” 

One emerging pressure point is healthcare costs. Seventy-eight percent of firms saw insurance premium increases at their last renewal, with an average increase of 14% and 92% of respondents expressed at least some concern. The burden falls hardest on smaller firms, though most (68%) firms report no change to hiring plans as a result. 

“The story this quarter is recalibration,” said Joe Bates, senior research consultant for the ACEC Research Institute. “Firms are prioritizing higher-value projects, managing costs more deliberately and planning for growth at a more measured pace. That's the hallmark of an industry that knows how to navigate uncertainty.” 

The bottom line 

The Q2 2026 results reflect an industry adapting in real time to a more complex operating environment. Firms are healthy, and they are also more selective, more cost-conscious and more attuned to macro risks than at any point in the past year. 

About the ACEC Research Institute

The ACEC Research Institute is the independent research arm of the American Council of Engineering Companies (ACEC). Its mission is to fund and deliver research to equip the engineering industry with actionable intelligence on the issues critical to its success. Learn more at www.acecresearchinstitute.org.

By Emma Peterson. 

How succession planning and fractional advisors help owners secure their legacy and their company’s future.  

In the trades, businesses often start as small, family-owned operations. And when these businesses are small, it’s natural that many owners find themselves wearing multiple hats and managing a seemingly endless list of day-to-day tasks. But as any company grows, it becomes necessary for that to change. This change is what Kristen McAlister of Cerius Executives stopped by The Coffee Shops™ to talk about in an episode of Contractor Outlook™.  

Letting go of a business that you’ve poured blood, sweat and tears into can be hard. But if you want your business to thrive long-term, planning for that letting go, for that succession, is key. Kristen explained, “Whether you're looking to pass your business onto the next generation or the next owner, succession planning is key. And the key to good planning is thinking of your legacy as the team you’ve built, not yourself.” 

What does this mean? Building a legacy means building something that outlasts you. And the way you do that as a company owner is to hire a team that can run your business without you managing every little thing. So, how do you learn to take that step back? That’s something that Kristen and the Cerius team help owners do all the time! She shared:  

We are placing a lot of experts in businesses for interim positions as fractional advisors. In this role, these experts come in for however much time the owner wants, whether that’s five hours a month or a full 40 hours a week, and are there to help them decouple themselves from the business, so it’s less reliant on them. And we're still keeping that legacy that they started the company with; we’re just figuring out how to make it so the owner could go on a multi-week vacation or eventually retire and know their legacy will live on. 

And to be clear, these fractional advisors are not placed to take over from the people who have built the company. In fact, in many cases Kristen has seen them help with the handover to original employees or team members. She noted,“A lot of owners want to hand the company to an operations person who’s grown up in the company. And we’ll put a fractional advisor in place to work alongside that person, to make sure they have the tools and skills needed to succeed. Like on-the-job coaching. And then when that person is confident and comfortable, the advisor leaves them to carry on the legacy.”  

Want to learn more about how fractional advisors can help with succession planning? Listen to the episode or Watch the recording!

The 2026 Trends Survey, sponsored by QXO, captures insight into the pressures roofing contractors are navigating and the goals guiding their businesses. 

RoofersCoffeeShop®, the award-winning place where the industry meets for technology, information and everyday business, announces the opening of its latest Roofing Industry Trends Survey, sponsored by QXO. Now in its tenth year, the Trends Survey seeks contractor perspectives on the factors influencing business performance, including workforce training, AI adoption, technology gaps, hiring efforts, immigration challenges and keeping skilled employees. 

“We are committed to understanding the realities contractors face, the changes shaping the market and the resources that can help them succeed,” said Heidi J. Ellsworth, president/CEO of RoofersCoffeeShop. “This survey is one way we can capture the challenges, opportunities and trends shaping the market in real time. When contractors share what they are seeing every day, it gives the entire industry a clearer picture of their challenges, helping us identify where support is needed and how we can better serve the industry moving forward.”  

The 2026 Trends Survey is designed to discover the key business challenges contractors are facing, from operational issues to workforce demands, while also examining the digital tools and platforms they are leveraging to improve efficiency. The survey covers a variety of contractor needs, including training, software and marketing tactics, and offers an in-depth look at how strategies for lead generation, recruitment and retention are influencing business success. 

Since 2016, RCS has been surveying contractors and has created seven Trends Reports, each focusing on the industry's biggest challenges, identifying key business priorities and providing an overview of the sector's overall health. 

Contractors are urged to take the 2026 Trends Survey today!

About RoofersCoffeeShop 

As an award-winning website and online community, RoofersCoffeeShop is committed to being a roofing professional advocate by supplying consistent information, education and communication avenues for all roofing professionals, and especially contractors, while promoting the positive growth, education and success of the roofing industry overall. Visitors to the site continue to find excellent opportunities for sharing information while participating in important ongoing conversations concerning new technologies, safety and the overall roofing trade. From the rooftop to the board room, RoofersCoffeeShop.com is “Where the Industry Meets!” For more information, visit www.rooferscoffeeshop.com. 

About QXO 

QXO is the largest publicly traded distributor of roofing, waterproofing, and complementary building products in the United States. The company plans to become the tech-enabled leader in the $800 billion building products distribution industry and generate outsized value for shareholders. QXO is targeting $50 billion in annual revenues within the next decade through accretive acquisitions and organic growth. Visit www.qxo.com for more information. 

Institutions considering Workforce Pell participation should begin reviewing program eligibility, workforce alignment documentation, state approval processes and implementation timelines under the finalized framework.

The U.S. Department of Education has released its Final Rule implementing the Workforce Pell Grant program authorized under the One Big Beautiful Bill Act (OBBBA). The Final Rule follows the Department’s Accountability in Higher Education and Access Through Demand-driven Workforce Pell (AHEAD) negotiated rulemaking process conducted in late 2025 and early 2026. Most provisions are scheduled to take effect July 1, 2026.

The Final Rule establishes the regulatory framework for the Workforce Pell Grant program, which expands Pell Grant eligibility to certain short-term, workforce-focused postsecondary programs designed to prepare students for in-demand careers, including fields such as healthcare, skilled trades, transportation, public safety and technical occupations.

The Final Rule establishes requirements governing institutional eligibility, program approval, reporting and oversight for Workforce Pell participation.

In our comments on the NPRM, CECU outlined several recommendations to better align the proposed rule with the law and support students and institutions. These include establishing a consistent and transparent appeals process across states, ensuring flexibility to protect low-income students from unintended financial harm and removing provisions that exceed statutory requirements and may limit innovation or access. CECU will join the Department on a stakeholder call regarding the rule at 10:30 a.m. today and is reviewing the Final Rule for these issues. CECU will continue to keep members informed.

Why it matters for career schools

The Final Rule expands federal Pell Grant eligibility to many programs commonly offered by career education institutions. At the same time, the rule establishes a new federal oversight and compliance structure tied specifically to Workforce Pell participation. Institutions will need to carefully evaluate operational requirements, reporting obligations, approval processes and implementation timelines before pursuing participation.

Institutions considering Workforce Pell participation should begin reviewing program eligibility, workforce alignment documentation, state approval processes and implementation timelines under the finalized framework.

By Heidi J. Ellsworth.

At RoofersCoffeeShop®, we love highlighting roofing professionals who are helping strengthen their communities. Thomas Roofing and Supply is a great example of that.

Across the roofing industry, family businesses continue to define what it means to serve communities with integrity and commitment. This month, RoofersCoffeeShop® is celebrating a company that was recommended for our Caught Doing Good series by Harvey Sorem, a longtime and respected leader in the Virginia roofing community. Harvey recognized Thomas Roofing and Supply of York County, Virginia, for their longstanding dedication to quality roofing, strong family values and commitment to the community.

Founded in 1973 by Fay and Pat Thomas, the company began with little more than a ladder, a pickup truck and determination. According to a recent York County feature, Pat worked alongside Fay on rooftops in those early days, helping build what would become a highly respected residential roofing contractor and roofing supply distributor serving homeowners throughout the region.

Today, sons Jason and Brian Thomas lead day-to-day operations, continuing the values their parents established from the beginning: hard work, honesty and exceptional customer service. Thomas Roofing specializes exclusively in residential roofing installation, maintenance and repair, a focused approach that Jason Thomas credits for helping the company consistently deliver quality craftsmanship.

The company also stands out for its investment in people. With nearly four dozen employees, Thomas Roofing values loyalty and long-term relationships. One team member, Shawn Sissel, has worked with the company for nearly 40 years, growing from a young crew member into a lead foreman. That kind of employee retention says a great deal about company culture.

Thomas Roofing’s dedication has earned recognition including an A+ rating from the Better Business Bureau and a 2025 Bronze Award for Best Roofing Company from Coastal Virginia Magazine. Even more inspiring, the next generation is already learning the trade, with Jason’s son Zac becoming part of the family business and continuing the company’s legacy.

At RoofersCoffeeShop, we love highlighting roofing professionals who are making a difference every day and helping strengthen their communities. Thomas Roofing and Supply is truly Caught Doing Good. Special thanks to Harvey Sorum for bringing this outstanding company to our attention.

Read the full York County story.

By Emma Peterson. 

Denver Riggleman shares his thoughts on how AI will impact jobs and the larger workforce. 

As AI and automation increasingly become present in our daily lives, a common concern is that these technologies will take jobs away from people. This type of concern is not new. Every time a new technology is introduced, people naturally have hesitation and fear how things will change. And it does change things; think about the now-obsolete jobs like switchboard operators and projectionists. But it’s also important to remember that the technology that took over for those roles also made new opportunities. 

To look at how AI might change our workplace, both in creating jobs and taking over certain roles, Heidi J. Ellsworth spoke with Denver Riggleman, the co-founder and CEO of Hootl, for an episode of Contractor Outlook all about AI.  

The honest truth is that AI might take away some jobs, just like how technological advancements over the years have changed the roles necessary for operation. Denver shared, “I'm going to be very blunt, AI will take jobs that automation can automate. Take call centers, for example. I would say in the next 15 to 20 years, they will be all AI regardless.” But at the same time, automation is also a powerful tool for enabling businesses to grow and hire more employees in other sectors. Denver explained:  

Say you ‘lose’ 10 jobs at the admin processing level because AI is automating the mundane tasks. You now have the payroll space to hire people or have the people that were working those jobs change focus to working on higher-skill level tasks. And then with more people working on those higher-level tasks, you’re able to expand your gross revenue with a higher margin. 

In other words, AI might take over certain roles. By taking those mundane and tedious tasks off of people’s plates, however, it allows them to work on high-level tasks that not only are more engaging for them but also can help your company grow. And company growth often goes hand-in-hand with hiring new employees.  

Listen to the whole episode or Watch the recording to hear more insights into the role of AI in our workforce. 

By Emma Peterson. 

Learn about the partnership between the Roofing Alliance and Ronald McDonald House. 

In 2017, Charles Antis of KPost Roofing and Waterproofing stood up in a Roofing Alliance meeting and suggested a nationwide project where roofers could adopt Ronald McDonald House programs. Our very own Heidi J. Ellsworth was there that day and has seen how that idea has grown over the last decade. To talk about this initiative, she hosted Katie Fitzgerald, president and CEO of Ronald McDonald House Global, for an episode of Contractor Outlook.  

Ronald McDonald House dates back to the 1970s when a renowned pediatric oncologist named Dr. Audrey Evans realized that many of the families of her patients at the Children's Hospital of Philadelphia had nowhere to stay during treatment. For families who traveled especially far for their child’s treatment, some would even sleep in waiting room chairs or on hospital floors, just to be close  

In partnership with McDonald’s and the Philadelphia Eagles, she opened the first Ronald McDonald House, which provided families with free housing so they could be close to their children and the life-saving treatment they needed. Today, there are over 400 Housesin 60countries and regions.  

The growth was incredible, but with that growth came support needs. Katie explained:  

In the United States alone, our 165 standalone Houses, which are safe havens of comprehensive support for families with social services, emotional support, meals, transportation, art therapy and even schooling, take up around six million square feet of physical infrastructure. That’s a lot to take care of and honestly, our organization is very lean. Our Houses need help with the day-to-day operations, let alone the bigger maintenance tasks. 

It's that need that Charles’ idea aimed to fill, and the best part is it worked! Heidi shared some of her first-hand experience of what the mobilization looked like after Charles’ presentation to the Roofing Alliance in 2017, saying, “Contractors were calling contractors across the country. Someone from Philadelphia was calling someone in Oregon or Washington or wherever it may be and saying, ‘Hey, we're doing this here. You guys really should think about this.’ And it was because they shared their stories of supporting Ronald McDonald House and how powerful it was that a lot of people were able to get involved, adopt and be a part of this big program.” 

For Katie and broader Ronald McDonald House System, that mobilization was game changing. She explained, “I think since that time, there's been over $3 million of support for everything from maintenance to full-on roof replacement. The partnership is saving our nonprofit partners who perform this work tremendous amounts of money that they can put into the family instead. It’s been amazing... And one of the best parts is just seeing roofers all over the country fall in love with our mission and go beyond the roof to help. I know roofers around the country have been involved in other sorts of activities to take care of the houses beyond the roofs — fundraising, volunteering, collecting holiday gifts and more! They’re really connected with this mission so beautifully and we need the help.” 

Listen to the newscast or Watch the whole episode for more about how contractors all over are supporting Ronald McDonald House’s incredible mission. 

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 role in how a building interacts with lightning. Yet too often, lightning protection systems are treated as an afterthought rather than an integrated part of roofing design, installation and long-term maintenance.

At its core, a lightning protection system is designed to safely intercept, conduct and dissipate lightning energy into the ground. These systems use highly conductive materials such as copper or aluminum to create a low-resistance path that directs electrical current away from the structure, preventing fire, structural damage and injury.

For roofing contractors, that means every penetration, attachment point, retrofit and reroof project has the potential to impact how that system performs. Roofing is where lightning protection lives. Air terminals, conductors and bonding components are all installed on or through the roof system. When roofing contractors are unaware of how these systems function, even routine work can compromise protection.

During reroofing projects in particular, the risks increase significantly. Removing and reinstalling lightning protection components without proper expertise can lead to system failure or non-compliance. In fact, re-roofing is rarely as simple as reinstalling existing components, and unqualified handling is a major source of substandard systems. Additionally, changes to rooftop equipment, foot traffic or weathering can degrade both the roof and the lightning protection system over time. Without coordination, roofing work can unintentionally break continuity in the system, reducing its ability to safely direct lightning energy.

For residential roofing contractors, the importance of lightning protection is growing as homes incorporate more technology, solar systems and complex roof designs. A properly installed system helps protect not only the structure but also electronics, appliances and occupants. On the commercial side, the stakes are even higher. Larger structures are more likely to be struck by lightning due to their size and height. A single strike can damage roofing systems, disrupt operations and result in major financial loss or safety risks. For facility managers, this makes coordination with roofing contractors essential throughout the life of the building.

One of the most important takeaways for roofing contractors is this: Lightning protection is a specialized trade. Working with certified lightning protection professionals is not optional, it is essential. Organizations like the Lightning Protection Institute (LPI), found at lightning.org, emphasize the importance of certified specialists who are trained in design, installation and inspection. And these professionals do more than install systems. They educate roofing contractors and facility managers on how to properly work around these systems during installation, service and reroofing. This includes understanding proper bonding, maintaining conductor continuity and ensuring that any rooftop additions are integrated into the system. 

Industry leaders like Kelley Collins of the LPI continue to advocate for education and collaboration across trades. Through conferences and industry engagement, they help bridge the gap between roofing contractors, engineers and lightning protection experts. Lightning protection is not a one-and-done installation. Like roofing systems, it requires ongoing inspection and maintenance. Industry standards recommend regular visual inspections and periodic comprehensive testing to ensure continued performance.

For roofing contractors, this creates an opportunity to add value by working alongside certified lightning professionals during maintenance and service work. Whether replacing the roof, adding rooftop equipment or performing repairs, coordination ensures the system remains intact and effective.  The message coming from industry organizations is clear. Collaboration between trades is critical. Roofing contractors, lightning protection specialists, engineers and facility managers must work together to ensure systems are properly designed, installed and maintained. 

This is not just about compliance. It is about protecting lives, preserving property and ensuring long-term building performance.  As roofing continues to evolve with new materials, technologies and system complexity, understanding lightning protection will only become more important. Contractors who take the time to learn, partner with certified professionals and integrate these systems into their workflows will be better positioned to deliver complete, high-performing roofing solutions. Because when lightning strikes, the roof is the first line of defense, and it has to be ready.