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<channel>
<title>RoofersCoffeeShop</title>
<link>https://www.rooferscoffeeshop.com/</link>
<description>Roofing Forum, Classifieds, Galleries and More!</description>
<language>en-us</language><item>
<title>Connecting the dots between data and strategy</title>
<link>https://www.rooferscoffeeshop.com/post/connecting-the-dots-between-data-and-strategy</link>
<description>connecting-the-dots-between-data-and-strategy</description>
<pubDate>Sat, 25 Jul 2026 06:00:00 PDT</pubDate>
<content:encoded><![CDATA[
		<img src='/uploads/media/2026/07/contractor-outlook-connecting-the-dots-between-data-and-strategy.png'
            alt='Connecting the dots between data and strategy'
            title='Connecting the dots between data and strategy'
            class=''
            style=' '  loading='lazy' /><br><p>By Emma Peterson.&nbsp;</p>

<h2>How the Farnsworth Group combines research and consulting to help industry professionals navigate change and stay competitive.&nbsp;</h2>

<p>For over 35 years, <a href="https://www.thefarnsworthgroup.com/">the Farnsworth Group</a> has collected market research and intelligence for manufacturers, suppliers and business owners in the construction industry. Not only does the Farnsworth team go far beyond just providing market data, but they also have the deep industry knowledge needed to translate that data into risks, opportunities and more. To learn about how the Farnsworth team turns data into business strategies, we hosted <a href="https://www.rooferscoffeeshop.com/directory/eric-voyer">Eric Voyer</a>, Farnsworth&rsquo;s director and senior consultant, <a href="https://www.rooferscoffeeshop.com/podcast/know-your-niche">onto an episode of Contractor Outlook</a>.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Eric started by explaining what the Farnsworth team does for their clients, sharing, &ldquo;We help people connect the pieces. We are both a consultant and a market researcher. So we&rsquo;re able to say, &lsquo;Look here&rsquo;s what&rsquo;s happening. Here&rsquo;s what causing it,&rsquo; and then explain how you stay successful through it.&rdquo;&nbsp;</p>

<p>So, how does this work in practice? Eric used the current market trend of artificial intelligence (AI) as an example, first sharing what their market researchers are seeing, saying, &ldquo;Our research shows that 15-20% of contractors are using AI... And what we see is that this fits into a larger shift in the industry &ndash; a shift towards technology as the next generation, the digital natives who are used to using technology and phones, comes into adulthood...&nbsp;</p>

<p>He then explained how this research informs their client consultations:&nbsp;&nbsp;</p>

<blockquote>
<p>We&rsquo;re talking to manufacturers about making more marketing on platforms like TikTok and YouTube shorts. Some we&rsquo;re even talking about content creator partnerships. Really just how you change the way you are getting your message out there as we shift toward technology... For contractors, we&rsquo;re talking about incorporating digital tools to make more instant experiences for people who are used to quick returns thanks to cell phones and AI.&nbsp;&nbsp;</p>
</blockquote>

<p>Overall, by conducting both the market research and translating it into actionable insights, Eric and the Farnsworth team have become an invaluable resource to professionals in the construction and roofing industries.&nbsp;&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>To learn more about how Farnsworth Group supports contractors, <a href="https://www.rooferscoffeeshop.com/podcast/know-your-niche">Listen to the whole episode</a> or <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=V3Oftx7EsIk">Watch the newscast</a>.&nbsp;</strong></p>]]></content:encoded>
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<title>Campany Roofing is the July Roofer of the Month</title>
<link>https://www.rooferscoffeeshop.com/post/campany-roofing-is-the-july-roofer-of-the-month</link>
<description>campany-roofing-is-the-july-roofer-of-the-month</description>
<pubDate>Sat, 18 Jul 2026 18:00:00 PDT</pubDate>
<content:encoded><![CDATA[
		<img src='/uploads/media/2026/07/campany-roofing-is-the-july-roofer-of-the-month.png'
            alt='Campany Roofing is the July Roofer of the Month'
            title='Campany Roofing is the July Roofer of the Month'
            class=''
            style=' '  loading='lazy' /><br><p>By Emma Peterson.&nbsp;</p>

<h2>With expertise spanning everything from slate and cedar to liquid-applied systems and high-rises, Campany Roofing continues to set the standard in Florida roofing.&nbsp;</h2>

<p>Our latest Roofer of the Month is <a href="https://www.rooferscoffeeshop.com/directory/campany-roofing">Campany Roofing</a>, a premier roofer in South Florida founded back in 1990 by Ed Campany. To learn more about Campany, Megan Ellsworth got the chance to talk with Andrew Yusko, one of Campany Roofing&rsquo;s senior account managers, <a href="https://www.rooferscoffeeshop.com/podcast/campany-roofing-2">on our Roofer of the Month podcast</a>.&nbsp;&nbsp;</p>

<p>In the three-plus decades since Campany was founded, they have built a reputation for quality workmanship, incredible customer service and an unmatched portfolio of projects. Their team has worked on pretty much every type of roofing project under the sun, from PVC roofing to shake shingles. Andrew explained, &ldquo;We can do everything. We do shingle roofs, we do liquid applied roofs, we still are one of the few contractors mopping hot asphalt, we put on slate roofs, we put on cedar.&rdquo; He went on to highlight what he would consider their specialty, saying, &ldquo;I would say our specialty is the high-difficulty project, whether that&rsquo;s a 50-story building, a 50-home community or it&#39;s a $200 million house being built, wherever the roofing is difficult and requires a high level of craftsmanship, that&#39;s really where our niche is.&rdquo;&nbsp;</p>

<p>A great example of the type of roof that fit into this specialty niche was a project on the ocean over by North Hutchinson Island (along the east coast of Florida). Andrew shared a bit about what made the project a challenge:&nbsp;&nbsp;</p>

<blockquote>
<p>It was a high-difficulty and high-visibility job. The roof had some liquid applied, there was some electrical needs, there were rooftop dividing fences, pavers, you name it, it probably had it. And a job that complex with so many trades involved, no one was interested. They had gone through a couple of different roof consultants and engineers that had walked away because of the difficulties.&nbsp;</p>
</blockquote>

<p>Luckily for the property managers, Campany was more than ready to rise to the challenge of this project. Andrew recalled, &ldquo;Our company stepped in, took a hold of the project and delivered not only a really high-quality roof system, but coordinated the pavers, electrical, all those parts that made people avoid the project.&rdquo; And the best part? The Campany team did that all within budget and meeting the project timeline! As Andrew put it, &ldquo;The project turned out really cool and is kind of a standard bearer for us of what we&#39;re capable of.&rdquo;&nbsp;</p>

<p>Looking ahead, Andrew is excited about taking on more challenges like this, &ldquo;Campany has always been a strictly re-roof company, but we&rsquo;ve just started to expand into some new construction. We&#39;re really excited as we move forward, continuing to try and be thought of as one of the real elite roofers in Florida.&rdquo;&nbsp;</p>

<p><a href="https://www.rooferscoffeeshop.com/podcast/campany-roofing-2"><strong>Learn more about Campany and what makes them our Roofer of the Month by Listening to the whole podcast episode.</strong></a></p>]]></content:encoded>
</item><item>
<title>The Coffee Shops™ Announce 2026 AskARoofer™ Experts</title>
<link>https://www.rooferscoffeeshop.com/post/the-coffee-shops-announce-2026-askaroofer-experts</link>
<description>the-coffee-shops-announce-2026-askaroofer-experts</description>
<pubDate>Thu, 16 Jul 2026 03:00:00 PDT</pubDate>
<content:encoded><![CDATA[
		<img src='/uploads/media/2026/07/aar-the-coffee-shops™-announce-2026-askaroofer™-experts-2.png'
            alt='The Coffee Shops™ Announce 2026 AskARoofer™ Experts'
            title='The Coffee Shops™ Announce 2026 AskARoofer™ Experts'
            class=''
            style=' '  loading='lazy' /><br><h2>AAR Experts celebrates its continued commitment to helping home and building owners make confident roofing decisions.&nbsp;</h2>

<p>The Coffee Shops&trade;, the award-winning digital platforms where industries come together for technology, insight and everyday business, <a href="https://www.askaroofer.com/aar-experts">announces 2026 AskARoofer Experts</a>.&nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp;</p>

<p>Each month, AskARoofer&trade; Experts share their insights on timely topics such as warranties, wildfire protection, ventilation and roof performance, commercial roof inspections, preparing for spring weather and more. Information is shared through interviews, videos and articles on AskARoofer.com. Representing all facets of the roofing, exteriors, metal and coatings industries, these Experts are also recognized in a dedicated section of the site.&nbsp;</p>

<p>&ldquo;At AskARoofer, we are committed to connecting owners with the trusted expertise they need when questions arise about their roofs,&rdquo; shared Heidi J. Ellsworth, President and CEO of The Coffee Shops. &ldquo;By bringing together not only our AskARoofer Experts but also more than 140 roofing companies across the country, we&rsquo;re creating a powerful network that communicates directly with home and building owners &mdash; answering their questions, providing local expertise and helping them make smarter decisions that protect what matters most in their roofs and exteriors while building lasting confidence in the roofing process and the industry itself.&rdquo;&nbsp;</p>

<p>We are proud to announce the following <a href="https://www.askaroofer.com/meet-aar-experts">2026 Experts</a>:&nbsp;</p>

<ul>
	<li><a href="https://www.askaroofer.com/directory/john-kenney-aar-expert">John Kenney</a> &ndash; Cotney Consulting Group&nbsp;</li>
	<li><a href="https://www.askaroofer.com/directory/jerry-iselin-aar-expert">Jerry Iselin</a> &ndash; Metal Roof Specialties, Inc.&nbsp;</li>
	<li><a href="https://www.askaroofer.com/directory/mindy-dahlquist-aar-expert">Mindy Dahlquist</a> &ndash; <a href="https://www.askaroofer.com/directory/tra-snow-sun">TRA Snow and Sun</a></li>
	<li><a href="https://www.askaroofer.com/directory/wendy-marvin-aar-expert">Wendy Marvin</a> &ndash; <a href="https://www.askaroofer.com/directory/matrix-roofing-home-solutions">Matrix Roofing and Home Solutions</a></li>
	<li><a href="https://www.askaroofer.com/directory/henry-staggs-aar-expert">Henry Staggs</a> &ndash; <a href="https://www.askaroofer.com/directory/the-arizona-roofer">The Arizona Roofer</a></li>
	<li><a href="https://www.askaroofer.com/directory/brittany-wimbish-aar-expert">Brittany Wimbish</a> &ndash; <a href="https://www.askaroofer.com/directory/fields-roof-service">Fields Roof Service</a></li>
	<li><a href="https://www.askaroofer.com/directory/rachel-garcia-rcs-influencer">Rachel Garcia</a> &ndash; Malarkey Roofing Products&nbsp;</li>
	<li><a href="https://www.askaroofer.com/directory/bridget-wilson-rcs-influencer">Bridget Wilson</a> &ndash; <a href="https://www.askaroofer.com/directory/cardinal-roofing">Cardinal Roofing</a>&nbsp;</li>
	<li><a href="https://www.askaroofer.com/directory/paul-and-emily-marshall-aar-expert">Emily and Paul Marshall</a> &ndash; Mr. And Mrs. Post Frame&nbsp;</li>
	<li><a href="https://www.askaroofer.com/directory/will-lorenz-ccs-influencer">Will Lorenz</a> &ndash; General Coatings&nbsp;</li>
</ul>

<p><a href="https://www.askaroofer.com/aar-experts"><strong>Find more information on the 2026 AskARoofer Experts!</strong></a></p>

<p><strong>About The Coffee Shops&nbsp;</strong></p>

<p>Award-winning websites and online communities make up The Coffee Shops. Starting with RoofersCoffeeShop, which launched in 2002, the growth of the sites has been explosive for the construction trades of roofing, metal, coatings and their customers. Currently featuring four Coffee Shops, RoofersCoffeeShop, MetalCoffeeShop&reg;, CoatingsCoffeeShop&reg;, OutdoorCoffeeShop&trade; and their sister site AskARoofer&trade;, all the sites are committed to advocating for the construction trades by supplying consistent information, education and communication avenues for all contractors, while promoting positive growth, education and success of construction industries overall. The Coffee Shops also feature strong microsites with RoofersCoffeeShop.ca, RoofersCoffeeShop.uk and En Espa&ntilde;ol. Visitors to the site continue to find excellent opportunities for sharing information while participating in important ongoing conversations concerning new technologies, safety and overall construction information and education. The Coffee Shops are &ldquo;Where the Industries Meet!&rdquo; For more information, visit <a href="https://www.thecoffeeshops.online/">www.thecoffeeshops.online</a>.&nbsp;</p>]]></content:encoded>
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<title>Construction employment grows despite spending slowdown: What it means for the building industry</title>
<link>https://www.rooferscoffeeshop.com/post/construction-employment-grows-despite-spending-slowdown-what-it-means-for-the-building-industry</link>
<description>construction-employment-grows-despite-spending-slowdown-what-it-means-for-the-building-industry</description>
<pubDate>Tue, 14 Jul 2026 15:00:00 PDT</pubDate>
<content:encoded><![CDATA[
		<img src='/uploads/media/2026/07/rcs-construction-employment-grows-despite-spending-slowdown.png'
            alt='Construction employment grows despite spending slowdown'
            title='Construction employment grows despite spending slowdown'
            class=''
            style=' '  loading='lazy' /><br><p>By Heidi J. Ellsworth.</p>

<h2>Economic indicators reveal resilience in construction while highlighting the trends contractors should watch closely.&nbsp;</h2>

<p>It is important across all our Coffee Shop audiences to understand what is happening in the larger construction markets to help make strong business decisions. Having listened to Ken Simonson, chief economist for the Associated General Contractors of America (AGC), speak several times, I wanted to share some of his recent insights. His latest economic analysis presents a nuanced picture of today&#39;s construction economy. Drawing on newly released data from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), U.S. Census Bureau, Dodge Construction Network, Institute for Supply Management (ISM) and freight industry analysts, Simonson&#39;s report shows that while construction spending faces headwinds, employment growth and future planning activity continue to signal strength for much of the industry.&nbsp;</p>

<p>According to Simonson&#39;s analysis of BLS data, construction employment reached 8.331 million workers in June, increasing by 11,000 jobs from May and adding 64,000 positions year-over-year. The growth was driven primarily by nonresidential construction hiring, a positive indicator for contractors and companies serving commercial roofing, building envelope, restoration, metal and related construction markets. His findings suggest that many contractors continue to see enough future work to justify expanding their workforce.&nbsp;</p>

<p>For The Coffee Shop industries, construction employment is one of the clearest indicators of confidence. Contractors do not hire ahead of uncertainty. When employment rises, it generally reflects active backlogs, growing project pipelines and owner investment in maintaining and improving facilities. That confidence reaches across the trades and reinforces the importance of watching workforce trends as a signal for what may be coming next.&nbsp;</p>

<p>At the same time, Simonson highlighted a softer spending environment using data from the U.S. Census Bureau. Total construction spending reached $2.21 trillion in May, rising slightly from April but falling 1.5% compared with May 2025. While the decline does not signal a downturn, it does indicate that higher financing costs and ongoing economic caution continue to influence project timing and investment decisions.&nbsp;</p>

<p>This trend is particularly relevant to roofing and building envelope professionals because it reinforces the importance of diversification and value-driven solutions. Contractors are increasingly responding through maintenance programs, restoration, protective coating systems, energy-efficient retrofits and phased project strategies that help owners maximize existing assets rather than postpone critical work altogether. It also points to the growing role of practical, long-term solutions that support smarter capital planning.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Looking ahead, one of the most encouraging indicators in Simonson&#39;s report comes from the Dodge Momentum Index (DMI), published by Dodge Construction Network. The DMI, which tracks nonresidential projects entering the planning phase and often serves as a leading indicator of future construction spending, declined 1.9% in May but remained strong overall. That planning activity matters because today&#39;s planned projects will become tomorrow&#39;s opportunities for all construction professionals and companies. Continued planning strength can be an important signal for future demand, especially for companies tied to commercial and institutional construction.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Simonson&#39;s report also referenced economic data from the Institute for Supply Management, which found that the service sector continued to expand for the 24th consecutive month despite ongoing cost pressures. Simultaneously, freight data reported through the Wall Street Journal&#39;s Logistics Report showed average flatbed trucking rates reached a record $3.69 per mile in June, based on information from DAT Freight &amp; Analytics.&nbsp;&nbsp;</p>

<p>These freight costs affect construction broadly because materials and equipment depend on reliable transportation networks. Rising costs can influence estimating, inventory planning, project scheduling and customer expectations, making logistics another important indicator for contractors and suppliers to watch closely.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Perhaps the most important takeaway from Simonson&#39;s report is that construction professionals need to monitor multiple leading indicators rather than focusing on a single economic statistic. Employment growth, spending trends, future project planning, service sector expansion and transportation costs all influence business decisions throughout the industry. Collectively, they provide a more complete understanding of where the market is headed.&nbsp;</p>

<p>As construction continues to evolve, staying informed on the broader economic picture will remain essential. While the latest numbers reveal both opportunities and challenges, the overall message is one of resilience. Hiring continues, planning remains active and professionals who understand the market indicators driving the industry will be best positioned for success.&nbsp;</p>

<p><em>Source transparency: Ken Simonson, chief economist for AGC, is analyzing data from primary sources including the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Census Bureau, Dodge Construction Network, Institute for Supply Management and DAT Freight &amp; Analytics as reported by AGC.&nbsp;</em></p>]]></content:encoded>
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<title>The Roofer Devotional: Faith built in the realities of the roofing life</title>
<link>https://www.rooferscoffeeshop.com/post/the-roofer-devotional-faith-built-in-the-realities-of-the-roofing-life</link>
<description>the-roofer-devotional-faith-built-in-the-realities-of-the-roofing-life</description>
<pubDate>Fri, 10 Jul 2026 21:00:00 PDT</pubDate>
<content:encoded><![CDATA[
		<img src='/uploads/media/2026/07/rcs-the-roofer-devotional-faith-built-in-the-realities-of-the-roofing-life.png'
            alt='The Roofer Devotional: Faith built in the realities of the roofing life'
            title='The Roofer Devotional: Faith built in the realities of the roofing life'
            class=''
            style=' '  loading='lazy' /><br><p>By Nelson Alvarado.&nbsp;</p>

<h2>Finding strength and purpose where pressure, responsibility and hard work meet.&nbsp; &nbsp;</h2>

<p>There are few industries that test a person&rsquo;s character like roofing. It is work that begins early, stretches long into the day and carries a level of responsibility that goes far beyond the job itself. Crews depend on leadership, families rely on stability and every decision carries real consequences. In that constant pressure, faith is often tested the most.&nbsp;&nbsp;</p>

<p>That reality is exactly what Nelson Alvarado captures in The Roofer Devotional, a 365-day devotional shaped by more than 40 years in the roofing industry. Having built companies, led teams and experienced the highs and lows of the trade firsthand, Alvarado brings a voice that feels authentic and grounded. This is not theory. It is the lived experience of someone who understands the weight contractors carry every day.&nbsp;&nbsp;</p>

<p>What makes this devotional stand out is its honesty. It doesn&rsquo;t attempt to present a polished or idealized version of roofing life. Instead, it speaks directly to the moments every contractor knows&mdash;the quiet phones, missed crews, tight payrolls and the unseen burden of responsibility. These are the realities that define the work and are rarely addressed in traditional business books.&nbsp;&nbsp;</p>

<p>Rather than separating faith from those challenges, The Roofer Devotional brings it directly into them. Each daily entry pairs scripture with real-life situations, offering perspective that can be applied in the truck before sunrise, between job site decisions or in the moments when leadership feels most demanding.&nbsp;&nbsp;</p>

<p>At the center of the book is a powerful truth: faith is not built in comfort, but in the climb. That message resonates across roofing, where success is earned through persistence. Alvarado reframes faith as something durable, able to hold steady under pressure and grow through consistency.&nbsp;&nbsp;</p>

<p>The devotional also acknowledges the mental and emotional weight of the job. While the physical demands are obvious, uncertainty, financial pressure and leadership responsibilities add another layer of challenge. In those moments, the book reminds readers that difficult seasons are part of the journey, not a sign of failure.&nbsp;&nbsp;</p>

<p>Although rooted in roofing, the message extends to builders, entrepreneurs and anyone navigating high-pressure environments. It reinforces that faith is not separate from work, but present in everyday decisions, actions and leadership.&nbsp;&nbsp;</p>

<p>As the roofing industry continues to face evolving challenges, resources that support resilience are more important than ever. The Roofer Devotional offers that support in a way that feels practical and relatable, providing a foundation for navigating both business and life.&nbsp;&nbsp;</p>

<p>For those looking for something real, this devotional offers a meaningful companion. It is a reminder that even in the toughest seasons, there is an opportunity to build not just a business, but a lasting foundation of faith.&nbsp;&nbsp;</p>

<p><a href="https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/the-roofer-devotional-nelson-alvarado/1149621570"><strong>Nelson Alvarado&rsquo;s book The Roofer Devotional can be found on Barnes and Noble.</strong></a></p>]]></content:encoded>
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<title>Green homes and real returns</title>
<link>https://www.rooferscoffeeshop.com/post/green-homes-and-real-returns</link>
<description>green-homes-and-real-returns</description>
<pubDate>Sun, 05 Jul 2026 06:00:00 PDT</pubDate>
<content:encoded><![CDATA[
		<img src='/uploads/media/2026/06/allison-hadley-green-homes-and-real-returns-canva.png'
            alt='Green homes and real returns'
            title='Green homes and real returns'
            class=''
            style=' '  loading='lazy' /><br><p>By Emma Peterson.&nbsp;</p>

<h2>77% of homeowners believe green homes hold more value. What does this mean for contractors?&nbsp;&nbsp;</h2>

<p>Recently, we had the chance to sit down with <a href="https://www.rooferscoffeeshop.com/directory/allison-hadley">Allison Hadley</a>, spokesperson of American Home Shield (AHS), for <a href="https://www.rooferscoffeeshop.com/podcast/study-finds-homeowners-are-prioritizing-sustainability">an episode of Contractor Outlook&trade;</a> about a study conducted for AHS about homeowner interests. She opened the conversation by sharing what the survey found:&nbsp;&nbsp;</p>

<blockquote>
<p>I surveyed about a thousand homeowners nationwide, and I asked them a variety of questions having to do with environmentalism, sustainability, what they wanted out of their homes and what they were prioritizing if they were making green home improvements. And what I found is that green home improvements are popular because people are looking for ways to save as much money as possible on utilities.&nbsp;</p>
</blockquote>

<p>More specifically, the study found that &ldquo;77% of homeowners believe green homes will hold their value better than traditional homes, particularly as climate change continues to affect how we live in this country, and 82% think that the U.S. government should encourage green home construction.&rdquo; These numbers are interesting on their own but become powerful business tools when you apply them to real-world operations.&nbsp;&nbsp;</p>

<p>How can contractors use Allison&rsquo;s data effectively in their businesses? They can change the way they talk to homeowners. Allison explained:&nbsp;&nbsp;</p>

<blockquote>
<p>If there&#39;s one thing we can take away from this is that the key to selling energy efficiency is to stress how much it will save the consumer. Yes, it&#39;s good for the environment. Yes, it&#39;ll maybe mitigate the effects of climate change, but what will really motivate people is how it&#39;s going to drive down the utility bills... And contractors should also pay attention to that 77% who believe green homes are a better investment. When people buy homes, they want something to live in, but also something they might be able to sell someday. Communicating the value and investment potential in sustainability is huge.&nbsp;</p>
</blockquote>

<p>How huge? About $74,000 huge. Allison elaborated, &ldquo;In the survey, 13% of respondents were planning to buy a home, so I polled those people about their buying habits and found that 44% are trying to buy a green home and 61% are willing to pay up to $73,827 more for a green home.&rdquo; This willingness to invest not only shows where homeowner priorities are, it also shows where contractors should be focusing their energies to better serve their customers.&nbsp;&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong><a href="https://www.rooferscoffeeshop.com/podcast/study-finds-homeowners-are-prioritizing-sustainability">Listen to the whole episode</a> or <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nVUFRVsnoKA">Watch the recording</a> to learn more.&nbsp;</strong></p>]]></content:encoded>
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<title>Top June articles: Operational efficiency, building trust and planning ahead</title>
<link>https://www.rooferscoffeeshop.com/post/top-june-articles-operational-efficiency-building-trust-and-planning-ahead</link>
<description>top-june-articles-operational-efficiency-building-trust-and-planning-ahead</description>
<pubDate>Tue, 30 Jun 2026 06:00:00 PDT</pubDate>
<content:encoded><![CDATA[
		<img src='/uploads/media/2026/06/tcs-top-june-articles-operational-efficiency-building-trust-and-planning-ahead.png'
            alt='Top June articles: Operational efficiency, building trust and planning ahead'
            title='Top June articles: Operational efficiency, building trust and planning ahead'
            class=''
            style=' '  loading='lazy' /><br><p>By Emma Peterson.&nbsp;</p>

<h2>Articles of interest from June 2026.&nbsp;</h2>

<p>As the second fiscal quarter of the year comes to a close, it&rsquo;s hard to believe we&rsquo;re coming up on the halfway point of 2026. And the number of articles The Coffee Shops&trade; crew has published in that time (over 2,300 across all sites) can attest to how busy of a year it&rsquo;s been. Of those thousands of articles, over 350 of them were posted in June alone. So, to help you keep up with all the news and information, we&rsquo;ve rounded up the top ten articles from June.&nbsp;&nbsp;</p>

<p>Our list starts off with an article highlighting <a href="https://www.rooferscoffeeshop.com/directory/adams-and-reese-llp">Adams and Reese</a>&rsquo;s <a href="https://www.rooferscoffeeshop.com/directory/trent-cotney-rcs-influencer">Trent Cotney</a>&rsquo;s <a href="https://www.rooferscoffeeshop.com/post/construction-law-insights-and-updates-from-may-2026">May 2026 construction law updates</a> and an article diving into a new Workforce Pell Grants that &ldquo;<a href="https://www.rooferscoffeeshop.com/post/workforce-pell-program-could-strengthen-roofings-workforce-pipeline">could help roofing contractors recruit, train and grow the next generation of skilled workers</a>.&rdquo;&nbsp;</p>

<p>From there, we have a wide variety of articles highlighting everything from the <a href="https://www.rooferscoffeeshop.com/directory/nwir">National Women in Roofing (NWIR)</a> Oregon Council&rsquo;s work coordinating a roof replacement for a <a href="https://www.rooferscoffeeshop.com/post/roofing-community-rallies-for-oregon-homeowner">Portland homeowner in need</a> to how <a href="https://www.rooferscoffeeshop.com/post/maximizing-fire-resistance-with-metal">metal roofing protects against wildfires</a> and <a href="https://www.rooferscoffeeshop.com/post/mca-advances-technical-leadership-expands-market-opportunities-and-builds-momentum-for-2026">the role of</a> the <a href="https://www.rooferscoffeeshop.com/directory/metal-construction-association-mca-2">Metal Construction Association (MCA)</a> in the industry.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Rounding out our list is our top three articles of June. In third place is an article our friends at <a href="https://www.rooferscoffeeshop.com/directory/roof-hub">Roof Hub</a> wrote all about optimizing operational efficiency by using AI Smart Templates. Second goes to an article I wrote about how contractors can build trust and generate leads in a digital world. And first goes to <a href="https://www.rooferscoffeeshop.com/directory/cotney-consulting-group">Cotney Consulting Group</a>&rsquo;s article <a href="https://www.rooferscoffeeshop.com/directory/cotney-consulting-group">sharing a 5-year readiness playbook for roofing contractors</a>.&nbsp;</p>

<h3>Top 10 articles from June 2026&nbsp;</h3>

<p><strong>10 - <a href="https://www.rooferscoffeeshop.com/post/construction-law-insights-and-updates-from-may-2026">Construction law insights and updates from May 2026</a> by Emma Peterson.&nbsp;</strong></p>

<p><strong>9 - <a href="https://www.rooferscoffeeshop.com/post/workforce-pell-program-could-strengthen-roofings-workforce-pipeline">Workforce Pell Program could strengthen roofing&rsquo;s workforce pipeline</a> by Heidi J. Ellsworth.&nbsp;</strong></p>

<p><strong>8 - <a href="https://www.rooferscoffeeshop.com/post/why-government-affairsmattersto-every-roofing-professional">Why government affairs matter to every roofing professional</a> by Heidi J. Ellsworth.&nbsp;</strong></p>

<p><strong>7 - <a href="https://www.rooferscoffeeshop.com/post/roofing-community-rallies-for-oregon-homeowner">Roofing community rallies for Oregon homeowner</a> by The Coffee Shops&trade;.&nbsp;</strong></p>

<p><strong>6 - <a href="https://www.rooferscoffeeshop.com/post/maximizing-fire-resistance-with-metal">Maximizing fire resistance with metal</a> by Anna Lockhart.&nbsp;</strong></p>

<p><strong>5 - <a href="https://www.rooferscoffeeshop.com/post/mca-advances-technical-leadership-expands-market-opportunities-and-builds-momentum-for-2026">MCA advances technical leadership, expands market opportunities and builds momentum for 2026</a> by Heidi J. Ellsworth.&nbsp;</strong></p>

<p><strong>4 - <a href="https://www.rooferscoffeeshop.com/post/navigating-a-new-normal">Navigating a new normal</a> by Emma Peterson.&nbsp;</strong></p>

<p><strong>3 - <a href="https://www.rooferscoffeeshop.com/post/ai-smart-templates">AI smart templates</a> by RoofHub.&nbsp;</strong></p>

<p><strong>2 - <a href="https://www.rooferscoffeeshop.com/post/word-of-mouth-still-works-it-just-looks-different">Word of mouth still works &ndash; It just looks different</a> by Emma Peterson.&nbsp;</strong></p>

<p><strong>1 - <a href="https://www.rooferscoffeeshop.com/post/a-5-year-readiness-playbook-for-roofing-contractors">A 5-year readiness playbook for roofing contractors</a> by Cotney Consulting Group.&nbsp;</strong></p>]]></content:encoded>
</item><item>
<title>FirstRidge accelerates growth strategy with Weddle &amp; Sons partnership and appointment of industry veteran Erik Zadrozny as chief revenue officer</title>
<link>https://www.rooferscoffeeshop.com/post/firstridge-accelerates-growth-strategy-with-weddle-sons-partnership-and-appointment-of-industry-veteran-erik-zadrozny-as-chief-revenue-officer</link>
<description>firstridge-accelerates-growth-strategy-with-weddle-sons-partnership-and-appointment-of-industry-veteran-erik-zadrozny-as-chief-revenue-officer</description>
<pubDate>Thu, 25 Jun 2026 13:00:00 PDT</pubDate>
<content:encoded><![CDATA[
		<img src='/uploads/media/2026/06/firstridge-logo.png'
            alt='FirstRidge - logo'
            title='FirstRidge - logo'
            class=''
            style=' '  loading='lazy' /><br><h2>Weddle &amp; Sons marks the eighth brand to join the platform since inception less than three years ago. CRO appointment adds to FirstRidge&rsquo;s highly experienced, blue-chip leadership team.</h2>

<p>FirstRidge Service Partners (&ldquo;FirstRidge&rdquo;), a platform of best-in-class residential roofing and restoration specialists in the United States backed by Garnett Station Partners, today announced a new partnership with Weddle &amp; Sons, Inc. Roofing (&ldquo;Weddle &amp; Sons&rdquo;), a premier roofing contractor headquartered in Manhattan, Kansas with operations in five states. In addition to this partnership, FirstRidge also announced the appointment of Erik Zadrozny as the platform&rsquo;s chief revenue officer.</p>

<p>Erik&rsquo;s appointment further strengthens FirstRidge&rsquo;s highly experienced management team, including CEO Seth Wartak and CFO Mark DuRei, who bring robust platform building, integration and services experience to the company. With the addition of Weddle &amp; Sons, FirstRidge now operates eight premier roofing contractor brands across the country in 11 states.</p>

<blockquote>
<p>&ldquo;FirstRidge is making significant strides as a market-leading platform in the opportunity-rich roofing and exterior home services industry,&rdquo; said Abe Hidary, founder &amp; chairman of FirstRidge. &ldquo;Successful platforms are built by partnering with great businesses and hiring excellent people to help integrate and scale them &ndash; and, as demonstrated by today&rsquo;s announcement, we are doing exactly that. Since launching in November 2023, we have continued to expand across the U.S., rapidly gaining market share. As the go-to partner for founder-led roofing contractors, we are well positioned to continue our growth trajectory and provide even more customers with reliable, high-quality roofing and restoration services.&rdquo;</p>
</blockquote>

<blockquote>
<p>&ldquo;Weddle &amp; Sons exemplifies the kind of company we aim to partner with &ndash; market-leading contractors who fit naturally within our existing portfolio and enhance our ability to deliver best-in-class roofing services across the &lsquo;hail belt&rsquo; region,&rdquo; said Seth Wartak, CEO of FirstRidge. &ldquo;In the less than three years since our founding, our team has generated significant momentum by partnering with founders, leadership teams and entrepreneurs to establish a strong network of best-in-class contractors. As our platform grows, we are thrilled to welcome Erik to our team as CRO. Erik brings a unique combination of roofing industry expertise, commercial leadership and technology-driven growth experience. As we scale FirstRidge, his ability to combine best-in-class sales practices with modern technology enablement will be instrumental in helping our partner brands accelerate growth while delivering an exceptional customer experience.&rdquo;</p>
</blockquote>

<h3>Weddle &amp; Sons partnership</h3>

<p>Founded in 1999, Weddle &amp; Sons is a family-run trusted provider of roofing, gutter and solar panel installation, maintenance and repair services for communities across Kansas, Missouri, Nebraska, Wyoming and Colorado. The company&rsquo;s success is founded in its commitment to quality, integrity and long-standing customer relationships developed over almost three decades in operation.</p>

<blockquote>
<p>&ldquo;When my brothers and I founded Weddle &amp; Sons, we did so with the intention of building better lives for our neighbors, our communities and our employees,&rdquo; said Allyn Weddle, president of Weddle &amp; Sons. &ldquo;Through our conversations over the past two years, it became clear to us that the FirstRidge team recognizes the value in the team we have built and in the trusted relationships we have established over the years with our customers. We are thrilled to have found a likeminded partner that will help us scale significantly, invest further in our talented team and unlock additional value for our customers, without sacrificing our culture, commitment to quality and reputation for excellent customer service.&rdquo;</p>
</blockquote>

<h3>Erik Zadrozny named chief revenue officer</h3>

<p>Erik joins FirstRidge with more than 20 years of leadership experience in the roofing, construction and building materials industries. During his career at QXO and its predecessor organizations, he held leadership roles across marketing, e-commerce, sales enablement and sales, building a reputation for leveraging technology, data and process innovation to drive growth and improve the customer experience. As chief revenue officer, he will help FirstRidge and its partner brands accelerate growth through technology-enabled strategies, best-in-class customer engagement and data-driven operational excellence.</p>

<p>With the addition of Weddle &amp; Sons, FirstRidge now operates eight brands across the American Midwest and Mountain West. The platform&rsquo;s additional partnerships include AMRG Exteriors, NexGen Exteriors, Qualis Roofing &amp; Construction, Andrus Brothers Roofing Amarillo, Andrus Brothers Roofing Lubbock, Randall and Sons and Birdcreek Roofing. FirstRidge&rsquo;s continued success is supported by Garnett Station Partners, a New York-based principal investment firm that manages approximately $4.5 billion of assets.</p>

<p><strong>About FirstRidge Service Partners</strong></p>

<p>FirstRidge Service Partners is building a leading network of premier roofing and exterior service providers by partnering with best-in-class founders and management teams nationwide. FirstRidge prioritizes quality, service and the consumer experience, and is committed to supporting its partner companies with investment in talent, infrastructure and technology. For more information, please visit&nbsp;<a href="https://firstridgeservicepartners.com/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">firstridgeservicepartners.com</a>.</p>

<p><strong>About Garnett Station Partners</strong></p>

<p>Garnett Station Partners is a principal investment firm founded in 2013 that manages approximately $4.5 billion of assets. Garnett Station partners with experienced and entrepreneurial management teams and strategic investors to build value for its portfolio of growth platforms. The firm draws on its global relationships, operational experience and rigorous diligence process to source, underwrite and manage investments. Core sectors include consumer and business services, health and wellness, automotive, and food and beverage. Garnett Station&#39;s culture is based on the principles of entrepreneurship, collaboration, analytical rigor and accountability. For more information, please visit&nbsp;<a href="https://garnettstation.com/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">garnettstation.com</a>.</p>]]></content:encoded>
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<title>Navigating a new normal</title>
<link>https://www.rooferscoffeeshop.com/post/navigating-a-new-normal</link>
<description>navigating-a-new-normal</description>
<pubDate>Sun, 21 Jun 2026 06:00:00 PDT</pubDate>
<content:encoded><![CDATA[
		<img src='/uploads/media/2026/05/contractor-outlook-navigating-a-new-normal-canva.png'
            alt='Navigating a new normal'
            title='Navigating a new normal'
            class=''
            style=' '  loading='lazy' /><br><p>By Emma Peterson.&nbsp;</p>

<h2>How contractors and manufactures can handle long-term uncertainty and instability.&nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp;</h2>

<p>For the last few years, it seems like we are in a cycle of uncertainty and instability, whether that be on the geopolitical stage or local. And as 2026 continues in this trend, it is seeming like abnormality might actually be the new normal. To learn about how you can navigate this, Heidi J. Ellsworth hosted Eric Voyer from The Farnsworth Group for <a href="https://www.rooferscoffeeshop.com/podcast/know-your-niche">an episode of Contractor Outlook&trade;</a>.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Eric opened with some statistics, sharing, &ldquo;We were talking to people in October and November of last year and we were all hopeful to be up 1-2% at this point. And now we&rsquo;re here and that&rsquo;s not happening. We have a labor shortage, four out of ten contractors are reporting challenges finding labor, and supply chain instability. At this point there&rsquo;s kind of a begrudging acceptance of the unpredictability.&rdquo;&nbsp;&nbsp;</p>

<p>And that acceptance, however begrudging, is key, because once you accept the abnormality of this new normal, you can start navigating it. Eric explained:&nbsp;</p>

<blockquote>
<p>Time saving and pricing segmentation are key. For manufacturers, they need to make sure they are listening to their target market and making what they need, rather than just making what we&rsquo;ve always made... As for contractors, offering options and showing your skill is key. You&rsquo;re rarely alone in this business, somebody else is probably bidding for the same project and they might have a lower price. What you need to highlight is the value you bring, the workmanship and the customer service.&nbsp;</p>
</blockquote>

<p>By going back to these core aspects of business &ndash; thinking about your market and your differentiators, both manufacturers and contractors can set themselves up to weather the storm of uncertainty.&nbsp;&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong><a href="https://www.rooferscoffeeshop.com/podcast/know-your-niche">Listen to the whole episode</a> or <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=V3Oftx7EsIk">Watch the newscast</a> to learn more.</strong></p>]]></content:encoded>
</item><item>
<title>Word of mouth still works – It just looks different</title>
<link>https://www.rooferscoffeeshop.com/post/word-of-mouth-still-works-it-just-looks-different</link>
<description>word-of-mouth-still-works-it-just-looks-different</description>
<pubDate>Sun, 14 Jun 2026 06:00:00 PDT</pubDate>
<content:encoded><![CDATA[
		<img src='/uploads/media/2026/06/angi-word-of-mouth-still-works--it-just-looks-different.png'
            alt='Word of mouth still works – It just looks different'
            title='Word of mouth still works – It just looks different'
            class=''
            style=' '  loading='lazy' /><br><p>By Emma Peterson.&nbsp;</p>

<h2>Angi&rsquo;s co-founder stops by for a conversation about how contractors can build trust and generate leads in a digital world.&nbsp;&nbsp;</h2>

<p>Before the advent of the Internet, word of mouth was one of the best ways to find new business as hearing another person&rsquo;s positive experience is key to building trust in a new client. And just because we have the Internet doesn&rsquo;t mean that word of mouth and trust-building are no longer powerful, they just look a little different. To learn about how word of mouth operates in a digital era, Heidi J. Ellsworth sat down with Angie Hicks, co-founder of <a href="https://www.angi.com/">Angi</a>, for <a href="https://www.rooferscoffeeshop.com/podcast/angie-hicks-exploring-contractor-trends-and-homeowner-insights">an episode of Contractor Outlook&trade;</a>.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Angi, formerly Angie&rsquo;s List, was founded 30 years ago, prior to the advent of the Internet. At that point, it was a call-in service and newsletter. Angie explained, &ldquo;You would call in and ask me something like, &lsquo;Hey, do you have any plumber for me?&rsquo; And I would get their info and then call around the area and say, &lsquo;I have someone who needs a plumber. Do you have a plumber that I can add to our list and we give them a review.&rsquo;&rdquo;&nbsp;&nbsp;</p>

<p>This method helped a lot of contractors and homeowners, but the huge jump for Angi was when the Internet came around. Angie shared:&nbsp;&nbsp;</p>

<blockquote>
<p>It didn&#39;t change the purpose of our business, which was always about helping homeowners feel confident in the experts they are bringing into their home and trusting with their money, but it did change how we achieved that. Instead of relying on traditional word of mouth, where you might find a contractor because one person has hired them, Angi was able to become a resource for people where they can hire based on 20 people&rsquo;s experiences that are available to read about online.&nbsp;&nbsp;</p>
</blockquote>

<p>This shift in Angi&rsquo;s business operations showcases a larger change happening in the world of contractor marketing &ndash; the way word of mouth and trust-building happen are no longer in one-on-one conversations or interactions. Angie explained, &ldquo;In the pre-Angi days, contractor lead generation was basically just putting an ad in the yellow pages and making sure your business started with an &lsquo;A&rsquo; so it showed up first in phone books... Today, it&rsquo;s grown beyond that. We have a whole new generation of homeowners coming up that grew up in a digital world and their expectations from an experience standpoint are different.&rdquo;&nbsp;&nbsp;</p>

<p>How is it different? People expect immediacy; they want to be able to go onto a site like Angi to see 20 reviews in one place, rather than asking individuals around town, or they want an instant estimate from a contractor and will look somewhere else if there is a three-day wait time. Trying to deliver on this can feel overwhelming for contractors, but just as technology has changed how homeowners operate, it has also changed how contractors can operate. Angie elaborated on this:&nbsp;&nbsp;</p>

<blockquote>
<p>We&rsquo;ve grown Angi to include some tools that can help make your process more efficient and speedy. For example, we have messaging tools that allow you to set up a custom message to send if you are in the middle of a job and can&rsquo;t respond to inquiries immediately. This is a great place to show who you are as a company, to tell the customer about your business&rsquo;s story and really build trust by letting people get to know you.&nbsp;</p>
</blockquote>

<p>Because even though the way we go about it has changed, building that trust through word of mouth has always been and will always be at the heart of a successful contracting business.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong><a href="https://www.rooferscoffeeshop.com/podcast/angie-hicks-exploring-contractor-trends-and-homeowner-insights">Listen to the newscast</a> or <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=o5JlWexQ-WY">Watch the recording to learn more</a>!</strong></p>]]></content:encoded>
</item></channel></rss>