By Emma Peterson. 

Paul Trombitas breaks down three major trends that construction professionals should pay attention to.  

With changing regulations and constantly evolving economic situations, it can feel impossible to make predictions or plans about the future of the industry. But just because it feels impossible doesn’t mean it really is! In this Contractor Outlook™, Heidi J. Ellsworth sat down with Paul Trombitas, partner at FMI Consulting, to talk about their 2026 Q2 North America Construction and Engineering Outlook Report and what it tells us about the future of the industry. 

1 – Wholistic operations are growing more popular 

The first takeaway from this report was about the shift from specialized operations to wholistic ones. Paul used the manufacturing market as an example, sharing, “What's been fascinating to me is seeing large roofing manufacturers transition into building envelope manufacturers. So, instead of just making roofing materials, they’re producing products for all six sides of a building, like waterproofing and such.”  

When it comes to what’s driving this, Paul points to our modern understanding of building envelopes as one single system, rather than a variety of unique systems working together.  

2 – Sustainability remains top of mind 

In this report, the FMI team has consistently seen responders emphasize the rising demand for sustainable practices. They have also noticed an interesting dynamic surrounding the conversation of sustainability – miscommunication. Paul explained, “On the sustainability side, the challenge is that everybody defines it differently. We always ask about sustainability and the main takeaway we’ve found is that if you ask 50 people what sustainability means, you'll get 50 different answers.” He went on, “I think, unless the entire building envelope ecosystem can come to an agreement on what sustainability is and how they define it, it’s going to stay a challenge.”  

3 – Supply chains are still a concern 

The last takeaway that Paul highlighted from the 2026 Q2 report was the persisting instability of supply chains. He shared some insights:  

Logistics, like the cost of transportation, have changed and that has impacts on things like delivered costs. And I don’t think that’s going away...In fact, I think this is just the start of the impacts and that there are a lot of evolving and increasing factors that will continue to challenge our supply chains and operations.  

Conclusion 

These takeaways not only confirm the experiences of contractors around the industry, they also quantify those experiences in a way that helps contractors position themselves from success. For example, understanding the simultaneous demand for and confusion surrounding sustainability allows contractors to not only present sustainable options, but the importance of explaining and educating their customers on why the options they are presenting are sustainable. And these are just three of the takeaways that Paul shared with us based on FMI’s 2026 Q2 North America Construction and Engineering Outlook Report.  

If you want to learn more, Read the report, Listen to the whole podcast or Watch the recording. 

By The Coffee Shops®. 

How contractors can adapt their marketing while staying focused on proven customer journey principles. 

On a recent episode of Roofing Road Trips®, Heidi J. Ellsworth sat down with Sara Nay, CEO of Duct Tape Marketing, to discuss how marketing is evolving for contractors and home improvement companies as artificial intelligence reshapes the way customers research and buy. 

Sara explained that while technology continues to change rapidly, the core principles of effective marketing remain the same. Duct Tape Marketing was founded on the idea that small businesses need a clear, repeatable approach to marketing rather than a collection of disconnected tactics. "There has to be a systematic approach to marketing," Sara said. "Like there's a systematic approach to finance and operations and client services and all the other areas of your business." 

That system is built around what the company calls the marketing hourglass, a framework that guides customers through stages including know, like, trust, try, buy, repeat and refer. According to Sara, those stages remain relevant, but the way people move through them is changing dramatically. 

One example is the growing role of artificial intelligence in search and customer research. Sara shared the story of an artificial turf company that began testing advertising within ChatGPT. The company generated its largest client to date, while experiencing a shorter sales cycle. "The reason I believe that happened is someone was able to find them within an AI platform," Sara explained. By the time prospects contacted the company, they had already conducted extensive research, compared competitors and reviewed customer feedback. 

For contractors, that shift creates new challenges. Traditional search engine optimization remains important, but Sara noted that businesses must also think about how they appear within AI-powered search experiences. 

At the same time, AI is increasing the value of authenticity. Sara observed that customers increasingly want genuine connections and real expertise rather than overly polished content. "What they're craving is more of that like human connection, that authenticity, that buying from people and not just a company," she said. 

As customer behavior changes, contractors who combine strategic marketing systems with authentic communication may be best positioned to keep pace. 

Listen to the full podcast or Watch the recording to learn more about marketing systems, AI search and the customer journey. 

New appointee brings operational and supply-chain expertise.

The Amrize (NYSE: AMRZ) Board of Directors has appointed Mario Gross as president, Building Envelope, effective September 11, 2026. Gross succeeds Jake Gosa, who is stepping down from the role and is committed to a smooth transition.

Gross has been a member of Amrize’s executive committee as its chief supply chain officer since the company’s listing on the NYSE in June 2025. He previously served as chief operating officer of the Building Envelope business from 2024 to 2025, where he led operations to establish the segment as a leading provider of commercial and residential roofing, weatherproofing and insulation systems. Prior, Gross served in various commercial and operational roles of increasing responsibility at Holcim and Sika.

Jan Jenisch, chairman and CEO: “Mario is an exceptional leader with deep operational expertise, understanding of our Building Envelope business and a track record of delivering results. I am excited to welcome Mario as president of Building Envelope and look forward to working with him in his new role as we continue to deliver for our customers, drive operational performance and deliver long-term, profitable growth. I thank Jake for his contributions at Amrize, and we wish him well in his future endeavors.”

About Amrize

Amrize (NYSE: AMRZ) is building North America as the partner of choice for professional builders with advanced, branded solutions from foundation to rooftop. With over 1,000 sites and a highly efficient distribution network, we deliver for our customers in every U.S. state and Canadian province. Our 19,000 teammates uniquely serve every construction market from infrastructure, commercial and residential to new build, repair and refurbishment. Amrize achieved $11.8 billion in revenue in 2025 and is listed on the New York Stock Exchange and the SIX Swiss Exchange. We are ready to build your ambition. Learn more at amrize.com

Cautionary note regarding forward-looking statements

Certain statements in this release may be considered forward-looking statements within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act, such as statements regarding expected cost savings, future financial targets, business strategies, management’s views with respect to future events and financial performance and the assumptions underlying such expected cost savings, targets, strategies and statements. These forward-looking statements concern our goals, beliefs, expectations, strategies, objectives, plans, future operating results and underlying assumptions and other statements that are not necessarily based on historical facts. Without limitation, you can identify these statements by the fact that they do not relate strictly to historical or current facts and these statements may contain words such as “may,” “will,” “could,” “should,” “might,” “projects,” “expects,” “believes,” “anticipates,” “intends,” “plans,” “continue,” “estimate,” or “pursue,” or similar expressions or the negative or other variations thereof or comparable terms. In particular, they include statements relating to, among other things, future actions, strategies, future performance, future revenues, income and cash flows, the outcome of contingencies such as legal proceedings and regulatory compliance. Actual results may differ materially from those contemplated (expressed or implied) by such forward-looking statements because of, among other things, potential risks and uncertainties, such as: the effect of political, economic and market conditions and geopolitical events; the level of demand in the construction industry; the cyclicality of the industries and businesses in which our customers operate; changes in the cost and/or availability of raw materials required to run our business; energy and fuel costs; adverse weather conditions and natural disasters; the logistical and other challenges inherent in our operations; the actions and initiatives of current and potential competitors; the level and volatility of, interest rates and other market indices; the ability of Amrize to realize the expected synergies for our acquisitions; the ability of Amrize to achieve margin expansion goals; the ability of Amrize to maintain satisfactory credit ratings; the outcome of pending litigation or future litigation; the impact of current, pending and future legislation and regulation; factors related to the failure of Amrize to achieve some or all of the expected strategic benefits or opportunities expected from the separation from Holcim Ltd (“Holcim”); material costs and expenses as a result of the separation from Holcim; our limited history operating as an independent, publicly traded company; our obligation to indemnify Holcim pursuant to the agreements entered into connection with the separation and the risk Holcim may not fulfill any obligations to indemnify Amrize under such agreements; that under applicable tax law, Amrize may be liable for certain tax liabilities of Holcim following the separation if Holcim were to fail to pay such taxes; the fact that Amrize may receive worse commercial terms from third-parties for services it used to receive from Holcim prior to the separation; the fact that certain of Amrize's executive officers and directors may have actual or potential conflicts of interest because of their previous positions at Holcim; and potential difficulties in maintaining relationships with key personnel; and other factors which can be found in Amrize’s media releases and Amrize’s filings with the SEC, including in the our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2025, including Item 1A. “Risk Factors.”

The forward-looking statements made in this release are made only as of the date hereof or as of the dates indicated in the forward-looking statements and reflect the views stated therein with respect to future events as at such dates, even if they are subsequently made available by Amrize on its website or otherwise. Readers are cautioned not to put undue reliance on forward-looking statements. These statements are not guarantees of future performance and are subject to future events, risks and uncertainties – many of which are beyond our control, dependent on the actions of third parties or currently unknown to us – as well as potentially inaccurate assumptions that could cause actual results to differ materially from our historical experience and our expectations and projections. We do not undertake or assume any obligation to update or revise any forward-looking statement, whether as a result of new information, future developments or otherwise. You are advised, however, to review any further disclosures we make on related subjects in our filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission and in our other public statements.

By Heidi J. Ellsworth.

SpeedFlash® is a flashing system designed to simplify solar photovoltaic installations on slate roofs.

One of the greatest opportunities created by the launch of RoofersCoffeeShop® U.K. has been discovering innovative products developed specifically for the British roofing market. While roofing professionals around the world share many of the same challenges, the materials, installation practices and architectural traditions of each region inspire unique solutions. The U.K. roofing industry is filled with manufacturers and inventors who understand those differences and are finding smarter ways to protect the roof while helping contractors work more efficiently. 

During the 2026 NFRC U.K. Roofing Awards, our team had the pleasure of meeting the people behind Genius Roof Solutions. The awards offered an incredible look at the craftsmanship and technical knowledge found throughout the U.K., but our conversation with the Genius team stayed with us. They are roofers developing practical solutions for roofers, and that experience is clearly reflected in their products. 

One product that immediately caught our attention was SpeedFlash®, a flashing system designed to simplify solar photovoltaic installations on slate roofs. As demand for renewable energy continues to grow, roofing and solar professionals must find ways to add new technology without compromising the performance or appearance of existing roofs. That is especially important with slate, where incorrect cutting, drilling or loading can lead to cracked slates, water ingress and costly call-backs. 

SpeedFlash provides a no-drill-through-slate installation method that helps preserve the integrity of the roof. Unlike the company’s original SolarFlash® system, SpeedFlash does not require installers to remove the slates. The bracket is secured to the rafter while the flashing system maintains weather protection around the penetration point. According to Genius Roof Solutions, the approach reduces the amount of slate cutting required and can make retrofit installations significantly faster. 

That combination of speed and roof protection is increasingly important as more property owners consider solar for homes and buildings with traditional slate roofs. Slate is one of the U.K.’s most recognisable and enduring roofing materials, but it can present challenges for solar installers who do not have extensive roofing experience. A purpose-designed solution helps bridge the gap between the solar and roofing trades while supporting better installation practices. 

The innovation has already earned significant industry recognition. SpeedFlash received the Innovation Award at the 2025 Solar & Storage Live Awards, where Genius Roof Solutions was selected from a strong group of companies representing solar technology and energy innovation. It was also named Most Innovative Product at the 2024 Pitched Roofing Awards, while company founder and inventor Jimmy Hall received the Outstanding Contribution to the Roofing Industry award. 

What makes the Genius Roof Solutions story especially compelling is the experience behind the product. SpeedFlash grew from Jimmy’s decades of roofing knowledge and his determination to solve a real installation problem. Rather than asking roofers to adapt a generic product to a slate roof, the company started with the roof itself and developed a solution around maintaining its integrity. That contractor-led approach is exactly the type of innovation we love discovering and sharing. 

It is important for installers to follow the company’s technical guidance and confirm compatibility for each roof. SpeedFlash is designed primarily for slates measuring 18 inches and above, although it may be used with some 16-inch slates when the bracket and working area are suitable. It is compatible with modern composite slates installed with a three-inch headlap, but Genius Roof Solutions recommends its SolarFlash system for composite slates configured with a four-inch headlap. 

Launching RoofersCoffeeShop U.K. has opened the door to new relationships, regional expertise and products that deserve greater visibility. Genius Roof Solutions and SpeedFlash are excellent examples of what we hope to bring to our readers: practical innovation rooted in roofing knowledge and designed to help contractors deliver quality work. 

We look forward to sharing many more discoveries as RoofersCoffeeShop U.K. continues to grow. By connecting contractors, manufacturers, associations and innovators, we can celebrate the people and products shaping the future of roofing across the U.K. and beyond. 

By Emma Peterson. 

Learn about how major acquisitions, emerging technologies and evolving supply chains are changing the competitive landscape for contractors, manufacturers and distributors alike. 

Paul Trombitas is a partner at FMI Corporation, a consulting firm specifically focused on providing insight and data to the engineering, construction and built environment fields. He stopped by The Coffee Shops® for a recent episode of Contractor Outlook™, sponsored by SRS Distribution, to talk about the ways the industry has evolved and grown.  

The main thing that Paul has noticed recently is the restructuring of the supply side of the industry. He shared, “Think about Home Depot with SRS, GMS, QXO, Lowe's. There’s been a lot of major acquisitions in the supply sector.” And with a restructuring of this scale, the impact and effects will not only be felt by suppliers and distributors, but it will also be felt by contractors and manufacturers. Paul explained, “With distributors and suppliers consolidating at this scale, it has potentially significant downstream effects. And I think for contractors and firms, there's going to be a gap between those who are adjusting and those that are not.” 

What has created this consolidation dynamic in the industry? Paul points to technological advancements, adding, “The proliferation of AI and other technologies like eCommerce have really changed all industries, including ours. And I think that these suppliers have been able to implement these tools in a way that fosters growth and scaling that creates the consolidation we’re seeing.” 

In other words, technology’s continual development has enabled the restructuring of our supply chains, which subsequently changes how everyone in the building products sector conducts business. The best advice Paul has? Adapt with the change. He shared, “I think that competitiveness is going to be a really big pain point for those that aren’t adopting and changing.” 

Want to learn more? Listen to the episode or Watch the recording on YouTube!  

Baldwin Park Adult & Community Education launches career technical education roofing program.

The roofing industry is facing one of the greatest workforce shortages in its history. As experienced roofers retire and demand for skilled labor continues to grow, the need for qualified, safety-conscious roofing professionals has never been greater. Baldwin Park Adult & Community Education is helping address this challenge through its Career Technical Education (CTE) Roofing Program, a comprehensive training program designed to prepare students for successful careers in both residential and commercial roofing.

This program is the only adult education roofing programs in California dedicated exclusively to developing the next generation of roofing professionals. Students receive hands-on instruction, classroom education and industry-recognized safety training that prepares them for immediate employment upon completion.

The 400-hour proficiency-based program, completed over approximately three academic quarters, is designed for entry-level students with little or no roofing experience. Throughout the course, students develop the knowledge and practical skills needed to succeed in today's roofing industry.

Students receive instruction in:

• Roofing safety and OSHA regulations
• Proper use of hand and power tools
• Roof installation and replacement
• Leak detection and repair
• Preventive maintenance
• Storm damage assessment and restoration
• Residential and commercial roofing systems
• Industry best practices and quality workmanship

One of the highlights of the program is that every student earns an OSHA 10 Construction Safety Certification, providing employers with confidence that graduates understand jobsite safety and industry standards.

Unlike many traditional construction training programs, Baldwin Park Adult & Community Education places a strong emphasis on hands-on learning. Students spend significant time building roofing mock-ups, practicing installation techniques, learning flashing details, performing repairs and working with a variety of roofing materials commonly found throughout Southern California.

The program also focuses on developing professionalism, communication skills, teamwork and work ethics, qualities that roofing contractors consistently identify as essential for long-term success.

Another unique aspect of the program is its commitment to building strong partnerships with the roofing industry. Manufacturers, contractors, suppliers and professional organizations are invited to participate through classroom presentations, product demonstrations, guest speaking opportunities and career recruitment events. These partnerships provide students with exposure to current roofing technologies while allowing employers to connect with future members of the workforce.

The roofing industry offers outstanding career opportunities with competitive wages, advancement into leadership positions and pathways into estimating, project management, sales, inspections and business ownership. Baldwin Park Adult & Community Education is committed to helping students build those careers while providing the industry with well-trained, motivated employees.

The program currently meets:
Wednesday & Thursday: 4:00 p.m. – 8:30 p.m.
Saturday: 9:00 a.m. – 3:30 p.m.

Classes are held at:
Baldwin Park Adult & Community Education
Main Campus
4640 North Maine Avenue
Baldwin Park, California 91706

As the roofing industry continues to evolve with new technologies, materials and sustainability initiatives, workforce development remains one of its highest priorities. The Baldwin Park Adult & Community Education CTE Roofing Program is proud to be part of the solution by preparing skilled, safety-focused professionals ready to enter the workforce and contribute to the future of roofing.

For roofing contractors, manufacturers, suppliers and industry organizations interested in partnering with the program through guest instruction, product demonstrations, internships or employment opportunities, Baldwin Park Adult & Community Education welcomes the opportunity to work together to strengthen the next generation of roofing professionals.

Explore the Baldwin Park Adult & Community Education roofing program. 

By The Coffee Shops®. 

This win highlights the Genius Roof Solutions’ teams innovative SpeedFlash product and how it supports faster, safer and more sustainable solar installations. 

Genius Roof Solutions was founded by a roofer with a simple goal; to use “traditional roofing principles and a practical understanding of how roofs are built” to overcome “the challenges of modern solar installation” in order to create “solutions that work with the roof rather than compromising it.” This mission has resulted in the creation of a variety of innovative and high-performance products, such as the HallClip, the HallHook, the SolarFlash and the SpeedFlash.   

Notably, the SpeedFlash was recognised last year with the Innovation Award at the 2025 Solar & Storage Live Awards. The recognition came during the first evening of the three-day Solar & Storage Live show at the National Exhibition Centre in Birmingham. 

This was a huge win for the Genius Roof Solutions team, as the wider show featured more than 500 exhibitors and over 20,000 attendees from across the solar and energy storage professions. The company shared the Innovation Award category with nominees Axle Energy, EvoEnergy, Flexitricity, GivEnergy, Kraken Technologies, Solar Recycling Solutions, Synth Solar and Van Der Valk Solar Systems. For the Genius Roof Solutions team, being named alongside innovators like these was an accomplishment in itself, let alone securing the award. 

In addition to celebrating the company's team and raising awareness of their product, this recognition also provided a powerful motivator. As they shared on their website, “We’re committed to pushing boundaries in roofing and solar integration, and SpeedFlash is just the beginning. To everyone who visited our stand, shot hoops with the Genius team or cheered us on at the awards — thank you. Your support fuels our mission to make roofing smarter, faster and greener.” 

Original image source: Genius Roof Solutions

Greater Springfield growth includes support for a local veteran nonprofit and a commitment to serving the region.

Adam Vaillancourt Roofing & Gutters (AVR), a family owned and operated New England roofing and exterior services company, has expanded its presence with the acquisition of a 2,000-square-foot facility in Westfield. Located at 427 N. Elm Street, the facility marks AVR’s second Massachusetts location and its first in Western Massachusetts, strengthening the company’s presence across the Greater Springfield region and neighboring communities in north-central Connecticut.

AVR is marking the expansion with a community-focused initiative reflecting the company's longstanding commitment to giving back. As part of the effort, AVR will give a brand-new roof to a local family or individual in need at no cost. The roof giveaway extends the tradition AVR began in New Hampshire in 2017. Through its annual Holiday Roof Giveaway, the company has delivered 13 complete roof replacements at no cost to homeowners in need.

Community members are invited to nominate deserving homeowners through an online form at www.adamvroofing.com/annual-roof-giveaway-springfield. The donated roof will replace the homeowner’s existing roof with the same roofing type, either asphalt or metal. In addition to the roof giveaway, AVR will donate $25 for every qualified submission to Project New Hope, a local nonprofit organization that supports veterans, active-duty service members and their families by providing free wellness retreats, emergency financial aid, food pantries and holistic health programs.

Once the nomination period closes, the company will review all submissions and select one recipient to receive a free roof. Nominations are open now through September 30, 2026. "Adam Vaillancourt Roofing & Gutters has always been about more than roofing. From day one, our mission has been rooted in a love for helping people and strengthening the communities we serve," said Adam Vaillancourt, Founder and Owner of AVR. "When I started this business in 2004, I wanted to prove homeowners deserve honesty, quality craftsmanship and a contractor they can trust. Launching our newest location by giving away a roof to a homeowner in need and supporting local veterans reflects exactly who we are as a company. We look forward to becoming part of the community and finding more ways to give back in the years ahead."

Headquartered in Milford, New Hampshire, AVR has served homeowners for more than 20 years and now works in 87 communities across New England. The company has completed thousands of projects while pioneering one-day roof installations, a lifetime warranty and a repair-first philosophy. AVR holds Owens Corning Platinum Preferred Contractor status and has earned more than 2,650 five-star reviews across 10 review platforms. The company also ranked 77th nationally on Roofing Contractor’s 2026 Top 100 list, placing it among the top roofing contractors out of more than 100,000 nationwide.

Leading the company's Western Massachusetts and Northern Connecticut expansion is Market Development Manager Wes Melaas. With a background including the U.S. Navy and leadership roles in the roofing, retail and home improvement industries, Melaas brings a commitment to integrity, operational excellence and customer service. He is responsible for driving AVR's continued growth across New England, while preserving the quality and customer experience that have become hallmarks of the brand.

"We're proud to introduce Western Massachusetts and Northern Connecticut homeowners to the AVR difference," Melaas said. "As a veteran, supporting those who have served our country is deeply personal to me, which makes this initiative an especially meaningful way to introduce ourselves to the community. Our team is committed to bringing the same integrity and attention to detail that has always defined AVR in this region. It's an honor to help lead AVR into this new chapter."

AVR offers residential and commercial inspections, repairs, replacements and cleaning across asphalt shingle, metal and flat roofing systems, along with storm damage repair, skylight installation, Gutter Shutter® gutter systems and snow removal. Its commercial division serves apartment communities, condominium associations, churches, warehouses and office buildings throughout the region. AVR's growth has been matched by a strong commitment to environmental responsibility and workforce development. In 2024, the company diverted 100% of eligible asphalt shingles from landfills, recycling more than 30,000 tons of material.

About Adam Vaillancourt Roofing & Gutters

Founded in 2004, Adam Vaillancourt Roofing & Gutters is a family-owned and operated New England roofing company focused on quality workmanship, trusted materials, proper installation and clear homeowner communication. AVR provides roofing and exterior services across its established markets and is expanding into Greater Springfield with an initial residential focus on asphalt and metal roof replacement and roof repairs. The company helps homeowners understand the condition of their roof, evaluate appropriate options and move forward with confidence. For current service information or to request a free, no-obligation roofing estimate, visit adamvroofing.com or call 1 (866) 637-2509.

Select partners deliver consistent results across projects.

STARC Systems, a leading manufacturer of reusable temporary wall systems, today announced the continued growth of its Select Partner network, with over 10 regional providers across the country choosing STARC as their default temporary containment system.

The growing network reflects broader momentum behind reusable temporary containment as contractors and facility owners look for faster, cleaner and more repeatable alternatives to traditional temporary drywall.

STARC Select Partners provide local and regional access to STARC temporary wall systems, along with the expertise and support to deploy them across a range of construction environments. Recent additions to the network include First Atlantic Restoration, Blayson Supply, LLC, California Containment & Walls, Southeast Containment Walls, Inside Out Architectural Solutions, Modern Containment Systems, Old Dominion Healthcare Services, Trident Walls, Darby Enterprise Global Solutions and Modular Wall Solutions.

"What's most exciting is seeing our partners move beyond choosing a temporary wall system project by project and instead standardizing around what they believe is the best solution in the market," said Eric Hattey, VP of indirect sales at STARC Systems.

"For too long, temporary containment has been treated like a commodity where the lowest-cost option wins. Our Select Partners recognize that contractors and facility owners are looking for something different: a proven, best-in-class system they can trust, deploy consistently and stand behind from one project to the next. That's the standard we're building this network around."

Growing a Network around a better standard

For decades, temporary drywall has remained the default approach to construction containment despite the labor, time and material waste required to build it, finish it, tear it down and dispose of it.

STARC reusable temporary wall systems are designed to change that equation. Rapid installation helps teams start projects faster, while durable, reusable panels can be redeployed across phases and projects. The systems contain dust and debris, reduce construction disruption and provide a clean, professional appearance in active and sensitive environments.

Each Select Partner brings its own market expertise, customer relationships and service capabilities while making STARC walls available to more projects and customers in its region. Collectively, the expanding network is helping reusable temporary containment move from an alternative considered project by project toward a solution that can be deployed repeatedly across jobsites.

The Select Partner network is part of STARC's broader effort to make reusable temporary containment easier to access throughout the United States. By expanding relationships with regional providers serving contractors and facility teams in their local markets, STARC is pairing local expertise and service with a consistent, proven temporary wall system.

STARC's product portfolio supports a range of commercial construction environments, including healthcare, airports, data centers, commercial facilities, hospitality and retail.

About STARC Systems

STARC Systems is a leading provider of reusable temporary wall systems designed to eliminate the disruption of renovation. Its modular systems improve safety, accelerate project timelines, reduce costs and deliver a better experience for occupants and project teams alike.

For more information, visit STARCsystems.com.

By Emma Peterson. 

Learn how Woodchuck AI is helping contractors turn construction waste, like lumber products, into savings and renewable energy. 

In a new episode of Contractor Outlook™ sponsored by SRS Distribution Inc., Heidi J. Ellsworth talks with Todd Thomas about how his company, Woodchuck AI, is helping contractors manage job site waste more efficiently. This is now the third year that Woodchuck has been operating. Their story starts back in Michigan with North Star Clean Energy, the state public utility renewable energy branch. Todd recalled, “North Star Clean Energy does solar farms, wind farms and bioenergy (burning biomass to generate electricity) facilities in the state of Michigan. And their goal is to get the state off petroleum products, which requires finding a large source of energy.” 

Looking at this issue, Todd and his team turned their gaze to what’s going to waste in our landfills and if there was a solution there. What they found was that in a single year, “the United States sent forty-two million tons of wood waste from construction sites to the landfill.” Not only is this a waste of a biomaterial that could be used to fuel our energy needs, it’s also expensive. Todd explained, “When we send things to landfills, we’re usually paying two dollars to bury one dollar's worth of material. That adds up. Across the entire United States we spent two billion dollars to bury one billion dollars worth of materials in landfills just last year.”  

And from there Woodchuck AI was born. Todd described how they fit into this story, sharing, “Woodchuck works with construction and manufacturing companies to divert their waste from landfills and instead convert it into biomass that can be used to generate renewable energy.” 

What does this look like on the job site? It looks like unique containers for each material, one for wood, one for plastic, one for cardboard and one for metal. From there, as a construction crew works in the field, they simply take a few extra moments to sort their debris as they go. Helping them is an AI-powered camera in each container, which alerts them when material is mixed up and put in the wrong place.  

Once the containers are filled, the Woodchuck team is able to take them to places, like North Star Clean Energy, that can use the materials to create more energy. The best part? Taking the time to sort doesn’t just help contractors feel better about their environmental impact, it also helps their bottom line. Todd explained:  

When you have all your debris and materials mixed together, it costs you money to have someone haul it away. But by sorting it and having us take it, you avoid those costs entirely... In general, our clients save 30%-40% by working with us! 

With this type of monetary savings, combined with the knowledge that you are helping build a more renewable, sustainable future, working with Woodchuck becomes a no brainer. 

Listen to the whole episode or Watch the recording to learn more!