By Heidi J. Ellsworth. 

Organizations see greater AI success when operational teams shape technology decisions from the beginning instead of treating AI as a separate initiative. 

One of the most common questions surrounding artificial intelligence (AI) today is how organizations can align AI with their business strategy. While that may sound like a logical objective, Brian Behe, CTO of RIIG Technology, believes the question itself reveals a larger issue. When leaders speak about aligning AI with the business, they often imply that AI and business operations are separate entities that need to be connected later. According to Brian, that mindset can create silos from the very beginning and make successful adoption far more difficult than it needs to be. 

As the chief technology officer at RIIG Technology, Brian Behe is recognized for helping bridge the gap between advanced artificial intelligence and real-world business applications, bringing more than 15 years of experience in AI, data science and cybersecurity to the roofing and construction industries. We continue to reach out to Brian to help unravel the AI puzzle. 

This challenge appears frequently across the roofing industry. Organizations often launch AI initiatives within technology departments or leadership teams while the individuals who understand the day-to-day work remain largely on the sidelines. Yet estimators understand proposal bottlenecks, production managers know where scheduling inefficiencies exist, customer service teams recognize recurring communication challenges and sales professionals understand the customer journey better than anyone. When these perspectives are absent from AI planning conversations, solutions can be technically impressive while failing to address the realities of the business. 

Brian points out that this separation often results in stalled pilots with low adoption and mismatched expectations. Technology teams attempt to build solutions they believe the business needs, while operational teams struggle to see how those solutions fit within existing workflows. As a result, AI projects frequently become disconnected innovation efforts rather than practical business improvements. The excitement remains high, but measurable outcomes become increasingly difficult to achieve. 

The more effective approach is to bring AI conversations directly into operational planning. Instead of asking how AI fits into the organization, leaders should examine the business processes that drive performance. Where are employees spending excessive time? Which processes create friction for customers? Where are opportunities being lost because information is difficult to access or analyze? Once those challenges are clearly identified, AI can be evaluated as one of several tools that may help improve outcomes. 

This philosophy places ownership where it belongs — with the people closest to the work. Brian advocates for involving operations, security, compliance, leadership and frontline users in AI discussions from the beginning. When AI initiatives are tied directly to workflows, key performance indicators, governance and accountability, the technology becomes embedded in the business rather than existing alongside it. This approach not only improves adoption but also strengthens trust and ensures that AI investments remain connected to meaningful business objectives. 

For roofing companies navigating rapid technological change, this distinction may prove to be one of the most important factors influencing long-term success. The organizations creating lasting value are not trying to force AI into the business after the fact. They are building AI into the business from the start, ensuring that operational expertise, strategic priorities and technology investments work together to achieve measurable results. 

By Heidi J. Ellsworth. 

Why successful AI adoption depends on connecting technology to the way roofing companies work every day, long after implementation. 

Artificial intelligence (AI) is part of the roofing industry conversation and is not going away. It is important for contractors to engage in practical ways to use AI to strengthen the way they run their business. Wanting to understand how it can help is leading companies to compare platforms and research both licensing and implementation costs. While those numbers are important, they are only one part of what it takes to create lasting value.  

We once again reached out to Brian Behe, chief technology officer at RIIG Technology, who is a veteran AI strategist and data scientist with a career that spans government, cybersecurity and commercial innovation.  He is widely respected for making enterprise AI practical, secure and results driven. According to Brian, one of the biggest misconceptions organizations make is assuming the vendor proposal reflects the actual investment required for success. He notes that technology itself is often just the starting point. The larger challenge is building the right company structure around data so AI can use it effectively for useful, trusted and aligned operations. 

For roofing businesses, AI is not simply another software purchase. It is an operational capability that needs care and attention long after implementation. Contractors who achieve meaningful results understand that artificial intelligence must be supported by information people can trust. It requires clear ownership inside the company with processes that keep the technology aligned to daily operations. That means companies need to look at how information is gathered, how systems talk to one another and how teams use AI-powered insights in the real flow of their work. Brian frequently emphasizes that AI should be treated as a system that must be operated then monitored and improved rather than a tool that can simply be purchased and deployed. 

This reality is especially important in roofing because information often lives in different places across the business. A contractor may have customer history in one system, measurement information in another, production schedules somewhere else and financial details in yet another platform. When those systems are not connected, even the most sophisticated AI solution can only go so far. The true opportunity emerges when organizations build workflows that allow AI to support better decision-making across the company rather than leaving it as an isolated technology initiative. 

Brian has also observed that many AI discussions begin in the wrong place. Leaders often start by asking which platform to buy or which model has the most advanced capabilities. While those are understandable questions, they rarely lead to the strongest outcomes. The organizations seeing the greatest success begin with the business challenge first. They look at what is affecting performance and then determine whether AI can help create a better way forward. That shift moves the conversation away from technology features and toward results that can be seen in the business. 

For roofing contractors, the lesson is clear. AI should not be viewed as a separate initiative competing for attention alongside the work that keeps the company moving every day. Instead, it needs to become part of the broader business strategy and the operating model that supports the team. The software itself may be the most visible investment, but the greatest value comes when AI is connected to the people, processes and decisions that drive the business forward. Organizations that understand this distinction will be far better positioned to realize the full potential of AI in the years ahead. 

By Heidi J. Ellsworth. 

Business leaders create more value from AI when they focus on solving measurable operational challenges before selecting tools or platforms. 

Artificial intelligence (AI) continues to dominate conversations across the roofing industry and for good reason. As new capabilities emerge at a rapid pace, many are looking at AI to help teams work faster while strengthening decisions they make every day. It is about improving how they work for customers. As vendors introduce innovative solutions, technology demonstrations are becoming increasingly impressive.   

We took this topic to Brian Behe, chief technology officer at RIIG Technology. He is a veteran AI strategist and data scientist whose career spans government, cybersecurity and commercial innovation. He is widely respected for making enterprise AI practical through a deep understanding of security and data while focusing on innovating results-driven technology. We asked him how often businesses are losing sight of what truly drives successful AI adoption. 

Brian has observed that many AI initiatives start with questions about platforms, models and capabilities. Leaders want to know which solution is best while understanding how far technology can go and whether competitors are already gaining ground. While those conversations generate excitement, they rarely produce the strongest business outcomes. Instead, the most successful organizations begin by identifying a specific challenge that impacts performance. They look closely at the operational pressure points and customer frustrations that can be measured then work to understand and improve. Only then do they evaluate whether AI is the right tool to help address those issues. 

The roofing industry offers countless examples of where this mindset can create value. Contractors often feel the pressure of operational slowdowns that affect everything from the first customer inquiry to the final project handoff. Estimating can take longer than it should, leads can fall through the cracks and communication can become difficult to track as teams move quickly between jobs. These are not technology problems; they are business problems. When organizations begin with these operational realities, they gain a much clearer understanding of where artificial intelligence can contribute. AI becomes a strategic enabler rather than the center of the conversation. 

Another challenge Brian frequently highlights is the tendency for AI initiatives to develop their own budgets, roadmaps and objectives separate from the rest of the organization. While this may appear to accelerate innovation, it often has the opposite effect. Projects drift away from actual business priorities, and technology decisions become driven by demonstrations rather than results. Organizations end up implementing solutions that work technically but fail to deliver meaningful improvements where they matter most. 

A consulting-led approach addresses this issue by bringing conversations back to business outcomes. Instead of focusing on what AI can do, leaders concentrate on what the business needs to accomplish. Once those objectives are established, technology can be evaluated by how well it supports day-to-day operations, creating value for customers with long-term sustainability. This methodology results in stronger adoption because teams understand why technology matters and who owns the work; then it can be measured for success. 

For roofing contractors, the greatest opportunity is not simply adopting artificial intelligence. The opportunity lies in creating better workflows and smarter business practices that help teams deliver stronger customer experiences with AI embedded throughout those processes. Organizations that focus on solving real business challenges before selecting technology will ultimately create more value and build a stronger competitive advantage for the future. 

By Jesse Sanchez. 

Learn how customized artificial intelligence tools can help roofing companies save time, improve processes and create better outcomes. 

Artificial intelligence (AI) is advancing quickly, but Denver Riggleman believes roofing contractors should view it as a practical business tool rather than an intimidating new technology. During this Roofing Road Trips® podcast with host Heidi J. Ellsworth, Denver discussed how Riggleman Information Intelligence Group (RIIG) works with roofing companies to identify process gaps and develop customized automation solutions. Instead of offering a one-size-fits-all platform, the company studies how employees complete their work and look for opportunities to reduce friction. Denver explained, “I think time is the greatest gift that my company can give to the roofing industry.” 

That time can come from automating repetitive tasks throughout lead aggregation, estimating, scheduling and customer communication. By giving employees more time for complex work and customer service, contractors may be able to serve more customers without losing the expertise and relationships that drive their businesses. 

RIIG begins engagements with a proof of concept rather than asking companies to commit to a large project immediately. Team members work directly with contractors to understand their requirements, build a focused solution and demonstrate the technology’s value. Denver noted, “We're not going to overcomplicate our relationship with you. You have this requirement. Let's start small, let's build to it.” 

Denver also sees significant potential in imagery and visual data. By combining information from aircraft, drones, satellites and cameras, future systems could help contractors assess roofs, identify storm damage and connect customers with assistance more quickly. Conversational AI could then support scheduling, estimating and communication through a unified interface. 

Although the technology is powerful, Denver emphasized that successful implementation still depends on people. He added, “It's just a tool with really cool technology, but it's still the people and the interactions you have with the people helping you build those tools.” 

Learn more about RIIG and its work in the roofing industry!

By Jesse Sanchez. 

Roofing companies can strengthen AI adoption by building it into everyday operations with input from the teams who know the work best. 

Artificial intelligence is no longer just a casual tool of convenience, rather, it has found a place among necessities for maximizing productivity. For roofing companies looking for ways that AI can support their business, the bigger question is not whether to add AI tools as an extra help, but how to directly embed AI into the workflows, decisions and responsibilities that already shape daily operations. That distinction matters because many organizations still approach AI as something separate from the business. Brian Behe, chief technology officer of RIIG Technology, said that framing can create challenges before the work even begins. “A lot of companies are still talking about how to align AI with their business strategy. But to me, that language gives away the problem,” Brian said. “It implies AI and the business are two separate things that need to be pushed together later.” 

For contractors, manufacturers, distributors and other roofing industry professionals, that separation can show up as stalled pilots, unclear ownership and tools that do not match the realities of the field, office or shop floor. When AI decisions happen away from the people who understand the business problem, adoption becomes harder and results become less predictable. 

Brian said the better approach is to bring AI strategy back to operations from the very beginning. “Don’t let it live in a silo,” he said. “Approached this way, AI becomes a capability shaped by the teams that actually understand the work, instead of a project that gets passed from one department to another.” 

That consulting-driven perspective shifts AI from product awareness to practical business education. It encourages leaders to ask how AI connects to workflows, key performance indicators, governance, security, compliance and frontline use. It also reinforces that successful adoption depends on collaboration across the organization, not a disconnected innovation effort. Brian shared, “AI adoption works better when the people closest to the business problem help shape the AI decisions from the beginning.” 

For roofing businesses, the opportunity is not simply to use AI. It is to integrate AI into real operational processes with clear ownership and measurable purpose. 

Learn more about RIIG’s consulting-driven approach to AI-integrated business processes!

RIIG Technology is a cybersecurity and intelligence company that delivers AI-driven solutions for risk management and data validation. 

The Coffee Shops™, the award-winning online communities where the industries meet for technologies, safety, information and education for the construction trades of roofing, metal, coatings and outdoor living are pleased to welcome RIIG Technology into their community. 

RIIG Technology, also known as Riggleman Information and Intelligence Group (RIIG), is a cybersecurity and intelligence company focused on helping organizations improve security, operational efficiency and decision-making through artificial intelligence, machine learning and advanced data analysis. The company specializes in open-source intelligence, regulated workflow automation and Zero Trust cybersecurity strategies designed to support organizations operating in increasingly complex digital environments. 

From this company, you can expect: 

• Artificial intelligence and machine learning tools designed to improve threat detection and cybersecurity readiness 
• Zero Trust architecture planning, vulnerability assessments and secure system design services 
• Advanced analytics platforms that deliver actionable intelligence and validated insights 
• Workflow automation solutions built for regulated and security-sensitive environments 
• Financial, regulatory and digital intelligence services tailored to risk management and compliance needs 
• Cyber workforce training and operational support for organizations strengthening internal security practices 

The company also offers proprietary platforms, such as ACTIVE™ for analytics and intelligence operations, Aegis AI™ for cybersecurity monitoring and HOOTL™, which stands for Humans Out of the Loop™, a platform designed for secure and explainable workflow automation. 

RIIG states that its mission is centered on delivering high-quality, verifiable data and intelligence solutions that help organizations improve visibility, respond faster to threats and make informed operational decisions with confidence. 

The Coffee Shops™ are proud to welcome RIIG Technology!

About RIIG Technology 

RIIG Technology is a white hat data trust company specializing in cybersecurity resilience, intelligence analysis and AI-driven operational solutions. The company provides advanced analytics, cybersecurity services and regulated workflow automation designed to support commercial organizations, financial institutions and government-related operations through trusted data and secure technology infrastructure.

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. 

RIIG - HOOTL develops AI-driven solutions that streamline and automate critical workflows across the customer lifecycle.

We’re excited to share that RIIG - HOOTL is now a full member of the Roofing Alliance.

Joining this community marks an important step as we expand our presence in the roofing and broader field service industries. We look forward to collaborating with industry leaders, contributing to the Alliance’s mission and gaining deeper insight into where the market is heading.

At RIIG, we are actively working alongside leading data providers and industry partners to develop AI-driven solutions that streamline and automate critical workflows across the customer lifecycle, including lead generation, estimation and customer interaction.

To further support this effort, we are proud to welcome two new board advisors:

• Steve Little – head coach at KPost Company | Building Envelope Contractor and CEO of National Roofing Partners.
• Reed Gooding – CEO at GSM Roofing.

Their industry experience and leadership ensure our solutions remain grounded in real-world operational needs while accelerating adoption across the sector.

We believe the next wave of innovation in roofing will be driven by intelligent automation, better data utilization and seamless system integration, and we’re excited to help shape that future alongside the Alliance and its members.

Visit www.riigtech.com for more information.

By Emma Peterson. 

Denver Riggleman dives into how AI can be a lifesaving tool — and why improper use could expose sensitive business data.  

When we talk about AI, most conversations focus on the type of business management tasks it can manage. What is often overlooked is how AI can play a role in maximizing safety, on both sides of the coin. To learn more about the safety benefits and risks posed by AI, Heidi J. Ellsworth and Denver Riggleman sat down for an episode of Contractor Outlook Newscast all about AI.  

Denver is the co-founder and CEO of Hootl, a healthcare company that uses an AI model to improve the insurance workflows and reduce the number of denials. Prior to this, he worked in military intelligence, government and tech entrepreneurship. These experiences have given Denver a unique and informed perspective on both the benefits and risks of AI.  

Safety benefits 

Denver started the conversation talking about how AI can be used to improve safety regulations and measures, explaining, “AI can be used in tandem with cameras to help keep crews on the roof accountable...In a few years, I bet contractors could put up a two-camera mast on a tower on a building site with PPE detection quantified. It will automatically alert if it senses no PPE.” Would this be a perfect system? No, nothing is perfect. But Denver is the first to point out that you would still need a site manager to review for false alerts. But, as he put it, “Better false than dead.”   

Cybersecurity concerns 

While AI has the potential to save lives in terms of increasing use of PPE on job sites, it does come with its own risks. And, while not physical, cybersecurity is a huge concern. For one, most AI engines like Claude or ChatGPT are public. This means that information put into them is accessible to anyone else using the program.  

So, what should contractors who want to use AI do to make sure they are being safe? The first and most important thing is to have a cybersecurity training plan in place. Denver explained:  

You need to have somebody who looks at security of how every person at your company is using AI...From there, you need an AI trainer, someone who makes sure that everyone is using AI properly. For example, you don’t want to just get a personal ChatGPT account and start putting in proposal information from your company. That's public data and that data is actually parsed by the AI to utilize for other people. You need to have your own separate platform or program. AI trainers can help you get that. 

Overall, AI is a powerful, powerful tool. But it is just that, a tool. And like any tool, it comes with pros and cons. The key to successfully moving forward is knowing how to effectively leverage its benefits and minimize its downsides.  

Listen to the whole episode or Watch the recording with Denver to learn more about integrating AI in a safe manner. 

By The Coffee Shops™. 

Technology isn’t just changing today’s workflows — it’s laying the foundation for a smarter, more efficient future in metal construction and manufacturing. 

At the Metal Construction Association (MCA) 2026 Winter Meeting, Denver Riggleman, founder of RIIG Technology and former U.S. Congressman, delivered a compelling talk on how artificial intelligence (AI) and automation are transforming industries — including metal roofing, construction and manufacturing. His insights revealed not only the potential of AI but also practical examples of how companies can leverage technology to stay competitive. 

Why AI matters for metal construction  

AI is not just about futuristic robots or science-fiction scenarios. Denver emphasized that AI’s real power lies in automation and data integration, stating, “Automation across multiple channels creates efficiencies. No matter the industry — technology transfer works the same way.” 

For metal roofing and manufacturing, this means: 

• Faster estimation and bidding: AI can process drone imagery to generate accurate roof measurements and job estimates automatically. 
• Error reduction: By consolidating fragmented CRMs and historical data, AI minimizes manual mistakes. 
• Labor optimization: Companies can scale productivity without scaling headcount, freeing skilled workers from repetitive tasks. 

Real-world examples of AI impact 

Denver shared a striking example from the healthcare industry, saying, “One orthopedic practice was losing north of $5 million per month in insurance verification and claim issues. AI fixed that.” 

Similar inefficiencies exist in construction — slow RFQ responses, manual data entry and compliance challenges. AI can automate these processes, saving time and money. He also highlighted the potential for drone-based automation, saying, “If I can take a picture of a roof and have AI generate an estimate and job approval without a human, why wouldn’t I?” 

Investment and ROI: What are companies spending? 

According to Denver, companies are investing 1–2% of annual revenue in automation initiatives. While that may sound significant, the returns are compelling, “Saving money is earning money. If you can eliminate manual errors and speed up processes, you’re not just cutting costs—you’re creating competitive advantage.” 

Beyond AI: Building the right tech stack 

Denver cautioned that AI alone isn’t enough. As Denver put it, “There’s no way everything is going to be AI. You need full-stack developers, data scientists and engineers who understand microservices, Kubernetes and relational databases.”  This holistic approach ensures that automation layers are secure, scalable and adaptable to future changes. 

The future: Energy, data and compliance 

As AI adoption grows, so does the demand for data centers and energy. Denver warned, “Data centers will pull more and more energy off the grid. We need solutions — SMRs, natural gas, offshore power. It’s all coming.” 

He also noted that compliance is another critical area where AI can help, adding, “Do you know what rulemaking or legislation is coming out in state and federal right now that’s going to affect your business? AI can help predict that.” 

Key takeaways for metal roofing and manufacturing leaders 

1. Start small, think big: Identify pain points — RFQs, compliance, estimation — and explore automation solutions. 
2. Invest wisely: Budget 1–2% of revenue for AI and automation to stay competitive. 
3. Build expertise: Hire or train AI engineers and data specialists; don’t rely solely on off-the-shelf tools. 
4. Plan for power and policy: Engage in local energy discussions and monitor regulatory changes. 

Denver summed it up best, sharing, “When you look at your companies, you’re already successful. The question is — how successful do you want to be?”