By Jenny Yu.  

An experienced tradesperson explains how real-world experience led to a better way to organize tools with Veto Pro Pac. 

Frustration on the jobsite often sparks innovation, and for Roger Brouard, that frustration led to the creation of one of the most recognized tool storage brands in the trades. In a recent RoofingRoadTrips® episode, Karen Edwards spoke with Roger about how his experience as a carpenter led to the creation and founding of Veto Pro Pac.

“Veto Pro Pac tool bags basically came out of my frustration with soft side tool bags,” Roger said, describing the “horizontal wrestling match” that made contractors’ lives needlessly inefficient. “You’d dump everything on the ground and dig through it; it was an exercise of aggravation and frustration to get a needed hand tool.” 

Drawing from years in the field — from hand framing and roofing to building wooden lobster boats — Roger combined hands-on trade knowledge with a background in fine arts to rethink tool storage. His breakthrough came with a vertical layout system. “This was the aha moment: all the vertical tiered pockets are on a flat panel,” he said. “It’s ergonomic to your body, and you have a nice, beefy grip.” 

Durability was equally critical in the Veto Pro Pac design. Roger emphasized that jobsite conditions demand rugged solutions. “I wanted to make the bag brutally tough,” he said, noting that harsh environments and heavy use require materials that resist wear and while providing a sturdy structure. “A plastic base solved three situations: moisture protection, wear and tear protection, and stability to a loaded tool bag.” 

Finally, having a fine arts degree, Roger wanted his bag to look good, too. “I wanted it to have a serious, rugged yet classy look,” he said, explaining the earthtone color palette of the product.  

This blend of practical, artistic design and jobsite insight shaped Veto Pro Pac to be the trusted tool bag for contractors today. Now a part of The Malco Group, Veto Pro Pac can further expand its reach to bring solutions to more contractors, reflecting a shared focus on improving efficiency. 

Roger’s road to developing Veto Pro Pac underscores how curiosity and a willingness to solve problems can lead to meaningful innovation. 

Listen to the full podcast or Watch the recording to learn more about Roger and his journey to building Veto Pro Pac. 

Veto Pro Pac’s products offer heavy-duty durability with ergonomic functionality. 

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 Veto Pro Pac into their community.  

For over 30 years, Veto Pro Pac’s founder Roger Brouard worked in the field, frustrated with the industry’s lack of quality tool bags. So, Roger took matters into his own hands and created Veto Pro Pac Tool Bags and pouches, designed with the professional tradesperson in mind. Built with a rugged construction, ergonomic design, patented center panel, vertical-tiered pockets, marine-grade rivets and snaps, useful D-rings and a durable waterproof base, Veto Pro Pac Tool Bags are tools themselves.   

Today, Veto Pro Pac is widely recognized as a global leader in the premium tool bag category, serving professionals across roofing, HVACR, electrical and construction trades. Their wide-ranging tool bag product line includes backpacks, holsters, utility pouches, laptop/tablet bags, open top bags, closed top bags, cargo totes and wheeled bags, to name a few. Accessories complement these offerings, providing contractors with the smaller necessities that make the jobsite more efficient. 

The company continues to innovate with solutions like its modular evo system, which allows professionals to configure and secure tools across bags, belts and equipment for greater flexibility and efficiency. This focus on adaptability reflects how modern contractors work, offering customizable storage that evolves with changing jobsite needs. 

Veto Pro Pac delivers practical solutions that help contractors stay organized, protect their tools and work more efficiently. As part of The Malco Group, the brand is well positioned to continue supporting the evolving demands of skilled trades professionals. 

To learn more and take advantage of the promotion, visit your local approved Veto Pro Pac distributor, or visit Veto Pro Pac's website before the May 31 deadline. 

The Coffee Shops are proud to welcome Veto Pro Pac!

By Jenny Yu.  

Malco’s new rotary shear attachment is designed to reduce noise, limit coating damage and extend tool life.  

In this Roofing Road Trips® episode, Austin Cash, senior new product development engineer for Malco Tools, discussed how Malco continues to create solutions that are designed with contractors in mind. In particular, Austin highlighted Malco’s TurboShear® Rotary Panel Cutter, a solution for cutting ribbed roofing and wall panels with unmatched precision and ease. 

“For over 20 years, Malco has been working on adapting a contractor's tool portfolio. The new TSPC1 is  a perfect example of that as we’ve created a solution that mounts directly to a tool they own, so they don't have to go buy a very expensive battery platform to use this tool,” Austin said. “If you got your drill that maybe your father passed down, you can throw this tool on there. You can use those products that you've already had for 10-20 years.” 

On top of making a tool that fits with contractors’ existing toolboxes, the TurboShear Rotary Panel Cutter also solves problems that traditional circular saws pose. “Those are very loud, and the sparks that fly in that process can be harmful. It's a very aggressive cutting process,” Austin shared. 

Furthermore, when using a circular saw, Austin noted that panel manufacturers may not honor warranties due to the abrasive cuts. “You're actually removing the protective coating,” Austin explained. “With a TurboShear, it's a controlled shearing motion; you're rolling over that edge when you cut it, so you're protecting the base substrate or the base material. This will allow those panel manufacturers to still stand behind warranties.” 

When it comes to long-term performance, the TurboShear is rated for 22-gauge metal roofing and 0.040 aluminum, with testing also completed on 20-ounce copper. “We’ve done some known abuse testing internally, which allows us to confidently say that this tool will last for approximately six months out of a cutting disc if it's something that you're using within our normal use criteria,” Austin shared. 

Designed for longevity, the product features “a completely sealed and greased gearbox. So, there'll be no maintenance needed by the end user,” and an instruction video for how to replace disks when the time comes. “We try to make it as easy as possible for these end users,” Austin said.  

Read the first article in this series or Listen to the podcast to learn more about the Malco Tools TurboShear Rotary Panel Cutter. 

By Jenny Yu.  

A new MetalTalk™ session will explore how The Malco Group’s integration of Veto Pro Pac is improving contractor efficiency. 

Contractors are always looking for ways to improve efficiency and stay competitive in a fast-moving market. In an upcoming MetalTalk™, “Tool Innovations That Help Pros Work Smarter,” host Megan Ellsworth will speak with representatives of The Malco Group and Veto Pro Pac about new tools and strategic partnerships that are helping contractors do just that.  

Scheduled for April 15, 2026, the webinar will feature Breanna Welke, vice president of strategic communications at The Malco Group, as well as Meredith Giesting, vice president of design at Veto Pro Pac. At the center of the discussion is the recent acquisition of Veto Pro Pac by The Malco Group, bringing together two brands known for serving trade professionals. Breanna and Meredith will discuss how this collaboration expands product offerings and creates a more comprehensive collection of solutions designed for contractors.  

Attendees can expect insights into how combining high-performance tools with premium storage solutions can streamline workflows and improve jobsite organization. Veto Pro Pac’s reputation for durable, purpose-built tool bags complements Malco’s legacy of manufacturing professional-grade tools, resulting in a more cohesive approach to solving common jobsite challenges. 

In addition, the webinar will introduce attendees to the EVO line, the latest evolution in Veto Pro Pac tool storage. Designed with modern contractors in mind, the line focuses on enhanced organization and durability, supporting professionals who demand more from their gear. 

For contractors seeking practical ways to work smarter and get more out of their equipment, this session offers a closer look at the future of jobsite efficiency. 

Register now to attend the MetalTalk™ webinar and discover how tool innovation is reshaping the way contractors work.

By Jenny Yu.  

The Malco Group brought all of their brands to IRE, showcasing their commitment to ongoing innovation in the industry. 

The 2026 International Roofing Expo in Las Vegas marked a turning point for many brands as thousands of contractors, manufacturers and distributors met on the trade show floor. For Malco Tools, it was their first time showcasing products from the Malco Group brands alongside their own products designed for the metal roofing industry. Shane Norman, senior product manager at Malco Tools, joined Karen Edwards at The Coffee Shops™ Sound Stage to spotlight a few of these exciting new products.  

“We're highlighting our really high-end Unilite brand of trade-pro lighting solutions — really nice lighting,” Shane shared. Another solution the Malco team brought to the show for the first time is their line of Veto Pro Pac bags. He added, “Veto Pro Pac is a highly regarded brand in the HVAC industry for making great tool bags for all the HVAC trade pros. We're going to be working with Veto to design things for the RSG market as well.” 

These diverse offerings are part of the Malco Group’s strategy to move towards providing a total-solution package, positioning itself as a one-stop shop for customers' needs. “We’re combining all of the brands to be a stronger presence for the trade pros,” Shane stated.  

This stronger presence was recently felt during the fall at METALCON, when Malco Tools won an award for their new TSPC1 panel cutter. “It's a power-assisted, drill-attached rotary turbo shear, and it works really well for going up and over corrugated roofing panels or wall panels,” Shane explained. 

IRE attendees had a chance to witness a live demo of the TSPC1 at Malco’s booth and explore the Malco Group’s family of brands. “Now when they come to the Malco Group booth, instead of reminiscing on some of our older products, they're asking us what's new because they know we're developing more and more products,” Shane shared. “They're looking for Malco to lead with innovation, and it’s always great to see the excitement.” 

Watch the interview to learn more about the Malco Group’s total-solution package for trade pros!

By Jenny Yu.  

The Malco Group is set to highlight its extensive portfolio of trade-ready HVACR and construction products at their first AHR Expo as a combined family of brands. 

The Malco Group is making its debut appearance at the AHR Expo! The premier HVACR industry event, the 2026 AHR Expo, takes place in Las Vegas, Nevada, from February 2-4. With 350 speakers, 1,800 exhibitors and 50,000 expected attendees, the AHR Expo is where industry professionals meet to create the future of HVACR solutions.  

Showcasing an extensive portfolio of professional-grade HVACR and building construction products and solutions, The Malco Group is set to make a strong impression. 

“We’re proud to demonstrate to AHR attendees the full strength of The Malco Group’s combined portfolio of tools, pumps, chemicals and worksite solutions to enable successful HVACR and building construction jobs across the Americas,” Rich Benninghoff, CEO of The Malco Group, said in a press release. “As the trade professional’s full-van partner, our coordinated ecosystem of category solutions is designed to solve any jobsite challenge that may arise.” 

Visit booth #SU214, where the Malco Group will introduce their newest fleet of industry-leading products, including: 

• Condensate Management Pumps from Aspen Pumps: Explore the new Silent+ Gen5 Series and Mini White pumps, the first of its kind with intelligent capacitance sensing and next-generation variable speed technology to adjust flow rate. 
• MalcoEdge™: Malco Tools’ newest line of refrigeration tools for installation and service needs, including tube cutters, vacuum pumps, recovery units, hydraulic tools and more 
• Veto Pro Pac®: Get an exclusive sneak peek at the brand new evo system™, a next-generation approach to tool storage designed to move and adapt to trade professionals while on the job.  
• Pipelounge™ by Malco: This HVAC insulated copper piping support system is designed to eliminate the need to install strut while simultaneously protecting pipe insulation throughout the entire life of the HVAC system. 

Learn more about The Malco Group and be sure to see them at the 2026 AHR Expo, booth #SU214!

Talbot is an accomplished marketing leader with more than a decade of experience driving strategic growth, brand development and high-impact campaigns across the HVACR, green infrastructure and manufacturing sectors.

The Malco Group, a leading manufacturer and distributor of professional-grade HVACR and building construction products in the Americas, today announced that Rebecca Talbot, vice president of marketing, has been recognized as a 2025 Notable Marketing Leader by Twin Cities Business Magazine. Twin Cities Business Magazine’s annual Notables recognition features best-in-class executives across a range of industries in Minnesota. The leaders recognized are nominated by their peers at work and in the community.

Talbot is an accomplished marketing leader with more than a decade of experience driving strategic growth, brand development and high-impact campaigns across the HVACR, green infrastructure and manufacturing sectors.

As vice president of marketing for The Malco Group, she has led the integration of nine trusted HVACR brands under a unified brand identity following Aspen Pumps Group’s acquisition of Malco Tools. Her leadership has been instrumental in launching transformative digital initiatives, energizing go-to-market strategies and producing award-winning campaigns that strengthen distributor and contractor relationships across the Americas. Before her role at The Malco Group, Talbot held senior marketing positions at Resideo, DeepRoot Green Infrastructure, Lakeland Companies and Sil-Pro.

“Rebecca’s strategic vision and ability to unify brands, energize teams and elevate our presence in the market are a reflection of the culture we strive to build — one that empowers bold thinking, collaboration and excellence," said Kirk Langbehn, vice president of people operations at The Malco Group. “This recognition as a Notable Marketing Leader is well deserved!”

This honor adds to a growing list of accolades for Malco, including the 2025 USA TODAY Top Workplaces award and the Minneapolis/St. Paul Business Journal’s 2024 Medium Manufacturer of the Year.

For more information, follow The Malco Group on LinkedIn.

About The Malco Group

The Malco Group is a leading manufacturer and distributor of high-quality HVACR and building construction products based in the Americas. With a focus on innovation, precision engineering and field-tested performance, The Malco Group powers the success of trade pros and businesses across the continent. Its portfolio includes ACE Chemical, Aspen Pumps, Beckett, Big Foot Systems, C&D Valve, HydroBalance, Malco Tools, Unilite and Veto Pro Pac. Follow The Malco Group on Instagram, Facebook and LinkedIn to stay updated on the latest innovations and product launches.

Veto Pro Pac is the global leader in the premium tool bag category and a well-known and highly respected brand among HVACR, electrical, plumbing and building construction professionals.

The Malco Group, a leading manufacturer and distributor of professional-grade HVACR and building construction products in the Americas is proud to announce the acquisition of Veto Pro Pac, a leading maker of high-quality tool storage solutions. This strategic move further strengthens The Malco Group’s growing portfolio of brands serving skilled trade professionals across the Americas.

Veto Pro Pac was founded in 2002 by Roger Brouard, a carpenter by trade with over 30 years of experience, who was frustrated with low-quality tool bags that lacked functionality and vertical storage. Veto Pro Pac is the global leader in the premium tool bag category and a well-known and highly respected brand among HVACR, electrical, plumbing and building construction professionals for its thoughtfully designed tool storage bags, backpacks, cases and storage solutions built to withstand demanding jobsite environments. Headquartered in Norwalk, Connecticut, Veto has grown into a trusted, go-to brand for serious trade pros.

“We’re proud to bring Veto into The Malco Group’s family of pro-favorite brands,” said Rich Benninghoff, CEO of The Malco Group. “This acquisition not only enhances the solutions we offer to our customers but also reinforces our leadership position in the industry. Veto’s quality, innovation and commitment to the trades make it a natural fit within our portfolio.”

Aspen Pumps Group, the UK-based parent company of The Malco Group, has a long-standing and well-established trading relationship with Veto in Europe and Australia. This acquisition will allow Veto to expand the brand’s global reach while unlocking new opportunities in international markets.

“Veto Pro Pac is a strong addition to the Aspen Pumps Group,” added Adrian Thomson, CEO of Aspen Pumps Group. “We are excited to build upon Veto’s reputation in Europe and expand its presence across the region. This is a great step forward in aligning world-class brands with localized customer support.”

“Veto has built a strong brand and reputation in the industry and has many synergies with The Malco Group,” said Jim Brooks, CEO of Veto Pro Pac. “Together, we can bring even more value to the professionals who rely on our products while creating new growth opportunities for our distribution partners worldwide.”

For more information, visit www.Vetopropac.com and follow The Malco Group on LinkedIn.

About Veto Pro Pac

Veto Pro Pac designs and builds premium tool storage solutions that are engineered for durability, functionality, and long-term performance. With products trusted by HVACR, electrical, plumbing, and construction pros, Veto is synonymous with quality and innovation in the field. For more information, visit www.Vetopropac.com

About The Malco Group

The Malco Group is a leading Americas manufacturer and distributor of high-quality HVACR and building construction products. With a focus on innovation, precision engineering, and field-tested performance, The Malco Group powers the success of trade pros and businesses across the continent. Its portfolio includes ACE Chemical, Aspen Pumps, Beckett, HydroBalance, Malco Tools, Unilite, C&D Valve, Veto Pro Pac, and Big Foot Systems.

About Aspen Pumps Group
Headquartered in the United Kingdom, Aspen Pumps Group is a global leader in HVACR condensate management, tools, and accessories. Aspen supports innovation and growth through its international network of brands, now including The Malco Group and Veto Pro Pac, with exclusive European distribution rights for Veto products. For more information, visit www.aspenpumps.com.

By ACE Chemical.

Your go-to product for leaks, cracks and holes is here.

When you need to seal leaks or repair cracks and holes in roofing materials and around rooftop equipment, Roof Seal (RSA) from ACE Chemical can help you get the job done easily and effectively.  

Roof Seal works on leaks, cracks and seams around rooftop air conditioning units, vents, chimneys, skylights and more. The product can also repair cracks and holes in most roofing materials. It is ideal for sealing and repairing on or around asphalt and fiberglass shingles, built-up tar and gravel, single-ply rubberized and granulated roofs, mobile homes and chimney flashings. 

ACE’s Roof Seal is a non-chlorinated, ultra-durable, rubberized aerosol mastic coating formulated to seal water leaks and fill cracks and voids in most roofing surfaces. Designed by on-site chemists at ACE and made in the U.S.A., Roof Seal exceeds industry benchmarks and uphold rigorous standards to provide durable, reliable and effective sealing that trade pros can trust.  

The product sprays on as a liquid and dries to a thick black rubberized coating. It is unaffected by water, so trade pros can use it on wet or dry surfaces. Testing shows Roof Seal works well on most roofing surfaces, including composition tile, slate, felt, wood and metal. 

The easy-to-use canister sprays as liquid so it can flow into low and hard-to-reach areas. The seal dries to the touch in one hour and is fully cured in eight hours. One cannister can typically cover 12-15 square feet.  

Purchase today! 

About ACE Chemical

ACE Chemical is a leading developer and manufacturer of chemical treatments for the HVACR industry, made in the USA and backed by more than 75 years of experience. In addition to Roof Seal, the company offers the widest selection of American-made HVACR chemical products in the industry, including coil cleaners, refrigeration oils, IAQ products and more.  

ACE is part of The Malco Group, a leading manufacturer and distributor of high-quality HVACR and building construction products that power the success of businesses, trade pros end users, and homes across the Americas. 

The partnership focuses on offering complete solutions for the trades.

With a focus on product solutions and bundles designed to help trade pros get the job done, The Malco Group is bringing together some of the industry’s most relied-upon HVAC/R brands as a result of Aspen Pumps Group’s acquisition of Malco Tools in October 2024. As part of this new partnership, The Malco Group is the company’s official North American headquarters with a singular focus on providing high-quality products and solution bundles for HVAC/R and building construction trade professionals across North America.

The Malco Group provides the convenience of a single supplier across an expansive, ever-growing product portfolio. With an extensive and varied product range, trade professionals can streamline their work with a selection of high-quality, innovative and turnkey products and product bundles to save time during installations and maintenance calls—all backed by the outstanding training and customer support that trade pros have come to know, and trust from the Malco name.

The Malco Group equips trade pros with the tools and resources they need to meet their customers’ diverse needs efficiently and effectively, such as:

• condensate management
• HVAC/R maintenance & cleaning chemicals
• refrigeration recovery solutions
• sheet metal tools
• valves & fittings
• premier worksite lighting
• installation Accessories
• HVAC/R support systems

Follow the Malco Group on LinkedIn to learn more!

“We are really excited to join together some of the industry’s most trusted and relied-upon products used by HVAC/R trade professionals and bring them under one company that is focused on providing trade pros easy access to the solutions they need to get the job done faster and more efficiently than before,” said Rich Benninghoff, CEO of The Malco Group. “By offering a complete suite of solutions, our partners and end users will have the ease of one-stop shopping for everything they need to ‘fill the back of the van,’ so to speak. While full integration of all of our brands is still taking place, we are very excited to share more about The Malco Group as we continue to find innovative ways to better serve the industry and support the trades more than ever before.”

The Malco Group includes the following industry-leading brands:

• Ace Chemicals
• Aspen Pumps
• Beckett
• C&D Valve
• HydroBalance
• Malco Tools
• Unilite
• Big Foot Systems

About The Malco Group

The Malco Group is a leading manufacturer and distributor of high-quality HVAC/R and building construction products that power the success of businesses, trade pros, end users and homes across North America. With a strong focus on innovation, precision engineering and sustainability, we design, produce and distribute a wide range of HVAC/R tools, condensate pumps, cleaning chemicals, lighting, valves, test and measurement equipment and bundled system components that ensure superior performance, reliability and energy efficiency.

At The Malco Group, our commitment to excellence drives everything we do—from research and development to manufacturing and customer support. We prioritize quality control, safety and environmental responsibility to ensure our products meet and exceed industry standards.

About Aspen Pumps Group

Aspen Pumps Group, headquartered in the United Kingdom, is a global leader in condensate removal pumps, tools and installation and maintenance accessories for the air conditioning and refrigeration (AC/R) aftermarket. Aspen’s innovative product offering is delivered through highly respected brands, including:

• Aspen Pumps, the global leader in design, manufacture and distribution of condensate removal pumps;
• Beckett, a long-standing US tank pump brand with market leading products;
• Javac, a leading HVAC tool supplier in the UK and Europe;
• Unilite, the leading provider of premium portable LED worklights;
• Aspen Xtra, Vecamco and 2Emme, providing one of the world’s largest range of HVAC installation ancillaries;
• Advanced, Hydrobalance and Ace, the complete range of HVAC/R cleaning chemicals;
• Big Foot Systems, the largest free-standing service support frame manufacturer in the world;
• Solflex, the leading provider of acoustic solutions for the HVAC market;
• Sky Refrigeration and C&D Valves, providing a full range of refrigeration components;
• Malco Tools, the leading provider of high-quality tools for the HVAC and building construction industry.

Aspen has strong partnerships with a global network of wholesalers who value Aspen’s service offering, continuous product innovation, and extensive product range. Aspen is backed by Inflexion, a leading mid-market private equity firm with over £11bn assets under management. Visit their website to learn more about the Aspen brand.