UP TO THE MINUTE
Expert Conversations
Operating in the intersection of regulatory pressure and economic volatility
By Emma Peterson. A conversation with Trent Cotney on why proactive policies and operations matter more now than ever. Going into 2026, there was a lot of commotion to keep track of, from uncertainty about tariffs to immigration changes and beyond. And now, one quarter into the year, there are ...
Speed and simplicity: The installation solution contractors need
By Jenny Yu. All Weather Insulated Panel’s OneDek system provides the innovation needed to address the industry’s challenges. According to Gary Sweeney, the director of low slope roofing for All Weather Insulated Panels (AWIP), the commercial roofing industry can sometimes be slow to adapt to new innovations. “The commercial ...
Avenues to stay engaged and informed
By Jenny Yu. Learn how the Metal Construction Association is working to help contractors and manufacturers navigate evolving standards and market demands. As metal roofing continues to gain market share across residential and commercial construction, the Metal Construction Association (MCA) is expanding its efforts around workforce development, code advocacy ...
When your company grows beyond you
By Emma Peterson. How succession planning and fractional advisors help owners secure their legacy and their company’s future. In the trades, businesses often start as small, family-owned operations. And when these businesses are small, it’s natural that many owners find themselves wearing multiple hats and managing a seemingly endless ...
The role of technology in staying competitive
By Emma Peterson. The importance of technology in both business marketing and employee retention. In the modern world, especially as a business, technology is no longer an option, it is a requirement for staying competitive. To dive into how this applies for roofing contractors and professionals, Randy Chaffee of ...
Four generations of roofers and counting
By Emma Peterson. O’Donnell Roofing Co. has delivered high-quality craftsmanship and service to families for over a century. It’s not uncommon to find family businesses in the roofing industry, but even in their Havertown community, a 102-year-old family legacy is impressive. To learn more about the legacy that O’Donnell ...
Why SkillsUSA matters for roofing’s future
By Emma Peterson. How competition and mentorship help students find careers in roofing. As the 2026 SkillsUSA National Championship get closer (it’ll be hosted June 1-5, 2026, in Atlanta, Georgia), we wanted to take a moment to highlight the way this organization supports students and celebrates the trades. To do ...
Road to FRSA 2026
By Emma Peterson. The highly anticipated 104th Florida Roofing and Sheet Metal Association Convention and Expo is just around the corner! In a new Roofing Road Trips®, Megan Ellsworth sat down with Tibor Torok, president of the Florida Roofing and Sheet Metall Association (FRSA), for a conversation about their ...
Invaluable training from an industry expert
By Emma Peterson. Learn from John Kenney’s decades of experience and insights through Cotney Consulting Group’s accessible online training programs! Through our work reporting on the world of roofing, The Coffee Shops™ crew get the chance to talk to experts and leaders from all across the industry. One ...
A decade of growth for women in roofing
By Emma Peterson. A candid conversation with two founders of NWIR about how ten years has changed the perception of female professionals. With the amount of stressful news constantly around us, it can be hard to remember to celebrate the good news and progress being made. To put the good ...
UP TO THE MINUTE
