Expert Conversations
Natural light reshapes modern metal buildings
By Jesse Sanchez. Modern daylighting systems are giving metal building professionals new ways to improve energy efficiency, occupant comfort, safety and overall building performance. Daylighting may be one of the oldest concepts in building design, but advancements in material design, performance capabilities and installation methods are giving it new relevance ...
The business case for smarter construction recycling
By Emma Peterson. Woodchuck.ai rethinking how jobsite waste is handled in order to support sustainability goals while creating measurable financial benefits. Sustainability has become a key talking point for contractors. As John Kenney, the CEO of Cotney Consulting Group put it, “Not that long ago, sustainability discussions were limited to ...
Building freedom through post-frame design
By The Coffee Shops®. One builder's journey shows how education, lifestyle goals and smarter planning continue to drive interest in post-frame construction. As homeownership becomes increasingly complex, a growing number of prospective homebuyers are taking untraditional routes to owning a home. On a recent episode of MetalCast™ sponsored by Sherwin Williams, Karen ...
Building smarter roofers with expert training
By Emma Peterson. From field installation and project management to executive leadership, John Kenney brings a unique perspective to roofing education. This November, right before the holiday season begins, John Kenney, the CEO of Cotney Consulting Group, will be hosting a two-day live classroom training workshop. This workshop, which runs ...
How smarter field fabrication improves productivity and quality
By The Coffee Shops®. Purpose-built cutting and bending tools allow crews to adapt to job-site conditions, address labor challenges and deliver consistent results. Metal contractors, fabricators and installers are being asked to accomplish more with fewer people while maintaining the craftsmanship building owners expect. In an upcoming MetalTalk™ episode on ...
AI and the future of metal construction
By The Coffee Shops®. Industry professionals share practical ways artificial intelligence can improve workflow. Artificial intelligence (AI) is creating new opportunities throughout the metal building industry, from driving demand for data centers to helping contractors work faster and make better use of project information. During a recent MetalTalk™ webinar ...
Why the roof edge deserves more attention
By The Coffee Shops®. The most vulnerable part of the building envelope can determine whether or not a roof survives a major storm. For many roofing professionals, the roof field often gets the most attention during design and installation. Yet according to Jason Hildenbrand, director of private label and OEM ...
Going into the last quarter of 2026
By Emma Peterson. A look at the economic market, the industry outlook and more. In a new episode of Contractor Outlook™, Heidi J. Ellsworth sits down with Alex Chausovsky, the president and CEO of 3DM Consulting (a business and operations advisory firm), for a discussion about the state of ...
A stronger future for metal construction
By The Coffee Shops®. Lakeside Construction Fasteners and Direct Metals expand product access while supporting investments in distribution, technology and domestic manufacturing. For metal construction professionals, reliable access to products, technical information and responsive service can make a significant difference. In one MetalCast™ episode, Heidi J. Ellsworth spoke with Lakeside Construction Fasteners ...
Training the next generation of metal roofing pros
By The Coffee Shops®. Learn how training, mentorship and industry engagement can help contractors recruit and develop the future workforce. The future of metal roofing and construction depends on attracting skilled workers and helping them succeed from day one. In a recent MetalCast™ episode, host Karen Edwards sat down with Jon Olson ...
















