Expert Conversations
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 ...
The technical issues keeping roofing contractors on their toes
By The Coffee Shops®. How code changes and installation complexity are reshaping technical best practices. As building materials and trends evolve, contractors are keeping up with new demands from code changes. During a recent episode of Roofing Road Trips®, Heidi J. Ellsworth sat down with Mark Graham of the National Roofing Contractors ...
It takes more than a hard hat to protect a head
By Emma Peterson. A recent Coffee Conversations panel explored the connection between mental health, physical safety and workforce success. Last month, we got the chance to host a special Coffee Conversations webinar with Mandy McIntyre from Weatherproofing Technologies Inc. (WTI), Kara (Houck) McCaffrey from Houck Group, and McKay Daniels of National Roofing ...
Better metal projects through early collaboration
By The Coffee Shops®. Architects, manufacturers and contractors can work together to balance design goals with performance and installation considerations. Metal is becoming a larger part of architectural conversations as designers look for materials that combine modern aesthetics, durability and long-term value. In an episode of MetalCast™, Heidi J. ...
The road to Team USA starts now
By The Coffee Shops®. The roofing industry builds a national pathway to identify and develop young competitors for the 2027 World Championship for Young Roofers. The roofing industry is taking another step toward strengthening workforce development through international competition. During a recent episode of Roofing Road Trips®, Jon Goodman of National Roofing ...
AC478 turns metal building best practices into everyday processes
By The Coffee Shops®. Accreditation helps metal building erectors formalize quality, safety and training programs that strengthen long-term performance. Metal building contractors often talk about quality, safety and workforce development as core priorities. According to Steven Hudgins of Rainwater Construction, the International Accreditation Service's AC478 accreditation program provides a practical ...
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