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Expert Conversations
Converting metal demand into business growth
By The Coffee Shops™. Fuel metal sales through training opportunities and customer education. Training may be the foundation of success in metal roofing, but contractors also need the ability to communicate value to customers. In an episode of the Roofing Road Trips® podcast, Heidi J. Ellsworth sat down for a ...
The founding of Fabrication Nation
By Emma Peterson. A look at how this radio station combines music, entertainment and industry storytelling to create a one-of-a-kind experience for the metal fabricator community. In a new MetalCast™, Heidi J. Ellsworth had the chance to sit down with two members of the team behind Fabrication Nation Radio – ...
Keep calm and lock on
By The Coffee Shops™. Having the right latch system is critical to ensuring success and unit integrity for any storage business. In an episode of MetalCast™, host Karen Edwards sat down with Andrew Wilson, chief engineering and innovation officer for Central States Manufacturing, to discuss the importance of high-quality ...
TPO or metal retrofit? Understanding the tradeoffs
By The Coffee Shops™. How to determine which option is right for the job, and what each option has to offer. When contractors meet with building owners to discuss an aging metal roof, the conversation often comes down to two possibilities: recover the roof with a thermoplastic polyolefin (TPO) ...
Are you ready for the robots?
By Emma Peterson. John Kenney shares why contractors with strong systems, clear workflows and documented processes will be best positioned to embrace new technologies. For many of us, robots seem like something from a science fiction movie – something that might be cool but is far from becoming a ...
The business of coatings: Economic trends and opportunities
By Emma Peterson. Join Heidi J. Ellsworth and John Kenney for a live discussion on the market forces affecting coatings contractors and the strategies that can help businesses thrive. On August 12, 2026 at 11a.m. PT (2 p.m. ET), Heidi J. Ellsworth will host a live CoatingsTalk™ with John Kenney. ...
Turning specifications into successful metal projects
By The Coffee Shops™ Success starts long before crews arrive onsite. Early collaboration may start with architects and manufacturers, but successful metal projects depend on bringing contractors into the conversation before construction begins. In a recent MetalCast™ episode, Heidi J. Ellsworth continued her conversation with Mercedes Harris, architectural marketing manager ...
Why Pride and inclusion matter in roofing
By Emma Peterson. Industry leaders explain why creating a culture of belonging benefits employees, companies and the future of roofing. June was Pride Month and here at The Coffee Shops™ we celebrated with a special Pride Month Coffee Conversations all about how roofing companies can create inclusive environments within their ...
Connecting the dots between data and strategy
By Emma Peterson. How the Farnsworth Group combines research and consulting to help industry professionals navigate change and stay competitive. For over 35 years, the Farnsworth Group has collected market research and intelligence for manufacturers, suppliers and business owners in the construction industry. Not only does the Farnsworth team go ...
Construction growth expected in the next year
By Emma Peterson. After several years of uncertainty, FMI analysts see encouraging signs driven by infrastructure investment and commercial expansion. A lot has happened in the last few years that has destabilized our market and industry, but that doesn’t mean that growth isn’t still happening. In fact, FMI Corporation’s 2026 ...
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