By The Coffee Shops®. 

In hard times, customers don’t want more options; they want one solid option that can do it all. Here’s how to be that one.  

In a recent episode of the MetalCast™ podcast, host Karen Edwards sat down with Melissa Dunson, director of marketing and communications for Central States Manufacturing, to discuss ways metal professionals can protect their businesses in the face of recession. From building a more resilient business model to emphasizing gaining momentum in sales and customer relationships, there are a few ways that the industry can prepare.  

Regardless of the economic climate, metal roofing consistently remains a reliable option for property owners because metal’s reputation precedes it; it’s durable, economical, sustainable and aesthetically versatile. This firmly held position as a tried-and-true material should give metal professionals the confidence to stick to their guns; metal isn’t going anywhere anytime soon!  

“You don't recession proof your business by selling more of the same thing. You recession proof it by giving customers more reasons to buy from you,” Melissa emphasized. The beauty of offering metal in your lineup is the versatility of what can be done with metal. 

During slow economic cycles, there’s still plenty of work to be done with metal. Melissa shared, “[With metal] in your back pocket, you can easily say, ‘I'm going to offer customers of various types of backgrounds different kinds of products that appeal to those different types of customers.” By keeping the various uses of metal in mind and available to customers, you’re not only expanding what your customers can gain from your services, but you’re opening your business up to more business no matter the project needs.  

For example, some areas are seeing a falling out of the popularity of asphalt shingles, whether that be for environmental, economic or aesthetic reasons. In its place, metal has become a popular option. Being able to take note of these changes before they take off full scale can not only open the door to a whole new group of customers but also gives your business the competitive edge over those who aren’t paying so close attention.  

Make the most of what you can do with metal. After all, as Melissa said, “Customers don't want more contractors. They want one contractor who can solve more of their problems.” 

Listen to the conversation or Watch the recording to learn more about recession-proofing your business.

In this MetalTalk™, host Karen Edwards welcomes Dean Curtis to break down the essential blueprint for turning leads into loyal customers. Drawing from real‑world experience in the metal roofing industry, he explores how to navigate the customer pathway—from first contact to closing the deal—with professionalism and consistency. Gain insights on how to make every rep your best rep by overcoming presentation challenges, understanding homeowner needs and building a brand that earns trust through every interaction. Whether you’re refining your sales process or looking to boost conversion rates, this conversation offers a practical framework for success built on proven strategies and measurable results. 

Listen to the MetalTalk™.

Watch the MetalTalk™.

By Emma Peterson. 

Learn how Woodchuck AI is helping contractors turn construction waste, like lumber products, into savings and renewable energy. 

In a new episode of Contractor Outlook™ sponsored by SRS Distribution Inc., Heidi J. Ellsworth talks with Todd Thomas about how his company, Woodchuck AI, is helping contractors manage job site waste more efficiently. This is now the third year that Woodchuck has been operating. Their story starts back in Michigan with North Star Clean Energy, the state public utility renewable energy branch. Todd recalled, “North Star Clean Energy does solar farms, wind farms and bioenergy (burning biomass to generate electricity) facilities in the state of Michigan. And their goal is to get the state off petroleum products, which requires finding a large source of energy.” 

Looking at this issue, Todd and his team turned their gaze to what’s going to waste in our landfills and if there was a solution there. What they found was that in a single year, “the United States sent forty-two million tons of wood waste from construction sites to the landfill.” Not only is this a waste of a biomaterial that could be used to fuel our energy needs, it’s also expensive. Todd explained, “When we send things to landfills, we’re usually paying two dollars to bury one dollar's worth of material. That adds up. Across the entire United States we spent two billion dollars to bury one billion dollars worth of materials in landfills just last year.”  

And from there Woodchuck AI was born. Todd described how they fit into this story, sharing, “Woodchuck works with construction and manufacturing companies to divert their waste from landfills and instead convert it into biomass that can be used to generate renewable energy.” 

What does this look like on the job site? It looks like unique containers for each material, one for wood, one for plastic, one for cardboard and one for metal. From there, as a construction crew works in the field, they simply take a few extra moments to sort their debris as they go. Helping them is an AI-powered camera in each container, which alerts them when material is mixed up and put in the wrong place.  

Once the containers are filled, the Woodchuck team is able to take them to places, like North Star Clean Energy, that can use the materials to create more energy. The best part? Taking the time to sort doesn’t just help contractors feel better about their environmental impact, it also helps their bottom line. Todd explained:  

When you have all your debris and materials mixed together, it costs you money to have someone haul it away. But by sorting it and having us take it, you avoid those costs entirely... In general, our clients save 30%-40% by working with us! 

With this type of monetary savings, combined with the knowledge that you are helping build a more renewable, sustainable future, working with Woodchuck becomes a no brainer. 

Listen to the whole episode or Watch the recording to learn more!  

By Emma Peterson. 

With more than 250 exhibitors, expanded educational programming and interactive experiences across the show floor, METALCON continues to be the industry's premier gathering for metal construction. 

METALCON, the only event in the industry dedicated solely to the application of metal in design and construction, is just around the corner! Produced by PSMJ Resources, Inc., in partnership with the Metal Construction Association, this year’s show will be hosted October 7-9, 2026, at the Orange County Convention Center in Orlando, Florida!  

This show brings metal professionals from across the country, whether you are a contractor, fabricator, manufacturer, supplier, designer or distributor, together to evaluate innovative products on the expo floor, build powerful partnerships at events, learn about the future of the industry in education sessions and push the industry forward, together. Keep reading to learn a bit about what to expect from this year’s show!  

METALCON 2026 education program 

Education has always been a cornerstone of the METALCON experience. For this year’s show, the METALCON team has expanded their educational offerings! In addition to their traditional metal construction, architecture, engineering and manufacturing workshops and complimentary sessions, they have added four Spanish-language education sessions! 

With industry-leading experts like Rob Haddock (S-5!), Vincent Sagan (Metal Building Manufacturers Association), Kermit Baker (American Institute of Architects), Amparo Sancen (Latinos En Roofing), Renee Ramey (Metal Roofing Alliance), Stephen Bender (University of Florida College of Design Construction and Planning), Kyle Rea (Adams and Reese) and Ryan Dalgleish (RAiNA), these sessions offer attendees a veritable wealth of information.  

Please note: All education sessions, except workshops, are included with your registration. No sign-up is needed. Just arrive at your selected session at the scheduled time and location. Seating is first come, first served. 

Browse the education offerings. 

By The Coffee Shops®. 

METALCON brings hands-on training, expert-led education and year-round resources to contractors. 

As building codes, materials and technologies continue to change, metal construction professionals need practical ways to keep their knowledge current. Geared toward professionals at every stage of their career, METALCON supports ongoing contractor education with opportunities designed for contractors, architects, engineers, fabricators, manufacturers and other professionals across the industry. 

The annual event brings education to life through workshops, technical sessions, live demonstrations and product training. Expert-led workshops offer immersive instruction before and during the show, giving participants opportunities to improve practical skills, earn select credentials and gain continuing education credits. This year’s programs include metal roof installation training, roll forming education and a course covering metal roofing materials from aluminum to zinc.  

Learning continues throughout the show with sessions focused on metal roofing systems, insulated metal panels, building envelope performance, sustainability, project management, business growth and emerging technologies. The METALCON Training Zone and Metal Mastery Clinics add skills-based demonstrations, while Design District sessions explore architectural trends, building science and innovative materials. This year, METALCON is also expanding its offerings with educational sessions in Spanish, designed for contractors, fabricators and tradespeople. 

The new Contractor Business Success Center expands the program with sessions on winning work, managing risk, improving profit margins and building stronger teams. Four education sessions presented in Spanish will also increase access to technical education for Spanish-speaking contractors, fabricators and tradespeople. 

Professional development extends beyond the annual event through METALCON Online. Its webinars, technical presentations and expert-led programs help professionals explore installation practices, code updates, product innovations and business strategies throughout the year. 

Together, METALCON’s in-person and online education gives industry professionals opportunities to build skills, pursue credentials and prepare for a changing marketplace. 

Learn more about METALCON education and training opportunities.

By Emma Peterson. 

Learn how Rising Stars is uplifting young people and connecting them to job opportunities in the roofing industry.   

Recently, David Hutchinson stopped by The Coffee Shops® for an episode of the Roofing Road Trips® podcast. David, who is the executive director and founder of the Tremco Rising Stars Program, shared the different pathway programs that get individuals involved in the roofing industry and trade. He kicked off the podcast by sharing some background into how he helped found Rising Stars, the first of Tremco’s pathway programs:  

I come from a background of construction and construction adjacent for the last fifteen years, and I've felt from very early on that there wasn't always easy access for people to understand the opportunities and careers in the field. And then when I was holed up during the COVID lockdown, I had this concept for introducing young people from inner cities across the country into the trades. 

He took that idea to Tremco’s leadership, and the Rising Stars program was born. It started out in three cities, Brooklyn, New York; Newark, New Jersey; and Boston, Massachusetts. David dove into the logistics of how the program operates, sharing, “Rising Stars is the foundation where we show young people all the options. And from there, we have collaborations with organizations like trade unions and industry groups that take them beyond the basics." He went on, “These collaborations allow young people to see clear pathways and tools to start their journeys and careers.”  

In the years since that program's inception, it has doubled the number of cities it operates in and even grown into an independent nonprofit. David explained, “We were lucky enough, after being tied to Tremco since the inception, to grow enough and had enough support to separate last year and become our own 501c3. We we're really nicely positioned to go into this construction space as our own entity while still maintaining the great support of a group like Tremco.” 

Reflecting on it all, David is still as excited about the program as he was back in 2020. He shared, “This is an industry that has always been a relationship industry and always will be a relationship industry. And this program is making sure that everybody feels connected in a personal way, which really makes our success stories all the more exciting!” 

Want to learn more about the pathway programs borne out of Tremco’s Rising Star program? Listen to the whole episode or Watch the recording on YouTube. 

As a METALCON partner, MetalCoffeeShop is giving away 10 free Total Experience passes to the show! The Total Experience registration package is the premium pass to everything happening on the show floor. This includes access to 250+ exhibitors, demos, keynotes, networking events and 35+ FREE accredited education sessions. METALCON brings the metal construction industry's very best brands and thought leaders under one roof for three days of unprecedented access, efficiency and education.

Winners receive one Total Experience Pass for entry to the show. Travel and hotel are not included. 

Complete this form for your chance to win a pass and join us in Orlando October 7 - 9, 2026!

By Rocky Mountain Snow Guards.

DuraShield Roofing & Contracting installs No-Flash II Snow Fence System on custom roof

Anthony Walsh, president of DuraShield Roofing & Contracting, is accustomed to incorporating snow guards into his Wisconsin roofing projects. Especially those replacements jobs using slick surface products, like synthetic slate or shake from DaVinci® Roofscapes.

“DaVinci products bring realistic-looking beauty to a roof, but composites are slippery materials when wet, and they release snow quickly,” says Anthony whose company is headquartered in Neenah, Wisconsin. “For the safety of our customers, we use Rocky Mountain Snow Guards with these synthetic roof projects.”

First-time snow fence installation

However, for a recent re-roof project in Madison, Walsh’s customer had a different idea. She requested more snow retention protection than just strategically spaced snow guards… she wanted snow fences placed around the perimeter of her entire home. And she specifically requested two levels of snow fences above her three-car garage.

“This was our first time working with snow fences,” says Anthony. “We immediately turned to the experts at Rocky Mountain Snow Guards for support. They reviewed the roof measurements and diagrams. Then their team provided a free layout, along with installation instructions for their No-Flash II snow retention system.”

The aluminum 2-pipe No-Flash II snow retention system involves a bolt-down bracket and galvanneal steel baseplate. For this home, recommended positioning called for placement starting on the third course of DaVinci Multi-Width Slate shingles with baseplates spaced 18-inches on center.

To complement the Castle Gray color of the DaVinci tiles, a custom color of powder coated Liberty Gray was ordered for the No-Flash II system.

Win-win job

The DuraShield Roofing & Contracting team found installation of the snow fence to be fairly straightforward. As Anthony put it:

The product is very sturdy and we were impressed by it. In the end, the homeowner loves her new DaVinci roof and has great confidence in the snow retention system, so it’s a win-win all the way around.For us, we’ve always been a dedicated Rocky Mountain Snow Guard customer for our snow guard needs with synthetic roofing projects. Now we’ll add snow fences to that list!

By Jesse Sanchez. 

Jeff Cole discusses Palisade® underlayments, growing interest in metal roofing and shifting market demand during FRSA 2026. 

Intertape Polymer Group (IPG) brought its Palisade roofing underlayment line to Florida Roofing and Sheet Metal Contractors Association (FRSA) 2026, giving contractors an opportunity to experience the material’s traction firsthand. Jeff Cole, who has worked in the roofing industry for 20 years, represents Intertape Polymer Group’s ECP division, which specializes in building materials. His responsibilities include products across the building envelope, from roofing underlayment and house wrap to crawl space fabric. 

Jeff described Palisade as one of the company’s premium roofing underlayment brands. At the show, its distinctive surface drew attendees into the booth for a hands-on demonstration. Reflecting on those interactions, Jeff explained, “Everybody comes up and the first thing they want to do is walk on our material because it is patented. It is unique.” 

The material features a polka-dot grid designed to provide slip resistance. According to Jeff, users do not need to press the ball of their foot into the surface to gain traction, allowing contractors to understand the product’s value through a direct demonstration. Emphasizing the stability of the surface, Jeff added, “You can almost stand on it flatfooted and play tennis on it. It’s very sure-footed stuff and that’s why people tend to like it.” 

Beyond underlayments, Jeff identified metal roofing as a major topic on the show floor. He pointed to severe weather, insurance pressures and homeowner interest in longer-lasting roofing systems as factors contributing to the conversation. Summarizing the broader shift, Jeff observed, “The buzz is metal roofing. That seems to be a bigger and bigger component and the roofing numbers show that.” 

IPG is also promoting Palisade Butyl-HT Plus, one of two product launches planned for 2026. Jeff described the product as a pure extruded butyl with strong tack and a broad operating temperature range. The product had already launched by the time of the event, with FRSA serving as a key promotional opportunity. 

Jeff also noted a recent shift in customer demand. After shingles were down about 10% in the first quarter, he said several major customers had contacted the company asking it to increase production to help prevent material shortages. 

Watch the full interview to learn more about the roofing underlayment innovations and market trends Jeff Cole discussed at FRSA 2026! 

Our team is heading to the Western Roofing Expo in Las Vegas September 27–30, 2026, and we'd love the opportunity to meet with you while you're there. 📍 Visit us at Booth #539! Whether it's coffee, breakfast, or dinner, we'd be happy to treat you while we discuss your upcoming projects, material needs, or ways we can help support your business.

Stop by Booth #539 to see what's new:

• Discover Our New Panel Profiles and Prints – Be among the first to see the new Wes-Trix® panel and WoodLock® Standing Seam.
• Custom Panels & Trim Up to 32 Feet – Learn how our Jorns folding technology produces longer custom panels with fewer seams for cleaner, more efficient installations.
• Industry-Leading Colors & Finishes – Explore premium PVDF colors, black finishes, Corten® weathering steel, painted rusted prints, woodgrain patterns, and exclusive specialty finishes.
• Popular Exposed Fastener Panels – Stock your inventory with customer favorites including 7/8" Corrugated, Western Rib®, PBR Panel, and AG Panel, all manufactured with fast turnaround times.
• Fast Coil & Flat Sheet Supply – Learn how our dedicated Coil & Flat Division provides same-day processing and fast delivery.
• Resources Built for Contractors – Explore product specifications, installation guides, downloadable resources, and request samples directly from our website.
• Design & Project Support – Meet with our team to find the right materials, colors, and panel profiles for your next roofing or siding project.
• Meet the WSMR Team – Talk with our experts about your upcoming projects, custom manufacturing capabilities, and product recommendations.

If you'll be attending the show, we'd love to set aside time to meet with you. Schedule a meet with our reps over coffee, breakfast, or dinner—our treat! We look forward to seeing you at Booth #539 in Las Vegas!

Contractors attend the expo for FREE! Visit our page for the free registration.

Schedule your WRE meeting today!