By Emma Peterson. 

Robotics and automation are coming to the jobsite. Are you prepared?  

Robotics and automation have long been a part of manufacturing processes. But where these two pieces of technology have historically played behind-the-scenes roles, that norm is quickly changing. Both in our personal and professional lives, we are seeing the integration of robotics and automations, whether that’s a robot bartender in Las Vegas or a delivery robot on a college campus. With this shift into day-to-day uses, it’s not hard to imagine how these technologies will be introduced into other roles, such as on the jobsite. 

To learn more about robotics and automation, and how they might influence the construction industry, Karen Edwards will be hosting a Read Listen Watch® (RLW) with John Kenney of Cotney Consulting Group about the topic on May 21, 2026.  

John is the perfect guest for this conversation as he comes with over 45 years of experience in the roofing and construction industries. He started his career as a laborer in a family-run construction business and eventually worked up to being a COO of a commercial contracting firm. Today, John is CEO and co-founder of Cotney Consulting Group; a board member of Roofing Technology Think Tank (RT3); an active part of the National Women in Roofing (NWIR)’s membership committee; and a member of countless other international and national technical associations.  

Each of these experiences have granted him insights into the roles technology has and will continue to play across the building envelope and the trades. From changing the ways businesses operate to how contractors can begin familiarizing themselves with the evolving robotic and automation developments without disrupting crews or culture, he has great advice for navigating these changes. 

The conversation will take on this topic that is often mired in fear and speculation, instead approaching it with an outlook that centers on the importance of awareness and preparation. John and Karen will not only discuss the emergence of new robotics and automations but also dive into how contractors can prepare their operations for the changes these tools bring.  

Want to learn more about how robotics will work in the world of roofing? Tune into the live Read Listen Watch® (RLW) on May 21, 2026! Register to save your spot.  

By Emma Peterson. 

Check out what The Coffee Shops™ readers are clicking on. 

It’s hard to even believe that it’s already April. If your March has been anything like ours has been at The Coffee Shops™, it has been very busy! So, to help our readers keep track of everything that happened in the last month, we put together a list of the top-read articles on RoofersCoffeeShop®, MetalCoffeeShop® and CoatingsCoffeeShop® in March 2026.  

One thing we noticed when looking at the data for our trending article topics was the sheer number of articles focused on workforce development and business advice. For example, Emma Peterson highlighted how SkillsUSA helped two young roofers find a mentor for life and how National Roofing Contractors Association (NRCA) has made workforce development one of their key initiatives.   

Additionally, Jenny Yu shared key information for metal roofers about how Sherwin-Williams' MetalVue program acts as “a comprehensive support system for contractors that connects them to all the tools they might need” to succeed. Additionally, John Kenney of Cotney Consulting Group dove into general construction safety practices and how the fundamentals are key to building a long-lasting, successful business.  

Our top article list from March 2026 

10 - Finding the path to roofing by Emma Peterson 

9 - Navigating a new world of technology by Emma Peterson 

8 - Business-in-a-box for metal roofing by Jenny Yu 

7 - Finding your path through mentorship by Emma Peterson 

6 - Brakes and beyond: Products for efficiency and customization by Jenny Yu 

5 - The state of roofing recruitment and retention by Emma Peterson 

4 - General construction safety principles: The core practices every outdoor trade should follow by John Kenney 

3 - Inspiring the next generation of roofers by Emma Peterson 

2 - A new safety frontier by Emma Peterson 

1 - Level up your team with training by Emma Peterson 

By Emma Peterson. 

Explore how early planning, clear processes and documentation prepare your business for its next chapter. 

One of the hardest moments for any business owner or entrepreneur to properly prepare for is when it’s time to take a step back and pass the company on to the next leader. But it is a moment that comes for all of us, and one that you want to be prepared for. When you’ve put years or even decades of work into a company, it becomes your legacy, and that should be protected through proper preparations. To talk about the process of leadership transitions, Heidi J. Ellsworth, Megan Ellsworth and John Kenney (CEO of Cotney Consulting Group) hosted an Affinity Webinar to discuss navigating different forms of succession planning.  

Passing the torch on to family 

Many roofing companies become part of family legacies as they are passed down from parent to child. This is often a great way to make sure your business is cared for by someone who is as invested in its success as you are. But this succession method also comes with some challenges. John explained:  

There’s a saying about the first generation having success, and every generation after that has a higher chance of failure. Why? Oftentimes when companies are passed through families, going from that first to second, or second to third generation, the processes, procedures and understandings aren’t passed down as well. 

What John is pointing out is that, in these family hand-offs, the plan is often to simply hand the company to the next generation, and plans do not extend beyond that. In order to set that next generation up for success, you need to plan beyond who gets the business. As John put it, “There is a lot of planning and even financial type of setting up to do, if you want to set them up for success. At the end of the day, if everything is not in order, the succession's not going to work.”   

Making a sale 

Another form of succession that we see frequently in the roofing industry is sales. This can be to another contractor or private equity. And the main thing to know about this path is that your company might not look the same after the sale. John explained, “Sales happen for two reasons. One is they're buying you out because they're going to flip you and get rid of you, and they don't care. So, you have to think hard about if that’s what you want. Or they come in as a partner.” 

If you want the latter, for your company to become partner of the buyers’ business, there is some groundwork that must be done to prepare for sale. John gave some examples, explaining, “They are going to deep dive into what your current org chart looks like, management structure, what your bench strength looks like and how you have planned for the next 5 to 10 year.” By keeping your records organized and clear, you can show them why your business is worth investing in and keeping as a partner, rather than being flipped completely. 

Navigating a merger 

And last but not least, there are mergers and strategic partnerships. This form of succession has been all over the headlines across the industry. While it may sound fancy or complex, John broke it down, saying, “When you're looking at mergers and strategic partnerships, they absolutely become no different than bringing in a family member. The only difference is it's a family member with money.” 

Why does he say that? Similar to older generations preparing to hand off to a younger family member, the most important part of planning for a merger succession is making sure that structures and processes are established and clear. John explained:  

The company is just the structure, and that structure should be able to go on if you've got it built correctly to put different people in different seats as time progresses...And if you don’t have that in place, your absolute sales price, your buyout price, your stock shares or whatever the deal may be, is going to be lower.”  

Overall advice 

You might have started to notice a pattern in John’s advice – succession planning is all about clear organization. And that’s because that is the key to any successful handoff, whether it's to a family member, another contractor or an investor. As John elaborated:  

The first place to start is to look at yourself and your company. You should start building your initial succession plan years before you want to exit. Within 6 month of starting to plan, you should have something that you're ready to start to kick around, and within a year you should know what the goals are and how to get there. From there, you're having quarterly or biannual review meetings, documenting the growth within the company and adjusting the plan to that.  

With this type of strategy, you can be assured that no matter whether you are looking at a family handover, a sale or a merger, you will have set up your roofing company for succession success.  

Watch the whole webinar to learn more about succession planning.

By Jesse Sanchez. 

Understanding break-even calculations can help protect margins and simplify pricing decisions. 

Many roofing companies judge the success of a year by how much revenue they generate. Yet revenue alone does not determine whether a company is financially healthy. According to industry consultant John Kenney from Cotney Consulting Group, the number that ultimately reveals the true condition of a roofing business is its break-even point. When that number is outdated or poorly understood, contractors may unknowingly price projects below the level required to sustain their operations. 

Break-even analysis serves as the financial foundation behind nearly every operational decision in a roofing company. It influences how contractors set prices, allocate overhead, manage labor and determine when to hire or expand. Because roofing is one of the most economically sensitive construction trades, those calculations must constantly adapt to changing conditions. Labor costs fluctuate, insurance premiums increase, production efficiency shifts and material prices move with market demand. When companies rely on last year’s assumptions, the pricing decisions built on those numbers can quietly undermine profitability. 

The consequences often appear gradually rather than all at once. Jobs may appear profitable on paper while cash flow fails to improve. Crews remain fully scheduled, but margins continue to narrow. Meanwhile, overhead expenses increase as businesses scale operations, yet pricing structures remain unchanged. In those situations, contractors can find themselves working harder each year while earning less from the work they complete. 

A clear break-even calculation depends on understanding several financial realities that are often underestimated. Overhead costs extend far beyond basic office expenses and include administrative salaries, vehicles, software systems, insurance premiums, marketing and facility costs. Labor expenses are similarly more complex than hourly wages alone. Payroll taxes, workers’ compensation, health benefits, paid leave, supervision time and lost productivity all contribute to the true cost of maintaining a workforce. 

John notes that this gap between perceived and actual labor costs frequently surprises contractors. A crew member paid $28 per hour, for example, may ultimately cost a company closer to $52 per hour once those additional obligations are included. After overhead allocation and required profit margin are factored in, a contractor charging $65 per hour could still be operating below the level needed to remain profitable. 

Regularly updating break-even calculations allows contractors to adjust pricing for re-roof projects, service work and time-and-materials jobs with greater confidence. By grounding estimating decisions in current financial data rather than assumptions, roofing companies can protect margins while building more stable and sustainable operations. 

Learn more about how recalculating your break-even point each year helps roofing contractors price work accurately, protect profit margins and make stronger operational decisions!

By John Kenney, Cotney Consulting Group. 

Learn how geopolitical conflicts are impacting material costs, supply chains and more in the roofing market. 

For many people in the U.S., gas costs have been top of mind with the conflict in Iran disrupting oil distribution. However, the cost of this type of disruption extends far beyond the pump. Specifically, we have seen a shift in global energy logistics, shipping routes and industrial supply changes as the conflict impacts the Strait of Hormuz.  

This is not the first time geopolitics have disrupted these systems. And in the past, it has led to higher material costs, tighter supply chains and greater uncertainty in bidding and project planning. Keep reading to learn more about this ongoing situation and what contractors should do to prepare from John Kenney, the CEO of Cotney Consulting Group. 

The moment energy markets shifted 

The Strait of Hormuz normally carries roughly one-fifth of the world’s oil and liquefied natural gas shipments. When traffic through that corridor becomes disrupted, the ripple effects extend far beyond energy markets. 

Recently, several Gulf energy producers have declared force majeure on shipments due to the inability to safely move product through the region. In energy markets, that declaration carries a simple meaning: Producers cannot deliver contracted supply due to extraordinary circumstances such as war or shipping disruptions. 

Once force majeure declarations begin, the issue is no longer speculation. It signals that the system responsible for moving energy resources is breaking down. 

At the same time, industrial signals are starting to appear. One example came from Aluminium Bahrain (Alba), the world’s largest single-site aluminum smelter, which recently reduced output by nearly 20 percent because raw materials could no longer be replenished through disrupted shipping routes. 

This is the point where global events begin transitioning from headlines into supply chain realities. 

Why construction supply chains follow energy disruptions 

Energy logistics sit at the foundation of modern industrial production. When oil shipping, petrochemical production or maritime freight becomes unstable, construction materials eventually follow. 

The construction industry sits several layers downstream from energy markets. That means the first signs of disruption appear elsewhere before contractors see price increases. 

The sequence typically looks like this: 

1. Energy markets become volatile. 
2. Shipping routes become restricted or more expensive. 
3. Industrial producers adjust output. 
4. Material manufacturers increase prices or extend lead times. 
5. Contractors feel the effects months later. 

We are now seeing the early stages of that process. 

Materials contractors should be watching 

Several construction materials are particularly exposed to energy and shipping disruptions. 

Asphalt and roofing products are closely tied to oil refining. When crude supply chains tighten or refineries shift production priorities, asphalt supply can shrink quickly. Roofing membranes, built-up roofing asphalt and paving materials often feel these changes within a few months. 

Aluminum is another vulnerable material. Modern construction relies heavily on aluminum for curtain wall systems, flashing, HVAC components and architectural framing. When global smelters face raw material shortages or energy costs rise, aluminum pricing tends to move rapidly. 

Petrochemical-based materials are also exposed. Many roofing membranes, insulation products, coatings and adhesives rely on petrochemical feedstocks produced in the Middle East and Gulf Coast. Supply disruptions can affect these materials within a 60- to 90-day window. 

Copper and electrical materials may follow later. Copper processing relies on industrial chemicals and global shipping logistics. If those systems tighten, electrical components and wiring systems used in construction can see price increases. 

Finally, insulation materials such as polyiso and spray foam depend on petrochemical derivatives. When those feedstocks become constrained, insulation pricing can adjust quickly. 

None of these changes happen overnight. But they rarely occur in isolation either. 

The timeline contractors should expect 

Projected timeline showing how energy disruptions can move from oil markets to construction material pricing over a 30–180 day period.  

Construction material impacts typically unfold in stages following energy disruptions. 

• 0–30 days – Market volatility 
  Energy markets react first. Oil prices fluctuate, tanker traffic becomes uncertain and freight rates increase as shipping companies reroute vessels or charge war-risk insurance premiums. 
• 30–90 days – Supply chain tightening 
  Industrial supply chains begin to adjust. Petrochemical feedstocks tighten, asphalt supply becomes more volatile and insulation and coating manufacturers may begin issuing price notifications. 
• 90–180 days – Construction cost adjustments 
  Material price increases begin appearing in contractor bids and project budgets. Aluminum, copper and fabricated systems often see adjustments as global supply chains recalibrate. 

This timeline isn’t exact, but historically it reflects how energy disruptions move through industrial supply chains. 

What contractors should be doing now 

Most contractors cannot control global events, but they can control how they respond to early signals. 

First, pay attention to supplier communications. Price increase notices often appear before broader market reports. Staying in close contact with suppliers can provide early warning of material volatility. 

Second, review contract language related to price escalation. In periods of uncertainty, clearly defined escalation clauses can help manage risk for both contractors and project owners. 

Third, monitor key materials tied to energy markets, including asphalt, petrochemical-based products and aluminum. These materials often move earlier than structural components. 

Finally, communicate with clients about potential supply chain risks. Owners appreciate transparency when contractors explain the factors influencing project pricing and timelines. 

Looking ahead 

Wars rarely remain confined to battlefields. They reshape supply chains, alter trade routes and introduce new uncertainties into global markets. For contractors, the key issue isn’t predicting geopolitics. It’s recognizing how global disruptions eventually translate into local material costs. 

The construction industry may not feel the full effects immediately. But when energy logistics shift, construction materials usually follow. The companies paying attention now will be better positioned when the next round of pricing adjustments arrives. 

Original article source: Cotney Consulting Group

By John Kenney, Cotney Consulting Group. 

Getting the fundamentals right is what separates disciplined contractors from the rest.

Across the outdoor living industry, every contractor has their specialty — tile setting, hardscape, pool and spa, landscaping, lighting, sports surfaces, agronomics and general maintenance. Each trade has its own techniques, tools and materials, but one thing unites them all: Safety fundamentals. These aren’t complicated systems or advanced training modules. They are the core practices that form the backbone of every professional job site. 

When you boil down decades of incident reports, near misses, audits and field observations, the patterns are clear. The most serious injuries don’t happen because a job is difficult — they happen because the fundamentals weren’t followed. General construction safety is universal: if you get the basics right, you prevent 90% of the hazards before they ever develop. 

Safety begins with mindset, not equipment 

Tools, PPE and procedures are critical, but they don’t matter if the crew isn’t mentally engaged. The safest teams share one trait: situational awareness. Workers who pay attention to their surroundings catch hazards early — before they become incidents. 

This mindset includes: 

• Recognizing when conditions change 
• Speaking up about hazards 
• Asking questions instead of assuming 
• Taking the extra 10 seconds to do the job correctly 

Training builds skills. Culture builds awareness. You need both. 

Pre-task planning: Five minutes that prevents five weeks of injuries 

No matter the trade, every job has a “first five minutes.” That small window sets the tone for the entire day. Crews that pause to plan work more safely and produce better results. 

Strong pre-task planning includes: 

• Reviewing the scope of work 
• Identifying the hazards around that task 
• Confirming PPE requirements 
• Checking equipment condition 
• Assigning specific roles 
• Reviewing changes since the previous shift 

It doesn’t need to be formal or time-consuming. It needs to be consistent. 

PPE: The basics are what matter most 

PPE is not a substitute for safe behavior, but it is a critical line of defense. Outdoor worksites present unpredictable hazards — flying debris, chemicals, sharp materials, electrical exposure, uneven surfaces and weather shifts. 

To cover the majority of risks, crews should always have: 

• Safety glasses or face shields 
• Gloves suited for the task 
• Hard hats when working around overhead hazards 
• High-visibility apparel in shared workzones 
• Proper footwear with slip-resistant soles 
• Hearing protection near power tools or machinery 

PPE doesn’t help when it stays in the truck. Supervisors should model correct usage every day. 

Tool and equipment safety: Respect the basics 

Most tool-related injuries come from improper use, poor condition or rushing. Across all outdoor trades, workers should follow these fundamentals: 

• Inspect tools before each use 
• Remove damaged tools from service immediately 
• Use the correct tool for the job 
• Keep guards and safety devices in place 
• Maintain a clean, well-lit work area 
• Store tools properly during breaks 

From grinders to mowers to power drills, every tool behaves predictably — until someone misuses it. 

Communication: The most underrated safety system 

Clear communication prevents more accidents than any device or sign. Outdoor projects involve multiple trades, overlapping work zones and changing conditions. Everyone — from new hires to supervisors — must stay aligned. 

Effective communication includes: 

• Announcing when equipment is starting or moving 
• Confirming lockout/tagout before maintenance begins 
• Establishing eye contact before passing materials 
• Verbalizing hazards during walkthroughs 
• Using radios or hand signals when needed 

Many of the worst incidents happen because someone didn’t know what another worker was doing. 

Weather awareness: The outdoor variable you can’t control 

Unlike indoor trades, outdoor contractors face the weather every day. Rain, wind, heat, cold and lightning all introduce hazards that change the rhythm of the job. 

Fundamentals include: 

• Stopping work on elevated surfaces during high winds 
• Avoiding electrical tasks in wet conditions 
• Monitoring heat exposure and hydration 
• Adjusting schedules for extreme temperatures 
• Securing materials and equipment in storms 

Safety adapts with the weather, not the other way around. 

The power of stop-work authority 

Every worker on the site should have the confidence — and the permission — to stop a task if they feel unsafe. This isn’t only good safety practice; it’s good management. 

Stop-work authority: 

• Prevents rushed decisions 
• Encourages critical thinking 
• Builds trust within the crew 
• Demonstrates leadership commitment to safety 

When workers know their voices matter, they use them. 

Professionalism begins with the basics 

General construction safety principles aren’t complicated, and that’s precisely why they get overlooked. The fundamentals don’t change because the trade changes. Whether you’reinstalling a stone patio, rewiring a landscape light, resurfacing a tennis court or maintaining a facility, the same rules apply. 

When crews follow the basics — plan the task, stay aware, wear PPE, communicate clearly, respect tools and adapt to conditions — they build safer sites, stronger teams and higher-quality work. That consistency defines professionalism in every segment. 

Getting the fundamentals right is what separates disciplined contractors from the rest. When safety becomes a habit rather than a requirement, every jobsite benefits — and every worker goes home whole. 

By Jesse Sanchez. 

Understanding emotional drivers helps roofing professionals build trust, communicate value and close projects confidently. 

In a competitive and deeply personal trade, roofing contractors succeed by understanding why customers buy, not just what they buy. Insights shared by John Kenney of Cotney Consulting Group frame selling as a discipline rooted in psychology, trust and service rather than a series of technical pitches alone. By shifting focus from products to people, roofing professionals can create stronger connections that guide confident decisions. 

Buying a roof is rarely a rational transaction. Fear of leaks, structural damage and future expenses shape every conversation. John noted that contractors who speak to peace of mind, protection and long-term value address those concerns directly while setting themselves apart from price-driven competitors. 

That approach helps homeowners understand value as perception rather than cost. Homeowners weigh durability, energy performance and resale impact more than line-item totals. When proposals clearly communicate those benefits, John noted that higher margins become easier to justify without pressure. 

Trust then becomes the decisive factor. Clear proposals, visual documentation and modern digital tools help homeowners feel informed and respected. Transparency reduces skepticism and positions contractors as reliable advisors rather than transactional sellers. 

Effective sales conversations also center on solutions. Questions like “What’s your biggest concern with your roof?” uncover motivations that can help shape tailored recommendations. When urgency is introduced, it works best when tied to risk prevention or financial advantage rather than artificial deadlines. 

How contractors view themselves ultimately shapes how customers experience the sales process. When the role shifts from salesperson to trusted advisor, conversations become more confident, measured and credible. That perspective helps contractors lead with a clear major selling idea, whether it centers on long-term warranties, proven systems, responsive service or advanced technology. Instead of reacting to objections, contractors guide decisions with clarity and purpose. 

That advisory role does not end when the roof is installed. Ongoing communication through post-install inspections, follow-up calls and simple gestures of appreciation reinforces trust long after the job is complete. Those touchpoints signal accountability and care, turning one-time projects into lasting relationships that generate referrals, repeat business and long-term stability. 

Learn more about applying psychology-driven sales strategies to build trust, close confidently and grow sustainably!

By Emma Peterson. 

From tools to training courses, The Coffee Shops™ crew wraps up the perfect presents for roofing pros in this guide to giving this holiday season. 

If your year has been anything like ours here at The Coffee Shops™, it’s going by faster than you can flip the months on the calendar! We’re shocked, too, but the gift-giving season is just around the corner, and it’s time to start planning what to get for your friends, family and coworkers. To make things a little easier if this season caught you off guard like it did us, our team has created the ultimate gift giving guide perfect for any contractor or professional in your life.  

1 – Yule be sad if you miss out on this R-Club discount  

Do you have a contractor in your life looking for a network of support or learning opportunities? Look no further than R-Club! R-Club is a Coffee Shops program created to make an exclusive space for roofing professionals where they can learn and socialize with other professionals from across the industry. Gifting the roofing professional in your life with a membership is a great way not only to give them a present but also to uplift their business savvy! 

And for a Black Friday special, we are thrilled to offer a 50% off discount for R-Club memberships using code HOLLYJOLLY50!

2 – Don't fir-get a pipe collar 

The last thing anyone wants when getting ready for the holidays is a leaky roof ruining the festivities. That’s what the Wil-Mar Products’ pipe collar helps avoid! These products are made out of an EPDM rubber that provides long-lasting waterproof counterflashing for vent pipes and is a must-have for any roofing professional’s toolkit.  

Eliminating a variety of tape and mastic leaking problems, a case of these can help the roofer in your life avoid an avalanche of problems later.

3 – Jingle and mingle at IRE 2026 

From innovative solutions and hands-on demos to a dynamic education program and unmatched networking opportunities, the International Roofing Expo (IRE) is the place to be for anyone in the roofing world. The next show will be hosted in Las Vegas, Nevada from January 20 – 22, 2026. Have a contractor or installer in your life looking to level up their knowledge and relationships? Consider giving them an IRE pass!  

If you register using The Coffee Shops’ promo code (INVITES492) for a free expo hall admission or 10% off a conference pass!

4 – Malco’s rotary sheer is snow special 

Combining high-performance with a reasonable sales tag, Malco’s TurboShear is a special accessory that saves professionals time and labor. It can easily be used with the chuck of a standard 1200 rpm A/C or cordless drill and cuts precisely enough to navigate tight curved patterns and squares.  

TurboShear is a great addition to the toolbag of anyone working with metal on the jobsite.

5 – John Kenney's contractor training is always a sleigh 

John Kenney is the CEO of Cotney Consulting Group and a household name in the roofing industry. With over 45 years of experience, he helps contractors around the country scale knowledge across topics such as estimating, field leadership and project operations. No matter the role of the person you’re shopping for, he has a training program that will help them get the job done. 

Learn more about his classes so you can find the perfect match for your loved one!

6 – The KARNAK 671 shines bright 

This amazing product is a single-component, silicone roof sealant from KARNAK. Not only does it resist weathering, hardening, chalking and cracking (making it a well-rounded, high-performance solution), it has been proven to stick to a roof in a variety of conditions, including when it’s wet. And the best part about this product? KARNAK offers it in three different forms – buckets, caulk tubes and pouches! This makes it easier for contractors to bring KARNAK 671 with them to every job site.  

KARNAK 671 is the perfect way to level up any applicator’s toolbox.

7 – Light up someone's life with a cordless Leister hand welder!  

Leister is known for their wide range of plastic welders and heat guns that make contractors' lives easier in the field. A great gift option from their collection is the NEXTHEAT overlap welding kit. This kit is a complete solution for wireless welding. The kit not only includes the NEXHEAT 300 A-LP, which is known for consistent and reliable welds, but also an eight-amp battery from Bosch and a matching charger. 

Learn more about this handy kit!

8 – Gelt them a Kool Seal product! 

Kool Seal has been a leader in the roofing products industry for over a century. Their products reliably deliver exceptional durability, weather resistance and ease of application.  You can help a contractor in your life elevate their roofing projects with Kool Seal products by connecting them with a Sherwin-Williams sales representative to get samples of their premium roof coatings. 

Contact a representative today!

9 - Flurry up and get one of Wryker’s contractor bags 

For the contractor on-the-go, Wryker’s branded contractor bags will put a smile on your loved one’s face every time they use it! These are hyper-tough bags perfect for everything from metal scraps and drywall to packaging and shingle scraps. Designed out of 3-mil film, these bags hold 43 gallons and give Santa’s sack of toys a run for its money in functionality.  

Learn more about Wryker’s contractor bags!

10 – Brrrrr-ing on the savings with Instant Roofer 

Designed by roofers, for roofers, Instant Roofer connects professionals with AI-powered sales tools that help their businesses grow. These tools include their high-quality roofing leads, instant measure reports and the built-in roofing calculator. And the best part? There is a special deal on a bundle of the measure reports and roofing calculator that would make a great gift! 

Get the AI Sales Tool Bundle and get 30 days free!

11 – CIDAN is not elfing around with their portable break 

New this year, CIDAN Machinery Group launched ONROLL, a revolutionary portable roll former, to the U.S. market! This roll former is designed to operate on urban rooftops and at remote installs through wind and rain without a problem. Combined with a 90 FPM speed and center-driven pinch-roller drive, ONROLL is perfect for the installer that needs accurate, smooth and efficient seams on site.  

Get the CIDAN ONROLL today!

12 – A Geocel sealant is always a n-ice gift!  

Looking for a versatile gift that will definitely be used? Geocel’s 4600™ Hybrid Structural Adhesive Sealant is a jack-of-all-trades sealant that combines powerful performance with amazing adaptability. It can be used on a variety of materials (metal, masonry, wood, foam, glass, etc.) and can be applied in conditions as harsh as 0° Fahrenheit.  

Get them a multi-tasking product that works as hard as they do.

13 – Santa's elves work hard, but the Catch-All Nail Catch works harder 

The Catch-All was founded on the goal of keeping roofing construction sites clean – far from an easy goal. But their products rise to the challenge every time, using chute nets, reinforced ground nets, collapsible support poles and more to keep roofing debris from hitting the ground. As a part of their extensive protection system, they also designed the Nail Catch, which is a filter system that collects debris in the first few weeks after the job.    

The Nail-Catch is the perfect size for a stocking stuffer! Use code “RCS” to get a 5% discount on your purchase.

14 - Make a fa-la-la-la-lasting impression with the Roofing Alliance Clemson Training Program 

Looking for a gift for the roofer in your life who’s always looking to learn new skills? Consider gifting them one of Roofing Alliance and Clemson University’s self-paced online courses tailored to the roofing industry! There are three different courses to choose from: roofing fundamentals, roofing management and roofing business and leadership. Each course is 60 days long and if a contractor finishes all three, they can earn a Roofing Professional Management Certificate! 

If you want to give the gift that keeps giving, look into the Roofing Alliance Clemson Training Program.

Stay up to date with the latest industry news when you sign up for the Coffee Shop eNews. 

By Emma Peterson. 

Dive into succession planning with industry expert and veteran John Kenney.  

John Kenney, who has over 45 years of experience in the roofing industry, founded and is the CEO of Cotney Consulting Group. The goal of Cotney Consulting Group is to give contractors “strategic guidance built on real-world field knowledge.” And here at The Coffee Shops™ we are honored and proud to work with John and Cotney Consulting Group to achieve that mission in a variety of ways. One of which is through our Affinity Webinar series!  

Through this series, John shares his insights on a variety of timely and important topics, including leveraging industry memberships, marketing to a new generation, training your team and navigating social media. They are a powerful resource for any contractor looking to expand their knowledge and improve their business’s operations. And there’s a new topic coming soon – succession planning!  

On December 2, 2025, at 11 a.m. PT, John will be hosting a new Affinity Webinar all about preparing for leadership transitions and changes in a roofing company. Whether you are planning for the future or navigating this now, this session will teach key steps and considerations. 

Succession planning can look very different; some contractors might be working towards handing the company off to family while others might plan to sell to key employees or merge the business with another company. But no matter what the goal is, having a plan is key for both protecting your legacy and securing the future of your company and employees. 

In this Affinity Webinar, John will dive into the key steps in the succession process, going from years in advance of the transition to building the team that will guide the process as it’s happening. He will also touch on common pitfalls that can make succession a bumpy path and how to avoid them. 

If you are looking ahead at your company and trying to figure out what’s next, this is a must-listen webinar! Register for it today.

MCS Influencer John Kenney says adapting with skill and strategy is key to leading an evolving roofing and construction market forward. 

In the roofing and construction trades, growth doesn’t always come from getting bigger, but from getting sharper. Many contractors try to expand by adding more crews or chasing new territories. However, specializing in the metal construction market is one of the most innovative and sustainable ways to grow today. Custom fabrication, architectural design work and decorative or structural metal systems open the door to higher-margin projects, repeat clients and a reputation that sets you apart from the competition. 

Metal has become one of the fastest-growing segments in construction because it blends strength, sustainability and style. From standing seam roofs and wall panels to architectural accents and complete custom builds, clients ask for more creative metal solutions than ever. Contractors who can deliver them don’t just win jobs, they become go-to partners for architects, developers and owners who want design flexibility and performance that lasts. 

The opportunity is there, but the key is to approach it strategically. Adding specialized metal services isn’t something you bolt on overnight; you build it into your operation. 

Start by understanding your market. Look around your region and identify who’s already doing metal work and where the gaps are. Are commercial clients asking for custom fascia, soffit, or wall systems? Are residential customers looking for modern metal roofs that hold up in severe weather? Maybe your area grows in agricultural or industrial builds, where pre-engineered metal buildings are the standard. Once you know where demand trends, you can tailor your offering. 

Next, take a hard look at your internal capabilities. Metal construction requires precision, skill and the right equipment. If you’re going to get into fabrication or architectural detail work, you’ll need trained sheet metal mechanics, quality machinery and a solid understanding of architectural drawings. That might mean investing in a brake, shear, roll former, or plasma cutter. More importantly, it means investing in people because skilled metalworkers are the ones who turn designs into results. 

Start small. Take on projects that push your team further without overwhelming your resources. Partner with a local fabricator if you need help at first. As your experience and comfort level grow, you can bring more fabrication in-house. Over time, you’ll reduce your costs and gain control over production schedules and quality. That control becomes a significant selling point when dealing with owners or architects who expect precision and accountability. 

Metal also opens the door to collaboration with the architectural and design community, where contractors can stand out. Architects love working with contractors who understand metal's structural side and creative potential. When you can talk their language about panel profiles, finishes and installation details, you build trust. They’ll bring you in earlier in the design process, which means you’re helping shape the project instead of just bidding. That’s where you find your most profitable work. 

Adding custom metal capabilities can also strengthen your existing relationships. If you’re already doing roofing, offering metal trim, wall systems, or architectural canopies gives your clients one trusted source instead of several subcontractors. It streamlines coordination, improves margins and positions you as a more complete solution provider. 

Of course, expanding into this space takes more than tools and training; it takes marketing and reputation. Don’t just tell people you now offer metal services. Show them. Take photos of completed work, highlight custom details and share before-and-after shots demonstrating your craftsmanship. Attend trade shows, post on social media and build relationships with architects and general contractors who focus on high-end design. The more you showcase your expertise, the more opportunities you’ll attract. 

Metal construction is also a great way to align with sustainability trends. Metal panels are durable, recyclable and energy-efficient. When you understand how to integrate these benefits into your proposals explaining reflectivity, insulation performance and long-term cost savings, you’re speaking to what today’s building owners care about. Sustainability isn’t just a buzzword anymore; it’s a business advantage. 

There’s another benefit to specializing: it helps with workforce retention. Skilled tradespeople like to be part of something that challenges them. When your company takes on detailed metal projects, your employees have opportunities to learn new skills and take pride in higher-level work. It builds loyalty and gives them a sense of craftsmanship that goes beyond everyday production roofing. 

At the end of the day, growing through specialization is about depth, not just scale. You don’t have to compete with the biggest contractors in volume when you can compete on expertise. Metal construction lets you do just that; it sets you apart, builds your reputation and opens the door to more profitable, creative work. 

If you want to future-proof your business, start learning everything about custom metal systems. Partner with trusted manufacturers, train your crews and invest in the tools that expand your offerings. The roofing and construction market is evolving; those who adapt with skill and strategy will lead it forward.