In this MetalTalk™ episode, Karol Weyman sits down with Austin Cash, The Malco Group’s product development manager, to explore how today's metal contractors, fabricators and installers can increase productivity, improve craftsmanship and reduce labor challenges through smarter field fabrication. From cutting standing seam panels to creating precise bends, hems and finishing details on-site, learn how purpose-built tools help crews work more efficiently while delivering the quality building owners expect.

Register today!

By The Coffee Shops®.

From installation and fabrication to service calls, Malco HVAC Pro Kits keep essential tools organized and ready for fieldwork.

Heating, ventilation and air conditioning professionals need tools that match the work in front of them. Malco created the HVAC Pro Kits to bring together professional-grade tools for installation, service and fabrication, giving technicians several organized options based on their workflow and experience. The kits are available as a backpack or bucket.

For professionals who prefer a backpack, the Malco Exclusive Veto® TECH PAC line includes the Install Pro Kit, Install and Service Pro Kit and Ultimate HVAC Pro Kit. Each configuration builds on the last, allowing a professional focused primarily on installation or handling both installation and service to select an appropriate tool set.

The backpack kits include tools for common cutting, forming and fastening tasks. Depending on the selected kit, options include Max2000® left- and right-cut snips, a five-blade crimper, 13/16-inch notcher, 3-inch hand seamer, duct knife, hole cutter, duct stretcher and C-RHEX® flip bit. The larger configurations add tools such as TurboShear®, Gripped Andy Snips®, a scribe, hex drivers, a TurboCrimper®, flex duct cutter, duct ripper and magnetic torpedo level.

HVAC professionals can also choose between two bucket kits carried in Veto Pro Pac utility bags with cinch tops, vertical pockets and belt clips. The HVAC Snip and Driver Pro Bucket Kit supports cutting and fastening during service and retrofit calls. The HVAC Sheet Metal Pro Bucket Kit expands the selection for duct fabrication on installation and service jobs with tools such as a crimper, notcher, hand seamer and 16-foot magnetic tape measure.

Whether carried in a backpack or bucket, each kit is designed to keep durable tools organized for daily jobsite use.

Learn more about Malco HVAC Pro Kits and find your HVAC Pro Kit.

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 October 21 at 11 a.m. PT, Karol Weyman will sit down with Austin Cash, The Malco Group’s product development manager, to explore how smarter field fabrication can help crews increase productivity, improve quality and respond to ongoing labor challenges. 

Bringing fabrication capabilities to the job site 

On-site fabrication gives contractors greater flexibility when plans and actual field conditions do not align. Rather than relying entirely on shop-fabricated custom pieces, crews can produce the flashing, trim and finishing details they need at the job site. 

Field fabrication is particularly valuable when crews need to make precise modifications or create custom components. With the right tools available, installers can complete these details efficiently while maintaining the accuracy required for professional metal work. 

Increasing cutting speed while maintaining precision 

Consistent cutting is essential to reducing material waste and avoiding time-consuming rework. Clean edges also improve the fit and finish of completed assemblies, contributing to both installation quality and the final appearance of the project. Austin will discuss how drill-powered tools can help crews increase production speed while creating accurate, repeatable cuts.  

Improving profitability through field bending 

Field bending tools allow contractors to fabricate custom flashing and trim on-site, as needed. Producing pieces on demand can reduce trips to the shop and help crews complete critical details more quickly and accurately. 

Contractors looking to expand their field fabrication capabilities can explore metal benders that simplify custom work, as well as tool kits and seamers designed to support faster installations. 

Register now and save your spot at this MetalTalk™ webinar and learn how to level-up your worksite!

Metal Influencers bring diverse expertise and real-world insight to help contractors navigate challenges, strengthen their businesses and shape the future of metal construction. 

The Coffee Shops™, the award-winning websites where the industries meet for technology, information and everyday business, announces the 2026-27 Influencers for MetalCoffeeShop® (MCS).     

MCS Influencers contribute their expertise to MetalCoffeeShop each month through interviews, videos and articles that explore important topics shaping the metal construction industry. Contractors, association leaders and service providers offer a broad range of perspectives, giving readers practical knowledge and a deeper understanding of industry challenges and opportunities. Their insights about emerging trends in metal construction, building a scalable management team and using AI to strengthen business are featured in the site’s dedicated MCS Influencers section. 

“Our MCS Influencers are helping move the metal industry forward by sharing real-world experience and forward-thinking ideas,” said Heidi J. Ellsworth, president and CEO of The Coffee Shops. “Their diverse expertise provides contractors with meaningful insights they can use to strengthen their businesses and prepare for what’s ahead. We believe in helping contractors, erectors and tradespeople from all parts of the metal construction industry.” 

We are proud to announce the following 2026-27 MCS Influencers: 

• John Kenney – Cotney Consulting Group 
• Jon Olsen – Malco Tools 
• Corey Lincoln – Metal Sales 
• Junny Lee – Sherwin-Williams 
• Lee Ann Slattery – ATAS International 
• Anthony Ortega – Viotell Metal Concepts 
• Sasha Demyan – Metal Building Contractors and Erectors Association (MBCEA) 
• Randy Chaffee – Source One Marketing   
• Renee Ramey – Metal Roofing Alliance (MRA) 
• Paul and Emily Marshall – Mr. and Mrs. Post Frame  
• Edward Montemayor – South Texas Metal Roofing 
• David Leinbach - Kaiser Martin Group, MBCEA president 
• Travis Sliger – 4Ever Metal Roofing 

For more information on the 2026-27 MCS Influencers, meet them here.   

About MetalCoffeeShop 

MetalCoffeeShop is committed to being an advocate and supporter of the metal construction industry.  With Sherwin-Williams and industry thought leader’s contributions, the site supplies consistent information, education and networking avenues for all metal construction professionals. Visitors to the site will not only find education and information but thought-leading editorial, multimedia and Influencer content that elevates the metal construction industry. Like RoofersCoffeeShop, MetalCoffeeShop is “Where the Metal Industry Meets!” For more information and involvement opportunities, visit www.metalcoffeeshop.com.  

About The Coffee Shops 

Award-winning websites and online communities make up The Coffee Shops. Starting with RoofersCoffeeShop, which launched in 2002, the growth of the sites has been explosive for the construction trades of roofing, metal, coatings and their customers. Currently featuring four sites, RoofersCoffeeShop, MetalCoffeeShop, CoatingsCoffeeShop and AskARoofer, all the sites are committed to advocating for the construction trades by supplying consistent information, education and communication avenues for all contractors, while promoting positive growth, education and success of construction industries overall. Visitors to the site continue to find excellent opportunities for sharing information while participating in important ongoing conversations concerning new technologies, safety and overall construction information and education. The Coffee Shops are “Where the Industries Meet!” For more information, visit www.thecoffeeshops.online. 

By The Coffee Shops®.

Make sure these sessions and exhibitors are on your METALCON short list.

METALCON is just around the corner happening October 7-9 in Orlando, Florida! With over 60 education sessions and 250 exhibitors, it’s important for attendees to plan their schedules carefully. From new products and services to innovative solutions, you won’t want to miss the chance to talk to these Coffee Shop partners: Carlise Architechtural Metals, Central States Manufacturing, Malco, Roof Huger, Van Mark, ATAS International, Inc., Metal Construction Association (MCA), Metal Roofing Alliance (MRA), Sherwin-Williams Coil Coatings and more! Don’t forget to stop by booth 408 to meet the MetalCoffeeShop team!

Featuring an impressive lineup of industry experts and motivational speakers, the METALCON headline sessions just scratch the surface of the learning opportunities.

Keynote: nothing Can Stop You

Former Major League Baseball pitcher Jim Abbott shares his remarkable journey from Flint, Michigan, to throwing a no-hitter at Yankee Stadium. Born without a right hand, Jim developed creative ways to pursue his goals while learning the importance of accountability and trust. His inspiring keynote explores how mindset can transform adversity into personal growth, helping attendees recognize their own challenges as opportunities to build resilience, adapt and celebrate the experiences that shape who they are.

Register today!

Keynote: Building Through Uncertainty: A Market Outlook for the Construction and Design Industries

What economic forces will shape construction and design during the next 12 months? Former American Institute of Architects Chief Economist Kermit Baker examines the indicators influencing project activity, sector growth and client priorities. Attendees will gain a data-driven view of shifting pipelines, regional market differences and emerging opportunities. The session provides a forward-looking framework to help industry professionals anticipate risks, align business planning with changing conditions and make informed decisions in an uncertain market.

Register today!

Industry Outlook: Metal Construction Code Updates: What’s Changed and What it Means

Code changes can lead to permit delays, redesigns and compliance gaps when they are missed or misunderstood. Industry experts Bill Beals, Paul Deffenbaugh and Bob Zabcik will break down significant recent and upcoming updates affecting metal construction. Covering design, specifications, fabrication and installation, the session will help attendees understand current compliance requirements, distinguish the roles of standards organizations and prepare for emerging trends that could influence future projects and business decisions.

Register today!

Industry Outlook: 2027 the Future of Metal Construction

Industry leaders examine the economic, regulatory, material and jobsite forces expected to shape metal construction through 2027. Panelists Kermit Baker, Jeff Henry, Vincent Sagan and Benton Trotter will connect current market realities with the challenges and opportunities ahead. Attendees will explore how supply conditions, evolving codes and construction pressures are influencing project costs, delivery methods and building practices, gaining practical insights for managing risk and positioning their businesses for the next 12 months.

Register today!

The formal sessions are just one way to learn. Attendees will also enjoy a massive exhibition hall where they can network and learn from each other. Make sure our MetalCoffeeShop booth 408 is on your list too!

While you’re in the hall, don’t miss our Coffee Shops partners including: Western States Metal Roofing, BITEC, Franklin International, Giddy Up, H.B. Fuller / GSSI, Latinos en Roofing, MARCO Industries, Metal Building Manufacturers Association (MBMA), McElroy Metal, MetalForming Inc., MFM Building Products, RoofScope and more!

Don’t miss the metal event of the year! Register for METALCON and use code 30MCS for $30 off passes!

HVAC professionals need tools that can keep up with the demands of the jobsite. Malco Tools’ HVAC Pro Kits bring together essential, professional-grade tools organized by application and packed in a premium Veto TECH PAC backpack for convenient, durable organization on the go. With three options available, HVAC pros can choose the kit that fits their work, from the Install Kit to the Install & Service Kit or the Ultimate Pro Kit for maximum productivity.

Each kit is designed to help keep the tools you need organized, accessible and ready for the next job, making it easier to spend less time searching through your tool bag and more time getting the work done.

• Install Kit: Essential tools for HVAC installation professionals
• Install & Service Kit: A broader selection for installation and service work
• Ultimate Pro Kit: A comprehensive setup designed for maximum productivity
• Premium organization: Each kit comes packed in a durable Veto TECH PAC backpack
• Application-focused: Tools are selected around the needs of HVAC trade professionals

Explore the HVAC Pro Kits from Malco Tools and find the setup built for your work.

In this MetalTalk™ webinar, host Megan R. Ellsworth is joined by Breanna Welke, VP of strategic communications with The Malco Group and Meredith Giesting, VP of design with Veto Pro Pac, to explore what it means for contractors now that Veto Pro Pac has joined The Malco Group. Known for premium tool storage built for trade professionals, Veto Pro Pac brings a new layer of organization and durability to Malco’s growing ecosystem of contractor solutions. The discussion looks at how the partnership supports metal contractors with smarter workflows, better jobsite efficiency and new innovations like the EVO line. Tune in to learn how this collaboration is helping deliver more complete solutions for the trades. 

Listen to the podcast.

Watch the podcast.

By The Coffee Shops®. 

When traditional options on the market don’t cut it, sometimes you have to do it yourself. One carpenter-turned-designer shares his experience pursuing innovation in creating a new tool bag. 

In an episode of Roofing Road Trips®, host Karen Edwards sat down with Roger Brouard, founder of Veto Pro Pac, to discuss the importance of innovation and pursuing solutions for day-to-day problems. From facing frustration on the jobsite to designing a solution, Roger exemplifies what it means to innovate for the betterment of your industry. Now, his products are a part of The Malco Group and are some of the most relied upon tool storage solutions on the market for industry professionals. 

After facing endless frustration with the traditional soft-sided tool bags, Roger was eager for a better solution for storing his tools on the jobsite. He shared, recalling his frustration of traditional tool storage, “You’d dump everything on the ground and dig through it; it was an exercise of aggravation and frustration to get a needed hand tool.” 

A carpenter by trade and experienced in hands-on problem solving, Roger went to the drawing board and came up with a solution of his own: the Veto Pro Pac. Relying on a vertical layout rather than the traditional horizontal storage systems for the job, the bag is easy to access and sort through. Vertical tiered pockets on a flat panel are inside the bag, streamlining the user’s ability to navigate the system, finding what they need without obstruction and clutter. He shared, “It all came together and I knew it was better than any tool bag on the market, and I knew it would sell.” 

To toughen up the design, as the jobsite often requires a bit of rough handling and wear to the exterior, the bag is made using a plastic, sturdy base. He shared, “A plastic base solved three situations: moisture protection, tear protection and stability to a loaded tool bag.” A tough product for a tough trade, ready to take on the day-to-day needs of carrying so many tools and heavy products. It was vital not only to create a product that’s sturdy, but one that’s going to outlast the rest.  

Listen to the full podcast or Watch the recording to learn more about Roger and his journey to building Veto Pro Pac. 

In this MetalTalk™ webinar, host Megan R. Ellsworth is joined by Breanna Welke, VP of strategic communications with The Malco Group and Meredith Giesting, VP of design with Veto Pro Pac, to explore what it means for contractors now that Veto Pro Pac has joined The Malco Group. Known for premium tool storage built for trade professionals, Veto Pro Pac brings a new layer of organization and durability to Malco’s growing ecosystem of contractor solutions. The discussion looks at how the partnership supports metal contractors with smarter workflows, better jobsite efficiency and new innovations like the EVO line. Tune in to learn how this collaboration is helping deliver more complete solutions for the trades. 

Listen to the podcast.

Watch the podcast.

In this MetalTalk™ webinar, host Megan R. Ellsworth is joined by Breanna Welke, VP of strategic communications with The Malco Group and Meredith Giesting, VP of design with Veto Pro Pac, to explore what it means for contractors now that Veto Pro Pac has joined The Malco Group. Known for premium tool storage built for trade professionals, Veto Pro Pac brings a new layer of organization and durability to Malco’s growing ecosystem of contractor solutions. The discussion looks at how the partnership supports metal contractors with smarter workflows, better jobsite efficiency and new innovations like the EVO line. Tune in to learn how this collaboration is helping deliver more complete solutions for the trades. 

Listen to the podcast.

Watch the podcast.