By Emma Peterson. 

Paul Trombitas breaks down three major trends that construction professionals should pay attention to.  

With changing regulations and constantly evolving economic situations, it can feel impossible to make predictions or plans about the future of the industry. But just because it feels impossible doesn’t mean it really is! In this Contractor Outlook™, Heidi J. Ellsworth sat down with Paul Trombitas, partner at FMI Consulting, to talk about their 2026 Q2 North America Construction and Engineering Outlook Report and what it tells us about the future of the industry. 

1 – Wholistic operations are growing more popular 

The first takeaway from this report was about the shift from specialized operations to wholistic ones. Paul used the manufacturing market as an example, sharing, “What's been fascinating to me is seeing large roofing manufacturers transition into building envelope manufacturers. So, instead of just making roofing materials, they’re producing products for all six sides of a building, like waterproofing and such.”  

When it comes to what’s driving this, Paul points to our modern understanding of building envelopes as one single system, rather than a variety of unique systems working together.  

2 – Sustainability remains top of mind 

In this report, the FMI team has consistently seen responders emphasize the rising demand for sustainable practices. They have also noticed an interesting dynamic surrounding the conversation of sustainability – miscommunication. Paul explained, “On the sustainability side, the challenge is that everybody defines it differently. We always ask about sustainability and the main takeaway we’ve found is that if you ask 50 people what sustainability means, you'll get 50 different answers.” He went on, “I think, unless the entire building envelope ecosystem can come to an agreement on what sustainability is and how they define it, it’s going to stay a challenge.”  

3 – Supply chains are still a concern 

The last takeaway that Paul highlighted from the 2026 Q2 report was the persisting instability of supply chains. He shared some insights:  

Logistics, like the cost of transportation, have changed and that has impacts on things like delivered costs. And I don’t think that’s going away...In fact, I think this is just the start of the impacts and that there are a lot of evolving and increasing factors that will continue to challenge our supply chains and operations.  

Conclusion 

These takeaways not only confirm the experiences of contractors around the industry, they also quantify those experiences in a way that helps contractors position themselves from success. For example, understanding the simultaneous demand for and confusion surrounding sustainability allows contractors to not only present sustainable options, but the importance of explaining and educating their customers on why the options they are presenting are sustainable. And these are just three of the takeaways that Paul shared with us based on FMI’s 2026 Q2 North America Construction and Engineering Outlook Report.  

If you want to learn more, Read the report, Listen to the whole podcast or Watch the recording. 

By The Coffee Shops®.

A decade of lessons that transformed a skilled tradesperson into a successful business owner.

Starting a company often begins with having confidence in your skill set and a deep understanding of the trade. Sustaining that company, however, requires an entirely different set of skills.

n a recent MetalCast™ episode, Karen Edwards sat down with Clinton Benn, owner of CMB Erectors in Brantford, Ontario, to discuss the company's 10-year anniversary and the journey from metal building erector to business leader.

Clinton said the idea for launching CMB Erectors emerged after he returned to Ontario from Alberta in 2016 and recognized an opportunity in the market. While larger erector firms had continued to grow, he saw a gap for customers looking for the services traditionally offered by midsized contractors.

Getting started, however, proved to be about more than assembling crews and finding projects. "The real turning point comes from recognizing everything that was happening behind the scenes that was keeping those companies alive that you were working for," Clinton explained. He pointed to branding, business development, insurance, certifications, training and cash flow as critical responsibilities that many skilled tradespeople underestimate.

That realization led to one of his biggest lessons as a business owner: understanding which opportunities to pursue and which to decline. "Being able to say no became essential," Clinton said, noting that identifying work and customers that align with a company's long-term direction is just as important as securing new projects.

He also reflected on the pricing challenges many contractors face in their early years. Looking back, Clinton believes contractors often focus too heavily on competing through lower prices rather than communicating value. "In hindsight," he said, "I should have been trying to increase my pricing and sell my value rather than, you know, trying to sell a cheaper price."

For Clinton, the first decade of CMB Erectors highlights a reality familiar to many contractors: technical expertise may open the door, but long-term growth comes from learning how to run a business.

CMB Erectors' journey demonstrates that successful growth often depends on embracing responsibilities that extend well beyond the jobsite.

Listen to the full podcast or watch the recording to learn more about building a successful metal building erection business.

Recognizing the rising leaders shaping the future of metal construction

METALCON has announced the inaugural honorees of its 40 Under 40 Recognition Program, celebrating 40 professionals age 40 and under who are driving the future of metal construction. The honorees represent a broad cross-section of the industry, including manufacturing, roofing, engineering, construction, technology, sales, marketing and education.

Selected for their achievement, leadership, innovation and overall impact, the 2026 honorees are moving projects forward, improving processes, developing new technologies, strengthening customer relationships and helping shape the industry’s next generation of leadership.

“Our inaugural 40 Under 40 honorees represent the energy, talent and forward-thinking leadership that are moving the metal construction industry forward,” said Judy Geller, vice president of trade shows for PSMJ Resources, Inc., producers of METALCON. “They are already making an impact across every part of the industry, and we are proud to recognize their accomplishments and celebrate them at METALCON.”

The 2026 METALCON 40 Under 40 honorees are:

Chandler Barden | owner | CIDAN Machinery Group
Since entering architectural roofing in 2013, Chandler has risen from sales engineer to CEO of CIDAN Group while serving in Metal Construction Association leadership roles and promoting metal construction internationally.

Thad Barnette | director of commercial marketing | Sheffield Metals International / New Tech Machinery
Thad built The Metal Roofing Channel to more than 50,000 subscribers, hosting hundreds of industry experts and using education-driven marketing to connect professionals and strengthen metal construction brands.

Jay Bechtel | founder & CEO | Rib Runner Tools
With a background in construction, Jay recognized a critical need and developed RibRunner Tools to improve metal sheeting pre-installation, helping contractors streamline work through practical, field-driven innovation.

Alina Bosak | branch manager | Chicago Metal Supply
Alina champions architectural sheet metal by developing talent, educating customers through installation classes and advocating for metal’s essential role in construction.

Mason Burchette | owner & chief revenue officer | True Metal Supply
Mason co-founded the company in 2022 and scaled it to 45+ employees and multiple manufacturing facilities, combining nationwide growth with contractor education, digital tools and customer-focused manufacturing.

Joseph Canell | owner | Elevate Roofing and Solar
Joseph has built a company founded on integrity, quality craftsmanship and customer service while investing in education, innovative building practices and technologies that raise industry standards.

Mark Carlisle | industry marketing manager | U.S. Steel
For more than a decade, Mark has connected steelmaking with metal construction by leading U.S. Steel’s construction market intelligence, industry engagement and METALCON strategy and serving in leadership roles across multiple trade organizations.

Austin Cash | new product development manager | The Malco Group
Eight years after joining The Malco Group as a student intern, Austin became product development manager. Now as lead engineer, he led the TurboShear Rotary Panel Cutter from concept to production in 16 months.

Alex Corry | general manager - CDMG Building Systems | CDMG
Alex advanced from civil draftsman to general manager, delivering sustained revenue growth and earning selection to the Nucor Builder Advisory Council as one of 16 builders nationwide.

Daniel Cuenca | owner & general contractor | Mammoth Metal Structures & Mammoth Metal Manufacturing
Daniel is a results-driven leader whose experience, operational vision and commitment to excellence have driven Mammoth’s growth and strengthened its capabilities and reputation in the industry.

Megan Ellsworth | multimedia director | MetalCoffeeShop
Megan connects industry professionals through multimedia, education and conversation, including podcasts, webinars, panel discussions and video content, while serving in a leadership role with National Women in Roofing.

Max Esteban | founder & CEO | Maximilian Sheet Metal
After entering the sheet metal trade at 18, Max founded Maximilian Sheet Metal at 27, growing it into a respected firm while leading as designer, fabricator and project manager.

Scott Frankert | technical product manager, Coil & Extrusion | PPG Industries
Scott bridges technical expertise and commercial strategy, drawing on coil coating technologies and account-growth experience to lead adoption of advanced UV- and EB-curable coatings for manufacturers.

Jesse Gallimore | owner | JamesCo Builders LLC
Jesse built JamesCo Builders around transparency, quality and people-first leadership, strengthening partnerships across automotive, industrial, education and commercial markets.

Leland Gazo | co-owner | Blue Sky Roofing
At 28, Leland helped increase Blue Sky Roofing’s metal roofing revenue by 70% while expanding standing seam and architectural metal systems and mentoring Vermont’s next generation of craftsmen.

Brittni Goodwin | director - Sales | U.S. Steel
Recently promoted, Brittni drives measurable business growth, builds and develops teams and takes ownership of challenges, including new product development in steel.

Ray Haas | owner | Haas Stone & Steel, LLC and Mallet Supply, LLC
Ray advances roofing craftsmanship through traditional techniques and sustainable materials, sharing specialized knowledge through crew training, industry collaboration and improving access to quality sheet metal.

Lyndzye Harper | inside sales manager | S-5!
Lyndzye has distinguished herself by building strong relationships across the metal construction and solar industries. She helped shape the company’s first inside sales manager role, expanding lead development and account management.

James Henry | CEO | Copper Top Roofing and Sheet Metal, Inc.
James joined Copper Top Roofing and Sheet Metal at 19 and became owner at 29, building expertise in custom metal fabrication and standing seam roofing while investing in the people around him.

Jeremy Henson | CEO | ASCO Machines
Jeremy progressed from electrical distribution through sales and executive leadership to become owner and CEO of ASCO USA, building global partnerships that support innovation, growth and lasting industry relationships.

Eric Hinz | sales | Innovative Energy, Inc.
Eric advances the industry by identifying opportunities to improve products, streamline processes and deliver greater customer value while earning trust through professionalism, work ethic and a customer-first approach.

Amanda Johnson | sales & marketing manager | Roper Whitney
Amanda progressed from service coordinator to leading sales and marketing departments, becoming a recognizable sheet metal industry voice through educational video content and sustained professional growth.

Andy Keys | owner | Metal Ops
Andy has expanded contractor support beyond distribution, providing sales training and jobsite education that help roofing professionals better understand how metal roofing systems are sold and installed.

Zachary Lee | senior fulfillment manager | Mill Steel Company
Zachary helped lead development of the Mill Steel App, translating customer insights into a user-friendly digital experience that generated more than $100 million in sales during its first year.

Jace Lyon | executive director | Lyon Metal Roofing
“Born into the industry,” Jace combines hands-on manufacturing experience with an engineering background, advancing into executive leadership while helping strengthen the company’s leadership team and expand its market.

Mahsa Mahdavian | global technical marketing director | Scottsdale Construction Systems
Mahsa has advanced structural engineering through influential cold-formed steel research and steel deck design software, helping improve design methodology, workflows and practical application across the industry.

Brandon Mainor | president | Hornet Building Systems
Brandon oversees operations, applying hands-on manufacturing knowledge to modernize production through technology while maintaining a strong focus on customer service and company culture.

Victor Martinez | design team leader | The Barndominium Company
Victor transforms client visions into buildable plans, managing a pipeline of 40 to 70 active projects while making a measurable impact on projects, processes and people.

Seth McBride | president & founder | Steel Craft Builders
Seth built Steel Craft Builders around pre-engineered metal building expertise and customer service, using technology and AI to improve efficiency, accuracy and pricing across projects throughout the Southeast.

Chad Miller | president | Lyon Roofing, Inc.
Chad began working at Lyon Roofing as a teenager and, through years of hands-on experience, dedication and leadership, advanced through the company to become its president.

Kiara Nirghin | CEO & founder | Emanate
Kiara founded Emanate to bring frontier AI to industrial companies, combining experience as a Stanford AI Lab researcher and Google Science Grand Prize winner with metals-industry innovation.

Colin Palladino | managing director | New Castle Metal
Colin built the company’s roofing division from the ground up, growing the division from a single location into a six-location Northeast operation through entrepreneurial leadership.

Sarah Parks | CEO & co-founder | ContractorHUB
Sarah combines SaaS expertise with a strong understanding of contractor needs, building ContractorHUB around customer experience, ingenuity and product value while raising expectations for technology serving the trades.

Tucker Pearson | head of sales | RenderDraw
Tucker works directly with fabricators and OEMs to modernize operations through software, using a consultative approach that builds trusted, long-term industry partnerships.

Erik Pilgrim | CEO & founder | RenderDraw
Erik is bringing AI-powered takeoffs, connected workflows and 3D visualization to metal construction, helping professionals improve estimating, configuration and project presentation without sacrificing technical precision.

Travis Rex | director of sales operations | EXCEPTIONAL Metals
Travis combines market insight, business acumen and collaborative leadership to identify opportunities, improve processes and turn innovative ideas into practical solutions that advance metal construction.

David Scott | COO | EcoSteel
As COO, David transformed operations, championed Building Information Modeling and helped drive tenfold company growth while overseeing complex steel-building projects and advancing operational leadership.

Eric Ford | senior manager, purchasing | Carlisle Construction Materials
Over the past decade, Eric Ford has become a results-driven supply chain and procurement leader in the steel and construction materials industries. He has led M&A integration, supplier development and unified supply chain strategy while mentoring procurement professionals and strengthening supplier partnerships.

Jesse Winternitz | application engineering & product support manager | S-5!
Jesse has built a career spanning engineering, product development and field application, leading a six-person team and serving as a key voice connecting engineering expertise with real-world application.

Elizabeth Woodworth | regional acoustical manager | Best Supply
Elizabeth manages regional acoustical ceiling sales across Tennessee, Kentucky and Indiana, including specialty metal systems, while serving on the National Association of Women in Construction Nashville’s board and advocating for women in construction.

The honorees will be formally recognized during METALCON 2026, taking place October 7–9 at the Orange County Convention Center in Orlando, Florida. Recognition includes a featured profile on METALCON.com, promotion through email, social media and trade publications, onsite recognition and an invitation to a Future Leaders Happy Hour.

As METALCON celebrates its 35th anniversary, the 40 Under 40 program puts the work and impact of the industry’s emerging leaders front and center at the annual gathering of the metal construction community.
 
About METALCON

Established in 1991, METALCON is the only annual event dedicated exclusively to the application of metal in design and construction. Produced by PSMJ Resources, Inc., in partnership with the Metal Construction Association, it brings together decision-makers from across the metal construction ecosystem to explore innovations shaping the built environment. More than a trade show, METALCON serves as the industry’s annual business summit—where deals are made, partnerships are formed and the next 12 months take shape. For more information, visit www.metalcon.com.

By Emma Peterson. 

Learn about how major acquisitions, emerging technologies and evolving supply chains are changing the competitive landscape for contractors, manufacturers and distributors alike. 

Paul Trombitas is a partner at FMI Corporation, a consulting firm specifically focused on providing insight and data to the engineering, construction and built environment fields. He stopped by The Coffee Shops® for a recent episode of Contractor Outlook™, sponsored by SRS Distribution, to talk about the ways the industry has evolved and grown.  

The main thing that Paul has noticed recently is the restructuring of the supply side of the industry. He shared, “Think about Home Depot with SRS, GMS, QXO, Lowe's. There’s been a lot of major acquisitions in the supply sector.” And with a restructuring of this scale, the impact and effects will not only be felt by suppliers and distributors, but it will also be felt by contractors and manufacturers. Paul explained, “With distributors and suppliers consolidating at this scale, it has potentially significant downstream effects. And I think for contractors and firms, there's going to be a gap between those who are adjusting and those that are not.” 

What has created this consolidation dynamic in the industry? Paul points to technological advancements, adding, “The proliferation of AI and other technologies like eCommerce have really changed all industries, including ours. And I think that these suppliers have been able to implement these tools in a way that fosters growth and scaling that creates the consolidation we’re seeing.” 

In other words, technology’s continual development has enabled the restructuring of our supply chains, which subsequently changes how everyone in the building products sector conducts business. The best advice Paul has? Adapt with the change. He shared, “I think that competitiveness is going to be a really big pain point for those that aren’t adopting and changing.” 

Want to learn more? Listen to the 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!

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!

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!

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 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. 

From major industry announcements and scholarship awards to emerging market trends and wildfire preparedness, these were the RCS articles that got the most clicks this August.  

August was a month of announcements here at The Coffee Shops®! For our team, we launched a new microsite (www.RoofersCoffeeShop.ca) designed specifically for the Canadian market. Similar to our U.K. microsite (www.RoofersCoffeeShop.uk), this site will not only bring together contractors in its dedicated region but also strengthen the global roofing community.  

In addition to our big announcement, our site saw a lot of announcements and quite a few of them made our August 2026 top article list. For example, one of our R-Club members, Excel Roofing and Siding, sent out an announcement of a name change to Excel Slate and Copper. This change was designed to “better reflect the company’s long-standing expertise in slate roofing, copper craftsmanship and historic home restoration.”  

Another example was the Roofing Alliance’s announcement about the 2026-2027 Melvin Kruger Scholarship. “A total of $59,000 was awarded for new scholarships with an additional $55,000 for 12 renewal scholarships.” 

And coming in first and second on our August 2026 top 10 article list were two announcements, both from industry associations. In second place was an article about the Colorado Roofing Association’s new advisory about wildlife code requirements. As for first place, that went to the he Metal Roofing Alliance (MRA) and the Metal Construction Association (MCA)’s announcement of the results of metal roofing market study conducted by FMI Consulting. 

The top 10 August articles 

10 - Excel Roofing and Siding becomes Excel Slate and Copper

9 - Why the most successful roofing contractors plan further ahead by John Kenney. 

8 - TPO or metal retrofit? Understanding the tradeoffs by The Coffee Shops® 

7 - When the economic signals don’t agree by John Kenney. 

6 - Becoming a ROOFEREE by Emma Peterson. 

5 - The secret to managing commercial roofing projects by Emma Peterson. 

4 - The Roofing Alliance announces 2026-2027 Melvin Kruger Scholarship recipients.

3 - Heavy-duty adhesives for every jobsite by The Coffee Shops®. 

2 - New advisory helps Colorado roofers prepare for wildfire code requirements by Alex Tolle. 

1 - New market survey forecasts strong growth, significant potential for residential metal roofing in U.S.