By Emma Peterson. 

This report showcases the trends shaping roofing and gives unique insights into how the industry has grown in the last ten years.  

Over the last 10 years, the RoofersCoffeeShop® Trends Report, sponsored by QXO since 2022, has provided key insights into what contractors are seeing and experiencing in the field as they continue to roof buildings and keep people safe and dry. Over that decade, there have been seven surveys conducted, resulting in over 1,600 responses. Here are four of the biggest shifts recorded in these surveys.  

1 – Company demographics 

While all the surveys had a fairly consistent split between contractors serving commercial, residential or both, we saw the size of companies grow. Between 2016 and 2020, most respondents reported having 1-10 employees. However, between 2021 and 2025, 10-49 employees was the most common response.  

2 – Products offered 

Another interesting thing that these surveys highlight is how the products that roofers are offering have changed since 2016. For example, in 2019, 81% of survey respondents reported installing liquid applied roofing (LAR) 0-10% of the time. By 2022, an average of 46% of contractors were reporting installing liquid applied roofing. Similar to this growth of LAR, the surveys show a significant growth in metal installation. In 2019, approximately 17.3% of all the contractor-installed materials were metal. By 2022, that number had jumped to 64% and by 2025 it was up to 83%.  

3 – Operation processes 

The trends surveys also asked contractors about their operations. One of the interesting things we noticed in this data was a rise in digital purchasing methods (in 2022, 14% of contractors reported purchasing off of distributors’ websites, in 2025 this rose to 21%). Interestingly, field sales representative purchases also rose (17% in 2022 to 29% in 2025). Combined, these two purchasing methods have now overtaken phone and in-person at branches, which were the top two methods when the survey began. 

4 – Information engagement 

We wanted to take a moment to touch on the different ways that contractors are getting their information and engaging with our community today versus in 2016. In 2016, the top information sources were emails from roofing website, distributors and manufactures’ representatives. But in 2025, the top sources had shifted to roofing associations, roofing websites and then manufactures' representatives. Another notable change was the rise of social media as a resource. In 2016, 22% of contractors reported using it for information. In 2025, that number rose to 50%.  

Learn more about the last decade of roofing by downloading our 10-year Trends Report.

By Heidi J. Ellsworth.

Following a successful METALCON, the newly united DMI-LCF Fastener Group is positioning itself for long-term growth, innovation and industry leadership. 

The newly formed DMI-LCF Fastener Group generated noticeable energy at METALCON 2026. The merger unites Direct Metals, Inc. (DMI) and Lakeside Construction Fasteners (LCF), two companies known for quality products, technical expertise and customer-first service in the metal construction industry. 

During METALCON, I spoke with Eric J. Velliquette, the recently appointed group president of the DMI-LCF Fastener Group. He shared how the combined organization will build on the strengths of both companies while creating new value for customers and employees. 

As contractors seek quality products, technical support and dependable supply chains, the timing is right. The DMI-LCF Fastener Group combines the companies’ capabilities while preserving the customer relationships they have built over decades. 

Eric will lead the DMI-LCF Fastener Group’s strategic vision as the companies combine their expertise in fasteners and foam alternative solutions for the metal building industry. He succeeds Andrew Mullen, one of the original founders of DMI Direct Metals, who will continue contributing at the board level. 

The companies bring complementary strengths to the new organization. DMI contributes national distribution and extensive experience serving metal building professionals, while Lakeside adds an innovative portfolio of construction fasteners, sealants, pipe flashings, snow retention systems and foam alternative solutions. 

Together, DMI’s national distribution capabilities and Lakeside’s innovative product portfolio give customers broader resources, deeper expertise and enhanced support while preserving the responsive service that has defined both brands. 

Beyond products and logistics, the companies share a commitment to integrity, accountability, quality and long-term customer relationships. That cultural alignment makes the merger feel less like an acquisition and more like a natural evolution. 

The company’s METALCON messaging reflected that shared philosophy. Its “One Team” theme supports the upcoming One-Team, First-Team initiative, which will promote cross-functional teamwork and organizational alignment.  METALCON conversations about innovation, efficiency, workforce development and the future of metal construction reinforced the need for reliable partners that can help contractors and manufacturers navigate change. The DMI-LCF Fastener Group appears well positioned to meet that need. 

After speaking with Eric and seeing the enthusiasm at METALCON, the DMI-LCF Fastener Group’s direction is clear. Experienced leadership with expanded capabilities and a unified team is positioning the organization to build on the legacies of DMI and Lakeside while creating new opportunities for customers, partners and employees. 

Learn more about the combined organization’s products, services and nationwide capabilities in the Lakeside Construction Fasteners directory on MetalCoffeeShop.

By Emma Peterson. 

A look at the economic market, the industry outlook and more.  

In a new episode of Contractor Outlook™, Heidi J. Ellsworth sits down with Alex Chausovsky, the president and CEO of 3DM Consulting (a business and operations advisory firm), for a discussion about the state of the economy and construction industry going into the last quarter of the year.  

Alex began the conversation by highlighting the macroeconomics, saying, “Macroeconomically speaking, the economy has been nothing short of remarkable in terms of its ability to withstand... Think about things like the 2025 tariffs. They were hugely disruptive but at the same time we’ve seen companies adjust their prices, manage their margins and keep going.” And in a year with even more market upsetting events, like the war in the Middle East, remembering this resilience is important. As Alex put it:  

Everyone was really afraid because of those tariffs at the beginning of the year and it wasn’t as bad as we thought it might be. Economically speaking, the war is definitely a negative, but at the same time, it's not destroying the market... Looking at industrial production, which is a key benchmark for contractors and other B2B players, it’s still growing at a 1.5% pace year over year.  

This growth is very minimal, especially in the context of a GDP that, adjusted for inflation, is closer to 2.5-2.7%, but what that number does show us is that the industry is still here, that there are contractors still getting work, even with the struggles.  

How do you ensure you are one of the contractors getting work during this stressful time? Alex says it’s all about adaptability and scenario planning. He explained, “As we look out towards 2027, contractors should be asking themselves, what does my business look like? What does my supply of materials and components look like? What does the pricing environment look like? What do my energy costs look like? And how do I position myself where the demand is?”  

He gave an example of what this planning might look like, sharing, “If you look at data center spending through the end of 2025, it's bigger than all single-family housing, it's bigger than all factory construction, it's bigger than all industrial machinery.” He went on, “For contractors looking at this and trying to plan, they should look at their business and ask themselves, ‘Do I have the right people to be able to adapt with it as this market evolves?’” And if they don’t have those people, they need to find ways to get them, whether that’s hiring new talent or training your existing crew. Because operating in a market as complex as ours today is all about thinking ahead and having the right people in the right place.  

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

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 Emma Peterson. 

Explore this month’s most popular roofing stories.  

As we enter the final quarter of 2026, it can be hard to keep up with everything that’s happened so far! From the surge of AI tools to the constantly evolving landscape that is global geopolitics, there's a lot going on. To make it a bit easier, we highlighted the articles that resonated the most with our audience.  

For September 2026, our top ten list featured multiple articles focused on safety. One of these articles was written by Heidi J. Ellsworth, who is the CEO and president of The Coffee Shops®. Her article focused on Construction Suicide Prevention Week (which was September 14-18) and highlighted the importance of “creating a workplace where people know it is safe to speak up, supervisors know how to respond and everyone understands where immediate help is available.” The other safety article focuses more on the physical aspect of safety, specifically how maintenance and driver training are key to keeping your fleet of vehicles safe.  

The Coffee Shops’ talented writing team also made the list this month! One was Jesse Sanchez’s article about Polyglass’ new single-ply, insulation and waterproofing systems and how they protect “all six sides of the building envelope.” The other two articles from the editorial team came from me and focused on the state of the roofing industry market and an innovative solution to recycling construction waste.  

Read all ten of the top articles:

10 - METALCON announces inaugural 40 Under 40 honorees

9 - Customer reviews put roofing software on top

8 - An uneven but expanding market

7 - Keep your fleet safe on summer roads

6 - Master the market with metal

5 - Leadership takes the stage at MRCA

4 - Protecting all six sides of the building envelope

3 - How much wood could a Woodchuck divert?

2 - Don’t miss NRCA’s LEGALCon Live 2026

1 - Building a safer construction industry starts with a conversation

By Emma Peterson. 

By examining centuries-old buildings and historical climate records, researchers found evidence that roof geometry evolved alongside changing snowfall conditions. 

As weather events continue to grow in extremity, there’s a lot of discussion going on about how we can build structures stronger so that they can withstand the elements. This can seem like an overwhelming task, but it might be one that humans have already overcome in the past.  

Research published in the journal Science Advances points to a connection between China’s historical roofs and changing snowfall patterns. This research was conducted by a team from 南京 (Nánjīng) University that included Siyang Li, Ke Ding, Aijun Ding, Lejun He, Xin Huang and Congbin Fu in collaboration with Quansheng Ge of the Chinese Academy of Science in 北京 (Běijīng).  

Collecting the data 

To set up their study, the team began with field research. As an EOS article by Katherine Kornei describes:  

The team amassed records of roughly 200 wooden buildings constructed in northern China from the 8th to 18th centuries (from the middle to late 唐 [Táng] dynasty to the middle of the 清 [Qīng] dynasty)... For each building, the researchers calculated the ratio of its roof’s height to its span. 

The reasoning behind collecting that ratio was that roof slope is a trackable change in construction design that could show a correlation between construction and weather changes (a steeper slope is better at shedding precipitation like snow).  

After collecting the data on the different buildings, the team turned to historical weather data. As Katherine wrote, “To infer what the climate was like in northern China from the 8th to 18th centuries, the team mined published paleoclimatic reconstructions.” In other words, the team used historical documents and data to understand weather anomalies in Northern China between the 8th to 18th centuries with a special focus on snowfall anomalies.  

The connections 

With their data collected, the researchers began putting the puzzle pieces together. And what they found was “that the main factor driving the modification of roof pitch and curvature of official buildings was the fluctuation in snowfall intensity associated with climate change over the past thousand years.”  

In the study, they highlighted 龙门(Lóngmén) Temple in the 山西 (Shānxī) province as an individual case study supporting this connection between roof design and weather. As written in the study:  

According to the historical document of building standards of the Song Dynasty (Yingzao fashi, 1103 CE) (36), [the buildings] in the Lóngmén Temple were supposed to have a nearly identical roof pitch of ~27%. However, the two buildings constructed in cold periods presented steeper roofs, at 29.67% (1098 CE) and 30.50% (1498–1504 CE), whereas the one in the warm period was smoother, at 26.92%. 

This is a perfect illustration of the larger pattern found by the group – that historical Chinese architects built roofs in response to the weather patterns experienced during the construction period.

Further, this example showcases how we know that the steeper slopes were due to historic snowfall rather than other forms of precipitation like rain. As Ke Ding told EOS, “If the roof [slope] changed according to rainfall, it should be steeper in warmer periods.” And, as roofs like those Lóngmén Temple, changed during the cold periods, it can be concluded that snowfall was the primary precipitation impacting the construction methods.  

Beyond this study 

Overall, this study showcases the resilience of roofers and humans in general to adapt to changing environments. As Katherine put it, “Given the rapid climate change the planet is currently experiencing — [the fact that] people in the past made changes [is heartening and a testament to our current capability] of doing the same.” 

Image sources in order of appearance: People’s Daily, Science Advances 

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!