By Jesse Sanchez. 

Modern daylighting systems are giving metal building professionals new ways to improve energy efficiency, occupant comfort, safety and overall building performance. 

Daylighting may be one of the oldest concepts in building design, but advancements in material design, performance capabilities and installation methods are giving it new relevance in modern metal buildings. During a MetalTalk™ at the Metal Building Contractors and Erector Association (MBCEA) event, Karen Edwards spoke with Brian Grohe, director of commercial sales for North America at VELUX, about how daylighting is evolving across new construction and renovation projects. 

That evolution also aligns with VELUX Commercial’s new “We’re built for big” initiative as the company works with design firms, building owners and contractors on commercial daylighting projects. Applications can range from warehouses and schools to hospitals, retail spaces and other commercial facilities, with each project shaped by its intended use and performance goals. 

“We really try and tailor the daylighting strategy to the use of the building,” Brian shared. Those strategies may focus on energy efficiency, natural illumination or creating a stronger visual connection to the outdoors depending on customer needs. 

Existing buildings represent another opportunity as facilities are repurposed and upgraded. VELUX works with project teams to determine where skylights should be located, how many are needed and how they can be integrated with existing roofing systems. “We really try and get in early to understand the outcome that owners and architects are looking for and then we tailor our strategies to maximize that impact for them,” Brian explained. 

For metal buildings, integration with the roof system is particularly important. Modern curb systems can be designed to match specific roof panel profiles, helping contractors create watertight installations while limiting disruption to the roof. The VELUX Commercial Dynamic Dome also uses its shape to capture reflected and lower-angle sunlight, while an inner prismatic glazing layer diffuses light throughout the space and reduces glare. 

Safety and durability remain central considerations. “We test the skylights to failure with impact and static loads, and we provide that information to the contractors and building owners so that they know these skylights are strong. They're meant to last,” Brian said. VELUX Commercial also recommends accessory fall protection as an additional safety measure. 

For contractors, understanding modern daylighting systems can expand the solutions they offer while supporting installation, retrofit and replacement opportunities in new and existing metal buildings. 

Listen to the podcast or Watch the conversation to learn more about how daylighting can improve the performance, efficiency and occupant experience of modern metal buildings! 

The Metal Building Contractors & Erectors Association (MBCEA) is excited to announce a reimagined exhibitor experience for our 58th Annual MBCEA Conference.

For 2027, we are moving beyond the traditional ballroom tabletop format and creating a dedicated exhibit hall environment featuring 10' x 10' and 10' x 20' pipe-and-drape exhibit spaces, expanded exhibit hours, enhanced networking opportunities, and new Product Showcase Theater presentations. 

This updated format is designed to create more meaningful interactions between exhibitors and the contractors, erectors, fabricators, project managers, and business leaders who attend the MBCEA Conference. Attendees will have more scheduled time in the exhibit hall, creating increased opportunities for conversations, demonstrations, and relationship building.

In addition to traditional exhibiting, we're introducing the Product Showcase Theater, a new platform for exhibitors to highlight products, equipment, technologies, and services in a dedicated presentation setting within the exhibit hall.

While booth demonstrations remain an important part of the exhibit experience, Product Showcase Theater presentations provide enhanced visibility through:

• Dedicated presentation times promoted to all conference attendees
• Inclusion in the conference agenda, mobile app, and event materials
• Advance marketing and onsite recognition
• The opportunity to engage a concentrated audience at a scheduled time
• Positioning as a featured innovator and industry partner

Whether you're introducing a new product, sharing a proven solution, demonstrating equipment, or highlighting services that help contractors and erectors succeed, we encourage you to participate. We look forward to showcasing the companies and solutions helping shape the future of the metal building industry. 

Learn more about submitting a proposal for the Product Showcase and/or training!

Submissions are due by October 21.

By The Coffee Shops®.  

Industry professionals share practical ways artificial intelligence can improve workflow. 

Artificial intelligence (AI) is creating new opportunities throughout the metal building industry, from driving demand for data centers to helping contractors work faster and make better use of project information. During a recent MetalTalk™ webinar sponsored by Metal Building Contractors and Erectors Association (MBCEA), a panel of industry experts discussed how they are testing the technology while keeping human expertise at the center of their work. 

The panel featured Steven Hudgins, president of Rainwater Construction, Justin Willett of Fleming Construction Group and Brian Harshbarger of Breiner Building. They shared that their companies experience AI from two different angles, both as contractors and small business owners. 

According to Steven, metal contractors have been seeing a substantial amount of business from the contracting side of AI. “Data centers are popping up everywhere,” he said. “One of the systems or types of construction they're using predominantly is metal building systems. And the three of us are fortunate to be in that space. Each of us are currently doing some data center projects involving metal building systems. So definitely seeing that in the marketplace.” 

Justin explained that Fleming initially used AI for document review, including comparing scope documents, bid documents, manufacturer pricing reports and project specifications. The technology can help teams identify conflicts within large documents while reducing time spent on paperwork. 

Brian described using AI for a recent job pitch that allowed the customer to visualize their vision for the project. “I actually uploaded my sketches and told AI what to do,” he said. The prompt turn around left a positive impression. “The speed in which I'm able to communicate with the customer by using AI, now the customer's impressed.” He went on to  explain that the image could then be quickly adjusted by adding or removing visual elements. 

AI can also support estimating, drawing takeoffs, data analysis and field documentation. Justin highlighted voice-to-text applications that could help superintendents complete required paperwork without taking unnecessary time away from field operations. 

However, the panelists cautioned contractors against accepting AI-generated information without reviewing it. “You need to ultimately own the output,” Justin said. “Anything that goes out the door ultimately has your name on it.” 

From limiting access to protecting proprietary information, successful implementation requires clear company guidelines. Adopting AI one area at a time builds confidence in each application before connecting it across the project workflow. 

Listen to the webinar or Watch the recording to learn more about how metal building contractors and erectors use Ai for their business.  

The Metal Building Contractors & Erectors Association (MBCEA) is excited to announce a reimagined exhibitor experience for our 58th Annual MBCEA Conference.

For 2027, we are moving beyond the traditional ballroom tabletop format and creating a dedicated exhibit hall environment featuring 10' x 10' and 10' x 20' pipe-and-drape exhibit spaces, expanded exhibit hours, enhanced networking opportunities, and new Product Showcase Theater presentations. 

This updated format is designed to create more meaningful interactions between exhibitors and the contractors, erectors, fabricators, project managers, and business leaders who attend the MBCEA Conference. Attendees will have more scheduled time in the exhibit hall, creating increased opportunities for conversations, demonstrations, and relationship building.

In addition to traditional exhibiting, we're introducing the Product Showcase Theater, a new platform for exhibitors to highlight products, equipment, technologies, and services in a dedicated presentation setting within the exhibit hall.

While booth demonstrations remain an important part of the exhibit experience, Product Showcase Theater presentations provide enhanced visibility through:

• Dedicated presentation times promoted to all conference attendees
• Inclusion in the conference agenda, mobile app, and event materials
• Advance marketing and onsite recognition
• The opportunity to engage a concentrated audience at a scheduled time
• Positioning as a featured innovator and industry partner

Whether you're introducing a new product, sharing a proven solution, demonstrating equipment, or highlighting services that help contractors and erectors succeed, we encourage you to participate. We look forward to showcasing the companies and solutions helping shape the future of the metal building industry. 

Learn more about submitting a proposal for the Product Showcase and/or training!

Submissions are due by October 21.

By Emma Peterson. 

The right support protects your employees and strengthens your business. 

We can talk all we want about separating work from personal life, but the reality is that we carry both with us. Things like family concerns, financial pressure and grief follow us to the job site or the office and burnout and stress come home with us at the end of the day. 

Too often, people try to ignore the way our private and professional worlds interact, to the detriment of their mental health. This is especially prevalent in construction, where suicide rates and mental health risk in construction are higher than the national average. And even when tragic loss of life is avoided, the impact of ignoring stressors of your team, whether they stem from work or home, can also lead to issues like missed days, safety concerns and turnover you can’t afford in our current labor market. 

To help businesses provide the support for mental health that is needed to keep their teams safe and succeeding, the Metal Building Contractors and Erectors Association (MBCEA) has teamed up with ABC Insurance Trust to offer an Employee Assistance Program, powered by TELUS Health, focused on supporting the mental wellbeing of your employees.  

This program includes:  

• A special discounted rate for MBCEA members of $3.05 per employee per month, compared with the standard rate of $3.50 (available through 12/31/26) 
• Leader training on recognizing and responding to mental health concerns, navigating crises and supporting employees 
• A standalone EAP that is not tied to your medical plan or carrier 
• Coverage for every employee, even those who are not enrolled in your health plan 
• 24/7 crisis intervention, with live calls answered by a master’s-level clinician 
• Mental health support, substance use counseling, financial counseling and work-life services, including career, child and elder support 

Want to learn more about this program? MBCEA will be hosting a webinar on Thursday, October 22 at 12:00 p.m. ET featuring Katie Lacroix. Katie is the director of strategic alliances at TELUS Health and will be explaining the program, what it offers and how to get started!  

Learn more!

By The Coffee Shops®. 

Accreditation helps metal building erectors formalize quality, safety and training programs that strengthen long-term performance. 

Metal building contractors often talk about quality, safety and workforce development as core priorities. According to Steven Hudgins of Rainwater Construction, the International Accreditation Service's AC478 accreditation program provides a practical framework for turning those priorities into documented, measurable processes. In a recent MetalCast™ episode, Heidi J. Ellsworth spoke with Steven about the value of accreditation for metal building assemblers and why more contractors are embracing the program. 

As a signature quality initiative of the Metal Building Contractors & Erectors Association (MBCEA), AC478 helps contractors strengthen safety programs, improve quality control, establish consistent installation processes and demonstrate their commitment to industry best practices. AC478 is a third-party accreditation through IAS or International Accreditation Service. Because the program is administered independently, it serves as a nationally recognized benchmark focused on three key areas: quality, safety and training. 

The accreditation process begins with documentation. Contractors must establish written procedures that define how they plan projects, manage training requirements and maintain quality standards during metal building erection. In Steven’s experience, this is already a common practice. "I have a lot of friends, a lot of colleagues in the industry, and most metal building contractors are doing the majority of this already," he said. 

The difference, he explained, is that accreditation requires companies to formally document those activities and review them regularly. Rainwater Construction found that the process encouraged more consistent planning and accountability throughout the organization. 

One requirement particularly stood out: every project must include a job-specific plan. Steven explained that this helps crews dial in on every project and work more effectively. “It just brings in a really focused approach on how you conduct business, how you plan for the erection of a metal building, how you plan your training,” he said. 

Rather than relying on experience alone, contractors are encouraged to establish a repeatable process for evaluating project-specific conditions, safety considerations and quality expectations before work begins. 

For Rainwater Construction, that commitment has produced tangible benefits. "Without question, it has made us a better company," Steven said. 

As more contractors explore accreditation, the conversation is increasingly shifting from compliance to continuous improvement and how documented processes can strengthen the entire metal building industry. 

Listen to the full podcast or Watch the recording to learn more about AC478 accreditation for metal building assemblers. 

By Jesse Sanchez.

The Metal Building Contractors and Erectors Association Job Board gives job seekers a dedicated place to explore career opportunities across the metal building industry.

Professionals looking to take the next step in the metal building industry have a dedicated resource for finding open positions through the Metal Building Contractors and Erectors Association (MBCEA) Job Board. The online job board at jobs.mbcea.org connects job seekers with employers across the industry, including contractors, erectors, manufacturers and suppliers. Opportunities span a variety of career paths, from project management and construction management to skilled trades, crew leadership, sales and business development.

Job seekers can search available positions by keyword and location, as well as browse openings by category, city and state. The site also allows users to create a resume and sign up to receive new job postings directly by email, helping professionals stay informed as new opportunities become available.

Current listings demonstrate the range of positions represented on the platform. Recent postings include an assistant project manager position with Crane Tec Inc. in Cincinnati, Ohio, a building systems project manager position with EDiS Company in Wilmington, Delaware and a project supervisor position with The Kaiser-Martin Group in Temple, Pennsylvania.

For employers, the MBCEA Job Board also provides a place to post openings and reach candidates who are specifically interested in careers within the metal building industry. This industry-focused approach gives companies and professionals a centralized resource for connecting around employment opportunities.

Whether someone is an experienced industry professional or looking to continue building their career, the job board offers a straightforward way to explore available roles, discover new career paths and connect with companies seeking talented professionals across the metal building industry.

Learn more about career opportunities in the metal building industry and search current openings!

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. 

Submission Deadline: September 30, 2026 

The Metal Building Contractors and Erectors Association (MBCEA) is seeking dynamic presentations for the 2027 MBCEA Conference. Our members consistently rank peer-to-peer learning and practical business solutions among the most valuable conference experiences. For 2027, the Conference Committee is prioritizing sessions that help contractors, erectors, and business leaders build stronger organizations, develop their workforce, improve financial performance, and gain greater visibility into project success. We are looking for presenters who can share proven practices, lessons learned, case studies, tools, and actionable strategies that attendees can immediately take back to their businesses on the following topics:

1. Workforce Development, Labor Pipeline & Retention: The labor shortage remains one of the industry’s greatest challenges. We are seeking presentations that explore comprehensive strategies for attracting the next generation of craft professionals, building sustainable apprenticeship and career-development programs, developing field leaders and foremen, and strengthening the long-term labor pipeline. Topics may also address compensation and incentive programs, positive company culture, employee engagement, succession planning, and strategies for retaining top performers while preserving company values.
2. Financial Management, Project Visibility & Field Engagement: Successful contractors understand that profitability depends on more than winning work. It requires strong financial discipline, reliable project information, and alignment between the office and the field. We are seeking presentations that explore how companies manage cash flow, forecast project performance, maintain visibility into job health, and equip leaders to make informed decisions before problems impact profitability. Topics may include financial reporting systems, job costing, cost-to-complete forecasting, change order management, labor productivity tracking, billing and collections practices, and the key performance indicators that provide real-time insight into project success. We are also interested in sessions that address how organizations communicate budgets, productivity goals, and performance expectations with field teams, create accountability throughout the organization, and foster a culture in which employees understand how their daily decisions influence project outcomes and company performance.
3. Building Processes That Scale: As companies grow, the need for repeatable processes, consistent execution, and reliable information becomes increasingly important. We are seeking presentations that showcase how contractors have developed systems, workflows, and operational processes that create greater visibility, consistency, and scalability across the organization. Sessions may explore project startup and handoff procedures, standard operating procedures, project management workflows, technology and software implementation, ERP systems, reporting structures, artificial intelligence applications, and leadership practices that help owners and managers maintain a clear understanding of business and project performance. Presentations should focus on practical approaches, lessons learned, and proven strategies that improve decision-making, operational efficiency, communication, and sustainable growth.

 
Presentation Formats

We welcome:

• Educational Presentation: 45-minute presentation followed by Q&A.
• Panel Discussion: Owner, manager, and contractor panels discussing real-world experiences and lessons learned.
• Contractor Roundtable: Facilitated peer-to-peer discussion focused on challenges and solutions.
• Case Study Session: Project, operational, or business case study highlighting lessons learned and measurable results.

What We're Looking For

Preference will be given to presentations that:

• Share practical lessons learned
• Include real-world examples and metrics
• Avoid sales pitches
• Provide actionable takeaways
• Encourage audience participation
• Address challenges specific to metal building contractors and erectors

Proposal Submission Information

Please include:

• Presentation title
• Speaker name(s) and company
• Brief speaker biography
• Session description (200-500 words)
• Key learning objectives
• Preferred format (presentation, panel, roundtable, case study)

Questions to Consider

When developing your proposal, ask yourself:

• What process has significantly improved our business?
• What mistake did we learn from that others can avoid?
• What information do we review weekly to understand project health?
• How do we know if a project is succeeding before it is complete?
• What are we doing to develop and retain our workforce?
• What tools, systems, or processes have delivered measurable results?

Help Shape the Future of the Industry

By sharing your experience, you can help fellow contractors strengthen their businesses, develop future leaders, and build a stronger metal building industry. We encourage contractors, erectors, project managers, financial leaders, and business owners to submit proposals and contribute to the conversation.

Submission Deadline: September 30, 2026
Conference Dates: May 5-7, 2027
Location: Sheraton Crown Center, Kansas City
Submit Proposals To: Ginger Roberti, admin@mbcea.org

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.