By Emma Peterson. 

Learn why this building material is popular with manufacturers, contractors and building owners alike. 

While it’s been around for decades, cold-formed steel, which refers to metal that is manufactured at room temperature, wasn’t an incredibly popular building material until the last decade. Today, it is used in a variety of construction sites for joists, columns, decking and more. But why is it gaining popularity now? To learn the answer to this question, Karen Edwards spoke with Corey Lincoln, business development manager at Metal Sales, for an episode of MetalCast™.  

From a manufacturer's perspective  

There are many manufacturing benefits to cold-formed steel as opposed to traditional hot-rolled options. For one, cold-formed steel has a higher strength-to-weight ratio, which means it can be manufactured using less materials without sacrificing durability.  

Additionally, it has a relatively short product life cycle, which means it gets into the hands of contractors faster. Corey elaborated, “From the time you hit an order button, confirm the shipping, I, as a manufacturer, am delivering to the job site in three to four weeks. And that's all your structural components, metal roofing wall panels and trim. That's a pretty quick manufacturing timeframe.” 

Benefits for the building owner 

As for building owners, there are distinct benefits to having cold-formed steel installed. Primarily, cold-formed steel offers incredible durability in the face of a variety of weather conditions. Corey explained:  

“First, it’s metal and we don't really have a fire exposure problem with our steel buildings. Not only is this safer, but it makes it easier to get a building insured...There's areas in the country that are really fire prone that you essentially can't get insured to build a new home, even if you previously had a home that burnt down, unless you make it out of steel...Cold-formed steel is also more energy efficient. We're doing R50 roofs and stuff by installing cold-formed and putting spray foam on it...Last but not least they’re strong...We have cold-formed building with 150-pound snow loads.” 

Why this works for contractors 

In addition to being a good choice for manufacturers and building owners, cold-formed steel comes with benefits to the contractors as well. Corey gave an example, sharing, “We have contractors who are building the cold-formed steel structures that can then build two of these for every one wood frame that they used to build.” 

This efficiency is due to a few different factors. First, there is quite a bit less field fabrication in the erection of a cold-formed building than there is a typical stick frame, making job sites move quicker. Additionally, the contractors Corey is referring to are using Metal Sales’ IMPACT software. This software is specially designed to help contractors install cold-formed steel more efficiently. Corey shared how it works, “Essentially, it's a CAD-based program. But it’s much easier to use than CAD... You essentially take your basic length, width, heights, input them into the software, you can add lean-tos, mezzanines, partition walls and design a building from a 3D standpoint...From there, you can use that 3D design to make the erection of the building easier on the job site.”  

Listen to the podcast or Watch the recording to learn more about cold-formed steel and its benefits. 

MCS Influencer Corey Lincoln says social media can reinforce a brand's connection to its audience while driving business results.

In today’s fast-paced and competitive cold-formed steel building industry, companies like ACT Building Systems and Cornerstone Building Brands are effectively using social media as a major business driver. By making the most of short videos and social media content, they’re building trust with their audience and turning that engagement into real leads. 

Building trust through storytelling 

Short video content is a game-changer in making complex ideas more relatable. ACT Building Systems and I, for example, share videos on platforms like YouTube and LinkedIn that take viewers through the cold form building process or showcase completed projects — from design to installation. These clips highlight practical aspects, like erection techniques and quick delivery time frames, which really reinforce our credibility.

Showcasing values and culture 

The brands also focus on their core values, such as sustainability. ACT highlights that their buildings are made from 100% recyclable materials, while HyperSteel emphasizes energy efficiency. Content like Cornerstone's “Meet Our Team” provides a peek inside the company culture and shows their commitment to customer service. Success stories from contractors add authenticity to their messaging. 

Turning engagement into measurable leads and contracts  

ACT Building Systems, which excels at using social media to promote interaction with manufacturers, distributors and contractors. Through podcasts, short-form videos and monthly webinars, ACT fosters strong connections with its audience, enhancing the relationship between Cornerstone Building Brands and its accounts. By utilizing the ACT Dimensions software, team members can confidently navigate the design and quoting process, ensuring thoroughness in their work. 

Moreover, ACT's content instills trust in the durability and lightweight nature of Cornerstone Building Brands' cold-formed building systems among distributors and contractors. All these engagement efforts leverage short-form videos and social media, ultimately reinforcing the brand's connection to its audience while driving business results. 

Conclusion 

In a nutshell, ACT Building Systems and Cornerstone Building Brands show how social media can be a powerful tool for the cold-formed metal building industry. By sharing valuable content and utilizing smart strategies, Cornerstone Building Brands is not just growing their online presence — they’re generating real business results that pave the way for success in the industry. 

MCS Influencer Corey Lincoln says strong communication is the backbone of any effective safety culture. 

As we kick off 2026, we in the cold-formed metal building industry must prioritize a crucial topic: safety. This isn’t just a routine checklist item, it’s a core aspect of our identity and how we care for each other on and off the job. 

Safety is about more than compliance; it’s about building a culture centered on personal ownership. When we step onto a jobsite, we’re not merely workers but part of a community of craftsmen, engineers and innovators. Each of us must take pride in upholding a safe workspace. When every team member feels personally connected to safety protocols, it becomes an integral part of our professional values. 

We also need to measure safety success beyond just incident reports. Yes, avoiding accidents is essential, but our focus should shift toward fostering a proactive mindset. Continuous training, safety discussions and open dialogue about potential hazards are critical for a prevention-oriented approach. This shift leads to fewer incidents and a more engaged workforce empowered to voice safety concerns. 

Inspiring personal responsibility for jobsite safety is paramount. It’s crucial for every individual to understand that safety is a collective responsibility. Each team member being accountable for their own safety and that of their colleagues builds a culture of vigilance. Simple actions — like checking in on peers or ensuring proper safety gear is worn — help instill this accountability. 

Strong communication is the backbone of any effective safety culture. This includes clear signage, straightforward verbal instructions and detailed safety reports. With my background in the metal roof and wall panel industry, as well as being an OSHA 30 Construction card holder, I can’t emphasize enough the importance of thorough risk analysis jobsite forms and safety briefings. Open communication ensures everyone is aware of potential hazards and knows the protocols to follow. 

At the heart of our safety efforts is the human element. Going home injury-free to our loved ones should be our top priority. We all love this industry, but our greatest responsibility lies with those waiting for us. Let’s make safety an essential part of our identity in the cold-formed metal building industry. Together, we can foster a workplace where everyone thrives — safely. Here’s to a safe and successful 2026! 

Lee Ann Slattery will be first female chair.

The Metal Construction Association (MCA) is pleased to announce its new officers for 2026. Elected by MCA members, the board will be led by Lee Ann Slattery of ATAS International, the organization’s first female chair.

Slattery joins executive committee members:

• Vice chair: Bill Hartford, Sherwin-Williams
• Treasurer: David Stermer, Metal Sales
• Secretary: Chandler Barden, CIDAN Machinery
• Past chair: Brian Partyka, Carlisle Companies Inc
• Market development chair: Jules Dekovics, OMG
• MRA president: Todd Miller, Isaiah Industries, Inc.

Slattery joined the MCA board in 2020 and quickly became an officer, serving as chair of the market development committee. In 2023, she received MCA’s Patrick R. Bush Service Award. She serves on the education committee for the National Women in Roofing and is also a founder and a director of the Let’s Build Construction Camp for Girls. In 2020, she was inducted as a Fellow of the Construction Specifications Institute, where she served on its national board for four years. 

“I am excited about the upcoming growth and innovation for MCA and I believe we will reach new milestones with such a talented team of industry leaders on the board and staff,” said Slattery.

Slattery will succeed Chandler Barden, who most recently served as chair. Barden will continue serving as the association's secretary. The organization extends special thanks to him for his ongoing dedication to the industry.

The executive committee works alongside MCA directors, which include:

• RC Antal, ATAS International 
• Michael Beck, Accurate Perforating
• Mark Carlisle, US Steel
• Dustin Haddock, S-5!
• Jessica Haddock, S-5!
• DJ Highnote, RoofHugger
• Jeff Hock, Sheffield Metals
• Sean McCue, Precoat Metals
• Ken McLauchlan, Carlisle Building Products
• Karan Patel, Applied Fabricators
• John Trifonoff, East Coast Metals 
• Jodi Wagoner, Steel Dynamics
• Mike Weis, Petersen Aluminum Corp.

The board members are elected by the MCA members from the slate recommended by the nominating committee, with each serving a three-year term.

About the Metal Construction Association

Founded in 1983, MCA represents over 100 member companies that manufacture and distribute products for the metal construction industry. The association’s mission is to promote the use of metal in the building envelope. Member volunteers collaborate on projects to educate contractors and architects about best practices for metal design and installation, while also ensuring compliance with evolving building codes and standards that support safety, sustainability and performance. Companies involved in MCA benefit greatly from activities focused on research, codes and standards, market development and technical programs. For more information, visit metalconstruction.org.

By Anna Lockhart.  

In an effort to provide a modern, sleek aesthetic to this university's campus, designers brought in the only brand perfect for the job – Metal Sales.  

In 2008, Arizona State University unveiled the stunning new building that would become home to the notable Walter Cronkite School of Journalism and Mass Communications. Situated on the university's sprawling campus in Phoenix, Arizona, the structure makes a bold statement with its sleek metal paneling and warm color scheme.  

Spanning an impressive 223,000 square feet across six stories and multiple classrooms fitted with state-of-the-art media equipment, the Walter Cronkite building is a sight to behold. When project architects at HDR Architecture and the general contractor, SUNDT Construction, took on the massive job, one thing was certain: the exterior facade needed to be constructed from the highest quality metal panels. Of course, that means none other than Metal Sales would do!  

The building envelope features Metal Sales’ T23 panels with 3’ vertical ribs in a trifecta of colorful coatings: Colonial Red, Terra Cotta and Copper Penny, an ode to the surrounding desert and Arizona culture. Additionally, the building also features horizontally clad T13-A ribbed panels in Metallic Silver.  

While Metal Sales’ panels were the obvious choice for the project due to their stunning visuals and durability, ASU’s values of sustainability were also a major part of choosing metal materials. The ideal building material for eco-conscious designs and a great way to maximize a structure’s energy-efficiency, the choice to use metal panels for the building envelope packs not only a stunning visual impression, but a purposeful one.  

Learn more about ASU’s Walter Cronkite School of Journalism and the utilization of Metal Sales materials in the detailed case study.

By Anna Lockhart. 

In this island neighborhood, eco-conscious design comes first. The perfect solution for a green home? Metal panels! 

Tucked away on Bainbridge Island outside of Seattle, Washington lies the Grow Community – a sustainable and ecologically optimized cluster of neighborhoods designed with the future in mind. As climate change and global weather patterns worsen, it is critical to take into account what the future holds and build accordingly today.  

For those looking to minimize their carbon footprint and prioritize sustainable building and living practices, these homes are the perfect solution. Many residents of the island are of like-minds, aiming to emphasize a healthy lifestyle. Grow Community holds these values at the heart of its mission, and with that in mind, the best building material to bring these visions to reality was metal!   

Under the leadership of Jonathan Davis, architect and Greg Lotakis of Asani LLC, the Grow Community broke ground and recruited none other than Metal Sales to use their 7/8” Corrugated Wall Panels in their home construction projects. A low-maintenance and energy-efficient material, these corrugated panels offer users a high-quality and durable solution without sacrificing eco-conscious principles. As a completely recyclable material, these panels are also ideal for a community that shares recycling as a pillar of lifestyle goals.  

As time passes and generations are born and raised, Grow Community aims to instill and inspire a spirit of health for all residents. And that starts with the home, each material and design choice made with precision and care. Metal offers such solutions, and Metal Sales is a proud supplier of materials for such an ambitious and inspiring residential project of such a scale.  

Learn more about Metal Sales and the Grow Community in this case study.

Metal Influencers bring knowledge, experience and vision to contractors nationwide, shaping 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 Influencers for MetalCoffeeShop®(MCS).     

MCS Influencers share their expertise each month on MetalCoffeeShop through interviews, videos and articles covering key issues in metal construction. Representing every corner of the industry — from contractors to associations to service providers — these leaders bring valuable insight and perspective. Their contributions are highlighted in a dedicated section of the site called MCS Influencers.  

“We are dedicated to amplifying the voices of our MCS Influencers,” said Heidi J. Ellsworth, president of The Coffee Shops. “Each one offers a distinct perspective on issues that matter to contractors and the wider metal industry, and we are grateful for their willingness to share their insights.”  

We are proud to announce the following 2026 MCS Influencers: 

1. Jon Olson – Malco Tools 
2. Josh Nowlin – Burrows Supply 
3. Corey Lincoln – Metal Sales 
4. Junny Lee – Sherwin-Williams 
5. Nigel Kreft – Elevate Structures 
6. Lee Ann Slattery – ATAS International 
7. Anthony Ortega – Viotell Metal Concepts 
8. Sasha Demyan – Metal Building Contractors and Erectors Association (MBCEA) 
9. Randy Chaffee – Source One Marketing   
10. John Chan – The Durable Slate Company   
11. Stacee Lynn/Oliver Bell – The Barndominum Company 
12. Renee Ramey – Metal Roofing Alliance (MRA) 
13. Robert Tiffin – Metal Building Contractors and Erectors Association (MBCEA) 
14. Paul and Emily Marshall – Mr. and Mrs. Post Frame  
15. John Sheridan – Sheridan Tools   
16. Bob Mesmer – RMG Erectors   
17. Brad Van Dam – Carlisle Architectural Metals 
18. MetalForming 

For more information on the 2026 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 Anna Lockhart.  

Designers transformed this abandoned warehouse property into a modern new office space for the next generation.  

Nestled in a tight lot in Bellingham, Washington, the Gaston Bay Building was in need of renovation, but there were serious restrictions on what changes could be made. Locked into an existing footprint and height restrictions due to building regulations, the structure could only be altered so much. But designers at Christensen Design Management were creative and found a way to breathe new life into the old structure, paving the way for a modern marvel of a building to take its place.  

Working within the confines of the building codes and regulations, the team behind the project were able to give the building a new look without exceeding the set project budget. The team behind the ambitious project installed 13,000 square feet of Metal Sales Manufacturing Corp.’s 24-gauge Galvalume, 7/8-inch Corrugated metal wall panels in three PVDF colors: Antique Patina, Parchment and Patina Green. The new look was revolutionary, giving the 1930s building a major facelift, bringing it into the modern era.  

Metal building materials are notorious for being durable and long-lasting, giving the Gaston Bay Building a reliable exterior to weather the Washington climate for decades to come! The finished project is a testament to the creativity and innovative minds behind the design, having had used minimum maintenance efforts and gaining LEED Gold certification!  

Learn more about the Gaston Bay Building and Metal Sales.

By Anna Lockhart.  

Designing and executing a building project spanning over 50,000 square feet is no easy task. But the Metal Sales team was up to the challenge! 

In designing and building what would become the luxury Rabbit Hole Distillery in Louisville, Kentucky, the architects and brand owner chose to cover the entire building with materials that offered versatility, function and aesthetics. The 55,000 square foot building, designed to house a major bourbon distillery on site and various hospitality spaces, needed to be made from materials that would be durable and reliable enough to support operations and visitors for decades to come. 

With a space designed to look modern and cutting-edge, while also conveying a welcoming appeal for customers, finding a material that best embodies that feeling, without sacrificing durability and functionality was crucial. Enter Metal Sales, a brand focused on delivering high-quality, metal roofing and siding materials designed with stylish color palettes that can transform any building into a work of art.  

In the overall finished build, Rabbit Hole Distillery ended up featuring over 13,000 square feet of metal panels from Metal Sales across various sections of the building. In particular, the distillery’s structure features the Concealed Fastened Empire Series EM1-1653 wall panels in the shades Champagne Metallic and Dark Bronze, as well as the brand’s 24-gauge 12” coverage soffit ceiling panels in Matte Black, Linen White and Champagne Metallic. Dark Bronze and Matte Black interior wall panels were also featured in the final design to give the space a sleek, modern look.  

The efforts of the professionals behind the project didn’t go unnoticed, either – The Rabbit Hole Distillery received the 2018 Metal Construction News Building and Roofing Awards Grand Prize!  

Learn more about the Rabbit Hole Distillery from the Metal Sales project case study.

By Anna Lockhart.  

This California fire station is tiny, but mighty! 

Nestled in a compact corner lot in what is now the city center of Folsom, California, is Fire Station 38, a station originally built with the intention of serving a much smaller population. Back in the 1980s, when it was originally commissioned and built, Station 38 was situated on what was then the outskirts of a minor residential area. Yet, Folsom has seen a population boom in recent years, particularly in the last decade, and the needs of the area have significantly grown beyond the single-story station’s capacities.  

The start of the renovation project was a necessity — the city needing to find the best solution to retain what they could of the original structure and find clever ways to upgrade and expand it within the limitations of the small land plot. The solution: build upwards where they can and optimize all other areas for maximum efficiency and living quality.  

The project included the addition of a new two-story wing, complete refreshers of the fire crew’s living quarters, offices and utility rooms as well as updating all interior finishes. This upgrade and refresh took the small, old station from 3,058 square feet to 4,525 square feet of usable, modern space. The most notable and visually impressive change is the station’s new exterior.  

Equipped with a sturdy, sleek metal roof designed to last decades to come and a modern gray paint job to complement the new metal and rock exterior siding, Station 38 has brought major curb appeal to Folsom’s city center. Featuring the T6-A Wall panels from Metal Sales, Station 38 is sure to stand out for many years to come, making the most of their tiny but mighty location!  

To learn more about Station 38’s new look, check out the Metal Sales case study.

Image source: Calpo Hom & Dong Architects | Rudy Calpo Photography