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

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

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

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

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

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

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

About MetalCoffeeShop 

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

About The Coffee Shops 

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

By The Coffee Shops®. 

Industry experts to explore how metal roofing supports sustainability, long-term value and resilience in residential construction. 

Sustainability is increasingly important when homeowners and construction professionals evaluate roofing options. On Thursday, October 8 at METALCON, the Metal Roofing Alliance (MRA) will present “Residential Metal Roofing – The Sustainable Choice,” a session focused on the environmental, performance and long-term advantages of metal roofing. 

The session will examine how metal roofing can help reduce resource consumption, lower lifecycle costs and improve building efficiency. Attendees will learn how attributes such as recycled content, recyclability, durability, longevity and energy-saving performance contribute to a roof’s overall sustainability. 

The discussion will also define sustainability and understand why it matters to homeowners. Presenters will address specific roofing characteristics that can affect environmental performance, from the recycled content used in metal roofing products to the material’s recyclability at the end of its service life. 

Beyond material considerations, the session will explore environmental benefits associated with metal roofing, including solar applications, water catchment and potential heating and cooling cost savings. Speakers will also cover how metal roofing performs during extreme weather events such as hail, high winds and hurricanes. 

The presenter lineup brings experience from across the metals, roofing, manufacturing, sales and sustainability sectors. Speakers include Melissa Dunson, vice president of sales at Central States; Renee Ramey, executive director of MRA; Brian Smallwood, marketing manager – construction for Steel Dynamics Inc.; Mitch Heitsch, director of sales at Westlake Royal Building Products; and Lauren Rogers, global sustainability manager for the Sherwin-Williams Coil and Extrusion team. 

Attendees will leave with practical guidance for communicating metal roofing’s sustainable advantages to homeowners, developers, architects, building owners and facility managers. 

Make sure to add this session to your calendar to learn about positioning residential metal roofing as a sustainable, durable and long-term building solution. 

By The Coffee Shops®. 

Explore the environmental, performance and long-term value of residential metal roofing during expert-led educational sessions. 

The Metal Roofing Alliance (MRA) is heading to Orlando for METALCON 2026, bringing education, hands-on training and industry conversations focused on the future of residential metal roofing. 

The featured session, “Residential Metal Roofing – The Sustainable Choice,” will examine why sustainability has become an important consideration across residential, commercial and institutional construction. Scheduled for Thursday, October 8, from 1:15 to 2:15 p.m., the presentation will explore how metal roofing can support environmental goals, energy efficiency, low maintenance requirements and long-term value. 

MRA Executive Director Renee Ramey will present alongside Melissa Dunson, vice president of sales at Central States; Brian Smallwood, marketing manager for construction at Steel Dynamics Inc.; Mitch Heitsch, director of sales at Westlake Royal Building Products; and Lauren Rogers, global sustainability manager for the Sherwin-Williams Coil and Extrusion team.  

These experts bring a wealth of experience in metal manufacturing as well as marketing and communications to the conversation. Their expertise will help attendees define sustainability and better understand why it matters to homeowners. The session will cover recycled content, end-of-life recyclability and environmental benefits related to solar, water catchment and heating and cooling cost savings. 

Attendees will also learn how metal roofing performs during extreme weather, including hail, high winds and hurricanes. The program is designed to help professionals clearly communicate metal roofing’s sustainable attributes to homeowners, building owners, developers, architects and facility managers. 

Beyond the classroom, attendees can visit the MRA and Metal Construction Association Metal Mastery Clinics for installation-focused education. These hands-on clinics will share best practices for standing seam systems, metal shingles and retrofit applications. 

See more details and sign up for the educational session “Residential Metal Roofing – The Sustainable Choice.”

By The Coffee Shops®. 

METALCON education to explore sustainability, long-term value, building efficiency and extreme-weather performance. 

For contractors and other construction professionals, sustainability conversations increasingly extend beyond initial material selection to include service life, maintenance needs, energy performance and end-of-life considerations. The upcoming “Residential Metal Roofing – The Sustainable Choice” session at METALCON will cover communicating to decision makers how metal roofing addresses these priorities for residential, commercial and institutional projects. 

Presented by the Metal Roofing Alliance (MRA), the session will examine environmental advantages associated with metal roofing, including recycled content, recyclability, durability and longevity. Speakers will also discuss how these characteristics can reduce resource consumption, lower lifecycle costs and support building efficiency over time. 

The program is designed to help attendees define sustainability and understand why it matters to homeowners. It will also cover specific roofing characteristics that affect sustainability, from the recycled content used in metal roofing products to the ability to recycle the material at the end of its service life. 

Beyond material considerations, the presenters will explore environmental benefits related to solar applications, water catchment and potential heating and cooling cost savings. Attendees will also learn more about metal roofing performance during hail, high winds, hurricanes and other extreme-weather events. 

The speaker panel includes Melissa Dunson, director of marketing and communications at Central States; Mitch Heitsch, director of sales at Westlake Royal Building Products; Renee Ramey, executive director at the Metal Roofing Alliance; Lauren Rogers, global sustainability manager at Sherwin-Williams; and Brian Smallwood, outside sales at SDI. 

The session will take place Thursday, October 8, from 1:15 to 2:15 p.m. in the Metal Performance Learning Center. It offers one American Institute of Architects Learning Unit in Health, Safety and Welfare and one Florida Construction Industry Licensing Board general unit. 

Learn more about the educational opportunities available at METALCON.

By Emma Peterson. 

With more than 250 exhibitors, expanded educational programming and interactive experiences across the show floor, METALCON continues to be the industry's premier gathering for metal construction. 

METALCON, the only event in the industry dedicated solely to the application of metal in design and construction, is just around the corner! Produced by PSMJ Resources, Inc., in partnership with the Metal Construction Association, this year’s show will be hosted October 7-9, 2026, at the Orange County Convention Center in Orlando, Florida!  

This show brings metal professionals from across the country, whether you are a contractor, fabricator, manufacturer, supplier, designer or distributor, together to evaluate innovative products on the expo floor, build powerful partnerships at events, learn about the future of the industry in education sessions and push the industry forward, together. Keep reading to learn a bit about what to expect from this year’s show!  

METALCON 2026 education program 

Education has always been a cornerstone of the METALCON experience. For this year’s show, the METALCON team has expanded their educational offerings! In addition to their traditional metal construction, architecture, engineering and manufacturing workshops and complimentary sessions, they have added four Spanish-language education sessions! 

With industry-leading experts like Rob Haddock (S-5!), Vincent Sagan (Metal Building Manufacturers Association), Kermit Baker (American Institute of Architects), Amparo Sancen (Latinos En Roofing), Renee Ramey (Metal Roofing Alliance), Stephen Bender (University of Florida College of Design Construction and Planning), Kyle Rea (Adams and Reese) and Ryan Dalgleish (RAiNA), these sessions offer attendees a veritable wealth of information.  

Please note: All education sessions, except workshops, are included with your registration. No sign-up is needed. Just arrive at your selected session at the scheduled time and location. Seating is first come, first served. 

Browse the education offerings. 

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. 

By The Coffee Shops®. 

Industry leaders discuss how research-driven customers are changing the residential metal roofing market. 

Interest in residential metal roofing continues to grow, and according to industry leaders, today's homeowners are entering the buying process more informed than ever before. During a recent Coffee Conversations®, sponsored by the Metal Construction Association (MCA), Heidi J. Ellsworth spoke with a panel of industry experts about how changing consumer behavior is influencing the residential roofing market. 

Renee Ramey, executive director of the Metal Roofing Alliance, said homeowners are increasingly conducting extensive research before making roofing decisions. “I'm seeing a huge uptick in interest from homeowners just based on their own research and what they're finding is the wonderful benefits of putting a metal roof on your home,” Renee said. 

That shift is changing how roofing contractors approach sales, education and customer engagement. Rather than responding to emergency replacement needs, many metal roofing customers are evaluating long-term investments and researching products months before making a decision. 

According to Todd Miller, president of the Metal Roofing Alliance and Isaiah Industries, today's buyers are spending more time evaluating both products and contractors. “The metal roof customer, in particular, is not typically the customer who calls up and says, ‘Hey, I got rain pouring into my house. I need to do something immediately,’” he noted. “We are seeing people that are taking months, possibly even longer, to do their research.” 

Travis Sliger, of Forever Metal Roofing, has seen similar trends. Drawing from company data, he noted that metal roofing customers often spend three to six months researching before committing to a purchase. “They're becoming a lot more intentional about their roofing decisions,” he noted. “When we show up, they're asking questions that we weren't really getting five years ago.” 

As homeowners turn to online resources for information, the importance of accurate education and trustworthy content is more crucial than ever. Contractors who position themselves as educators and subject matter experts are often better equipped to build credibility with increasingly knowledgeable consumers. The result is a roofing marketplace where expertise, transparency and long-term value are becoming just as important as the products themselves. 

Listen to the recording or Watch the video to learn more about residential metal roofing.

By The Coffee Shops®. 

Metal experts explain the capabilities metal roofing materials offer when it comes to fighting against hail damage.  

Since the beginning of this year, the Midwest and Southern United States have experienced a tremendous number of hailstorms, and the severity of each storm has far surpassed what they’ve normally seen in previous years. With the rate and intensity of hailstorms, homeowners in these regions are facing the question of what to do to best prepare their homes for future storms. In a recent article, Metal Roofing Alliance (MRA) covers the basics of what homeowners should know about hailstorms, and how metal roofing is a superior option for hail protection.  

The roof is the home’s first, most powerful line of defense against damage from severe weather conditions, especially hail. While other traditional materials can face significant risks after such storms, metal roofs have been shown to be more durable and resistant to impact and wind damage. This durability is a measure proven through various impact rating tests.  

Impact ratings, such as the UL2218, are the nationally recognized standards for properly measuring a roofing material’s ability to withstand hail damage. Based on the results of a controlled, exact test, materials are giving a rating, Class 1 – 4, Class 4 being materials that were the most durable against testing measures. Most metal roofing systems boast a Class 4 rating, as metal panels are incredibly durable and resistant against denting and other damage that might occur from severe weather and hail.  

Though asphalt and other traditional materials are more common in residential projects across North America, metal roofing continues to grow in popularity, not only because of its incredible durability and lifespan, but for the amazing technological advancements being made; most metal roofs on the market can be designed to mimic the look of traditional materials or even take on a new, modern aesthetic!  

Learn more about the value of metal roofing to protect your home in the face of hailstorms!

Oregon roof earns Mountaintop Metal top honors in MRA's Best Residential Metal Roofing Competition.

A grand roof for a 9,000 square foot home in Lake Oswego, Oregon, has earned installer Mountaintop Metal and manufacturer The Aluminum Shingle Company top honors in the Metal Roofing Alliance’s (MRA) Best Residential Metal Roofing Project competition for the second quarter of 2026.

Massive in scale, the original composite asphalt roof on the home built in 2005 was discolored, stained and had lost many of its granules, detracting from the home’s beautiful appearance and worse, putting its performance at risk. The homeowners chose a gorgeous new metal roof that has the rich appearance of slate, adding stunning curb appeal while also helping reflect heat in the hot weather season to keep the home cooler.

The judges were impressed by the tremendous complexity of this re-roofing project and the craftsmanship demonstrated by the installer. It took Mountaintop Metal just three weeks to complete this project, which comprised of 76 facets and two rounded turrets. Metal turned out to be an excellent choice for the customized fabrication needed for this project, and to give the homeowners a lifetime roof that also promises excellent performance. Additionally, the new roof will require much lower maintenance in a region that receives a good deal of rainfall, as well as falling leaves and debris from towering trees that surround the home. “This re-roofing project is beyond impressive and shows off the skills demonstrated by our outstanding member companies,” said Renee Ramey, MRA executive director. “No doubt the new metal roof adds incredible style to this amazing home that will also stand the test of time.”

With this phase of the competition now closed, the search is on for MRA’s Best Residential Metal Roofing project for the third quarter of 2026. Open to U.S. and Canada homeowners, contractors, installers and manufacturers, honors are awarded for project appearance, performance and originality/use of materials. Interested participants can find information about how to enter and competition rules online at https://www.metalroofing.com/mra-contest-form.

About the MRA

Representing the residential metal roofing industry in the United States and Canada, the Metal Roofing Alliance (MRA) was formed to help educate consumers about the many benefits of metal roofing. For more information about MRA membership, residential metal roofing resources and tools, visit MRA at www.metalroofing.com.

Residential metal roofing is on track to capture an estimated 16 percent of the total U.S. roofing market within the next four years.

The forecast for residential metal roofing in the U.S. is in growth mode and predicted to outpace the broader economy, according to a joint market study conducted by FMI Consulting and sponsored by the Metal Roofing Alliance (MRA) and the Metal Construction Association (MCA).

That is especially true in the roof replacement category. Residential metal roofing is on track to capture an estimated 16 percent of the total U.S. roofing market within the next four years, with roof replacements predicted to drive 96 percent of that overall share, while new construction accounts for the remaining four percent.

The study shows that residential metal roofing benefits such as longer lifespan, better durability, style and appearance and strong warranties align with top homeowner priorities. Metal roofing systems including standing seam and metal trim categories that are tied to improved performance and efficiency are experiencing growing demand. In hurricane and high wind regions, metal roofing products and pre-manufactured systems that carry all necessary certifications to meet or exceed codes and testing standards will be increasingly adopted.

Other factors forecasted to drive growth for the segment are overall housing trends. Research shows more people are staying in their homes for longer. That’s motivating them to select more durable/high value products that don’t need to be replaced as often, like quality metal roofing.

Standing seam is the clear value leader in residential metal roofing and is expected to account for the majority of shipment value through 2030. Metal shingles represent the next largest opportunity, while through-fastened products continue to hold a meaningful position and IMPs (Insulated Metal Panels) remain a smaller but fast growing niche.

Keys to sustained growth

For all the good news in the residential metal roofing category, there are some areas for improvement. Forecasts show that consumer awareness continues to be essential and efforts by trade groups such as the Metal Roofing Alliance are fundamental to driving familiarity and broad acceptance. As a highly-credible, nonprofit organization focused on providing robust education and information to homeowners as they make their re-roofing decisions, MRA represents the leading metal roofing players in the industry. MRA has become a primary resource to help consumers understand the full value proposition of quality metal roofing.

Those efforts are proving to be key. Like other high quality, longer-lasting products, while cost remains a barrier to entry for some homeowners when it comes to choosing metal roofing, the study shows that continued and sustained education is nearly as important. According to forecasts, leading roof selection factors align well with metal roofing’s benefits, especially lifespan, durability, appearance and strong warranties. The opportunity for the industry is to make these benefits easier for owners, architects and contractors to compare against lower-cost roofing options during early material selection. That includes comprehensive information, tools and resources that MRA makes available at www.metalroofing.com, which attracts thousands of homeowners every year.

“As metal gains market share against traditional industry (sub)-standard roofing material, our goal is to be the number one resource for homeowners to understand the tremendous value proposition of metal roofing and how it compares to other materials they may be more familiar with but deliver far fewer benefits,” said Renee Ramey, MRA executive director. “Clearly, with forecasts looking strong, the collective efforts of our manufacturer and contractor members are needed now more than ever to drive demand for the entire segment of residential metal roofing.”

For more information about MRA, how to get involved and the benefits of membership, visit www.metalroofing.com

About the MRA

Representing the residential metal roofing industry in the United States and Canada, the Metal Roofing Alliance (MRA) was formed to help educate consumers about the many benefits of metal roofing. For more information about MRA membership, residential metal roofing resources and tools, visit MRA at www.metalroofing.com.