RIIG delivers cutting-edge cybersecurity solutions that enhance your organization’s defenses, streamline operations and empower your team. Our expert services ensure robust protection, proactive risk management and continuous improvement in your security posture.

• Zero Trust Planning: Evaluate and enhance Zero Trust maturity with tailored security roadmap development.
• Red Teaming Capabilities: Simulate advanced cyber threats to rigorously test and strengthen your defense mechanisms.
• Vulnerability Assessments: Identify and address vulnerabilities through comprehensive penetration testing and analysis.
• Secure System Design: Design robust, secure systems using the latest security technologies and best practices.
• AI Tool Integration: Assess and implement advanced AI tools to enhance cybersecurity and operational efficiency.
• Cyber Workforce Training: Equip your team with essential cybersecurity skills through targeted, practical training programs.

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We are actively working alongside leading data providers and industry partners to develop AI-driven solutions that streamline and automate critical workflows across the customer lifecycle, including lead generation, estimation and customer interaction.

HOOTL is built by operators, engineers, cyber security and industry leaders who focus on one thing: making regulated systems work better. We design technology for industries where trust, clarity and results matter most. We co-developed our platform with real teams who live these challenges daily. That’s why it fits, it’s accurate, convenient and consistent.

HOOTL isn’t another add-on. It’s the automation backbone built to handle the next wave of innovation in roofing better data utilization and seamless system integration.

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By Emma Peterson. 

Denver Riggleman shares his thoughts on how AI will impact jobs and the larger workforce. 

As AI and automation increasingly become present in our daily lives, a common concern is that these technologies will take jobs away from people. This type of concern is not new. Every time a new technology is introduced, people naturally have hesitation and fear how things will change. And it does change things; think about the now-obsolete jobs like switchboard operators and projectionists. But it’s also important to remember that the technology that took over for those roles also made new opportunities. 

To look at how AI might change our workplace, both in creating jobs and taking over certain roles, Heidi J. Ellsworth spoke with Denver Riggleman, the co-founder and CEO of Hootl, for an episode of Contractor Outlook all about AI.  

The honest truth is that AI might take away some jobs, just like how technological advancements over the years have changed the roles necessary for operation. Denver shared, “I'm going to be very blunt, AI will take jobs that automation can automate. Take call centers, for example. I would say in the next 15 to 20 years, they will be all AI regardless.” But at the same time, automation is also a powerful tool for enabling businesses to grow and hire more employees in other sectors. Denver explained:  

Say you ‘lose’ 10 jobs at the admin processing level because AI is automating the mundane tasks. You now have the payroll space to hire people or have the people that were working those jobs change focus to working on higher-skill level tasks. And then with more people working on those higher-level tasks, you’re able to expand your gross revenue with a higher margin. 

In other words, AI might take over certain roles. By taking those mundane and tedious tasks off of people’s plates, however, it allows them to work on high-level tasks that not only are more engaging for them but also can help your company grow. And company growth often goes hand-in-hand with hiring new employees.  

Listen to the whole episode or Watch the recording to hear more insights into the role of AI in our workforce. 

By Emma Peterson. 

Denver Riggleman dives into how AI can be a lifesaving tool — and why improper use could expose sensitive business data.  

When we talk about AI, most conversations focus on the type of business management tasks it can manage. What is often overlooked is how AI can play a role in maximizing safety, on both sides of the coin. To learn more about the safety benefits and risks posed by AI, Heidi J. Ellsworth and Denver Riggleman sat down for an episode of Contractor Outlook Newscast all about AI.  

Denver is the co-founder and CEO of Hootl, a healthcare company that uses an AI model to improve the insurance workflows and reduce the number of denials. Prior to this, he worked in military intelligence, government and tech entrepreneurship. These experiences have given Denver a unique and informed perspective on both the benefits and risks of AI.  

Safety benefits 

Denver started the conversation talking about how AI can be used to improve safety regulations and measures, explaining, “AI can be used in tandem with cameras to help keep crews on the roof accountable...In a few years, I bet contractors could put up a two-camera mast on a tower on a building site with PPE detection quantified. It will automatically alert if it senses no PPE.” Would this be a perfect system? No, nothing is perfect. But Denver is the first to point out that you would still need a site manager to review for false alerts. But, as he put it, “Better false than dead.”   

Cybersecurity concerns 

While AI has the potential to save lives in terms of increasing use of PPE on job sites, it does come with its own risks. And, while not physical, cybersecurity is a huge concern. For one, most AI engines like Claude or ChatGPT are public. This means that information put into them is accessible to anyone else using the program.  

So, what should contractors who want to use AI do to make sure they are being safe? The first and most important thing is to have a cybersecurity training plan in place. Denver explained:  

You need to have somebody who looks at security of how every person at your company is using AI...From there, you need an AI trainer, someone who makes sure that everyone is using AI properly. For example, you don’t want to just get a personal ChatGPT account and start putting in proposal information from your company. That's public data and that data is actually parsed by the AI to utilize for other people. You need to have your own separate platform or program. AI trainers can help you get that. 

Overall, AI is a powerful, powerful tool. But it is just that, a tool. And like any tool, it comes with pros and cons. The key to successfully moving forward is knowing how to effectively leverage its benefits and minimize its downsides.  

Listen to the whole episode or Watch the recording with Denver to learn more about integrating AI in a safe manner. 

By The Coffee Shops™. 

Technology isn’t just changing today’s workflows — it’s laying the foundation for a smarter, more efficient future in metal construction and manufacturing. 

At the Metal Construction Association (MCA) 2026 Winter Meeting, Denver Riggleman, founder of RIIG Technology and former U.S. Congressman, delivered a compelling talk on how artificial intelligence (AI) and automation are transforming industries — including metal roofing, construction and manufacturing. His insights revealed not only the potential of AI but also practical examples of how companies can leverage technology to stay competitive. 

Why AI matters for metal construction  

AI is not just about futuristic robots or science-fiction scenarios. Denver emphasized that AI’s real power lies in automation and data integration, stating, “Automation across multiple channels creates efficiencies. No matter the industry — technology transfer works the same way.” 

For metal roofing and manufacturing, this means: 

• Faster estimation and bidding: AI can process drone imagery to generate accurate roof measurements and job estimates automatically. 
• Error reduction: By consolidating fragmented CRMs and historical data, AI minimizes manual mistakes. 
• Labor optimization: Companies can scale productivity without scaling headcount, freeing skilled workers from repetitive tasks. 

Real-world examples of AI impact 

Denver shared a striking example from the healthcare industry, saying, “One orthopedic practice was losing north of $5 million per month in insurance verification and claim issues. AI fixed that.” 

Similar inefficiencies exist in construction — slow RFQ responses, manual data entry and compliance challenges. AI can automate these processes, saving time and money. He also highlighted the potential for drone-based automation, saying, “If I can take a picture of a roof and have AI generate an estimate and job approval without a human, why wouldn’t I?” 

Investment and ROI: What are companies spending? 

According to Denver, companies are investing 1–2% of annual revenue in automation initiatives. While that may sound significant, the returns are compelling, “Saving money is earning money. If you can eliminate manual errors and speed up processes, you’re not just cutting costs—you’re creating competitive advantage.” 

Beyond AI: Building the right tech stack 

Denver cautioned that AI alone isn’t enough. As Denver put it, “There’s no way everything is going to be AI. You need full-stack developers, data scientists and engineers who understand microservices, Kubernetes and relational databases.”  This holistic approach ensures that automation layers are secure, scalable and adaptable to future changes. 

The future: Energy, data and compliance 

As AI adoption grows, so does the demand for data centers and energy. Denver warned, “Data centers will pull more and more energy off the grid. We need solutions — SMRs, natural gas, offshore power. It’s all coming.” 

He also noted that compliance is another critical area where AI can help, adding, “Do you know what rulemaking or legislation is coming out in state and federal right now that’s going to affect your business? AI can help predict that.” 

Key takeaways for metal roofing and manufacturing leaders 

1. Start small, think big: Identify pain points — RFQs, compliance, estimation — and explore automation solutions. 
2. Invest wisely: Budget 1–2% of revenue for AI and automation to stay competitive. 
3. Build expertise: Hire or train AI engineers and data specialists; don’t rely solely on off-the-shelf tools. 
4. Plan for power and policy: Engage in local energy discussions and monitor regulatory changes. 

Denver summed it up best, sharing, “When you look at your companies, you’re already successful. The question is — how successful do you want to be?” 

By Jenny Yu.  

This year’s gathering will provide members with opportunities to learn, engage and explore. 

In a recent episode of MetalCast™, Karen Edwards spoke with Jeff Henry, executive director of the Metal Construction Association (MCA), about MCA’s upcoming Winter Meeting taking place on January 13-15, 2026, in San Antonio, Texas.  

With speakers and networking opportunities lined up, the Winter Meeting is gearing up to be the must-attend event for starting the year on a strong note. One keynote speaker will be economist Alex Chausovsky. “He’ll be talking about the state of the industry, the economy, where construction is headed, what will be happening in the arena for metal and the entire geopolitical environment as well,” Jeff shared. “He’ll give some insights about how to do business in an age of uncertainty, which is a timeframe that we exist in at the moment.”  

Another voice that will be sure to spark ideas and conversation is Denver Riggleman, former Air Force intelligence officer and former congressman. Denver is also the CEO and founder of Riggleman Information & Intelligence Group (RIIG) — HOOTL (Humans Out of the Loop), a company focused on developing AI-driven tools for healthcare and insurance automation.  

“Technology is changing, especially with AI. It's changing so fast that we barely have time to plan for how we're going to incorporate it and use it,” Jeff stated. “Denver has some really interesting takes about the use of AI and its implications, and how to develop strategies for informed adoption of AI. He’ll provide some interesting insights and considerations for members to reflect upon as they approach their internal policies and applications of that technology.” 

Along with these esteemed speakers, the Winter Meeting will shed light on MCA’s developing programs for its members, like their contractor and installer training program. "We're in the midst of developing an online interactive curriculum,” Jeff said. “We hope to roll out phase 1 in late 2026, and that'll address standing seam, through-fastened panels, metal shingles — both painted and stone-coated. It will be robust.” 

Providing such educational support reflects MCA’s priorities for the new year and beyond. “We want to be the resource for understanding and providing best practice guidelines for the installation of the products that our members sell,” Jeff stated. “We're excited about that opportunity.” 

Listen to the podcast or Watch the recording to learn more about what the MCA Winter Meeting 2026 will hold!

By Jenny Yu.  

Educational sessions will focus on the economy, Artificial Intelligence and resilience in the industry. 

The Metal Construction Alliance (MCA) will host its 2026 Winter Meeting at the Hyatt Regency Hill County Resort and Spa in San Antonio, Texas, from January 13-15, 2026. The event will be one of the industry’s first major gatherings of the new year. Attendees can look forward to an agenda full of expert-led sessions spanning economic forecasts, workforce strategy, AI applications and more.  

Be sure check out the following sessions! 

Keynote speaker: Alex Chausovsky 

Tuesday, January 13, 9:15 a.m. 

The opening keynote speaker is Alex Chausovsky, director of analytics and consulting of The Bundy Group. Alex will offer a data-driven economic and labor market update highlighting inflation, interest rates, supply-chain dynamics and actionable talent-retention strategies. 

Keynote speaker: Denver Riggleman 

Tuesday, January 13, 12:45 p.m. 

Just after lunch, former U.S. Congressman and Air Force intelligence officer Denver Riggleman of Riggleman Information and Intelligence Group (RIIG) will take the stage to make the case that automation is not the future — it is now. His talk will explore how cutting-edge technology can reshape production, installation, labor and business operations in metal construction. 

Panel: Metal Resilience in Construction 

Wednesday, January 14, 8 a.m.  

This panel will bring together leading voices in architecture, engineering and sustainability to discuss how metal roofing and wall systems offer strength, fire resistance and durability — crucial features for structures built to withstand hurricanes, wildfires, hail and extreme weather. 

Networking events 

Outside the classroom, networking events will give attendees ample opportunity to connect, collaborate and create new visions for metal construction in the new year. These include: 

• Attendee breakfasts 
  • 8-8:45 a.m. Tuesday, January 13 
  • 7:15-8 a.m. Wednesday, January 14 
  • 7:30-8:15 a.m. Thursday, January 15 
• Networking lunch: 11:30 a.m.-12:45 p.m. Tuesday, January 13 
• Welcome reception: 5-6:30 p.m. Tuesday, January 13 
• Women in Metal-Construction dinner: 6:30-8 p.m. Tuesday, January 13 
• Golf Outing at Hill Country Golf Club: 12-5 p.m. Wednesday, January 14 
• Briscoe Western Art Museum tour: 12-3:30 p.m. Wednesday, January 14 
• Awards reception & dinner with guests 
  • Reception: 6:30-7:15 pm Wednesday, January 14 
  • Dinner: 7:15-9:30 pm Wednesday, January 14 

Register for the MCA 2026 Winter Meeting and sign up to sponsor any of the many events and initiatives.