In this MetalTalk ™, Karen Edwards is joined by Malco Group’s Vice President of Marketing, Rebecca Talbot, to explore how a company known for its innovation in the HVAC-R trades is bringing new solutions to the metal roofing and siding market. From the launch of the TSCP1, expanded C-RHEX line and DEFT folding tools, Malco is redefining efficiency and precision on the jobsite. The team shares insights from METALCON, discusses real contractor feedback and offers a behind-the-scenes look at how Malco continues to engineer tools that meet the evolving needs of metal professionals. 

Listen to the MetalTalk.

Watch the MetalTalk.

By Jenny Yu.  

The Malco Group highlights training and mentorship as essential to addressing the industry's labor shortage. 

Nobody in the industry gets to where they are alone, and with an ongoing labor shortage, participating in hands-on mentorship and training programs are more important than ever. In a recent episode of MetalCast™, Karen Edwards sat down with Jon Olson, MetalCoffeeShop® Influencer and learning and product training manager for The Malco Group, to discuss how training, mentorship and industry involvement can help bridge the talent gap. 

According to Jon, the challenge facing the trades is twofold: an aging workforce and fewer young people entering the industry with hands-on experience. “The industry is facing a major generational transition,” Jon stated. “Too many people are retiring for the number of people coming in.” 

To help address that challenge, Malco has invested heavily in workforce development initiatives. Through programs such as their Head of the Class Student Recognition Program, as well as partnerships with organizations like SkillsUSA and Building Talent Foundation, the company works to introduce students and aspiring trade professionals to rewarding careers in the skilled trades. “Training, in many ways, is the industry solution to try and bridge that gap between, ‘I'm just starting out,’ and ‘I'm a productive addition to the team,’” Jon explained. 

Beyond formal training, Jon emphasized the importance of mentorship and creating a culture of continuous learning, not only for those new to the industry but for everyone. He encourages contractors to adopt a mindset of “winning and learning,” where every challenge becomes an opportunity for growth.  

“Training doesn't need to be over-structured,” Jon said. “You need to embrace each opportunity you have through continuous improvement and other means to really allow people to learn in their own way.” 

As labor challenges continue across the construction sector, Jon believes contractors who embrace this type of culture while prioritizing training, mentorship and professional development will be best positioned to build stronger teams and long-term success. 

Listen to the full podcast or Watch the recording to learn more about workforce development, training and Malco's impact on the overall future of the skilled trades. 

By Jenny Yu.  

Buy one, get one free: take advantage of Veto Pro Pac’s Spring Promo before June 15! 

Spring is here, and Veto Pro Pac, part of The Malco Group, is helping you prepare for the busiest season of the year!  

With its 2026 Spring Promo, running March 1 through June 15, Veto Pro Pac offers a two-tier incentive: customers who purchase qualifying bags receive a free bonus bag, reinforcing the brand’s commitment to supporting contractors with high-performance gear at a great value.  

Tier 1 

Customers who purchase any tier 1 product get a FREE CB-LD compact technician bag (a $169.99 value; tools not included). Designed for tradespeople who need quick, organized access to their tools and equipment, the CB-LD delivers a versatile solution for everyday jobs.  

Qualifying tier 1 products include:  

• Builders Belt
• Tech OT-LC
• Tech PAC
• And many more! 

Tier 2 

Those who purchase a tier 2 product will receive a FREE MB2B medium zippered meter bag (a $94.99 value; tools not included). The MB2B is a tall, compact meter bag built on an impact- and water-resistant injection molded polypropylene base that keeps the bag upright while protecting your tools and test equipment in any environment. 

Qualifying tier 2 products include: 

• Tech LC
• Tech MC
• TP-LC
• And many more!  

As the season ramps up, promotions like this give contractors an opportunity to expand their tool storage systems at no additional cost. By focusing on combining durability, accessibility and thoughtful design, Veto Pro Pac continues to build on its reputation for premium tool storage solutions designed for professionals in roofing, HVAC and construction. 

To learn more and take advantage of the promotion, visit Veto Pro Pac’s website before the June 15 deadline!

By Jenny Yu.  

By combining tools, pumps, chemicals, refrigeration and worksite solutions, The Malco Group is redefining what it means to be a true partner to the trades. 

The modern jobsite demands more than individual products — it requires integrated solutions that improve efficiency, simplify material purchasing and support contractors across multiple trades. The Malco Group has positioned itself as a one-stop partner by bringing together a portfolio of specialized brands that collectively address the full scope of contractor needs, from tools and refrigeration to chemicals and jobsite organization. By offering bundled category solutions from a single supplier, the company helps streamline operations and improve productivity in the field. 

Core trade tools from Malco Tools 

Malco Tools remains the foundation of the portfolio, offering precision-engineered hand tools and accessories trusted across the trades. Known for durability and field-tested performance, these tools are designed to meet the daily demands of HVAC and building construction professionals while maintaining accuracy and ease of use. 

Refrigeration solutions from MalcoEdge 

The MalcoEdge platform expands the company’s reach into refrigeration with a full suite of installation and service tools. From tube cutters to vacuum pumps and manifolds, the line is designed to support technicians working on increasingly complex HVACR systems. By consolidating these tools under one brand, contractors gain consistency and confidence across refrigeration applications. 

Condensate management from Aspen Mini Pumps 

Aspen Pumps delivers advanced condensate removal solutions designed for modern HVAC systems. Its latest mini pump technology features intelligent sensing and variable speed operation, helping contractors reduce noise, minimize maintenance and improve system reliability. These innovations are built to simplify installation and eliminate callbacks, making them a critical component for efficient HVAC performance. 

Worksite solutions from Veto Pro Pac 

Veto Pro Pac provides premium tool storage systems that improve organization and efficiency on the jobsite. Its vertically oriented tool bags and modular systems are built to reduce time spent searching for tools while protecting equipment in demanding environments, helping contractors stay productive throughout the day. 

Professional-grade chemicals from ACE Chemical 

ACE Chemical rounds out the offering with cleaners, treatments and specialty chemical solutions designed to maintain system performance and extend equipment life. These products support installation, maintenance and repair, giving contractors the resources they need to complete jobs with confidence. 

By uniting these five brands, The Malco Group delivers a comprehensive ecosystem that equips contractors with everything needed to succeed on today’s complex jobsites. 

Learn more about how The Malco Group is supporting contractors with integrated solutions!

MCS Influencer Jon Olson says your network becomes your competitive advantage to expand your training capabilites.

Ask any contractor right now what keeps them up at night, and you’ll likely hear the same thing: finding and keeping skilled people. Industry wide, the pipeline of skilled workers coming into the field is not keeping up with demand. But the real challenge isn’t just hiring — it's developing talent fast enough to keep jobs moving. That’s where your network becomes more than just contacts, it becomes your competitive advantage. When used the right way, your industry connections can help you expand your training capabilities and improve your pool of potential future employees. Let’s look at a few ways to leverage your network to grow your training pipeline: 

Who is in your network?  

Teachers, recruiters, current employees, manufactures… the list goes on, but each of these people can be a resource to help build out training at your company.  

Most of your team — or someone on your team — went to a trade school. Connecting with local instructors is one of the fastest ways to create a steady pipeline of new talent while expanding training opportunities for your team. And there is an extra bonus: teaching sharpens your own skills!  When your team steps in to train students, they’re not just giving back, they’re reinforcing what they do every day and raising the bar on the jobsite. 

These days, you have likely worked with a recruiter at some point to fill a position or maybe to even get your job. Not all recruiters are created equal, and that’s where organizations such as Building Talent Foundation stand out. Focused on the trades, they connect builders and contractors with emerging talent to help grow the workforce. One of the most valuable ways to engage? This organization often offers opportunities for mock interviews. By participating in these interviews, you’re not only sharpening your own interviewing skills, but you’re helping students build the confidence and skills they need to get hired. It’s a true win-win as it’s a great way to train your team to be better at identifying the right talent, and you build relationships. These candidates often go on to be hired by the companies supporting the mock interviews.  

If you have been in business for a while you have likely grown a solid network of manufacturer contacts — people you can call on for install guidance, tool support or to troubleshoot jobsite issues. Don’t overlook these contacts when it comes to training. Many offer ready-made resources you can tap into such as YouTube videos, articles or product walk-throughs that can help your team sharpen their skills and stay current. They’re often free, easy to access and are a great way to introduce new techniques or tools that make getting the job done easier, faster and safer.   

At the end of the day, remember to be creative. Training should be fun and engaging and as you can see from our quick list, there are likely resources in your network that can make training a positive experience for your team and your community.  

ACE Chemical offers the widest selection of American-made HVAC/R chemical products in the industry. 

The Coffee Shops™, the award-winning online communities where the industries meet for technologies, safety, information and education for the construction trades of roofing, metal, coatings and outdoor living are pleased to welcome the Atlantic Chemical and Equipment Company (ACE Chemical) into their community. 

Founded in Atlanta, Georgia, in 1947, ACE Chemical has grown to become one of the leading sources of high-quality chemical products for the HVAC/R market, made entirely in the United States. As part of The Malco Group, a leading manufacturer and distributor of professional-grade HVAC/R and construction products, ACE Chemical is committed to providing durable, high-quality and effective solutions that trade pros can trust. 

ACE Chemical’s product portfolio spans a wide range of applications critical to both roofing and mechanical trades. Its offerings include coil cleaners, refrigerants and oils, leak sealants, water filtration products and duct sealants, along with sprayers and maintenance tools designed to support installation and service work. These products are engineered to improve system efficiency, extend equipment life and simplify maintenance tasks for contractors in the field. 

Its top-selling product is the ACE® Foam N’ Clean®, an innovative, high-foaming, non-acid coil cleaner and brightener. As the first of its kind, the ACE Foam N’ Clean replaces the need for hydrofluoric-based cleaners, offering a safer product without sacrificing performance. 

For roofing professionals specifically, ACE Chemical provides targeted solutions like ACE® RoofSeal, an aerosol-applied product that seals leaks, cracks and seams around rooftop penetrations such as vents, skylights and HVAC units. The product sprays as a liquid and cures into a durable, rubberized coating, offering a fast and effective repair option across a variety of roofing materials.  

ACE Chemical’s Monster® Series delivers a powerful lineup of HVAC/R solutions engineered for the toughest jobsite challenges. Designed specifically for professionals, the series includes high-performance coil cleaners and rapid-response leak sealants capable of addressing even severe system losses, including units losing a full charge within 72 hours. 

In addition to core chemical solutions, ACE Chemical also offers jobsite essentials like industrial wipes, cleaning products and specialty maintenance items that help crews maintain productivity and cleanliness on the job. 

With a strong foundation in innovation and a broad product lineup, ACE Chemical delivers practical solutions that support contractors in improving efficiency, safety and long-term performance across projects. 

The Coffee Shops are proud to welcome ACE Chemical!

Aspen Pumps simplify condensate management for HVAC/R professionals, delivering compact, high-performance solutions that improve installation efficiency and long-term system reliability. 

The Coffee Shops™, the award-winning online communities where the industries meet for technologies, safety, information and education for the construction trades of roofing, metal, coatings and outdoor living are pleased to welcome Aspen Pumps into their community. 

Founded in 1992, Aspen Pumps has built its reputation as the original leader in mini condensate removal technology, setting the global benchmark for performance, precision and reliability. As part of The Malco Group, the brand continues to innovate with its next-generation mini pumps, engineered to be ultra-quiet, compact and easy to install. Designed with both contractors and end users in mind, these solutions deliver “fit and forget” performance while maintaining industry-leading sound levels as low as 16 dB(A). 

Aspen Mini Pumps are engineered to efficiently remove condensate from air conditioning and refrigeration systems, particularly in applications where space is limited or traditional gravity drainage is not possible. Known for their quiet operation and discreet design, these pumps can be easily integrated into a wide range of installations without compromising aesthetics or performance. 

For contractors, the value lies in both ease of installation and long-term reliability. The compact design allows for flexible placement, while consistent performance helps reduce callbacks and maintenance concerns. Whether used in residential or light commercial applications, Aspen Mini Pumps provide a streamlined solution for managing condensate in tight or complex spaces. 

With a focus on innovation, reliability and contractor-focused design, Aspen Pumps offer a targeted solution that helps HVAC/R professionals work more efficiently while meeting the demands of today’s installations. 

The Coffee Shops is proud to welcome Aspen Pumps!

By Jenny Yu.  

The new partnership between The Malco Group and Veto Pro Pac helps contractors work more efficiently with connected, trade-focused solutions. 

The recent addition of Veto Pro Pac to The Malco Group is reshaping how contractors approach efficiency, organization and jobsite performance. In a recent MetalTalk™ webinar hosted by Megan R. Ellsworth, industry leaders discussed how the partnership is designed to deliver more complete solutions for trade professionals, combining premium tools with advanced storage systems to streamline workflows. 

For Breanna Welke, vice president of strategic communications for The Malco Group, the collaboration reflects a broader shift toward integrated jobsite solutions. “Our goal really is to make life easier for our trade pros, to simplify what they do every day and make getting the job done easier, more efficient and safer,” she said.  

She emphasized that the group’s expanding portfolio is about more than individual products. “It’s really about moving beyond just thinking about individual products or individual brands, but focusing on that complete jobsite solution,” Breanna said. “We like to say that we offer everything that a trade pro might need to fill the back of their van.” 

That approach made Veto Pro Pac a natural fit for the partnership. Known for its durable, trade-focused tool storage systems, the brand complements Malco’s legacy in tools and HVAC solutions. “They’ve built a strong reputation for being a premium leader in the tool storage space,” Breanna stated. “Their bags are of the highest quality and were designed with trade pros in mind.” 

From a product development perspective, the alignment runs deep, according to Meredith Giesting, vice president of design. “The projects that we work on have been the most exciting, innovative and challenging,” she said. “Designing for the trades, you’re actually improving their day-to-day life.” 

Together, the companies are building a more connected ecosystem of tools and solutions that prioritize efficiency, durability and real-world performance. As contractors face increasing pressure to do more with less, partnerships like this aim to deliver smarter, more streamlined ways to work.  

Meredith noted that shared values between the brands strengthen their partnership: “We’re focusing on tradespeople. That’s why we do what we do.” 

Listen to the podcast or Watch the full webinar to learn more about how The Malco Group and Veto Pro Pac are shaping the future of jobsite solutions. Don’t miss Veto Pro Pac’s Spring Promo, available through May 31, 2026. 

By Jenny Yu.  

An experienced tradesperson explains how real-world experience led to a better way to organize tools with Veto Pro Pac. 

Frustration on the jobsite often sparks innovation, and for Roger Brouard, that frustration led to the creation of one of the most recognized tool storage brands in the trades. In a recent episode of MetalCast™, Karen Edwards spoke with Roger about how his experience as a carpenter led to the creation and founding of Veto Pro Pac.  

“Veto Pro Pac tool bags basically came out of my frustration with soft side tool bags,” Roger said, describing the “horizontal wrestling match” that made contractors’ lives needlessly inefficient. “You’d dump everything on the ground and dig through it; it was an exercise of aggravation and frustration to get a needed hand tool.” 

Drawing from years in the field — from hand framing and roofing to building wooden lobster boats — Roger combined hands-on trade knowledge with a background in fine arts to rethink tool storage. His breakthrough came with a vertical layout system. “This was the aha moment: all the vertical tiered pockets are on a flat panel,” he said. “It’s ergonomic to your body, and you have a nice, beefy grip.” 

Durability was equally critical in the Veto Pro Pac design. Roger emphasized that jobsite conditions demand rugged solutions. “I wanted to make the bag brutally tough,” he said, noting that harsh environments and heavy use require materials that resist wear and while providing a sturdy structure. “A plastic base solved three situations: moisture protection, wear and tear protection, and stability to a loaded tool bag.” 

Finally, having a fine arts degree, Roger wanted his bag to look good, too. “I wanted it to have a serious, rugged yet classy look,” he said, explaining the earthtone color palette of the product.  

This blend of practical, artistic design and jobsite insight shaped Veto Pro Pac to be the trusted tool bag for contractors today. Now a part of The Malco Group, Veto Pro Pac can further expand its reach to bring solutions to more contractors, reflecting a shared focus on improving efficiency. 

Roger’s road to developing Veto Pro Pac underscores how curiosity and a willingness to solve problems can lead to meaningful innovation. 

Listen to the full podcast or Watch the recording to learn more about Roger and his journey to building Veto Pro Pac.

Veto Pro Pac’s products offer heavy-duty durability with ergonomic functionality. 

The Coffee Shops™, the award-winning online communities where the industries meet for technologies, safety, information and education for the construction trades of roofing, metal, coatings and outdoor living are pleased to welcome Veto Pro Pac into their community.  

For over 30 years, Veto Pro Pac’s founder Roger Brouard worked in the field, frustrated with the industry’s lack of quality tool bags. So, Roger took matters into his own hands and created Veto Pro Pac Tool Bags and pouches, designed with the professional tradesperson in mind. Built with a rugged construction, ergonomic design, patented center panel, vertical-tiered pockets, marine-grade rivets and snaps, useful D-rings and a durable waterproof base, Veto Pro Pac Tool Bags are tools themselves.   

Today, Veto Pro Pac is widely recognized as a global leader in the premium tool bag category, serving professionals across roofing, HVACR, electrical and construction trades. Their wide-ranging tool bag product line includes backpacks, holsters, utility pouches, laptop/tablet bags, open top bags, closed top bags, cargo totes and wheeled bags, to name a few. Accessories complement these offerings, providing contractors with the smaller necessities that make the jobsite more efficient. 

The company continues to innovate with solutions like its modular evo system, which allows professionals to configure and secure tools across bags, belts and equipment for greater flexibility and efficiency. This focus on adaptability reflects how modern contractors work, offering customizable storage that evolves with changing jobsite needs. 

Veto Pro Pac delivers practical solutions that help contractors stay organized, protect their tools and work more efficiently. As part of The Malco Group, the brand is well positioned to continue supporting the evolving demands of skilled trades professionals. 

To learn more and take advantage of the promotion, visit your local approved Veto Pro Pac distributor, or visit Veto Pro Pac's website before the May 31 deadline. 

The Coffee Shops are proud to welcome Veto Pro Pac!