By The Coffee Shops®. 

When traditional options on the market don’t cut it, sometimes you have to do it yourself. One carpenter-turned-designer shares his experience pursuing innovation in creating a new tool bag. 

In an episode of Roofing Road Trips®, host Karen Edwards sat down with Roger Brouard, founder of Veto Pro Pac, to discuss the importance of innovation and pursuing solutions for day-to-day problems. From facing frustration on the jobsite to designing a solution, Roger exemplifies what it means to innovate for the betterment of your industry. Now, his products are a part of The Malco Group and are some of the most relied upon tool storage solutions on the market for industry professionals. 

After facing endless frustration with the traditional soft-sided tool bags, Roger was eager for a better solution for storing his tools on the jobsite. He shared, recalling his frustration of traditional tool storage, “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.” 

A carpenter by trade and experienced in hands-on problem solving, Roger went to the drawing board and came up with a solution of his own: the Veto Pro Pac. Relying on a vertical layout rather than the traditional horizontal storage systems for the job, the bag is easy to access and sort through. Vertical tiered pockets on a flat panel are inside the bag, streamlining the user’s ability to navigate the system, finding what they need without obstruction and clutter. He shared, “It all came together and I knew it was better than any tool bag on the market, and I knew it would sell.” 

To toughen up the design, as the jobsite often requires a bit of rough handling and wear to the exterior, the bag is made using a plastic, sturdy base. He shared, “A plastic base solved three situations: moisture protection, tear protection and stability to a loaded tool bag.” A tough product for a tough trade, ready to take on the day-to-day needs of carrying so many tools and heavy products. It was vital not only to create a product that’s sturdy, but one that’s going to outlast the rest.  

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

In this MetalTalk™ webinar, host Megan R. Ellsworth is joined by Breanna Welke, VP of strategic communications with The Malco Group and Meredith Giesting, VP of design with Veto Pro Pac, to explore what it means for contractors now that Veto Pro Pac has joined The Malco Group. Known for premium tool storage built for trade professionals, Veto Pro Pac brings a new layer of organization and durability to Malco’s growing ecosystem of contractor solutions. The discussion looks at how the partnership supports metal contractors with smarter workflows, better jobsite efficiency and new innovations like the EVO line. Tune in to learn how this collaboration is helping deliver more complete solutions for the trades. 

Listen to the podcast.

Watch the podcast.

Rapid Response was developed to seal leaks in units which were losing gas so quickly that a faster response was required. Rapid Response is capable of sealing leaks in systems losing up to 100% of the charge within 72 hours. Current products on the market typically seal leaks losing up to 15% of the charge within 7 days.  The product is formulated to work on the molecular level to create a bond to the metal surface within the unit where the leak occurs. This reaction creates a stronger, faster seal in these low- and high-pressure systems than ever before attainable. Compatible with all refrigerants … do not use in ammonia or CO2 systems

Learn more about Monster seal.

MCS Influencer Jon Olson says that training is key to integrating new technology.

Many pros are looking for technology that will make their planning easier and their company more profitable. While there are many choices out there, it’s important to remember that technology is often only as good as what you feed into it.

First, remember that every project has review and revision cycles. It is common to think of tasks like design as a one-time deliverable, but in reality, most projects will require multiple rounds of feedback and refinement. When building your project plan, account for those review loops from the start to ensure you are setting realistic goals. For example, if you typically develop a solution for a customer and review it with them two to three times, build your plan to show this. Doing so ensures your customers are getting exactly what they are looking for, and you are getting projects done on time. Plan for the process, rather than bypassing the process and derailing your plan.

Another important planning consideration is to remember that weather happens. Building your plans around perfect weather is building a flawed plan. Your tasks that require good weather should be planned with a buffer in mind so that you finish the project ahead of plan if the weather is great, and you can be on-plan if weather does not cooperate. This is not a perfect process but is an important consideration as you build your project plans and timelines.

Training is one of the most critical factors in the successful adoption of any new technology. People naturally gravitate towards the tools they know and feel confident using, so introducing a new platform requires more than a one-time training session. Repetition is required to drive home key habits and consistent usage. The more comfortable people become with the technology, the more they are likely to embrace it as part of their daily workflow. And of course, keep it simple.

As you review opportunities to improve your business using new technology and systems, remember that often the simplest solution is the best solution. Technology should enhance what is already working, not replace it unnecessarily. Remember to build on your successes and incorporate them into new solutions so you do not lose your competitive advantage.

In this MetalTalk™ webinar, host Megan R. Ellsworth is joined by Breanna Welke, VP of strategic communications with The Malco Group and Meredith Giesting, VP of design with Veto Pro Pac, to explore what it means for contractors now that Veto Pro Pac has joined The Malco Group. Known for premium tool storage built for trade professionals, Veto Pro Pac brings a new layer of organization and durability to Malco’s growing ecosystem of contractor solutions. The discussion looks at how the partnership supports metal contractors with smarter workflows, better jobsite efficiency and new innovations like the EVO line. Tune in to learn how this collaboration is helping deliver more complete solutions for the trades. 

Listen to the podcast.

Watch the podcast.

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.

MCS Influencer Jon Oslon says to focus on the benefits of metal when navigating HOA's.

Selling metal roofing to HOAs and other property owners isn't always easy. For contractors, one of the biggest challenges is helping price-sensitive customers look beyond the initial investment and understand the long-term value. While metal roofing may have a higher upfront cost than other roofing materials, its durability, longevity and lower maintenance requirements often deliver a much stronger return on investment over the life of the roof. 

Understanding how to communicate those benefits can make the difference between winning the project and losing it on price alone. Let's take a closer look at the sustainability advantages of metal roofing and how you can overcome common objections and build a stronger case with your customers. 

Not all roofing materials are created equal; it’s critical that owners understand the differences to ensure they make informed decisions. When it comes to the sustainability of roofing materials, it’s important to talk about the longevity of roofing products, the recyclability of the materials and what the materials are made of.  

Many compare metal roofs to asphalt roofs as these are the most common due to cost. Asphalt roofs last 15-30 years, but only premium shingles carry a class 4 impact resistance. This means they provide the shortest lifespan of roofing materials and are prone to storm damage. While exposed-fastener metal roofing is the most affordable metal roofing option, it also has the shortest lifespan, typically 25 to 40 years, because the fasteners and their seals eventually wear out. Standing seam metal roofs, by comparison, commonly last 40 to 70+ years, while copper roofs can exceed 100 years. 

Although the upfront investment is higher, the extended lifespan makes metal roofing a smart long-term choice. In many cases, a metal roof can last two to four times longer than an asphalt shingle roof, reducing maintenance, replacement costs and the amount of material sent to landfills over time. Many heavy-gauge metal roofing systems are also Class 4 impact rated, providing superior resistance to hail and storm damage and help the roof perform longer than many traditional roofing options. 

Fun Fact: Some copper roofs have been documented to last 200 years or more! Although this is an amazing lifespan, copper roofs are also one of the most expensive options.    

When discussing roofing options with owners, sustainability can be a powerful way to shift the conversation from upfront cost to long-term value. Asphalt shingles are made from new petroleum products and are rarely recycled and most end up in a landfill. Metal roofing, on the other hand, is made of steel, aluminum, copper or Zinc. New steel roofing material is typically made from 25%-80% recycled steel depending on the manufacturer. These metals are easy to recycle, with most if not all, being recycled after use.  

A roof that lasts longer, requires fewer replacements and can be recycled at the end of its service life offers benefits that extend well beyond the initial installation. For many owners, those advantages make metal roofing an investment worth considering. 

By Jenny Yu. 

MalcoEdge delivers solutions that help contractors improve accuracy, speed and jobsite consistency. 

As contractors face demand for faster installations and more reliable performance, Malco Tools is providing what they need with MalcoEdge™: a purposeful lineup of refrigeration tools designed to support modern HVACR challenges. Rather than offering a narrow portfolio of tools, the MalcoEdge line brings together a full ecosystem engineered for reliability, durability and efficiency to support everything from initial lineset installation to full system lifecycle troubleshooting and repair.  

MalcoEdge tools for contractors 

• Vacuum pumps: Designed for efficient system evacuation, these compact, jobsite-ready pumps support mobility while delivering reliable performance for residential and light commercial applications. 
• Recovery units: Built for speed and safety, these units provide dependable refrigerant recovery with durable construction and features that support compliance and consistent operation. 
• Hoses: MalcoEdge provides three lines of hoses: Safe Seal, Easy Seal and TurboFlow. These hoses help maintain system integrity, improve flow efficiency and reduce refrigerant loss during service and installation. 
• Manifolds: Featuring durable construction, clear gauges and quick-turn ball valve operation, manifolds provide control and accuracy for both routine service and complex system work. 
• Measurement equipment: Digital gauges and diagnostic tools deliver fast, accurate readings with clear displays and alerts, helping contractors verify performance and troubleshoot efficiently. 
• Tube tools: From cutting and bending to flaring and deburring, these tools are designed for clean, precise connections that reduce rework and support long-term system reliability. 
• Service tools: Purpose-built for critical field tasks, these tools enhance control and precision in tight jobsite conditions while supporting faster, more consistent results. 

Visit Malco Tools’ website or their directories on RoofersCoffeeShop® and MetalCoffeeShop® to learn more about how you can streamline operations and elevate performance with MalcoEdge’s full lineup of HVACR solutions! 

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!