In this MetalTalk™, sponsored by MBCEA and Western States Metal Roofing, host Karen Edwards welcomes Steven Hudgins of Rainwater Construction Company, Justin Willett of Fleming Construction Group/Fleming Steel Erectors, and Bryan Harshbarger of Briner Building, Inc. for a discussion on how artificial intelligence is making its way into metal building construction and erection. From project planning and communication to document management and operational efficiency, AI is a practical tool for contractors looking to improve workflows and make more informed decisions. The panelists share real-world examples of how they're using AI today, lessons learned from implementation, common misconceptions and challenges, and their thoughts on how AI may shape the future of the metal building industry. Whether you're already experimenting with AI or just beginning to explore its potential, this webinar will provide practical insights you can take back to your business.

Watch the webinar.

Not all metal roofing is created equal. While other manufacturers offer standard painted colors, Western States Metal Roofing is the only manufacturer offering an unmatched collection of specialty designer prints that replicate the beauty of naturally aged metals and wood, without the high cost, maintenance, or performance challenges that come with the real materials.

Specialty Prints offer a unique way to achieve the look of premium natural materials without the cost, maintenance or wait associated with traditional finishes. With exclusive designer finishes and incredibly realistic detail, they create authentic appearances while providing the long-lasting performance of PVDF-painted finishes. Available on many popular roofing and siding profiles, Specialty Prints deliver durable, low-maintenance style that won’t require waiting for materials to naturally weather or develop a patina.

Explore Our Specialty Print Collections:

• Blackened Steel Series: Capture the bold appearance of blackened steel and other dark aged metals with pre-painted panels that offer a consistent, maintenance-free finish.
• Bonder-Paint®: Get the sought-after look of bonderized metal without the staining, inconsistent weathering, or installation concerns associated with traditional bonderized steel.
• Copper Colors: Enjoy the timeless beauty of copper at a fraction of the cost. Our painted copper finishes recreate the natural stages of the patina process without waiting years for it to develop.
• Rusted Colors: Achieve the appearance of naturally weathered steel immediately. These painted finishes eliminate the rust runoff, unpredictable aging, and installation challenges associated with weathering steel.
• Streaked Series: Designed specifically for corrugated metal panels. Each panel features multiple paint tones across the ribs to create added depth and the authentic appearance of naturally aged corrugated metal.
• Wood Series: Bring the warmth of real wood to your project with nine realistic wood grain finishes. Each print features natural pattern variation to replicate genuine wood—without warping, rotting or ongoing maintenance.
• Zinc Colors: Create the sophisticated look of aged gray zinc roofing while avoiding the premium price and long lead times of real zinc.

Find your print today!

By The Coffee Shops®. 

Learn how designer metal finishes can deliver the appearance of aged metals and natural wood while simplifying care and material selection. 

Choosing a metal roof or siding finish is about more than finding an attractive color. The right selection can shape a building’s appearance, complement surrounding materials and help a project achieve a distinctive architectural style. Western States Metal Roofing offers specialty designer prints that recreate the look of naturally aged metals and wood without the cost, maintenance or performance challenges associated with the original materials. 

These specialty prints combine realistic details with long-lasting polyvinylidene fluoride (PVDF) painted finishes. They are available on many popular roofing and siding profiles, giving contractors, designers and property owners additional options for residential, commercial and architectural projects. 

The collection features a wide variety of finishes such as the Blackened Steel Series®, which includes Blackened Steel Matte®, Blackened Copper®, Burnt Wood®, Rawhide Coal Black™ and more. Nine wood-grain finishes including maple, rosewood, walnut and distressed wood provide natural pattern variation while avoiding the warping, rotting and ongoing maintenance associated with real wood. There is also series designed to mimic patina’d copper with designs like Streaked Blackened Copper®, Aged Copper® and Green Copper®. The designs use multiple paint tones across the panel ribs to add depth and recreate the appearance of naturally aged metal.  

Digital tools can make that decision easier. E-Samples allow users to explore colors and details from different lighting angles, while downloadable 3D Textures can support project renderings. Color visualizers offer another way to compare panels with a building’s exterior materials before making a final selection. 

Western States Metal Roofing’s specialty metal products provide architects, contractors and building owners with a greater variety of choice when it comes to selecting roof materials that are both beautiful and lasting.   

Learn more about Western States Metal Roofing’s specialty print collection by getting a quote or requesting a free metal sample online.

By The Coffee Shops®.

Make sure these sessions and exhibitors are on your METALCON short list.

METALCON is just around the corner happening October 7-9 in Orlando, Florida! With over 60 education sessions and 250 exhibitors, it’s important for attendees to plan their schedules carefully. From new products and services to innovative solutions, you won’t want to miss the chance to talk to these Coffee Shop partners: Carlise Architechtural Metals, Central States Manufacturing, Malco, Roof Huger, Van Mark, ATAS International, Inc., Metal Construction Association (MCA), Metal Roofing Alliance (MRA), Sherwin-Williams Coil Coatings and more! Don’t forget to stop by booth 408 to meet the MetalCoffeeShop team!

Featuring an impressive lineup of industry experts and motivational speakers, the METALCON headline sessions just scratch the surface of the learning opportunities.

Keynote: nothing Can Stop You

Former Major League Baseball pitcher Jim Abbott shares his remarkable journey from Flint, Michigan, to throwing a no-hitter at Yankee Stadium. Born without a right hand, Jim developed creative ways to pursue his goals while learning the importance of accountability and trust. His inspiring keynote explores how mindset can transform adversity into personal growth, helping attendees recognize their own challenges as opportunities to build resilience, adapt and celebrate the experiences that shape who they are.

Register today!

Keynote: Building Through Uncertainty: A Market Outlook for the Construction and Design Industries

What economic forces will shape construction and design during the next 12 months? Former American Institute of Architects Chief Economist Kermit Baker examines the indicators influencing project activity, sector growth and client priorities. Attendees will gain a data-driven view of shifting pipelines, regional market differences and emerging opportunities. The session provides a forward-looking framework to help industry professionals anticipate risks, align business planning with changing conditions and make informed decisions in an uncertain market.

Register today!

Industry Outlook: Metal Construction Code Updates: What’s Changed and What it Means

Code changes can lead to permit delays, redesigns and compliance gaps when they are missed or misunderstood. Industry experts Bill Beals, Paul Deffenbaugh and Bob Zabcik will break down significant recent and upcoming updates affecting metal construction. Covering design, specifications, fabrication and installation, the session will help attendees understand current compliance requirements, distinguish the roles of standards organizations and prepare for emerging trends that could influence future projects and business decisions.

Register today!

Industry Outlook: 2027 the Future of Metal Construction

Industry leaders examine the economic, regulatory, material and jobsite forces expected to shape metal construction through 2027. Panelists Kermit Baker, Jeff Henry, Vincent Sagan and Benton Trotter will connect current market realities with the challenges and opportunities ahead. Attendees will explore how supply conditions, evolving codes and construction pressures are influencing project costs, delivery methods and building practices, gaining practical insights for managing risk and positioning their businesses for the next 12 months.

Register today!

The formal sessions are just one way to learn. Attendees will also enjoy a massive exhibition hall where they can network and learn from each other. Make sure our MetalCoffeeShop booth 408 is on your list too!

While you’re in the hall, don’t miss our Coffee Shops partners including: Western States Metal Roofing, BITEC, Franklin International, Giddy Up, H.B. Fuller / GSSI, Latinos en Roofing, MARCO Industries, Metal Building Manufacturers Association (MBMA), McElroy Metal, MetalForming Inc., MFM Building Products, RoofScope and more!

Don’t miss the metal event of the year! Register for METALCON and use code 30MCS for $30 off passes!

Our team is heading to the Western Roofing Expo in Las Vegas September 27–30, 2026, and we'd love the opportunity to meet with you while you're there. 📍 Visit us at Booth #539! Whether it's coffee, breakfast, or dinner, we'd be happy to treat you while we discuss your upcoming projects, material needs, or ways we can help support your business.

Stop by Booth #539 to see what's new:

• Discover Our New Panel Profiles and Prints – Be among the first to see the new Wes-Trix® panel and WoodLock® Standing Seam.
• Custom Panels & Trim Up to 32 Feet – Learn how our Jorns folding technology produces longer custom panels with fewer seams for cleaner, more efficient installations.
• Industry-Leading Colors & Finishes – Explore premium PVDF colors, black finishes, Corten® weathering steel, painted rusted prints, woodgrain patterns, and exclusive specialty finishes.
• Popular Exposed Fastener Panels – Stock your inventory with customer favorites including 7/8" Corrugated, Western Rib®, PBR Panel, and AG Panel, all manufactured with fast turnaround times.
• Fast Coil & Flat Sheet Supply – Learn how our dedicated Coil & Flat Division provides same-day processing and fast delivery.
• Resources Built for Contractors – Explore product specifications, installation guides, downloadable resources, and request samples directly from our website.
• Design & Project Support – Meet with our team to find the right materials, colors, and panel profiles for your next roofing or siding project.
• Meet the WSMR Team – Talk with our experts about your upcoming projects, custom manufacturing capabilities, and product recommendations.

If you'll be attending the show, we'd love to set aside time to meet with you. Schedule a meet with our reps over coffee, breakfast, or dinner—our treat! We look forward to seeing you at Booth #539 in Las Vegas!

Contractors attend the expo for FREE! Visit our page for the free registration.

Schedule your WRE meeting today!

Our team is heading to the Western Roofing Expo in Las Vegas September 27–30, 2026, and we'd love the opportunity to meet with you while you're there. 📍 Visit us at Booth #539! Whether it's coffee, breakfast, or dinner, we'd be happy to treat you while we discuss your upcoming projects, material needs, or ways we can help support your business.

Stop by Booth #539 to see what's new:

• Discover Our New Panel Profiles and Prints – Be among the first to see the new Wes-Trix® panel and WoodLock® Standing Seam.
• Custom Panels & Trim Up to 32 Feet – Learn how our Jorns folding technology produces longer custom panels with fewer seams for cleaner, more efficient installations.
• Industry-Leading Colors & Finishes – Explore premium PVDF colors, black finishes, Corten® weathering steel, painted rusted prints, woodgrain patterns, and exclusive specialty finishes.
• Popular Exposed Fastener Panels – Stock your inventory with customer favorites including 7/8" Corrugated, Western Rib®, PBR Panel, and AG Panel, all manufactured with fast turnaround times.
• Fast Coil & Flat Sheet Supply – Learn how our dedicated Coil & Flat Division provides same-day processing and fast delivery.
• Resources Built for Contractors – Explore product specifications, installation guides, downloadable resources, and request samples directly from our website.
• Design & Project Support – Meet with our team to find the right materials, colors, and panel profiles for your next roofing or siding project.
• Meet the WSMR Team – Talk with our experts about your upcoming projects, custom manufacturing capabilities, and product recommendations.

If you'll be attending the show, we'd love to set aside time to meet with you. Schedule a meet with our reps over coffee, breakfast, or dinner—our treat! We look forward to seeing you at Booth #539 in Las Vegas!

Contractors attend the expo for FREE! Visit our page for the free registration.

Schedule your WRE meeting today!

September 16, 2026 - 2 p.m. ET | 11 a.m. PT

In this MetalTalk™, sponsored by MBCEA and Western States Metal Roofing, host Karen Edwards welcomes Steven Hudgins of Rainwater Construction Company, Justin Willett of Fleming Construction Group/Fleming Steel Erectors, and Bryan Harshbarger of Briner Building, Inc. for a discussion on how artificial intelligence is making its way into metal building construction and erection. From project planning and communication to document management and operational efficiency, AI is a practical tool for contractors looking to improve workflows and make more informed decisions. The panelists share real-world examples of how they're using AI today, lessons learned from implementation, common misconceptions and challenges, and their thoughts on how AI may shape the future of the metal building industry. Whether you're already experimenting with AI or just beginning to explore its potential, this webinar will provide practical insights you can take back to your business. 

Register today!

By Emma Peterson. 

This webinar offers real-world lessons from metal building contractors on how AI can improve your operations. 

As artificial intelligence (AI) continues to advance, it’s finding its way into more and more sectors of the roofing industry. To talk about where AI is cropping up in the metal building construction and erection market, we will be hosting a MetalTalk™ titled How Erectors Are Putting AI to Work. This webinar, which is sponsored by the Metal Building Contractors & Erectors Association (MBCEA) and Western States Metal Roofing, will be live on Wednesday, September 16, 2026, at 11 a.m. PT (2 p.m. ET).  

Meet the panel 

Joining MetalCoffeeShop host Karen Edwards for this conversation will be three incredible experts, Steven Hudgins, Justin Willett and Bryan Harshbarger. 

Steven is the president of Rainwater Construction Company. Prior to taking on this role, Steven worked in different parts of the commercial construction industry with roles such as vice president of sales, manager of business development and corporate accounts, and senior global corporate accounts manager.  

As for Justin, he boasts a career that spans more than two decades in construction. It began in sales at Butler Manufacturing and has given him extensive building retrofit and energy efficiency expertise. Today, Justin has taken the helm of Fleming Construction Group/Fleming Steel Erectors as their president. 

And last but certainly not least, Bryan is the president of Briner Building, Inc., a leading design-build general contractor. His career with the company began over 19 years ago as a project manager and estimator. Today, in addition to his work at Briner, Bryan serves as vice president and a board member of the MBCEA and as president of the Adams Wells Manufacturing Alliance. 

Putting AI to work 

These three experts will be sitting down with Karen Edwards for a discussion of how AI can be used as a practical tool for contractors in the metal building industry. They will open with the many different ways they have seen AI integrated into different operations and then dive into real-world examples of how they are using it to improve workflows and make more informed decisions.  

From there, the conversation will shift into implementation of AI as the panelists share easy entry points for contractors, lessons learned from implementation and how to overcome common challenges. Whether you're already experimenting with AI or just beginning to think about its potential, this webinar is a powerful resource for your team.  

The webinar is coming up on September 16, 2026! Make sure to register to attend live.

Our team is heading to the Western Roofing Expo in Las Vegas September 27–30, 2026, and we'd love the opportunity to meet with you while you're there. 📍 Visit us at Booth #539! Whether it's coffee, breakfast, or dinner, we'd be happy to treat you while we discuss your upcoming projects, material needs, or ways we can help support your business.

Stop by Booth #539 to see what's new:

• Discover Our New Panel Profiles and Prints – Be among the first to see the new Wes-Trix® panel and WoodLock® Standing Seam.
• Custom Panels & Trim Up to 32 Feet – Learn how our Jorns folding technology produces longer custom panels with fewer seams for cleaner, more efficient installations.
• Industry-Leading Colors & Finishes – Explore premium PVDF colors, black finishes, Corten® weathering steel, painted rusted prints, woodgrain patterns, and exclusive specialty finishes.
• Popular Exposed Fastener Panels – Stock your inventory with customer favorites including 7/8" Corrugated, Western Rib®, PBR Panel, and AG Panel, all manufactured with fast turnaround times.
• Fast Coil & Flat Sheet Supply – Learn how our dedicated Coil & Flat Division provides same-day processing and fast delivery.
• Resources Built for Contractors – Explore product specifications, installation guides, downloadable resources, and request samples directly from our website.
• Design & Project Support – Meet with our team to find the right materials, colors, and panel profiles for your next roofing or siding project.
• Meet the WSMR Team – Talk with our experts about your upcoming projects, custom manufacturing capabilities, and product recommendations.

If you'll be attending the show, we'd love to set aside time to meet with you. Schedule a meet with our reps over coffee, breakfast, or dinner—our treat! We look forward to seeing you at Booth #539 in Las Vegas!

Contractors attend the expo for FREE! Visit our page for the free registration.

Schedule your WRE meeting today!

By The Coffee Shops®. 

Explore new panel profiles, custom fabrication capabilities, specialty finishes and contractor-focused resources at this year’s event. 

For metal roofing professionals, the Western States Roofing Contractors Association's (WSRCA) 52nd Western Roofing Expo is more than just a trade show. It's one of the premier opportunities of the year to discover new products, connect with industry leaders and explore solutions that can help grow your business. Among the exhibitors attendees won't want to miss is Western States Metal Roofing (WSMR), which will be welcoming visitors at booth 539 throughout the event. 

Whether you're planning an upcoming project, looking for product expertise or interested in discussing industry trends, the WSMR team is ready to connect. Expo attendees can stop by the booth to learn more about the company's offerings, ask questions and discuss project needs directly with knowledgeable team members. For those looking for more in-depth conversations, the WSMR team is also available to meet over breakfast, coffee or dinner during the event.  

For those stopping by the WSMR booth, their team will be showcasing the latest additions to the company’s product lineup, including the new Wes-Trix® panel and T-8 Wood prints offerings. These products provide the look of natural materials while providing the durability of metal. Contractors can also learn how Jorns folding technology allows the company to manufacture custom-length panels and trim up to 32 feet long, helping create cleaner installations with fewer seams. 

The exhibit will showcase a broad selection of colors profiles and panel finishes, including shades of black, rusted Corten steel, faux rust prints, as well as other unique patterns and specialty finishes. Attendees can also explore popular roofing panels such as the 7/8-inch corrugated, Western Rib®, PBR panel, AG panel and standing seam systems. 

For companies that need coil and flat sheet supply, Western States Metal Roofing will share information about same-day processing, quick turnaround times and delivery within days through its dedicated Coil and Flat Division. 

Contractors can also learn about online resources for accessing product specifications, installation information, documentation and sample requests. The company’s team is available to help visitors select materials, colors and profiles for roofing and siding projects. 

Learn more about Western States Metal Roofing’s products, resources and project support by visiting booth 539 at the Western Roofing Expo.