Expert Conversations
Turning friendly competition into real-world impact
By Emma Peterson. LRWA’s Charity Team Challenge encourages professionals to stay active and build team spirit while raising funds to help end youth homelessness. In a new episode of Roofing Road Trips®, Megan Ellsworth chatted with Sarah Spink, CEO of the Liquid Roofing and Waterproofing Association (LRWA), about the 2026 ...
SWIF Rack makes solar installation simple
By Emma Peterson. This elevated racking system provides contractors with a new way to support solar panels while preserving access and roof integrity. A new episode of Roofing Road Trips® featured April Chen, architect and CEO of SWIF Rack™; Tom Desimone, a Duro-Last approved applicator; and Mitch Gilbert, VP of ...
The importance of working with the right supplier
By Emma Peterson. Wendy Marvin explains how a strong roofer-supplier relationship is game changing. Roofing is a challenging business to succeed in, with contractors needing to navigate everything from insurance policies to evolving building codes and more. But one thing that can make it a little easier to operate as ...
Beyond math and measurements
By Emma Peterson. The importance of strong estimating practices in managing risk, protecting profitability and setting projects up for success. Estimating is the foundation of roofing projects – without an accurate assessment of a project, and the costs related to it, it's difficult to expect a project to go smoothly. ...
How roofing contractors can adapt to a tighter market
By Jesse Sanchez. Industry leaders explain why financial discipline, diversification and customer education matter as roofing businesses navigate economic and insurance pressures. During a live Coffee Conversations® discussion at the Florida Roofing and Sheet Metal Association (FRSA), roofing professionals examined the pressures impacting contractor success across the United States. The ...
More than a conference: The IFD Connection Forum
By Emma Peterson. The new IFD Connection Forum gives attendees the opportunity to exchange ideas, discuss industry challenges and learn from projects around the world. For a new episode of Roofing Road Trips®, Sabine Rothschuh, the International Federation of the Roofing Trade (IFD)’s secretary, stopped by The Coffee Shops™ to ...
Code clarity builds a stronger tile industry
By The Coffee Shops™. These resources help contractors prepare new labor crews for long-term success. In a recent episode of Roofing Road Trips®, Heidi J. Ellsworth sat down with Rick Olson, president of the Tile Roofing Industry Alliance (TRIA), to discuss how their training guide has become one of ...
75 years of family legacy
By The Coffee Shops®. As a family owned and operated business, IKO reflects on their successes thus far and what the future holds! As IKO Industries celebrates their 75th anniversary serving the roofing industry, Jack Gottesman, the marketing and brand director of IKO, joined us for an episode of Roofing ...
Protection built from the ground up
By Jesse Sanchez. Decades of manufacturing experience have helped shape a broad portfolio of roofing underlayments, construction tapes and protective solutions. In this episode of Roofing Road Trips®, host Heidi J. Ellsworth spoke with Tanya McNeil, who leads business transformation and commercialization at IPG, about the company’s history, workplace culture ...
Why rooftop support systems must evolve
By Jesse Sanchez. Mark Vargas explains how weather, seismic activity and changing codes have transformed the way rooftop piping and equipment are secured. Rooftop pipe and equipment supports were once treated as relatively simple components. Today, they play an essential role in protecting roof systems, maintaining warranties and addressing wind ...
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