Industry Experts Share Their 2022 Predictions LIVE at IRE

By Cass Jacoby, RCS Reporter.  

The roofing industry kept pace as the world went more digital. Learn what these experts predict for the upcoming year in our LIVE Coffee Conversations. 

Karen Edwards, RCS COO, meets with experts for a LIVE Coffee Conversation, sponsored by SRS Distribution, to discuss how 2021 changed the way the roofing industry does business and what they are looking forward to in 2022. These manufacturer, distributor and service provider experts celebrate the industry’s pivot to embrace technology, give their predictions for 2022 and provide advice to roofing contractors looking to stay on the cutting edge of a rapidly changing industry. 

Jeremy Goldschmeding from SRS Distribution anticipates demand will normalize and that new construction will be strong.  

“I think that what contractors really have to focus on is, ‘what do they value?’ I think that that's going to be an even bigger deal in 2022 and going forward,” says Jeremy. “Those contractors who really understand what their mission is, how they sell their value, how they go into the home and just try to be different — I think that...the further evolution of just that mission clarity is going to be really, really key.” 

“I totally agree. Leveraging with relationships and partnerships in the market is important, but so is really being able to react as things change,” says Christian Zimprich of Sherwin-Williams Coil Coatings. “It's about being nimble and being able to react...expecting the unexpected and taking whatever is thrown at us the best we can.” 

Mischa Fisher, chief economist from Angi, expects the demand to remain the same. “Expect material prices to go up probably more than they have both because of shipping and because of the raw materials inputs,” says Mischa. “Expect manufacturers to build that into their planning for this year. I mean, when you've got uncertainty, people are going to not err on the side of losing money. But on the other hand, consumers can pay more. So you should probably be expecting to raise your prices too.” 

Trent Cotney of Cotney Attorneys & Consultants predicts that in Q1 and Q2 a lot more mergers, acquisitions and deals are going to happen.  

“In addition to that, I think it is important to improvise, adapt and overcome. I think everybody from contractors to distribution to manufacturing is very familiar with the uncertainty that we've experienced,” says Trent. “One thing that you can always say about the roofing industry is that we're resilient. So regardless of what's thrown our way, we'll continue to move forward and be on top.” 

Read, Listen or Watch the entire LIVE Coffee Conversation for more insight into what is happening across the country and what everyone is expecting in 2022.