Mid-year Industry Update

By Cass Jacoby, RCS Reporter.  

Trent and Heidi discuss labor issues, supply chains, regulations and how contractors can best prepare for the industry of tomorrow in a new Roofing Road Trips Episode.  

In a new Roofing Road Trips episode, Heidi J. Ellsworth virtually road trips cross country to visit with Adams and Reese’s Trent Cotney for a mid-year industry update. Working with NRCA, WSRCA, FRSA and many more associations, in addition to being a longtime advocate for the roofing industry, Trent is uniquely positioned to understand what is going on in the industry more than anyone.  

When it comes to the current challenges of the roofing industry, Trent acknowledges the lack of skilled labor and material supply chains, but what he is most interested in is the impact of inflation on top of material supply chain issues. “A lot of what we're dealing with now is unexpected increases in pricing, which is making it difficult on contractors,” says Trent. “I think contractors have listened for the most part and they recognize that they need price acceleration provisions and things to deal with delays.”  

Trent talks about how, as we continue to experience inflation on top of material supply chain issues, more and more contractors are savvier to ways they can communicate the evolving industry and market conditions through their contracts.  

“I would just encourage anybody that's listening to this to recognize that your contract is a living breathing document. You need to make sure that you're constantly going in there taking a look at it, make sure you've got the right provisions in there,” says Trent. “If you're reviewing other contracts, take the time, look at those delayed provisions, look at those price provisions, change orders, all the things that prevent you from getting paid.” 

While the challenges of today are centered around getting paid and getting more people working, Trent says that the overall economy is good and the roofing industry is strong. That being said, Trent’s number one piece of advice heading into the next half of the year is that it is time to tighten the belt. “They need to understand that times are going to get tighter. And what I want you to do is really look at your accounts receivable, drill that down,” says Trent. “When the money's flowing, you don't see the cracks. When that money stops you start seeing the cracks immediately. What I want contractors to do is get that mortar out and start covering those cracks right now.” 

Listen to the podcast to learn more about what Trent predicts for the industry in 2023 and for more advice on how to thrive in an ever-shifting industry. 

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