Planning for growth amid change at IRE 2026

By Jesse Sanchez. 

Learn how contractors are using planning and communication to navigate labor pressures and position for growth in 2026. 

Labor challenges are not new to roofing, but the stakes surrounding them continue to rise. At the International Roofing Expo (IRE), contractors and industry partners acknowledged that workforce constraints are reshaping how projects are planned, staffed and executed. Speaking on the RoofersCoffeeShop® sound stage sponsored by SRS Distribution, Vince Ellison, president of Benchmark, described labor as a long-standing issue that now carries greater operational complexity. Shifting schedules, tighter margins and increased coordination across stakeholders have raised the cost of miscommunication. 

“First of all, there's no magic bullet,” Vince said. That reality, he explained, places greater responsibility on preparation and planning. Contractors cannot rely on last year’s assumptions or informal coordination. Instead, they must anticipate workflow demands, maintain consistent communication with clients and align early with manufacturers, consultants and other project partners. 

When communication falters, the impact compounds quickly. A minor delay in materials or staffing can ripple through an entire project timeline. Conversely, proactive communication allows teams to adjust before small disruptions escalate into costly setbacks. Events such as IRE provide a concentrated opportunity to reinforce those relationships. For Benchmark, the show offers a chance to meet with long-standing partners and newer contacts alike. “When our team comes out here, we get to meet with so many contractors,” Vince said. “In one trip, we can meet with 10, 15, 20 contractors that we've been working with for the last year or maybe the last 20 years.” 

As the industry looks toward 2026, Vince anticipates growth but stresses adaptability. “In 2026 we believe there is going to be growth. I would say the lesson that we learned in 2025 was to anticipate change, but don't let that stop you,” he said. For contractors, growth will depend less on quick solutions and more on disciplined planning, steady communication and the ability to adjust as conditions evolve. 

Learn more about planning for growth amid change at IRE 2026 and how contractors are strengthening communication and preparation to navigate labor pressures in the year ahead!