By Jenny Yu.  

By prioritizing customer service and distributor relationships, ASC is building long-term value for contractors and partners. 

ASC Building Materials is doubling down on a values-driven strategy centered on distribution partnerships and customer-first service, positioning itself for continued growth in the competitive roofing market. 

At the 2026 International Roofing Expo, Megan Ellsworth spoke with Sales Director Gabe Rodriguez about the company’s long-standing commitment to working through trusted distribution channels. “We don’t sell direct,” Gabe said. “We heavily believe in partnership through distribution. We truly value our partners; they’re amazing for us.” That approach includes key relationships with major distributors such as SRS Distribution, ABC Supply and QXO, along with regional partners that help ASC reach contractors where they do business. 

Gabe emphasized that while ASC continues to expand its product portfolio from coatings to self-adhered membranes and sealants, its competitive edge lies in a company constant. “Product is product, but it’s the customer service you get at the end of the day that’s going to make you want to come back,” he explained of ASC’s commitment to its customers. 

That philosophy extends to how ASC supports contractors beyond the sale. Through initiatives like its contractor certification program, the company aims to equip customers with the tools, knowledge and confidence to grow their businesses. Gabe noted that ASC takes pride not only in supplying materials but also in contributing to contractor success. “Even watching them grow their business is amazing to see,” he said. “When someone grows, we all grow.” 

Trade shows also play a key role in reinforcing ASC’s customer-centric approach. Events like the International Roofing Expo and upcoming appearances at the Western Roofing Expo provide opportunities to reconnect with partners, gather feedback and better understand contractor pain points. “The shows are great to see customers you don’t see on a regular basis,” Gabe said. “It’s a laid-back platform where you can just talk, see how they’re doing and ask what’s next for them.” 

As ASC continues to grow, its focus remains clear: strengthen distribution relationships, prioritize service and meet customers where they are. 

Watch the full interview to hear more insights from ASC Building Materials.

By Jesse Sanchez. 

Contractors explore active attic ventilation solutions that improve home performance and efficiency. 

At the 2026 International Roofing Expo (IRE) in Las Vegas, contractors are moving beyond traditional roofing systems in search of solutions that deliver measurable performance gains, extend roof lifespan and create clear differentiation in a crowded market. Among the technologies drawing increased attention is active attic ventilation, where solar-powered systems are redefining how heat and moisture are managed within the building envelope. At the Attic Breeze booth, the company emphasized a straightforward approach focused on removing heat and moisture from the attic to improve overall home performance. The function is intentionally simple but operationally significant; consistent air movement reduces attic temperatures, limits moisture buildup and supports the long-term durability of roofing materials. 

That clarity addresses a persistent blind spot for homeowners. Attics are rarely monitored, yet they play a critical role in regulating energy efficiency and protecting the roof system. When heat and moisture remain trapped, they accelerate material degradation and increase the load on HVAC systems. By actively cycling that air out of the space, solar-powered ventilation systems help stabilize indoor conditions while reducing unnecessary energy demand. 

This distinction becomes more pronounced when compared to passive ventilation. Traditional systems depend on natural airflow, which can fluctuate based on external conditions and often fail to provide consistent results. Active ventilation, by contrast, introduces controlled air movement, continuously pulling heat and moisture through the attic and out of the structure. The result is a more reliable and effective ventilation process that aligns with modern performance expectations. 

Product design reflects the need for adaptability across a wide range of structures. Larger, high-capacity units address homes with greater ventilation demands, while compact models provide a lower-profile option for smaller residences. Systems are designed to accommodate varying roof conditions, including configurations where roof penetration is not ideal, ensuring that ventilation solutions remain viable regardless of roof design. Across each configuration, solar operation removes the need for electrical tie-ins while delivering immediate efficiency benefits. 

For contractors, the value extends beyond system performance. Many are actively seeking ways to differentiate their offerings and move beyond standard installation practices. Incorporating active ventilation into the roofing package provides a practical way to enhance service value while addressing long-term homeowner concerns around comfort, efficiency and roof longevity. 

As roofing systems continue to evolve, ventilation is no longer a secondary consideration. It is becoming a central component of high-performing assemblies, one that directly connects system durability, energy efficiency and overall customer satisfaction. 

Watch the full interview to learn more about how solar-powered attic ventilation helps contractors improve roof performance, enhance energy efficiency and stand out in a competitive market!

By Jenny Yu.  

At IRE, AWIP showcases innovative building solutions and purposeful partnerships. 

All Weather Insulated Panels (AWIP) is bringing engineering-driven innovation to the forefront of commercial construction, and that was on full display at the 2026 International Roofing Expo in Las Vegas. Charles Schafer, AWIP’s Eastern region sales manager, shared how insulated metal panels are reshaping building performance, timelines and partnerships. 

With more than 20 years in the construction industry and a background in engineering, Charles brings a technical lens to customer conversations. “I’m an engineer by education, and I’ve handled products and marketing, sustainability — a lot of different roles throughout my career with AWIP,” he said. “In a sense, I’m an engineer that likes to communicate.” 

Charles explained the AWIP’s core offerings: insulated metal panels designed as a single-step building envelope solution. “We sell insulated metal panels, which are two roll form skins that come together, and there’s a chemical reaction that fills the core of the panels,” Charles illustrated. “Our panels are a single-step all-in-one panel that goes from the structure out and handles your air, vapor, wind and water barrier and thermal barrier.” 

This streamlined approach is gaining traction as contractors address labor shortages and increased competition. “Instead of up to seven steps for a traditional buildout, it’s a single step, single pass on the building,” he explained. “In today’s world where you have scarcity of labor and aggressive timelines, we’re seeing a significant increase in the usage of our product.” 

At IRE, AWIP showcased its technology through an interactive, two-story booth experience, complete with a VR headset that enabled participants to “walk through” buildings and designs utilizing AWIP products. On display was AWIP’s latest foam system, InnovaCell™. “It’s an industry-leading R value, closed-cell foam that handles your vapor, wind, water and thermal barrier. It’s an all-encompassing system,” Charles shared. “Our DM40-F+ panel can give you an R64 with a one-hour UL fire rating, which is first of its kind.” 

Beyond AWIP’s innovative products, Charles emphasized collaboration. “At AWIP, we’re really about partnership and helping find solutions for the built environment,” Charles said. “We like to innovate and we like to partner.” 

Watch the interview to learn more about AWIP’s newest solutions!

By Jenny Yu.  

READYSLATE’s redesigned slate system delivers durability, sustainability and efficient installation.  

At the 2026 International Roofing Expo, Lauren White of The Coffee Shops™ had a chance to visit the READYSLATE® booth and speak with Jason Rynd of the Vermont Slate Company, READYSLATE's manufacturer. Jason highlighted a growing shift toward lightweight, high-performance alternatives in roofing. 

“There’s nothing else like it in the market,” Jason said of READYSLATE. “It’s real slate in a lightweight system that also has the highest hail rating you can get.”  

With traditional slate weighing about 1,000 pounds per square in a traditional installation, READYLSATE comes in at approximately 550 per square, opening the door to a broader range of applications. “Anything under 600 pounds is considered lightweight, so that gets us into a whole new market,” Jason explained. 

To achieve the unique feat of a lightweight material with impressive durability, the Vermont Slate Company made several key adjustments over the past year based on contractor feedback and the manufacturer’s own research and development efforts. “We've reduced it to four pieces of slate rather than six, so our panel is much smaller now,” Jason said. “It’s easier to maneuver on the roof, lighter. Crews are able to install it at about two-thirds the time it usually takes on a traditional slate install, so it’s more efficient.” 

In addition to advancing efficiency on the jobsite, sustainability was a main focus in the redesign. “We also took all the asphalt out of the backer that creates our panel. It's just an HDPE plastic backer now,” Jason noted. “It doesn't get much greener than slate; it's rock from the earth. By taking the asphalt out, it's even more natural.” The system also boasts a Class 4 hail rating and Class A fire rating, helping meet stringent building and insurance requirements.  

So far, the market response has been extremely positive. “All of the product sold out before we even got it here!” Jason expressed. “We can’t keep it in stock right now, which is a great problem to have.” 

Watch the full interview to learn more about READYSLATE and how it is reshaping the slate roofing market.

By Anna Lockhart.  

As metal building materials continue to rise in popularity, it’s time for contractors across the building envelope to get in on the action! 

For superstar brands like Central States Manufacturing, the International Roofing Expo (IRE) is the perfect place to show off their latest product offerings and present the public with a chance to see them up close and in action. Visiting their booth during this year’s trade show, The Coffee Shops™ Editor in Chief Lauren White spoke with Central States Manufacturing’s Director of Marketing Melissa Dunson to find out more about the brand’s plans for 2026.  

Central States shines when it comes to offering premier, high-quality metal building products, serving sectors across the building envelope such as residential, commercial, agricultural and storage applications. As Melissa noted, their goal is to be the one-stop-shop for metal building products, no matter your industry background.  

“We’re not just residential. If you’re interested in metal roofing, there’s a really good chance that we make the profiles with the gauges and the paint systems that you need because we offer such a comprehensive line,” Melissa shared. “We even do siding, walls, full metal buildings with frames and metal roll-up doors. If it’s metal, we’ve got it.”  

Such an expansive and all-encompassing line-up of products puts Central States in a prime place for being multiple industries’ go-to supplier for any and all of their metal needs. And as consumers – home and building owners alike – continue to show a growing interest in metal, now is the time for contractors to explore the benefits of the material.  

In particular, Melissa noted that they’ve recently seen an uptick in residential interest in metal thanks to celebrities and influencers like Chip and Joanna Gaines who are showcasing metal roofing as a prime option. She explained, “The metal market is expected to grow drastically, particularly for standing seam and residential spaces. Our Central Snap® product has become popular because of this. It has a hidden fastener and isn’t exposed, which really provides an excellent lifetime warranty. It has the longevity and beauty that people are looking for.” 

Pivotal to the conversation was Melissa’s emphasis on the fact that, no matter what your current experience is with metal, if you’re a contractor, there’s always time to get into it. She noted, “I would just like to say to any roofer out there interested in metal roofing. It’s okay if you don’t know how to do it yet. There are good manufacturers who can help you learn how to do these things, because this is where the industry is headed – metal.” 

Ultimately, her message was loud and clear: metal isn’t going away anytime soon, so it’s better late than never to find out how to incorporate metal into your business services. Residential, commercial, agricultural – if it can use metal, brands like Central States Manufacturing have you taken care of! 

Watch the interview to learn more about Central States Manufacturing and the latest highlights straight from the metal industry!

By Emma Peterson. 

National Roofing Week 2026 will be June 7-13 and it’s the perfect time to show your roofing pride! 

Each year, the National Roofing Contractors Association (NRCA) hosts an event called National Roofing Week. The goal of this event is to raise awareness of the “essential role roofs and professional roofing contractors play in every community.” 

How do you participate? It’s as simple as sharing your story! NRCA invites professionals across the industry to share photos and videos through the #NationalRoofingWeek2026 hashtag. NRCA has created a week-long guide of themes to post about:  

• Sunday: National Roofing Week kickoff 
• Monday: Signature projects — share photos showcasing your company’s signature residential and commercial projects 
• Tuesday: Charitable projects — share photos that demonstrate your company’s charitable giving 
• Wednesday: Employee appreciation — share photos of your company’s employees 
• Thursday: Employee training — share photos that demonstrate how you train your workers 
• Friday: Celebration — share photos showing us how your company celebrated National Roofing Week 
• Saturday: Wrap-up 

Not only does participating through social media help build community and give you an opportunity to brag about your incredible team, but it also helps raise visibility of the industry and the critical role roofing professionals play in protecting people and properties. Want to go the extra mile in support? Get your crews National Roofing Week T-shirts! Supplies are limited, so order soon! 

This year’s National Roofing Week is made possible by a variety of industry sponsors: International Roofing Expo, Georgia-Pacific Building Products, Hanover Architectural Products, SRS Distribution, Roofing Alliance, SOPREMA, OMG Roofing Products and Tuffwrap. 

Learn more at www.nrca.net/news-events/national-roofing-week. 

By Emma Peterson. 

From enhanced contractor programs to the development of PABCO University, this family‑owned shingle maker showcases its commitment to customer partnership.  

While The Coffee Shops™ crew attended the 2026 International Roofing Expo (IRE), we had the chance to visit the PABCO Roofing Products booth to chat with Lori Jerome, the brand’s marketing manager, and Eric Johnston, division sales leader.  

When asked about the show, both Lori and Eric highlighted how it was a great way to meet their clients and partners. Lori shared, “We’ve been making a lot of meaningful connections with our industry partners, roofing contractors, distributors.” This type of connection with the industry has always been a priority for PABCO. Eric explained:  

One of the great things about PABCO is that we’re a small family-owned company. None of the other shingle manufacturers can really say that. And that gives us a unique connection with our contractor customers because we are able to go out, meet our customers where they are and really hear how we can be a better partner for them. 

An example of how PABCO has taken contractor feedback and translated it into better support for contractors is the updates to their contractor program. Eric shared a bit about some of the ways they're improving the program, saying, “We’re really taking the existing program and making it way more enhanced. For example, we heard that a lot of our contractors are starting to bid on multifamily projects and play in more than just the single-family residential market. So, in response, we’re going to be launching a commercial warranty to help support them in those efforts something.” The full re-release of this program can be expected later in 2026.  

PABCO is also working on launching an education program later this year – PABCO University! The goal of this program is to help small to midsize contractors build their business skills and level up their operations. At the end of the day, these are just two examples of all the ways PABCO is working to better serve their customers. Eric noted, “Our goal is really to help educate people and help them be better at what they do.  Because we know if we're able to successfully help them be more profitable, help them increase their closing rates and just get a little smarter with basic business things. There's going to be loyalty that comes from that, and it's going to be a win-win for both of us.” 

Learn more about what PABCO has planned for this year by watching the whole interview!

By Jesse Sanchez. 

A growing approach to hiring, training and onboarding is helping contractors fill operational gaps without adding internal overhead. 

As roofing contractors contend with ongoing labor shortages and rising operational complexity, attention is shifting toward staffing models that extend capacity without increasing internal burden. Among them, offshore workforce support is emerging as a practical solution, allowing companies to delegate time-intensive administrative, sales and insurance-related tasks to trained remote professionals. 

That approach was on display at the 2026 International Roofing Expo (IRE) in Las Vegas, where Kevin Wall of DCX described how the model functions within day-to-day operations. DCX provides hiring, onboarding and training services that connect contractors with remote employees based in the Philippines. Those workers integrate into front- and back-office roles, supporting functions such as accounting, marketing and insurance processing while maintaining full-time schedules aligned with U.S. business hours. 

Central to the model is a streamlined hiring process designed to reduce uncertainty. Contractors are matched with candidates based on defined needs, then guided through a structured interview process. The result, Kevin noted, often reshapes expectations early. “This is the best set of candidates I've ever interviewed,” he said, describing feedback commonly shared by contractors after initial interviews. 

From there, the focus shifts to readiness. DCX prepares candidates through a four-week roofing academy that introduces industry terminology, workflows and software platforms before placement begins. A separate training track targets insurance-related work and estimating tools, equipping workers with the technical foundation required to contribute immediately. 

That upfront investment in training addresses a persistent concern among contractors; whether remote employees can integrate effectively into existing teams. According to Kevin, many of these workers already have experience supporting U.S.-based companies and have adapted to overnight schedules to match contractor time zones, allowing them to operate as a consistent extension of the business. Kevin shared, “A lot of these Filipino employees have at least one to two years working for US-based companies working those hours.” 

Flexibility remains a defining feature of the model. Without long-term contracts, contractors can evaluate performance without committing to permanent structural changes. “Give these workers a chance,” Kevin said. “If you're curious, let's start the conversation.” 

As workforce constraints continue to shape the industry, models that combine scalability, training and operational continuity are becoming an increasingly viable path forward for contractors seeking to stabilize and grow. 

Watch the full interview to learn more about how offshore staffing is helping roofing contractors expand capacity, streamline operations and support long-term growth without increasing internal overhead!

By Jesse Sanchez. 

Industry experts explore how integrated software, artificial intelligence and industry data can improve business performance for contractors. 

At the International Roofing Expo (IRE) in Las Vegas, technology and data-driven decision-making remained central themes as contractors looked for practical ways to improve efficiency and scale their operations. Speaking from The Coffee Shops™ sound stage, Kaili Smith of JobNimbus pointed to a growing need for streamlined systems that reduce complexity across daily functions. “We do project management CRM software for roofers,” Kaili said. “We’ve seen so many changes in the industry, and we want to make sure we’re creating products and systems that talk to each other. So, that way you don’t have to have 15 to 20 tools to function. You can have just one.” JobNimbus connects estimating, sales, production scheduling, customer communication, payments and reputation management in a single platform, giving contractors one source of truth across the full project lifecycle. 

That emphasis on integration reflects a broader shift across the industry, where disconnected platforms are giving way to unified systems that support the full lifecycle of a project. From sales and production to customer management, contractors are increasingly prioritizing tools that keep information centralized and accessible. The shift is especially pronounced among growing roofing businesses that have outgrown spreadsheets, group texts and patchwork tool stacks, and now need an operational backbone that scales with them. 

At the show, JobNimbus demonstrated how that approach is evolving with the introduction of an artificial intelligence assistant currently in beta testing. Kaili explained, “You talk to it, saying, ‘This is what I need.’ It’ll generate information for you and update your stuff, answer questions.” The tool is designed to reduce manual input while helping users quickly access and act on critical information. In practice, that means contractors can ask the assistant to pull job status updates, surface customer details, draft follow-up communications and update records, all through natural conversation rather than clicking through menus. 

Beyond artificial intelligence, the company is also expanding its focus on marketing and lead generation, working to connect reputation management and customer acquisition more directly to contractor workflows. The goal is to ensure that growth-focused activities are fully integrated into day-to-day operations. 

The company also highlighted its annual Peak Performance report, built from insights gathered from more than 2,000 contractors and over 1,500 homeowners. In addition to benchmarking data, the report outlines clear next steps for users. The report surfaces benchmarks across lead conversion, job cycle times, average job size and customer satisfaction, giving contractors a clear picture of how their business compares to peers and where the biggest opportunities for growth sit. “If you don’t take action off of it, it kind of doesn’t matter if you have it,” Kaili said. “So, we want to make it really simple.” 

As roofers continue to embrace new technologies, the conversation is moving beyond access to technology and toward effective implementation. At IRE, that shift was clear as success is increasingly tied to how well contractors can connect systems, interpret data and turn insights into action. 

Watch the full interview to learn more about how AI tools and data insights are helping roofing contractors streamline operations, connect systems and turn information into actionable business results!

Key takeaways: 

• JobNimbus positions itself as the operational backbone for roofing contractors, replacing fragmented tool stacks with one connected system. 
• The platform spans estimating, sales, production, customer communication, payments and reputation management. 
• A new AI assistant, currently in beta, lets contractors update records, pull information and manage tasks through natural conversation. 
• The annual Peak Performance report draws on data from 2,000+ contractors and 1,500+ homeowners to benchmark industry performance and surface growth opportunities. 
• JobNimbus is built for growing roofing businesses ready to move beyond spreadsheets and disconnected tools, flexing to fit every stage of growth without forcing teams to switch platforms as they scale. 

By Emma Peterson. 

How Trent Cotney supports the roofing industry from the courtroom and beyond.  

Just last year, Trent Cotney was recognized in The Best Lawyers in America® 2025 edition for his construction law and litigation work. This recognition places Trent in the top 5% of lawyers in the U.S., but Trent is far more than “just” a lawyer. He is a writer, educator, expert and invaluable leader in the roofing industry! To learn more about the work Trent does, we interviewed him at the 2026 International Roofing Expo (IRE). 

We started by focusing on his role as an educator as we caught him up with just after his IRE education session. He shared a bit about it, saying, “I spoke on immigration today along with Ben Briggs, another one of the lawyers at Adams and Reese. It was a good session, well attended and we got to answer a ton of questions about ice raids, I9 audits and all that kind of stuff.”  

In addition to his role as an educator, Trent shares his extensive expertise with the industry as general counsel for a variety of trade associations, including but not limited to the National Roofing Contractors Association, Western States Roofing Association and Florida Roofing and Sheet Metal Association. He elaborated on what he does as a general counsel to these organizations, explaining, “In that role, not only do I make sure the association stays on the straight and narrow, but I also to provide them and their members with targeted, real world legal advice on regulatory issues.” 

But wait, there’s more! Trent is also a prolific writer, sharing insights and advice in multiple Amazon best-selling books and across industry publications (including on RoofersCoffeeShop®!). His schedule might seem busy (because it is), but Trent wouldn’t have it any other way. He explained, “I really want to take the knowledge that I've learned over the years and apply it for the good of the industry.”  

Watch the whole interview to hear more about Trent and his work to support the industry.