By Jesse Sanchez. 

How roofing and metal contractors are rethinking software strategies to improve visibility, integration and long-term performance across their businesses. 

During this MetalTalk™, the discussion centered on how contractors can use a well-structured tech stack to support growth, improve operations and strengthen customer relationships. The conversation featured Estimating Edge and Dave Chapman, whose perspective reflects more than two decades of direct experience working with contractors across the country. 

Dave framed the concept of a tech stack in practical terms. While the phrase originated in software development, he explained that it now refers to “the group of applications that a company uses to basically achieve their business objectives.” For contractors, that group has expanded significantly. What once consisted of office software and accounting tools has evolved into a connected ecosystem that may include customer relationship management (CRM) platforms, estimating, scheduling, payroll, safety and customer communication systems. 

That expansion brings opportunity but also complexity. Integration and visibility ranked high among contractor pain points during the live audience poll, reinforcing Dave’s emphasis on compatibility. “You want to make sure that the different parts of your stack play nice with each other,” he said, noting that direct integrations and open APIs help prevent data silos and duplicated effort. 

Ease of use emerged as another critical factor. Dave cautioned that even powerful software fails if teams cannot use it intuitively. He also highlighted implementation as an often-overlooked differentiator, explaining that some platforms leave customers to figure things out alone. “You can have the best software ever, but if it’s not intuitive, if it’s not easy to use, then you’re not going to get what you need out of it.” 

Growth, Dave emphasized, is where the value of a connected tech stack becomes most apparent. Automation helps contractors manage more work without automatically adding headcount. “Having the right tech stack in this case is going to help you with that growth,” he said, particularly when systems like CRM and accounting software communicate seamlessly. 

Barriers still exist. Dave pointed to reluctance, lack of information and insecurity as common obstacles, along with past negative experiences that make contractors hesitant to try again. Yet he sees progress, especially as younger, more tech-curious leaders enter the industry and turn to peer groups, associations and trusted providers for guidance. 

Customer experience also benefits directly from stronger technology adoption. Faster response times, professional proposals, transparent scheduling and easy payment processing all contribute to trust and referrals. As Dave put it, these tools help contractors look more professional while operating more efficiently behind the scenes. 

For contractors evaluating next steps, Dave recommended starting with an honest assessment of existing systems. Many companies, he noted, use only a fraction of their current software’s capabilities. Follow-up training, user conferences and conversations with existing providers can often unlock value before adding new tools. 

Read the transcript, Listen to the podcast or Watch the conversation to learn more about how building a connected, intentional tech stack can help contractors grow efficiently and confidently in a changing industry! 

By Jesse Sanchez. 

How roofing and metal contractors are rethinking software strategies to improve visibility, integration and long-term performance across their businesses. 

In this episode of Roofing Road Trips®, Estimating Edge’s Dave Chapman explained how adopting a tech stack can support business growth, overall operations and customer relationships for contractors. Dave defined a tech stack as “the group of applications that a company uses to basically achieve their business objectives.” What once meant office software and accounting now includes connected tools that support the job cycle, from customer relationship management (CRM) and systems that help with estimating, scheduling, payroll, safety and customer communication. 

As stacks expand, gaps between systems create friction. As systems expand, Dave said issues often emerge when software is not designed to work together, making compatibility a critical starting point. “You want to make sure that the different parts of your stack play nice with each other,” he said, pointing to integrations and open APIs that limit duplicate entry and keep information consistent. 

Ease of use also matters. Dave warned that a platform’s promise does not matter if your team cannot adopt it quickly. “You can have the best software ever, but if it’s not intuitive, if it’s not easy to use, then you’re not going to get what you need out of it,” he said. Dave urged contractors to ask themselves, “who will help implement and customize the tools for real workflows?” 

David explained that when the stack is connected and usable, automation becomes a growth lever. “Having the right tech stack in this case is going to help you with that growth,” he said, especially when systems communicate to streamline follow-up, billing and reporting. 

Starting out, his advice was to start with what you have, document pain points across departments and ask current providers what features may be underused. Training and industry resources can also help contractors get more value from the tools they already pay for. 

Listen to the podcast to learn more about how building a connected, intentional tech stack can help contractors grow efficiently and confidently in a changing industry!

By Jesse Sanchez. 

This powerful digital tool aims to streamline bidding, cut costly site visits and boost data accuracy for contractors. 

A new collaboration between The EDGE® and EagleView is poised to change the way commercial roofing contractors approach bidding, takeoffs and data accuracy. Unveiled at the 2025 International Roofing Expo (IRE) in San Antonio, the integration between the two companies’ platforms signals a leap forward for efficiency in commercial low-slope roofing. 

At the heart of the partnership is a seamless data transfer system. EagleView, known for its aerial imagery and precise roof measurements, now feeds their data directly into The EDGE’s takeoff and estimating software. This streamlined process removes manual data input and drastically reduces the potential for error. 

“We’re a data provider, that’s what we do,” said Rob Soper of EagleView. “And we let platforms like Estimating Edge take it from there and really add value to what we do.” That value-add is more than marketing talk. The integration allows roofing estimators to begin their bids with highly accurate measurements and imagery, often saving them a trip to the job site, which can be a major cost and time sink. 

Jackie Hart, regional sales manager at Estimating Edge, noted the timing of the rollout. Although the collaboration had been in development for years, Jackie said that launching it earlier would have missed the mark. “Timing is everything,” she said. “Had we launched it earlier, the market probably wouldn't have been as ready or ripe for what we're doing today.” 

The core benefit for The EDGE users is the elimination of data disconnects. By automatically integrating EagleView’s high-resolution imagery and measurement data into The EDGE’s Smart Takeoff system, contractors can reduce errors and accelerate the estimating process, even for last-minute or low-priority bids. 

Watch the full interview to learn more about how this game-changing integration is helping contractors bid smarter, faster and more accurately!

By Dave Chapman, Estimating Edge. 

Outdated estimating methods are costing construction firms time, money and bids. 

If you’re still buried in spreadsheets and chasing down material prices from last month’s emails, you’re not just estimating, you’re gambling. In today’s fast-moving construction world, where razor-thin margins and rapid turnaround times are the norm, outdated estimating practices can sink a project before the first shovel hits the dirt. Fortunately, the tools to fix it already exist. With solutions from Estimating Edge, this isn’t a crash course in theory, it’s a no-nonsense guide to solving the most common estimating pain points with real-world tech that works. 

1 – Pain point: Manual estimating calculations 

One of the most significant challenges in construction cost estimating is the time it takes to perform manual calculations. 

Estimators must gather data from a variety of sources — project plans, specifications and similar past projects — and personally calculate quantities, labor rates and materials, which can take hours or even days. 

This manual approach is not only slow but is prone to costly human errors. And this strategy of estimating limits the number of bids a construction business can submit each season. 

Solution: Automated calculations 

Construction estimating software automates the measuring and counting process with built-in features that quickly calculate the required quantities, labor hours and material costs. 

This eliminates time-consuming manual work, freeing up estimators to focus on refining the project scope, improving accuracy and taking on additional projects. 

By integrating with digital blueprints and trade-specific databases, the construction estimating software ensures that all calculations are consistent and up to date, saving time and reducing errors. 

2 – Pain point: Inconsistent data 

Inconsistent information is a major issue in traditional estimating methods. When different estimators from the same company use different templates or formats or tools, the result is often a lack of uniformity in construction cost estimates. 

Additionally, significant budget overruns and delays can occur due to the discrepancies between: 

• Material costs 
• Subcontractor quotes 
• Labor rates 

When a construction company can’t provide evidence of accurate, uniform construction estimates over a period of time, they lose credibility. 

Solution: Streamlined data management 

Construction estimating software puts all project data in one place, ensuring consistency. It uses up-to-date, trade-specific databases for material costs, so estimators are always working with the most current information. 

Contractors can also set conditions and create pre-built templates within the software to ensure estimators use the same methods across the company to build accurate, consistent estimates in construction projects. 

Additionally, some construction estimating software also allow for integration with project management systems and accounting software, enabling a more cohesive flow of information between different teams and departments. 

3 – Difficulty in handling scope changes 

In the construction industry, projects are rarely static and changes to the scope — whether it’s a design modification, a change in materials in construction projects or an unforeseen issue — are common. 

When these changes occur, manually adjusting the estimate to reflect the new conditions can be time-consuming and error prone. 

Solution: Change order management 

Construction estimating software allows users to easily update and revise estimates in response to scope changes. 

Estimators can adjust quantities, material specifications, labor rates or project timelines in real time and the software will automatically recalculate the cost implications of these changes once its approved by stakeholders. 

This flexibility allows for quicker response times to scope adjustments and reduces the risk of underestimating costs or missing critical details. 

4 – Pain point: Managing complex projects 

As the scale of construction projects grow and become more complex, the estimating and bidding process can become overwhelming. Large-scale projects with multiple subcontractors, extensive material lists and detailed timelines are difficult to manage manually and there’s a higher chance of oversight that can lead to lost profits and project delays. 

Solution: Cost breakdowns 

Construction estimating software is specifically designed to handle the complexity of large projects. 

It allows for detailed breakdowns of costs by phase, trade or location and can handle multiple cost categories, including: 

• Labor 
• Materials 
• Equipment 
• Overhead 

By breaking the project down into manageable sections, the construction estimating software makes it easier to track costs, monitor progress and identify potential risks. 

Many estimating tools also offer advanced reporting capabilities, which provide real-time insights into project costs and allow for more accurate forecasting. 

Solve your construction estimating challenges with The EDGE® 

As shown throughout this honorary construction estimating course, estimating software — like The EDGE — has transformed the way estimators approach their work by addressing the common pain points of time-consuming calculations, inconsistent data, scope changes, poor communication and complex project management. 

The EDGE helps construction companies create successful construction estimates and improve accuracy, reduce risks and deliver projects on time and within budget by: 

• Automating manual processes 
• Ensuring data consistency 
• Improving collaboration 

To see how The EDGE can help you with your construction estimating process, speak with an industry expert today!

Original article and photo source: Estimating Edge

By Emma Peterson. 

MRCA is hosting their annual conference and expo in Illinois this October! 

2025 marks the 75th annual Midwest Roofing Contractors Association (MRCA)’s conference and expo! This year, the show will be hosted at the Renaissance Schaumburg Convention Center Hotel in Illinois from Tuesday, October 21, 2025, to Thursday, October 23, 2025. Designed for commercial and residential roofing contractors, builders, remodelers, consultants and more, this conference combines cutting-edge education and an innovative expo floor with fun networking and community-focused events! Keep reading to learn more about what to expect!  

Explore the expo floor 

The expo floor, which will be open Tuesday, October 21 and Wednesday, October 22, will feature countless manufacturers and suppliers from around the industry. From value-added services to innovative products and solutions, this is the place to be to stay up to date on roofing materials and technologies. The Coffee Shops will have a booth there, #504, so make sure to stop by and say hi!  

A lot of our industry friends will also be there, including but not limited to A.C.T. Metal Deck Supply (booth #530), Acculynx (booth #313), BITEC (booth #437), Brava Roof Tile (booth #337), Dataforma (booth #316), Estimating Edge (booth #608), Everest Systems (booth #219), KARNAK (booth #430), Polyglass (booth #412), Service First Solutions (booth #318) and Versico Roofing Systems (booth #421). 

You can explore the entire expo floor online!

Learn from industry leaders 

Education is one of the cornerstones of the conference and there are a wide variety of programs featuring industry leaders that will help you grow and build your business! Here are some highlights to pencil into your schedule: 

• How Smart Tech is Reshaping Construction & Business & Preventing Cyber Attacks: Kevin Fox of FoxWerx Group shares how AI and other technology can affect your business, both the good and the bad. 
• Mitigate Risk on the Roof: Lessons from Real-World Subcontract Agreements and How They Protect Your Company (Part 1): Taught by the MRCA legal counsel, Gary Auman (of Auman, Mahan and Furry), this is a crash course in the legal aspects of subcontracting with a focus on safety and compliance. 
• Mitigate Risk on the Roof: Lessons from Real-World Subcontract Agreements and How They Protect Your Company (Part 2): Part two of the previous session, this is a panel discussion on the same topic featuring Luke Haines (Roofmaster Roofing and Sheet Metal), Matt Smith (Fat Matt Roofing), Brett Tesson (Tesson Roofing and Exteriors) and Bill Seibert (Fisher Roofing of Kearney).  
• Assuring the Continuation of your Company in the New Tax Law World: In this session, Lee and Terry Resnick of the Resnicl Succession Group dive into practical tips for succession planning.  
• Health & Safety: This seminar, taught by Frank J. Marino of Safety Check, Inc, is perfect for attendees looking to learn more about developing and implementing a strong safety culture and plan. 
• Signatory contractor’s roundtable discussion: Less of a traditional seminar, this is a discussion focused on everything from ERISA fund trends to labor law updates and the changing regulatory environment. 
• Sheathing Under Stress: Engineering Insights into Moisture Effects: Last but not least, this informative session all about engineering when the environment may be less than ideal comes from Richard Koziol and Heidi Mase of Wiss, Janney, Elstner Associates, Inc. 

Learn more about the different sessions online!

Celebrate the industry 

And the MRCA Conference and Expo is not all work and no play, there are a variety of fun events that give attendees a chance to blow off some steam while making valuable connections with their peers. These events include things like Top Golf outings, the Welcome Reception and a Casino Night. Though, here at The Coffee Shops, we are especially excited for the annual Foundation Auction. 

The MRCA Foundation is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization that aims to raise awareness and improve the industry through education and research. Last year, the auction raised over $137,000 for the Foundation, an incredible number that has been used to strengthen the future of roofing through academic scholarships, programming and technical research. 

This year, the auction will be happening Tuesday, October 21. The theme will be black and white and the night will feature both a silent auction (running 6:00 p.m. - 9:00 p.m.) and a live auction (kicking off at 7:45 p.m.). Not only is this a great way to support the future of the industry through the Foundation, but there are also some incredible auction items to bid on (including a one-year R-Club membership or standard directory and podcast valued at $2,500.00 from The Coffee Shops!).  

If you haven’t already registered, make sure to get your tickets and we’ll see you in Schaumburg!

By Jesse Sanchez. 

If even tech companies bring in experts to get it right, it just proves that smart support leads to better results. 

When it comes to adopting new software in the roofing industry, the biggest hurdle isn’t getting the tools themselves, but rather, it’s figuring out how to use them effectively. That’s the takeaway from a striking segment of this MetalTalk™ podcast featuring Dave Chapman of Estimating Edge. While much of the conversation explores evolving tech stacks and integrations, it’s Dave’s unflinching look at software implementation that stands out, especially when he shares that even his own tech company brought in outside help to implement its Customer Relationship Management (CRM) software. 

“When we brought in our CRM, we hired a third-party implementation specialist that could analyze the situation, knew the software, could analyze our company and create a plan and implement it so that we could utilize it to its full potential,” Dave says. It sets a strong example for contractors, showing that bringing in the right expertise is a smart move that leads to better outcomes. 

In the roofing industry, there's often a misplaced pressure to figure out every piece of technology on your own. But, as Dave points out, even the most advanced software is useless without proper onboarding. “You can have the best bank or the best software ever, but if it’s not intuitive, if it’s not easy to use, then you’re not going to get what you need out of it,” he shares. “It’s frustrating to have an amazing piece of software but not be able to utilize it to its full potential.” 

But Dave makes it clear: Implementation isn’t just a technical process; it’s a business strategy. Whether a contractor relies on in-house support, the vendor’s team or a third-party consultant, the focus should be on tailoring the system to the company’s workflow from day one. And the investment pays off. When technology works with people, not against them, companies can unlock automation, streamline communication and scale sometimes without even adding headcount. 

Read the transcript, Listen to the podcast or Watch the conversation for more insights into implementation strategies and overcoming resistance to change! 

By Jesse Sanchez. 

Learn how automation helps roofers do the tedious stuff faster. 

In a rapidly shifting industry landscape, one thing is clear: artificial intelligence isn’t just a fad; it’s helping roofing professionals work smarter, not harder. That was a key takeaway from this Coffee Conversations, hosted by Heidi J. Ellsworth and featuring tech veterans Dave Chapman of Estimating Edge and Marty Cornish of Workpack (now part of Beck Technology). 

One of the most impactful and immediate applications of AI in construction is transforming quantity takeoff, the time-consuming task of measuring and calculating materials from blueprints. In an industry where every minute counts, automation is stepping in to handle the repetitive workload at an unprecedented speed. “We have focused on quantity takeoff for the last six years and we've automated a lot across a wide variety of different trades,” said Marty. “You give the construction drawing some context, it generates the takeoff, then you edit it to make it your own. It does it in two minutes rather than two hours or two days.” 

Dave, who has been with Estimating Edge for more than two decades, reinforced the point. “That’s where AI shines the brightest for our construction field. It’s taking that redundant task,” he said. “It’s a huge time saver.” But Dave said that AI is not a silver bullet. “There’s always going to be that human element,” he explained. Factors like job site access, crew efficiency and production rates still require a skilled eye. “AI will help analyze jobs across historical data. But there’s always going to be the human element of looking at that particular job.” 

That’s the nuance that often gets lost in the buzz. Marty called it the “offensive coordinator” approach: “You're providing information for the AI model to have enough context to generate the information you're looking for.” In short, AI isn’t replacing estimators, it’s relieving them from the mechanical drudgery so they can focus on higher-level strategy and accuracy. 

The shift is happening fast. But it’s not about going all in overnight. “Tiptoe now so that you have some sense of what you actually want in an AI software,” advised Marty. “Then, if the water feels comfortable, take a step.” 

Read the transcript, Listen to the podcast or Watch the webinar to learn more about where AI is headed next in the tech stack! 

By Emma Peterson. 

Looking back at the last month at The Coffee Shops™! 

Construction season is in full swing with the long summer days and better weather. Here at The Coffee Shops™ we have also been busy this last month!  

One of our most-read articles from July 2025 came from Dani Sheehan and focused on how changes to federal programs granting temporary legal status and work authorization affect the roofing industry. In her article, she highlights that the National Roofing Contractors Association (NRCA) and other allied business associations sent an official letter to the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) asking for clear guidance and a transition period to help businesses comply with these changes. She explained, “As this letter to DHS underscores, employers and employees need time and clarity to ensure they are following the law properly. As the rules shift, it’s critical that business owners anticipate coming changes to remain compliant and to protect the skilled workers who help keep your company running.” 

There has also been a lot of talk about customizing your technological tools to work better for your company. Jesse Sanchez wrote one article about a MetalTalk with Dave Chapman from Estimating Edge about the importance of tech stacks while Emma Peterson wrote about tech in terms of SRS Distribution’s Roof Hub program. 

Another trend we’ve seen in the last month is a continuing emphasis on training and partnerships. Our list features multiple articles about these topics, including an article about how Tremco Roofing is bringing training to contractors and one about how partnering with manufacturers like Commercial Distribution Specialists (CDS) can boost your bottom line! 

Explore our top articles from July 2025 

10 - Eagleview and SkyWatch announce alliance to expand access to ultra high-resolution aerial imagery 

9 - 17 feet of snow is no joke on a roof by Rocky Mountain Snow Guards 

8 - Fourth time’s the charm: Homeowner receives a roof free of charge by Jenny Yu 

7 - A roofer's guide to chemical exposure prevention by Cotney Consulting Group 

6 - Why every roofing contractor needs a tech stack by Jesse Sanchez 

5 - Taking training opportunities right to contractors by Emma Peterson 

4 - Building a partnership between contractors and manufacturers by Emma Peterson 

3 - NRCA continues to request stability and support from administration by Dani Sheehan 

2 - Partnering with a roofing distributor by Emma Peterson 

1 - Make Roof Hub your own with customization tools! by Emma Peterson 

By Jesse Sanchez. 

A contractor's tech stack may be more advanced than they realize, here's what it means and why it matters. 

In the world of roofing and construction, “tech stack” might sound like just another buzzword. But according to Dave Chapman, a 22-year veteran of Estimating Edge, it’s a term every contractor needs to understand, because they’re likely already using one. “Back in the day, a typical tech stack for a contractor in the early 2000s was maybe Microsoft Office and an accounting software,” Dave explained during this MetalTalk™. “But nowadays the roofing industry has evolved to necessitate many different applications.” 

Dave, who has worked with thousands of contractors over the course of over two decades, stated that a tech stack simply refers to the collection of software tools a company uses to run its business, tools that span everything from estimating and accounting to customer relationship management (CRM) and safety compliance. The trick, he said, is ensuring those tools work together. That’s where integration becomes essential. 

“You definitely, when you’re evaluating your tech stack, want to make sure that the different parts play nice with each other,” Dave said. “Whether it’s a direct integration [or] an open API that you can pull data from, these are definitely things that you have to consider.” 

Most contractors already have a tech stack, whether they realize it or not. The challenge isn’t starting from zero, it’s making what you already have work better together. That’s why integration is so important. In fact, it topped the list of poll responses when webinar attendees were asked about their biggest tech stack pain points. Implementation and customization were close behind. But as Dave pointed out, even the best software is only as useful as its adoption. “It’s frustrating to have an amazing piece of software but not be able to utilize it to its full potential,” he said. That’s why support and training matter just as much as the tools themselves. Even Estimating Edge brought in outside consultants to help implement its own CRM system. “We’re experts in our own little bubble,” Dave admitted. “But when it comes to taking a step from the outside and looking in, that’s where it might be good to have a consultant.” 

So how should contractors evaluate their current tech stack? Start by looking under the hood. Dave recommends checking in with project managers, accounting staff and field crews to uncover friction points and inefficiencies. “Take a look at what you’re using right now,” he said. “Are there tools that don’t connect but should? Are you manually transferring data between systems that could be synced?” Even if your tools already talk to each other, that doesn’t mean the stack is complete, it just means the foundation is there. The next step is making sure you're using it efficiently and getting full value from it. 

According to Dave, most companies only use about 60% of the capabilities of their existing software. That leaves a lot of value on the table. With the right tools and the right connections between them, contractors can position themselves for scalable growth, stronger customer relationships and reduced stress across the board. 

Read the transcript, Listen to the podcast or Watch the conversation to learn more about how roofing companies are leveraging technology to scale without hiring, improve customer satisfaction and navigate AI trends!

The EDGE was designed specifically for estimators who need to bid competitively without sacrificing precision or professionalism.

As roofing contractors enter their busiest season, many professionals are turning to The EDGE roofing estimating software to improve their bid-to-win ratio throughout the summer and beyond.

The EDGE has been a leader in roofing estimating for more than three decades, offering an entire digital toolbox of features and functionalities specific to commercial roofing work. From trade-databases to cloud-based reporting, roofing estimators across the US are building better estimates at faster rates thanks to this award-winning solution.

And, as Dave Chapman, director of sales at Estimating Edge notes, that was the whole purpose of The EDGE.

"The EDGE was designed specifically for estimators who need to bid competitively without sacrificing precision or professionalism," said Dave. "Because of all the functions in the program, estimators can move confidently through their bidding process, knowing each estimate is tailored to their project's unique requirements. Even during busy season. We make sure our products can keep up with any workload."

The EDGE enables roofing estimators to:

• Access current pricing suppliers for roofing materials.
• Generate precise calculations for tapered insulation systems and standing seam metal roofing applications.
• Create professional, branded proposals with detailed scope of work, material specifications and labor breakdowns.
• Submit bids within hours instead of days using customizable templates.

The EDGE's impact is felt across the industry, with one satisfied client saying: "The EDGE has helped us improve accuracy and speed in our roofing bids. It's customizable and detailed, especially for commercial work. Support was responsive when we needed it. It's become a reliable part of our process."

For more information about how The EDGE roofing estimating software can help your business thrive this summer season, visit our page.