Finding Growth in a Shifting Construction Market
The Coffee Shops
In this Contractor Outlook™ episode, Heidi J. Ellsworth talks with Paul Trombitas, partner at FMI, about what the latest construction outlook means for contractors navigating an uncertain market. Drawing from the 2026 Q2 North America Construction and Engineering Outlook Report, Paul breaks down why the industry is still positioned for growth, driven by power infrastructure, data center demand and steady nonresidential activity, while residential sectors show signs of improvement ahead. He also offers a reality check on headline megaprojects, explaining why they...
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Using AI to Rethink Construction Waste
The Coffee Shops
In this episode of Contractor Outlook™, Heidi J. Ellsworth talks with Todd Thomas, co-founder of Woodchuck AI, about how artificial intelligence could help contractors manage tear-off waste more efficiently. Todd explains how the platform uses AI and camera technology to monitor jobsite dumpsters in real time. Woodchuck AI is helping crews quickly identify when the wrong materials are placed in designated bins and how this approach reduces the need for manual sorting, keeps recycling streams clean and helps contractors better manage construction waste on their projects. This system can...
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Exploring Contractor Trends and Homeowner Insights
The Coffee Shops
In this Contractor Outlook™ episode, Heidi J. Ellsworth sits down with Angie Hicks, co-founder of Angi, to explore the evolving relationship between contractors and homeowners in today’s digital-first environment. From the origin story of Angi to its growing focus on supporting service professionals, the conversation highlights how direct feedback, advisory groups and office hours are shaping better business outcomes. Angie also shares insight into key industry trends, including shifts in lead generation and the role of AI in improving job matching. The episode closes with practical...
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Study Finds Homeowners are Prioritizing Sustainability
The Coffee Shops
In this episode of Contractor Outlook™, host Heidi J. Ellsworth sits down with Allison Hadley, spokesperson of American Home Shield, to unpack what today’s homeowners really want when it comes to greener homes and how those expectations are shaping opportunities for contractors. Drawing from recent homeowner research, Allison shares insights into the growing demand for greener homes and what is driving those decisions. The conversation explores how priorities like energy savings, environmental impact and overall well-being are influencing homeowners’ interest in more efficient materials...
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Know Your Niche
The Coffee Shops
In this Contractor Outlook™, Heidi Ellsworth is joined by Eric Voyer from The Farnsworth Group to dive into the latest shifts in the building products market and their impact on contractors. Eric shares insights on how deep customer research is reshaping marketing strategies and product development for building product brands. This conversation will explore how manufacturers use data to anticipate market trends to stay ahead of the competition and the emerging trends in building products that contractors should be aware of. Learn more at TheCoffeeShops.online! ...
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Ronald McDonald House
The Coffee Shops
In this Contractor Outlook™, Heidi J. Ellsworth visits with Ronald McDonal House Global President & CEO Katie Fitzgerald to explore the mission and impact of Ronald McDonald House, tracing its history and the heart behind how it all began. Katie dives into the powerful partnership with the Roofing Alliance and what that collaboration looks like in action, while also highlighting ways local contractors can get involved in supporting their nearby Houses. The conversation covers the essential services Ronald McDonald House provides to families and communities, the meaningful feedback they...
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Fractional Hiring in Construction
The Coffee Shops
In this Contractor Outlook™, Heidi J. Ellsworth visits with Kristen McAlister of Cerius Executives, a national leader in fractional executive placement, who shares insights into why this model is gaining traction and how it can position construction companies for long-term success. The rise of fractional hiring gives construction companies access to experienced executive leadership without the long-term risk of a full-time hire. Across finance, operations, HR, sales and technology, fractional leaders help contractors bring order to complexity, support growth and steer through transition, all...
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How AI is Shaping the Future of Construction
The Coffee Shops
In this episode of Contractor Outlook Newscast, Heidi J. Ellsworth talks with Denver Riggleman, co-founder and CEO of Hootl, about how artificial intelligence is reshaping the construction industry. With a unique background in military intelligence, government and tech entrepreneurship not to mention being a former congressman, Denver shares how Hootl is helping construction companies harness the power of AI to improve marketing, increase customer engagement and strengthen cybersecurity. The conversation explores the practical applications of AI on the jobsite and in the office, including...
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Benefits of Leveraging AI in Your Business
The Coffee Shops
In this Contractor Outlook Newscast, Heidi J. Ellsworth sits down with Kevin Fox of Foxwerx Group, a leading authority on artificial intelligence, to discuss the rapidly evolving role of AI in construction. Kevin shares insights on how builders and trade professionals are using artificial intelligence to streamline operations, boost conversions and make data-driven decisions. From using ChatGPT and other AI assistants at the front desk to developing custom AI personalities linked to CRMs, they explore when to move from free to paid tools, how to harness company data effectively and where to...
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Navigating Legal Shifts in Roofing With Trent Cotney
The Coffee Shops
In this episode of Contractor Outlook, Heidi J. Ellsworth sits down with Trent Cotney of Adams and Reese to explore the policy changes reshaping the contracting and roofing industries under the current presidential administration. With his wealth of experience in roofing and industry advocacy, Trent offers expert insights into evolving issues from immigration policies and labor shortages to tariffs and tax codes. He unpacks what these changes mean for contractors and how businesses can adapt to stay compliant and competitive. Whether you’re a contractor or just interested in the...
info_outlineIn this Contractor Outlook™ episode, Heidi J. Ellsworth talks with Paul Trombitas, partner at FMI, about what the latest construction outlook means for contractors navigating an uncertain market. Drawing from the 2026 Q2 North America Construction and Engineering Outlook Report, Paul breaks down why the industry is still positioned for growth, driven by power infrastructure, data center demand and steady nonresidential activity, while residential sectors show signs of improvement ahead. He also offers a reality check on headline megaprojects, explaining why they may not deliver widespread opportunity for most contractors. With perspective on shifting healthcare construction, solid backlogs and cautious sentiment, this episode helps contractors identify where real opportunities are emerging and how to plan for sustainable growth.
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