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...
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“This is Me”
The Coffee Shops
In this Contractor Outlook, Heidi J. Ellsworth visits with Caitlin Burke to discuss her inspiring journey; she courageously shares her personal story of resilience, self-discovery and empowerment. As a recruiter for the construction industry, she shares how her personal journey helps inspire others to join the trades. Through candid reflections, Caitlin discusses the challenges she's faced, the lessons she's learned and the growth she's experienced along the way. Her narrative serves as inspiration to all business owners as they develop a culture of strength and resilience, which...
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Roof Weight Safety
The Coffee Shops
In this Contractor Outlook Newscast, we’re tackling a topic that’s critical to structural safety but often overlooked: roof weight. Heidi J. Ellsworth visits with Mark Graham of the National Roofing Contractors Association (NRCA) to discuss how roof weight is evaluated, why it matters, and what can go wrong when it’s ignored. From calculating safe load capacities to understanding the roles of roofing contractors, general contractors, and building envelope experts, this episode lays out what it takes to get it right. We also explore recent updates around roof weight standards, how the...
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Heat, Hail, Wind and Water Safety
The Coffee Shops
In this Contractor Outlook Newscast, Heidi J. Ellsworth sits down with Alan Scott of Intertek to discuss the importance of heat, hail, wind and water safety. They explore the evolving intersection of resiliency, sustainability and smart construction. From understanding the real difference between code compliance and true resilience to educating building owners on the risks of doing the bare minimum, this conversation equips contractors with practical knowledge for today and foresight for tomorrow. They dig into the power of AI and digital twins for predictive maintenance and key policy changes...
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A New Look at Construction Acquisitions
The Coffee Shops
In this Contractor Outlook, Heidi J. Ellsworth meets with Paul Trombitas and Paul Giovannoni of FMI Corp, a leading research firm for the construction industry. Heidi sits down with these two experts to discuss mergers and acquisitions in the industry over the last two years and to get a pulse on what the future of construction acquisitions holds. From manufacturing to distribution to contracting businesses, the guests share information that has been collected through leading-edge research and analysis by the FMI team. Learn more at RoofersCoffeeShop.com! ...
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The Four Key Points of Success
The Coffee Shops
In this Contractor Outlook, Heidi J. Ellsworth is joined by Rocky Bleier, a former American professional football player, veteran of the United States Army and successful construction company owner. He shares the story of his impressive career, his military service and how he built a construction company from the ground up. His experience working with the government as a veteran and his prestigious football career helped him not only create a successful business but also develop amazing leadership teams. Rocky shares his four key pillars of success — leadership, talent, vision and buy-in —...
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Codes and Standards
The Coffee Shops
In this Contractor Outlook, Heidi J. Ellsworth meets with Alex Chausovsky, director of analytics and consulting at the Bundy Group. He is a highly experienced market researcher and analyst with more than twenty years of expertise across subjects including economics, industrial manufacturing, automation, talent and workforce issues and advanced technology trends. After speaking at a recent Metal Construction Association meeting, Alex is sharing insights on what he is seeing in construction including thoughts on tariffs, immigration and interest rates. Learn more at...
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Construction Outlook for 2025
The Coffee Shops
In this Contractor Outlook, Heidi J. Ellsworth meets with Paul Trombitas of FMI Research to discuss their 2025 North American Construction Outlook report. They will cover the key dynamics impacting the market, notable segments of growth and construction spending forecasts for the residential, nonresidential and non-building sectors. They’ll also touch on sectors such as healthcare, education and transportation, which are expected to grow steadily, and provide insights on how contractors can navigate these shifts to stay competitive in both growing and stabilizing sectors. In this...
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A Legislative Update
The Coffee Shops
In this Contractor Outlook, Heidi J. Ellsworth meets with Duane Musser and Deb Mazol with the National Roofing Contractors Association (NRCA) to discuss the political landscape since January 20, 2025, exploring the Trump Administration’s primary legislative goals for the new Congress and how they align with the agendas of both the House and Senate majorities. They’ll also discuss the NRCA's goals in relation to the new political environment and which legislative priorities are most promising for progress in the next two years. Tax reform, especially the impending expiration of the Tax Cuts...
info_outlineIn this installment of Contractor Outlook, sponsored by SRS Distribution, Heidi J. Ellsworth meets with Subodha Kumar from Temple University to discuss Artificial Intelligence (AI). No matter where you work, the day is coming when AI will transform your workplace and the kinds of employees that construction companies want to hire and promote. What do companies need to know about using AI now and how future hires are going to be using it? Tune in as Dr. Kumar helps us all understand this exciting tool and its many possibilities.
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