Best of Success Podcast Show

Roofing contractors are facing real operational disruptions as immigration enforcement uncertainty causes crews to stop reporting, delaying projects and straining builder relationships. The proposed Dignity Act would introduce a structured, renewable legal status for certain undocumented workers, aiming to stabilize the construction labor force without granting immediate amnesty. Until legislative clarity emerges, contractors must strengthen employment verification processes, monitor federal developments and factor workforce risk into bidding, scheduling and long-term planning.

During IRE 2026, Tanja Kern interviewed three state directors from SkillsUSA about the organization’s role in shaping the future of skilled trades. They explained how SkillsUSA not only provides technical training across multiple disciplines but also builds leadership skills and connects students directly with employers. Contractors were encouraged to engage with their state directors through skillsusa.org to develop a steady pipeline of future talent.

Roofing contractors and business owners are also dealing with increased demands when it comes to design specifications. “Systems are getting so complex,” Cotney explained. “If you didn’t install something correctly, then it’s on you. But it shouldn’t be your responsibility to meet certain performance requirements.” He said to have early conversations with customers and when it comes to the contract, push as much or all of that design responsibility to the architect, engineer or design consultant. Check out the rest of Cotney’s legal strategies by listening to the full conversation now.

Art Unlimited CEO Anna Anderson shares practical, no-cost steps contractors can take right now to prepare their marketing for AI-driven search and the rapidly emerging “business-to-agent” economy.

As decision-makers turn to AI instead of Google, contractors must rethink their websites and trust signals to stay visible and competitive.

Immigration enforcement has shifted from a looming concern to an immediate threat for construction contractors, with I-9 audits and ICE actions already underway. In this urgent discussion, Jill Bloom and legal expert Trent Cotney stress that proactive, consistent I-9 compliance and documented good-faith efforts are now essential to avoiding serious penalties and protecting construction businesses heading into 2026.

As accounts receivable rise and backlogs ease, roofing contractors can’t afford to let collections drift. In this episode, Trent Cotney shares practical ways to get paid faster: vet customers before signing, set clear expectations, track AR weekly, and follow a consistent contact plan that escalates from reminders to demand letters. He also explains why incentive-based collections can outperform hourly roles, how payment plans can unlock stalled balances, and when an owner’s personal call can turn an overdue invoice into real dollars. Listen to the full conversation here.

In an exciting conversation with Roofing Contractor’s Group Publisher Jill Bloom, Legal Insights Expert Trent Cotney breaks down the recent surge in I-9 audits targeting roofing contractors and shares essential guidance for reducing risk.

In this “Dear Anna” episode, Art Unlimited CEO Anna Anderson explores how contractors should approach using video in their marketing and advertising strategies to give them the edge against their competition.

Contractors should prioritize carefully evaluating software agreements, preparing for the operational and emotional impacts of business acquisitions, and strengthening fundamentals like cash flow and accounts receivable to navigate a shifting market. Trent Cotney emphasizes that proactive planning, realistic expectations, and strategic decision-making are essential for long-term stability and success in today’s contracting environment.

Steve Slepcevic was already on the ground in Jamaica when Hurricane Melissa blasted the Caribbean island in late October. His background in disaster response and roofing proved invaluable. Within days, he established communications for emergency services, installing Starlink systems for the mayor’s office, police, and fire departments. His crew helped locate a site in Black River where Samaritan’s Purse could set up a field hospital—and even helped shrink-wrap a damaged hospital roof to protect what remained. Many of the island’s doctors, firefighters, and hotel workers are still showing up to serve others, even while sleeping under tarps themselves. “Now that those comms are up, we can focus on getting roofs back on homes and hospitals,” he told RC in an exclusive videochat from the island. “These people are incredible,” Slepcevic said. “Their roofs have blown off, they’re sleeping on wet mattresses, and they still show up to work with smiles on their faces.” But “Operation One Roof, One Love” is about more than construction—it’s about compassion. Now, he’s calling on contractors everywhere to join him. Volunteers can fly directly into Montego Bay, where trusted drivers will transport them (and their tools) to safe lodging at the Ocean Coral Springs Resort. Listen to the full conversation and to learn how you can help or volunteer with Operation One Roof: One Love, visit srp24.com or email Steve at steve@srp24.com.

Roofing contractors and business owners already dealing with increased immigration enforcement and its impact on the roofing workforce may have more policies to navigate. A recent shake-up at the Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) ordered by the White House could mean even stronger enforcement in some areas. “Internally, I don’t think they’re happy with some of the (deportation) numbers that have already been achieved,” said RC Legal Insights Expert Trent Cotney. “So, you can anticipate further enforcement and that’s part of the some of these changes we’re seeing.” Cotney also laid out some legal strategies for roofing contractors caught up in immigration sweeps and some pitfalls to avoid. Listen to the full conversation now.

The impact of Home Depot’s recent $5.5B acquisition of GMS through its partnership with SRS is still reverberating across multiple industries. SRS CEO Dan Tinker and GMS CEO JT Turner highlights their customer-first integration focused on growth, innovation, and expanded opportunities for contractors and employees.

With the price of everything rising, it’s more important than ever for roofing contractors to gain new customers. But winning them over should be more than simply locking in a new project. Art Unlimited CEO Anna Anderson explains how roofing contractors can convert customers into lifelong clients with tips from the book "Never Lose a Customer Again."

Thea Dudley, CEO of Pocket Protectors, and Ryan Ayers, CEO and co-founder of Suppli, join RC to discuss the latest changes to credit card interchange fees. The association fees for Visa business-to-business transactions just went up and there’s speculation that others will, too. That could impact roofing contractors and others that rely on credit card payments to keep companies moving. “It's hard enough to get people to pay, and then you throw on another level of complexity to the credit card, and you don’t know what to do,” Dudley said. The key is understanding the data in demand and how to acquire it, according to Ayers. “You've got to enter in all of this data now that you didn't have to before. I think it warrants a conversation around, ‘does it make sense for us to look for a more integrated solution that's going to connect to our accounting system, and actually pull that data for us.’” Listen to the full conversation now.

Policymakers and the courts have disagreed for years on the fairness and enforcement of the Occupational Safety and Health Administration’s (OSHA) use of the multi-employer doctrine when it comes to safety violations found on a jobsite. Now, advocates for the construction and roofing trades are pushing for a series of statutory reforms that allow prime contractors on a site to help subcontractors with safety. “The kind of thing I'm thinking about is collaborative efforts to ensure safety,” said RC Legal Insights Expert Trent Cotney in a recent conversation with RC about a new white paper he helped draft for the National Construction Policy Institute. “The reason why I wanted to write this white paper is that time and time again, I've been asked by contractors, ‘Hey, I want to help my subs, I want to give them PPE and train them.’”

We spotlight METALCON’s partnership with the Military Warriors Support Foundation to launch the Eagles Landing Veteran Retreat, a healing space for combat-wounded veterans and Gold Star families.

Data from software company itel shows most roofs are repairable, raising the question: should contractors prioritize repair work over replacements? We explore the question with Paul Disney, chief product and technology officer at itel.

The Insulation Contractors Association of America is gearing up for its annual convention and trade show this October in Orlando, Fla. ICAA Executive Director Michael Kwart detailed what attendees can expect from the four-day program.

Roofing contractors need to control costs on the rooftop -- even the costs that can’t be seen until the job is well underway. That includes any wildlife, pests or other nuisances that can create safety hazards and stall projects. “Especially with older homes and older roofs, you really have no idea what’s under there, and it can be harboring all kinds of things,” said RC Legal Insights Expert Trent Cotney in an exclusive podcast. “One thing I’ve learned in roofing is that you can always expect the unexpected.” Cotney also discussed some dispute resolution tactics that can be spelled out in contracts. “Think about how you’d like to resolve disputes and get them in your contract. Don’t leave it open ended.” Listen to the full conversation here.