Even though the construction market is strong, roofing contractors are finding it harder to collect on their jobs of late, says RC Legal Insights expert Trent Cotney.

“Owners are finding very creative ways not to pay contractors, and the same goes for prime contractors not paying subcontractors,” Cotney said in this brief episode. Listen to the full conversation for more on how contractual loopholes are playing a role in the current collections process.

In this episode of “Dear Anna,” find out more about Apple Maps and how roofing contractors can go about claiming their listing to gain a potential boost in their business.

In this episode, Pocket Protectors CEO Thea Dudley explains why high interest rates, inflation and other economic concerns may mean additional challenges when it comes to collecting payments. Check out her tips and the full conversation.

Private Equity remains one of the hottest topics in the roofing industry, and has roofing contractors in every market eyeing their prospects for a partnership, company expansion or flat-out sale. RC Legal Insights expert Trent Cotney, partner with Adams & Reese, explains when is the right time to sell your roofing company. Listen to the full conversation with RC Publisher Jill Bloom.

Safety is the biggest issue facing every roofing contractor in every market, each and every day of the year. Despite the effort, attention and resources used to keep people safe, violations still occur on a regular basis.

Roofers that emphasize safety by using incentives for compliance and reporting are within their rights, but can walk a fine line, explained RC Legal Expert Trent Cotney in this episode. Hear Trent’s tips for contractors to better manage their safety program by listening to the full conversation.

Heading into the 7th year, organizers of National Women in Roofing Day 2024 plan to build on last year’s success by being even more inclusive. The theme for this year’s day-long collection of presentations, breakout sessions and networking is how women rise with allies and advocates, said Jennifer Keegan, executive committee chair.

Keegan explains more about the concept, this year’s breakout sessions, and a Spanish-only offering for attendees in this brief episode.

Hear the entire conversation here.

Roofing contractors are essential workers all the time, but are critically important in the early stages of storm recovery efforts when severe weather rolls through. In this brief episode, Steve Slepcevic, CEO of Strategic Response Partners, breaks down how contractors can show up for their employees and their communities when they’re needed most by preparing for the worst. Setting up a base camp, or at least plans for one in a crisis, is essential to start with.

Listen to the full conversation here.

The Western State Roofing Contractors Association (WSRCA) is again preparing to host the industry for three days of education, innovation and fun at the Western Roofing Expo, Sept. 23-25.

Among the new features for attendees toengage with this yearat the eventis the WSRCA Safety Companion App. It’s a new interactive app that offers training sessions, videos, contractor information and more.

“We’re continually working on production new things for our members to use while maintaining affordable dues,” said WSRCA Executive Director Joel Viera in this brief episode. “This will be a free benefit to members that we’ll be pushing pretty hard at the expo.”

Listen to the full conversation here.

The summer roofing season isn’t over quite yet, ut it’s already going to memorable for the heat – pretty much wherever you are. Yes, it’s summer, and it’s going to be hot for roofers. But conditions over the past few months have set a new standard many contractors aren’t going to welcome easily -- where heat indexes are consistently over the 100-degree mark.

“There are brutal, brutal temperatures all across the U.S. and … we’re seeing a lot of injuries and a handful of fatalities,” said RC Legal Insights expert Trent Cotney in this latest episode. “It creeps up on you and if you’re not hydrated or taking breaks or aware of signs of heat exhaustion than you really run the risk of having an employee get hurt.”

Hear Trent’s tips for contractors to manage the remainder of peak season by listening to the full conversation.

Mike Wakerling will formally take the reins as president of the Western Roofing Contractors Association (WSRCA) at the Western Roofing Expo Sept. 23-25 at the Paris Las Vegas. But the work of addressing membership’s primary concerns –education, workforce and technical research –is already well underway. As a roofing veteran from a multi-generational roofing family, Wakerling understands the importance of getting started early. Later this year, the WSRCA will introduce its first wave of road shows –seminars designed to help elevate roofing contractors in areas of safety, legal issues, human resources and more.

“We felt there was quite a need for this because more people know how to put on roofs, but a lot of people don’t know the ins and outs of the business part,” Wakerling said. “If we can educate them to be better businesspeople, or put a safety program in place to protect everybody. That’s what this is going to be about.”