The Coffee Shops' Contractor Outlook

In this Contractor Outlook™, host Heidi J. Ellsworth sits down with Chelle Travis, executive director of SkillsUSA, for a conversation about strengthening the future of the skilled trades. Together, they discuss why it is critical for contractors, manufacturers and industry partners across all trades to connect with local career and technical education programs, support SkillsUSA chapters and help create meaningful pathways for students entering the workforce. From advisory committees and classroom engagement to regional, state and national opportunities, this episode explores practical ways the industry can get involved today to support the next generation of skilled professionals. 

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In this Contractor Outlook™, Heidi J. Ellsworth is joined by Alex Chausovsky to explore the economic trends and global factors impacting contractors today. They discuss the differences between new construction and replacement work, the effects of energy markets, supply chain challenges and other emerging risks that could influence the industry. Alex shares insights on consumer spending, transportation costs, technology and the strategies contractors can use to navigate uncertainty and position their businesses for success. Tune in to hear Alex's expert take on the economic trends, risks and opportunities contractors should be watching to stay competitive and prepared for what's ahead. 

Learn more at TheCoffeeShops.online! https://thecoffeeshops.online/ 

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#TheCoffeeShops #OutdoorCoffeeShop #RoofersCoffeeShop #MetalCoffeeShop #AskARoofer #CoatingsCoffeeShop #ConstructionProfessionals #GeneralContractors #ConstructionIndustry 

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 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. 

Learn more at TheCoffeeShops.online! https://thecoffeeshops.online/ 

Are you a contractor looking for resources? Become an R-Club Member today! https://www.rooferscoffeeshop.com/rcs-club-sign-up  

Learn more about (Paul Trombitas (FMI Group)) here! (https://www.rooferscoffeeshop.com/directory/paul-trombitas) 

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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 help contractors divert materials from landfills, support sustainability goals and even redirect wood waste into clean energy production. Tune in to hear how emerging AI technology could help contractors reduce landfill waste while simplifying tear-off cleanup and turning jobsite debris into new opportunities for recycling and energy. 

Learn more at TheCoffeeShops.online! https://thecoffeeshops.online/ 

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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 takeaways contractors can use to better guide homeowners and build long-term value through service and maintenance. 

Learn more at TheCoffeeShops.online! https://thecoffeeshops.online/ 

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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 and building solutions. Although incentives like the Inflation Reduction Act (IRA) tax credits are expiring, interest in sustainable infrastructure continues to grow with homeowners.  Heidi and Allison discuss how contractors can position themselves to meet demand while offering smarter solutions that help  homeowners reduce energy costs while increasing long-term property value. 

Learn more at TheCoffeeShops.online! https://thecoffeeshops.online/ 

Are you a contractor looking for resources? Become an R-Club Member today! https://www.rooferscoffeeshop.com/rcs-club-sign-up  

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#TheCoffeeShops #OutdoorCoffeeShop #RoofersCoffeeShop #MetalCoffeeShop #AskARoofer #CoatingsCoffeeShop #ConstructionProfessionals #GeneralContractors #ConstructionIndustry 

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! https://thecoffeeshops.online/ 

Are you a contractor looking for resources? Become an R-Club Member today! https://www.rooferscoffeeshop.com/rcs-club-sign-up  

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#TheCoffeeShops #OutdoorCoffeeShop #RoofersCoffeeShop #MetalCoffeeShop #AskARoofer #CoatingsCoffeeShop #ConstructionProfessionals #GeneralContractors #ConstructionIndustry 

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 receive from those they serve and how this model of care could inspire other trades or industries to create similar initiatives. Tune in to find out how you can donate time, skills or resources to support this incredible cause. 

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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 without the expense or commitment of a full-time executive. The construction industry is evolving faster than ever; listen to this episode to keep up. 

Learn more at TheCoffeeShops.online! https://thecoffeeshops.online/ 

Are you a contractor looking for resources? Become an R-Club Member today! https://www.rooferscoffeeshop.com/rcs-club-sign-up  

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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 automating tasks, optimizing workflows and eliminating inefficiencies. Denver and Heidi also discuss how construction professionals can incorporate AI into their systems and processes to stay competitive, improve project delivery and create long-term success for their businesses. 

Learn more at TheCoffeeShops.online! https://thecoffeeshops.online/ 

Are you a contractor looking for resources? Become an R-Club Member today! https://www.rooferscoffeeshop.com/rcs-club-sign-up  

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#TheCoffeeShops #OutdoorCoffeeShop #RoofersCoffeeShop #MetalCoffeeShop #AskARoofer #CoatingsCoffeeShop #ConstructionProfessionals #GeneralContractors #ConstructionIndustry