Trent Cotney highlighted immigration enforcement, insurance payment disputes and proprietary technologies as major issues contractors should have on their radar. He encouraged employers to maintain proper I-9 procedures, reconsider contracts that rely entirely on insurance proceeds and plan for future warranty obligations tied to proprietary systems. His broader message was that contractors are better positioned to manage risk when they anticipate change instead of reacting to it.

The Google Local Services Ads interface is changing. Here’s how contractors can prepare their profiles, documentation and marketing support before the transition reaches them.

Nick Harmon joins Editor John Wyatt for a conversation that ends with an unexpected honor. Harmon learns he has been named the 2026 Walls & Ceilings Leadership Award winner, recognizing his passion for the industry and the relationships he has built throughout the drywall community.

Read more about the 2026 Leadership Award Winner

ICAA 2026 heads to Dallas Sept. 16-19 with its largest-ever trade show and an education program focused on the challenges insulation contractors face every day. Executive Director Michael Kwart previews sessions covering AI-powered estimating, worker classification, spray foam safety, contracts, financial health and more.

A practical look at installing continuous insulation behind stucco — covering code requirements, water management, thermal bridging, and proper attachment. Learn how to build durable, energy-efficient stucco walls that keep moisture out and performance in.

Tina Cannedy is a Materials Science Engineer with more than 30 years of building envelope expertise, specializing in continuous insulation systems, code compliance, building science, and performance testing to optimize envelope design across diverse climates and project conditions.

Family-run contracting businesses often start with built-in trust, but blurred roles and boundaries can create challenges as they grow. Jill Bloom and The Glo Group CEO Melissa Chapman discuss how clearer responsibilities, shared goals and healthy boundaries can strengthen both the business and family relationships.

Construction projects face increasing risks from community opposition, government intervention and evolving scopes. Trent Cotney discusses how suspension, termination and change-order provisions, combined with thorough daily reports, can help contractors protect their businesses.

Strategic Response Partners CEO Steve Slepcevic joins Walls & Ceilings Executive Director Jill Bloom to discuss lessons from disaster response and why contractors are uniquely equipped to help when emergencies strike. From family preparedness and backup communications to medical training and cross-training crews, he shares practical ways contractors can prepare before a crisis occurs.

A-Squared Marketing CEO Anna Anderson discusses how to learn why AI-ready websites and PageSpeed scores now matter more than ever for contractors.

Contractors are facing a rapidly evolving legal landscape, and understanding today's risks is more important than ever. Trent Cotney breaks down the industry's biggest concerns, including payment clauses, insurance restrictions, OSHA enforcement, reputation management and contract indemnity. Tune in for practical insights that can help your business reduce risk, improve resilience and stay ahead of changing regulations.