Walls & Ceilings is proud to announced that Western Partitions Inc. has been named its "2025 Contractor of the Year." From their roots in Wilsonville, Ore., to an expansive footprint across 11 offices nationwide, WPI continues to set the benchmark for excellence, resilience, and leadership in the wall and ceiling industry.

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.

This episode of If Walls Could Talk features W&C Editor John Wyatt and Tom Harris of Tom Harris PUR Consulting as they demystify one of the most misunderstood aspects of insulation—air barriers—and explain their role in energy efficiency and building performance. They break down how air barriers are tested, how spray foam products qualify, and why proper verification and HVAC coordination are essential for achieving tight, code-compliant building envelopes.

When hurricane-force winds devastated Jamaica, Strategic Response Partners founder Steve Slepcevic launched “Operation One Roof, One Love,” coordinating emergency aid, restoring communications, and leading efforts to repair roofs for hospitals, homes, and first responders. Partnering with groups like Samaritan’s Purse and World Central Kitchen, he’s now calling on contractors and donors worldwide to join in rebuilding—one roof, one act of love at a time.

Walls & Ceilings’ 2025 showcase celebrates EIFS and stucco specialists nationwide who exemplify excellence in craftsmanship, innovation, and reliability. Compiled through insights from industry professionals and advisors, the feature highlights firms that continue to elevate exterior plastering standards and inspire the trade’s future growth.

Read the full list now!

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 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 Home Depot’s acquisition of GMS, discussed by SRS CEO Dan Tinker and GMS CEO JT Turner, highlights a 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 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 apply strategies to their marketing based on the book “Never Lose a Customer Again.”

W&C Editor John Wyatt speaks with Tom Harris of Tom Harris PUR Consulting to demystify one of the most misunderstood aspects of insulation—vapor barriers. Harris explains the crucial difference between air and vapor barriers, the science of moisture movement, and the importance of proper vapor control by climate zone, offering builders and homeowners practical insights on preventing condensation, mold, and costly building failures.