Tom Harris discusses how R-value, the standard metric for insulation performance, only measures conductive heat transfer under controlled lab conditions while ignoring convection, radiation, air movement, and moisture. He highlights research and the new A-Value study, which aims to measure full wall assembly performance more accurately in real-world conditions.

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.

From crawling through attics to building a recognized brand, Jessica Azarelo’s story is one of grit, reinvention, and purpose. Her hands-on foundation shaped Attic Queen’s focus on building science and measurable results for homeowners. After a life-changing injury, Azarelo expanded her impact through advocacy and an ambitious plan to franchise the business nationwide.

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.

W&C Editor John Wyatt speaks with Tom Harris of Tom Harris PUR Consulting about the technological advances, education-driven growth, and regulatory forces shaping the spray foam industry as it heads into 2026. Harris points to 2025 as a turning point marked by major product improvements, stronger collaboration, rising certification rates, and a more educated contractor base—positioning spray foam for continued momentum despite upcoming economic and regulatory challenges.

As accounts receivable rise and backlogs ease, 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 Walls & Ceilings’ 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.

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.