Emma Peterson, Senior Content Developer
The renaissance of roof coatings
By Emma Peterson. How roof coatings like IB Roof System’s acrylic and silicone products help contractors navigate labor, sustainability and economic trends. In today’s roofing market, there are three primary trends driving the demand for roofing solutions – labor, sustainability and economic instability. And in the face of these trends, ...
SkillsUSA from the student perspective
By Emma Peterson. Three students from Oregon share their SkillsUSA experiences and stories. This year, Lauren White, editor of The Coffee Shops™, had the opportunity to attend the 2026 Oregon SkillsUSA state competition. SkillsUSA competitions are fundamental and valuable opportunities for supporting the next generation of tradespeople as they grow ...
Training as the foundation of a stronger roofing industry
By Emma Peterson. Tremco’s Bob Moretti and Sarah Fay talk about the importance of education in the industry. In a new episode of the Roofing Road Trips® podcast, Bob Moretti and Sarah Fay stop by The Coffee Shops™ for a conversation about the importance of training in the roofing industry. ...
Is AI coming for our jobs?
By Emma Peterson. Denver Riggleman shares his thoughts on how AI will impact jobs and the larger workforce. As AI and automation increasingly become present in our daily lives, a common concern is that these technologies will take jobs away from people. This type of concern is not new. Every ...
Building roofs that stand out
By Emma Peterson. The roof on your home is not just a structural necessity; it’s an opportunity to express your personality. First and foremost, a roof is there to be the first line of defense between you and the environment around you. But, while the functionality of a roof ...
Lessons from lifetime roofers
By Emma Peterson. What Pat Hiltman and Joe Sorrentino have seen the industry learn over the years. While at the International Institute of Building Enclosure Consultants (IIBEC) 2026 show, Heidi J. Ellsworth had the opportunity to host two industry veterans on our sound stage – Pat Hiltman and Joe Sorrentino. ...
Rebuilding stronger: Looking back at the 2025 California wildfires
By Emma Peterson. 14 months after devastating fires swept through the Pacific Palisades and Altadena areas, communities are building back with stronger, more fire-resilient materials. Recently, Karen Edwards sat down with Tim Brown of Westlake Royal Building Products and Josh Smith of J.N. Davis Roofing for a Roofing Road Trips® ...
Inside QXO’s booth at IBS 2026
By Emma Peterson. The QXO booth team showcases their vision for becoming a comprehensive, customer‑first building materials powerhouse. Recently, The Coffee Shops™ crew had the chance to attend the National Association of Home Builders (NAHB)’s International Builders' Show® (IBS) in Orlando, Florida. While there, we met a few of our ...
Cutting through the noise around AI
By Emma Peterson. Separating the myths from fact when it comes to artificial intelligence and how it actually boosts businesses. Recently, wherever you turn, there seems to be a new artificial intelligence (AI) solution or software getting pushed on you. It’s a lot to take in, and it can ...
More than just a roof
By Emma Peterson. Exploring the three pillars that guide the Owens Corning brand. Recently, our team had the chance to talk to Jessica Greer, the brand strategy leader for Owens Corning’s roof division. In our discussion, she dove into what Owens Corning’s adage, more than just a roof, means in ...
