Heidi J. Ellsworth, President
UL Solutions highlights growing urgency of fire testing in roofing at RICOWI Spring Seminar
By Heidi J. Ellsworth. This seminar presentation focused on growing external fire danger and the future of roofing in wildfire zones. At the RICOWI Spring Seminar on March 11, 2026, in Sacramento, California, industry leaders gathered to explore some of the most critical challenges facing the building envelope. One of the standout ...
Roofing leads the way as wages create pressure for construction
By Heidi J. Ellsworth. Labor shortages, rising wages and culture-driven retention are reshaping the roofing workforce. The construction labor market is shifting once again, and this time, roofing is at the center of the story. Recent insights from Zack Fritz and Dr. Anirban Basu of Sage Economics highlight a clear trend: wage ...
Building stronger roofs through research proven standards and industry partnerships
By Heidi J. Ellsworth. Understand FORTIFIED roof requirements and how GAF systems support stronger roof performance. As extreme weather events continue to impact communities across the United States, the roofing industry is increasingly focused on building stronger and more resilient roof systems. One program leading this effort is the FORTIFIED Roof™ ...
Telling the story of trades
By Jenny Yu. As a guest on the Fabrication Nation podcast, Heidi J. Ellsworth discusses industry media, metal construction growth and the importance of supporting the skilled trades. Heidi J. Ellsworth, CEO of The Coffee Shops™, recently joined the hosts of Fabrication Nation for an engaging conversation about the ...
Global learning and industry pride: NRCA explores innovation at Dach + Holz in Germany
By Heidi J. Ellsworth. International collaboration brings new ideas home. The Coffee Shops™ were proud to participate in the 2026 National Roofing Contractors Association (NRCA) Study Tour to Cologne, Germany and Brussels, Belgium. The tour began in Cologne where the global roofing community gathered for Dach + Holz International, one of the ...
Bid faster, win more: Eagleview One expands with full exterior 3D models
By Heidi J. Ellsworth. A closer look at new exterior measurement capabilities and how contractors can see them live in action. Contractors looking to speed up estimates and stay ahead of the competition will have an opportunity to see the latest digital measurement technology in action during a live 30-minute ...
Rising metal prices in 2026
By Heidi J. Ellsworth. As the Producer Price Index signals renewed pressure on metal contractors, learn what contractors should be doing to navigate rising metal costs. According to Ken Simonson, chief economist for the Associated General Contractors of America, Producer Price Indexes (PPIs) for major construction inputs climbed sharply in January 2026, ...
Community service at the heart of the 2026 SPRI annual meeting
By Heidi J. Ellsworth. Roofing professionals assemble nearly 700 snack packs for Tucson-area students. Community service continues to define the culture of the roofing industry and members of the Single Ply Roofing Industry (SPRI) demonstrated that commitment during this year’s annual meeting! Held February 13–15, 2026, in Tucson, Arizona, this meeting ...
QXO expands building products footprint with $2.25 billion acquisition of Kodiak Building Partners
By Heidi J. Ellsworth. Consolidation continues to reshape the competitive distribution landscape of construction. In a move that signals continued consolidation across the building products distribution landscape, QXO has entered into a definitive agreement to acquire Kodiak Building Partners for approximately $2.25 billion. According to a QXO spokesman, the acquisition ...
Metal roofing built for winter performance gains traction in Texas
By Heidi J. Ellsworth. Contractors are increasingly turning to metal roofing for dependable winter performance and long-term value. Winter weather can put any roofing system to the test, especially in regions that face snow, ice and prolonged cold temperatures. While harsh conditions can create challenges, the right roofing system ...
