Walls & Ceilings 'If Walls Could Talk'
by www.wconline.com
Welcome to “If Walls Could Talk” where Walls & Ceilings is out to discover just that. Listen as W&C talks with influencers in the industry who are making an impact. We are helping educate and entertain the wall and ceiling industry as only W&C can do. What brought these people to the industry? What’s in store for the contractor? And “If Walls Could Talk,” what stories would they tell? Find out all of this and more on each episode.
Episodes
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Are Tariffs Quietly Eating Your Profits?
Rising material prices, evolving AI regulations and asphalt shingle granule loss are creating new legal challenges for residential and commercial roofing contractors. Roofing attorney Trent Cotney recommends using price escalation clauses, monitoring AI-related employment laws and clarifying...
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Al Confusion: Contractors be Warned
Artificial intelligence can save contractors time, but relying on unverified technical information can create serious risks for building performance and liability. Tom Harris of PUR Consulting discusses how AI-generated answers can mislead contractors on spray foam applications, building science...
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Don't Let Up Now: Your Year-End Marketing Push
A-Squared Marketing CEO Anna Anderson says wall and ceiling contractors should avoid letting marketing slow down late in the year and instead work the leads, customers and projects already in their databases. Focusing on reviews, referrals, search and AI visibility, and marketing performance can...
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Data Center Boom Opens Doors for Subcontractors
As data center construction and conversions accelerate, roofing contractors can find opportunities in new roofs, restoration, repairs and long-term maintenance. Because even minor leaks can threaten costly operations, contractors must meet heightened technical, safety and security requirements...
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Marketing Transparency: What Did You Get for Your Money?
Anna Anderson of A-Squared Marketing says contractors need greater marketing transparency to understand what every dollar produces in leads and revenue. Tracking lead sources, cost per lead and return on investment can help contractors identify underperforming channels and make smarter marketing...
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The Construction Robot Rush: What's Coming Next
AI is improving efficiency across construction businesses, and Trent Cotney expects AI-powered robots to begin handling repetitive jobsite tasks sooner than many contractors anticipate. As robotics advances, contractors will need policies addressing safety, liability, cybersecurity, privacy and…
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Armstrong CEO/President Mark Hershey on What Comes Next
Armstrong World Industries President and CEO Mark Hershey plans to build on the company’s strengths in acoustics, manufacturing and customer service while expanding its architectural capabilities. His strategy combines acquisitions, labor-saving products and energy-efficient ceiling solutions...
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Contractor Legal Alert: Immigration, Tesla & Unpaid Claims
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...
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Preparing Your Business for Google’s Local Services Ads Migration
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.
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ANNOUNCING! Nick Harmon 2026 Leadership Award Recipient
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…
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ICAA 2026 Preview
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,...
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Getting Continuous Insulation Right
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...
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When Family & Business Collide: How Leaders Handle It
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...
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Community Pushback? Here's How Contractors Can Protect Themselves
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.
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Lessons From Venezuela: Preparing for Crisis
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...
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Why Page Speed Just Became More Important
A-Squared Marketing CEO Anna Anderson discusses how to learn why AI-ready websites and PageSpeed scores now matter more than ever for contractors.
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The Latest Supreme Court Rulings Explained
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...
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Educate the Client About the Values of SPF
Editor John Wyatt sits down with spray polyurethane foam consultant Tom Harris to discuss why winning insulation projects is about more than offering the lowest price. Harris explains how contractors can build trust by educating customers, specifying tested and code-compliant products, and using...
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Liddle Brothers Builds on a Legacy of Craftsmanship
Recorded at BUILD26 in New Orleans, Walls & Ceilings Editor John Wyatt interviews Mike Taylor of Liddle Brothers, the magazine's March cover star. Taylor discusses the company's expertise in historic plaster restoration, its expansion into modern exterior cladding and acoustical plaster systems,...
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The 3 Biggest Issues Impacting Contractors in 2026
Executive Director Jill Bloom and attorney Trent Cotney discuss the legal and business challenges contractors are raising at industry events, including contract language, insurance changes, OSHA enforcement and reputation management. Cotney encourages contractors to strengthen contracts…
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The Contractor's Guide to Marketing Metrics That Pay Off
Marketing metrics like website traffic and social media growth may look impressive, but they don't always drive business results. In this episode, Anna Anderson, CEO of A Squared, explains the six key performance indicators every roofing contractor should track to generate better leads, improve...
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Contractors Who Win Trust Win More Business
Trust remains one of the most valuable assets a contracting company can build. In this episode, Anna Anderson shares strategies for leveraging community relationships, industry recognition, certifications and earned media to enhance reputation, improve visibility and create sustainable business...
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Today's Biggest Employment Challenges for Contractors
Trent Cotney joins Jill Bloom to discuss the employment challenges roofing contractors face today, including documentation, employee handbooks, terminations and severance agreements, and how proper policies can help reduce legal risk.
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SPF Success Starts with a Strong Team Approach
In this episode of “If Walls Could Talk,” W&C Editor John Wyatt sits down with Tom Harris of Tom Harris PUR Consulting to discuss why strong partnerships are essential for long-term success in the spray foam industry. Harris explains how building relationships with code officials, HVAC...
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What Makes Jason Bertoniere Inc. Unique
At BUILD 26, Walls & Ceilings Editor John Wyatt interviewed Jason and Yamila Bertoniere of Jason Bertoniere Inc. about their ongoing restoration of a historic New Orleans residence featured in "The Curious Case of Benjamin Button". The project involves extensive plaster restoration, careful…
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PolyCon CEO Discusses Spray Foam Innovation
In this episode, Doug Kramer reflects on PolyCon’s rise from a startup to an emerging industry leader in spray foam roofing and insulation. He explains how innovation, customer-focused culture, and long-standing industry relationships are helping the company expand during a challenging supply…
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Fast-Tracked Data Centers: The Legal Risks of Moving Too Fast
Construction attorney Trent Cotney explained how petroleum-driven material inflation and accelerated data center construction schedules are increasing risk exposure for contractors. The conversation also explored termination clauses, procurement challenges and how future technology shifts could...
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Horizon Interiors Discusses Labor, Growth in Chicago
At BUILD 26, Horizon Interiors’ Rudy Kadiric discussed Chicago’s strong construction market, ongoing labor shortages and the growing role of technology in helping wall and ceiling contractors improve productivity and stay competitive.
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SPF Market Pushes Toward Measurable Quality
Advances showcased around the Spray Polyurethane Foam Alliance convention point to tighter ratio control, jobsite verification and new formulations with cost and environmental implications. For contractors, the shift links directly to installation quality, documentation, risk reduction and bid...
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QXO Just Changed the Game-Here's What Contractors Are Asking
The proposed TopBuild acquisition by QXO highlights growing concerns among contractors about how consolidation and vertical integration could affect competition, pricing, and access to sensitive estimating and procurement data. Trent Cotney emphasized that contractors can protect themselves by...
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Marketing Strategies That Really Work!
Contractors often struggle with inconsistent leads not due to workmanship, but because of weak marketing systems, especially across Google visibility, ads, responsiveness, websites, and social content. A reliable pipeline depends on optimizing five areas: Google Business Profiles, Local Service...
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Al Agents: The Key to Never Missing a Lead
Contractors are beginning to tap into AI’s potential beyond marketing, using tools like customer-facing agents to automate appointment booking and improve lead conversion. By eliminating delays and missed calls, AI helps contractors capture more opportunities and stay competitive, especially…
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NWCB's Annual Wall and Ceiling Conference Banks on Sunshine, Higher Learning
Gabriel Quintana highlights the 2026 NWCB conference as a contractor-driven event combining education, networking and product exposure. New additions like a training center tour and sessions on communication reflect ongoing labor challenges and the growing importance of soft skills in project...
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The Hidden Cost of Using AI: Why Contractors Must Add It to the Scope
There’s a lot to be said about the cost savings and efficiencies made available with the onset of artificial intelligence in the roofing and construction space. Yet, it’s still a relationship-based business that still relies on face-to-face interactions, even with all the evolving technology.…
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How SPFA Is Elevating the Spray Foam Industry in 2026
The 2026 SPFA Convention & Expo will center on workforce development, certification access and jobsite-ready education as demand for qualified spray foam installers grows across residential and commercial markets. In addition to certification prep courses, ABAA training and entrepreneur-focused...
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Immigration Reform: Understanding the Dignity Act
Wall and ceiling contractors are facing real operational disruptions as immigration enforcement uncertainty causes crews to stop reporting, delaying projects and straining builder relationships. The proposed Dignity Act would introduce a structured, renewable legal status for certain undocumented...
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Professional Standards that Protect Your Roofing Company
Contractors and business owners are also dealing with increased demands when it comes to design specifications. “Systems are getting so complex,” Cotney explained. “If you didn’t install something correctly, then it’s on you. But it shouldn’t be your responsibility to meet certain performance...
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What R-Value Really Means
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...
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Dear Anna: AI Is Changing How Customers Find Contractors
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.
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From the Attic to Advocacy: The Attic Queen
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...
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Dear Anna: AI In Construction—Transforming Client Acquisition
As decision-makers turn to AI instead of Google, contractors must rethink their websites and trust signals to stay visible and competitive.
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I-9 Audits, Raids and Contractor Compliance
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...
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Why 2025 Was a Turning Point for the Spray Foam Industry
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...
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Legal Insights: The Art of Accounts Receivables
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...
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I-9 Raids Are Rising - Don't Get Caught Off Guard
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.
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Western Partitions Inc: Walls & Ceilings' Contractor of 2025
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...
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Dear Anna: Why are Videos Essential in Marketing?
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.
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Smart Software Decisions: Advice from Trent Cotney
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…
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Understanding Air Barriers in Building Construction
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...
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How Contractors Are Answering the Call in Jamaica
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...
About this show
Welcome to “If Walls Could Talk” where Walls & Ceilings is out to discover just that. Listen as W&C talks with influencers in the industry who are making an impact. We are helping educate and entertain the wall and ceiling industry as only W&C can do. What brought these people to the industry? What’s in store for the contractor? And “If Walls Could Talk,” what stories would they tell? Find out all of this and more on each episode.
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www.wconline.com
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