Welcome to “If Walls Could Talk” where Walls & Ceilings magazine 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.
The recovery effort following hurricanes Milton and Helene in Florida is slowly underway, and roofing contractors on their way in to help need to be prepared, said W&C Legal Insights expert Trent Cotney. Gas shortages, downed trees and power lines are commonplace during a state of emergency, and he cautioned regulatory enforcement won’t take a step back.
In particular, contractors need to be aware of:
Personal Protective Equipment – hard hats and eye protection, in particular.
The rise in spray foam manufacturers is driving prices down, but contractors are losing margins by competing on price instead of focusing on the product's value. Harris warns that some off-shore manufacturers are falsely marketing sealants as insulation without proper U.S. certification, risking the use of inferior products in the market.
After taking full ownership of Agent Wall Systems, Adam Taubman faced challenges during the pandemic but has since expanded the business into western Virginia. The company now specializes in load-bearing stud framing and prefabrication, influencing project designs. Taubman sees their recognition as a Top 50 Contractor as a tool to promote further growth.
In this special episode of If Walls Could Talk, Walls & Ceilings Associate Editor Michael Levitt speaks with Phampena Inc.’s Taide Pham, Hien “H” Pham and Trinidy Pham. The company is on the cover of W&C’s September issue and has grown into an industry leader since being founded in 2010.
In this episode of If Walls Could Talk, Jill Bloom and Trent Cotney discuss the complexities of marijuana use in the construction industry. Cotney addresses the challenges employers face due to varying state laws on marijuana legalization, emphasizing the importance of safety and supervisor training to identify impairment. He also highlights the difficulties of maintaining a drug-free workplace, considering testing limitations and insurance requirements, which often necessitate policy re-evaluations for contractors.
Thea Dudley chats with Jill Bloom about payment portals, fraud targets, best practices in debt collection and other methods to address fraud and tardy customers.
Nancy Brinkerhoff, CEO of Ironwood Commercial Builders, was honored with the Leadership Award by Walls & Ceilings, recognizing her active role in the wall and ceiling industry. She is celebrated for her integrity, emotional intelligence, and commitment to mentoring others, particularly women in construction. Brinkerhoff's leadership extends to her involvement in associations like AWCI and WACA, where she advocates for smaller members and promotes the inclusion of young professionals.
