In this exclusive episode, Walls & Ceilings Legal Insights Expert Trent Cotney, partner with Adams & Reese, highlights some recent calls he’s taken from contractors when it comes to sales representatives. He breaks down the difference between 1099 and W-2 workers when it comes to sales, recorded at Florida Roofing and Sheet Metal Association Expo in Kissimmee, Florida. Listen to the full conversation here.

W&C Editor John Wyatt talks with Greg Oaks of Oaks Bros. Nestled in the heart of Greenbrier, Ark., the subcontractor has built a formidable reputation in exterior plastering and related construction specialties.

Trim-Tex has acquired Plastic Components Inc., marking its first acquisition in 56 years and expanding its product offerings to include exterior-grade PVC profiles. This strategic move unites two family-owned companies with a shared commitment to quality, creating the industry’s most comprehensive source for interior and exterior PVC finishing solutions.

EIMA’s Executive Director Stephen Sears shares updates on the association’s evolving governance structure and collaborative efforts with industry partners, while also highlighting its selection for a $2.2 million EPA grant to support environmental product declarations for EIFS. Additionally, EIMA is gearing up for its 44th Annual Meeting in March 2025 near Orlando, Florida, offering industry education, networking, and its signature golf tournament.

In this episode of If Walls Could Talk, John Wyatt talks with Tom Harris about the record-breaking success of February’s Spray Foam Convention & Expo in Daytona Beach. Harris highlights impressive attendance, packed breakout sessions, and the strong industry interest in spray foam education, with presentation materials expected to be available online soon.

Group publisher Jill Bloom speaks with legal expert Trent Cotney about the impact of new tariffs and labor challenges on the construction industry. Cotney explains how rising tariffs on materials from Canada, Mexico, and China, combined with labor shortages and increasing costs, are creating significant challenges for contractors, urging them to focus on strong bidding, contract management, and price acceleration strategies.

John Wyatt interviews Michael Kwart, executive director of the ICAA, about the Top 25 Insulation Contractors list featured in the February issue. Kwart discusses the selection criteria, suggests expanding the list to 50, and highlights the upcoming ICAA show in Orlando, offering something for both contractors and their families.