Live From IRE – Contractors Overcoming Industry Challenges

By Evelyn Witterholt, RCS Reporter. 

Check out our special live episode of Coffee Conversations where we discuss material shortages and workplace safety with RoofersCoffeeShop® Influencers. 

Season 3, Episode 11 of Coffee Conversations, sponsored by SRS Distribution, had us meeting with industry leaders live at the International Roofing Expo! For this episode, our COO Karen Edwards spoke with RCS Influencers Joe Hoffman, John Kiesel and Mandy McIntyre about how they are navigating issues in the roofing industry. 

Owner of Hoffman Weber Construction Joe Hoffman discussed how his company is handling the material shortage crisis. He describes the issues with getting materials as frustrating, but that there’s always going to be some issue the industry faces. But he has also found that the experience with supply chain issues isn’t entirely a negative one. 

“We've been really thankful our customers have been, for the most part, really understanding,” Joe said. “We've tried to set really clear expectations in writing upfront before we go into any contract as well.” 

John Kiesel, president of Division 7 Roofing and Imagine Technologies Group, has had quite a full plate these last few years. On top of his work with these two companies, factoring in material and labor shortages can be a challenge. John says that learning how to prioritize what is most important can help you keep a level head amidst these chaotic times. 

In regard to labor shortages, John says that companies can benefit from being less rigid with their new or current employees. “Unlike a major corporation where there's stringent regulations on vacation pay or holiday pay,” John says. “We're working with everybody on an ‘as needed’ type of basis to be flexible.” 

Mandy McIntyre talked about how her company is navigating COVID-19 and changing policies regarding workplace safety. She highly suggests that companies have a policy plan in place and in writing. The plan should highlight whatever vaccine mandates the company has in place and what happens when an employee tests positive for COVID-19. 

She talked about how some customers have asked for information about their policies and some have even their own requests for mandates depending on the project. “There's certain projects that have required that they want everyone to be vaccinated on that project, which is fine, It's the customer, that's what they want to do,” Mandy said. 

Watch the entire episode of the live Coffee Conversations to hear more of our influencers’ perspectives of the current roofing industry!