Walls & Ceilings 'If Walls Could Talk'

Held at Margaritaville Lake Resort, the TLPCA convention gathered construction leaders to celebrate innovation, honor veteran contributions, and address workforce and labor issues. Mike Griffin received a Lifetime Achievement Award, while Trey Harris led impactful fundraising for industry education.

Billy Downs, president of Ford’s Garage, shares how his people-first leadership philosophy, rooted in his “Hospitality Wheel” concept, continues to drive business success and meaningful customer experiences.

At the FRSA convention, construction law expert Trent Cotney emphasized the legal risks prime contractors face due to subcontractor actions, highlighting the importance of strong contracts, job site oversight, and thorough documentation. He also addressed growing concerns over ICE job site raids, urging contractors to prioritize compliance and support for their crews while advocating for more effi...

WC Legal Insights Expert Trent Cotney said he’s seeing increased immigration enforcement in unexpected places in Florida. From major busts in Tallahassee with more than 100 arrests, to smaller enforcement pushes on the highway, construction companies are at high risk for attention from federal and local authorities. Roofing contractors should be aware of high-volume areas for ICE enforcement and k...

In this episode of If Walls Could Talk, W&C Editor John Wyatt talks with Tom Harris of Tom Harris PUR Consulting on the importance of verified products.

The OSHA Walkaround Rule enacted during the Biden Administration faced major objections from some in the construction trades because it allowed third-party representatives to visually inspect jobsites, regardless of their profession -- or who they are. “It’s key for our listeners to understand that if OSHA asks for a third party that’s not the contractor to be involved in the walkaround inspection...

Websites are a staple for any business, including wall and ceiling contractors, but there’s more to maintaining them than updating them with photos and sales offers. Anna Anderson, CEO of Art Unlimited, warns contractors that their sites may not be accessible and offers solutions on how to ensure they’re compliant.

Jill Bloom speaks with Ron Rice of CertainTeed Ceilings/Saint-Gobain about his industry leadership and recognition at CISCA Connect 2024, particularly his groundbreaking work on establishing Environmental Product Declarations (EPDs) for metal ceilings. Rice also emphasizes the importance of circularity in construction, advocating for smarter material selection, deconstruction, and reuse to support...

Optiline has made ambitious moves to expand beyond its New England territory. Two of its staff discuss this strategy.

In this episode of If Walls Could Talk, W&C’s Jill Bloom speaks with Mike Mazzone of Statewide General Contracting about the evolving construction landscape in Hawaii, where growth is beginning to pick up after a slow few years. Mazzone shares his personal journey into the industry, the company’s shift toward specialty work like stretched fabric systems, and his unique perspective as a contrac...

Contractors are often the subject of people’s poor perceptions of the trade and how they treat customers. And in a digital world, people with negative things to say about contractors don’t sit idly by. W&C Legal Insights expert Trent Cotney, partner with Adams & Reese, said it’s becoming more important for contractors to stand their ground and respond to negative emails and text messages a...

W&C Editor John Wyatt speaks with Gabriel Quintana of the Northwest Wall and Ceiling Bureau about the upcoming 2025 Wall and Ceiling Conference & Trade Show, happening May 15–17 in Coeur d’Alene, Idaho. This premier event for wall and ceiling professionals features an innovative exhibit hall, educational seminars, a keynote from workplace culture expert Nora Burns, and unmatched networking...

Lead generation serves contractors well, but do they really know what the first touchpoint was that led a customer to their business? In this episode, Art Unlimited CEO and marketing expert Anna Anderson challenges contractors to think differently about where and how to invest in lead generation.

In this episode of If Walls Could Talk, Jill Bloom interviews Travis Vap, CEO of South Valley Drywall, about the company’s outlook in 2025, their use of technology like 3D modeling and Dusty software to boost efficiency, and his insights on labor and immigration reform.

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 educa...

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 pr...

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.

IIBEC’s Convention & Trade Show is coming up March 6-9, in Orlando, Fla. Recently, W&C’s Group Publisher Jill Bloom sat down with IIBEC’s EVP and CEO Brian Pallasch to highlight what attendees can expect to see at this year’s show.

Post-holiday payment delays are hitting contractors hard. The "holiday hangover" impacts bill paying, stretching payment cycles beyond the typical 45 days. In this brief episode, Thea Dudley, the "Credit Overlord," reveals how contractors can navigate cash flow, credit card usage and the rise of automated payment systems.

President Donald Trump’s first round of executive orders since taking office for the second time called for some weeping changes across the federal government on important issues that impact workforce and overall commerce. In this brief episode, W&C Legal Insights Expert Trent Cotney has tried hard to stay on top of it all and discusses what he thinks are the main takeaways from the action in...

CISCA’s newly appointed Executive Director, Jim Moody, brings extensive experience from the construction and building materials industries, including 17 years with the Construction Suppliers Association. As he transitions into the role, he aims to build on the strong foundation set by his predecessor, Shirley Wodynski, who will remain with CISCA until June to ensure a smooth handover.

G&G Insulation, founded in 1951 in Meridian, Idaho, is a trusted provider of thermal and acoustical insulation, firestopping, and custom solutions for residential and commercial projects. Co-owner Brandon Gallegos, who took over in 2010, has expanded the business by focusing on energy efficiency and custom home projects while maintaining its reputation for quality and dependability.