In Episode 111 of Law and Mortar, Trent Cotney and John Kenney shift from market pressure to industry perspective—covering rising fuel costs, workforce discussions in Washington, and the importance of preserving roofing history.

Trent shares insights from Roofing Day in DC, where conversations centered around immigration, affordable housing, and OSHA regulations—issues that continue to shape the future of the construction workforce.

John and Trent also highlight a different side of the industry: history. From vintage advertising to company evolution, both discuss their passion for preserving roofing’s past and why it matters for the next generation of contractors.

The episode also answers a listener question on manufacturing defects, with practical guidance on handling issues professionally—working with manufacturers, focusing on quality control, and avoiding unnecessary legal conflict.

Topics include:

• Rising fuel costs and operational impact
• Workforce and regulatory discussions from DC
• The value of preserving roofing industry history
• Handling manufacturing defects the right way
• Why collaboration often beats confrontation

This episode blends industry insight with perspective—reminding contractors that while markets change, fundamentals and relationships still matter.

Law and Mortar – Episode 110

In Episode 110 of Law and Mortar, Trent Cotney and John Kenney take a hard look at the current state of the construction and roofing markets.

Contractors across the country are still busy—but as John explains, busy doesn’t always mean healthy. Over the last six months, warning signs have begun to appear in the form of declining margins, delayed project decisions, and increased cost pressures.

In this episode, Trent and John discuss:

• Why contractors must evaluate profitability, financiability, and executability before taking on work
• Market uncertainty caused by tariffs, immigration issues, and geopolitical pressures
• Rising fuel, freight, and material costs affecting contractor margins
• Survival strategies during a softening market
• The importance of disciplined estimating, labor planning, and job costing
• Why accounts receivable management and lien rights matter more than ever

They also discuss how contractors can use AI to identify collection trends—while still maintaining hands-on oversight for overdue accounts.

This episode is a practical conversation about protecting margins, maintaining discipline, and navigating uncertain market conditions.

Law and Mortar – Episode 109

In Episode 109 of Law and Mortar, Trent Cotney and John Kenney break down the latest Supreme Court ruling on President Trump’s tariffs and what it means for roofing contractors and construction businesses moving forward.

While the ruling may have been unfavorable in some respects, tariffs aren’t going away. Trent and John discuss why contractors should stay disciplined in their pricing strategies and prepare for continued volatility under new legal frameworks.

They also shift gears to talk about life on the road — sharing real-world travel strategies for contractors balancing training, consulting, and family commitments. From time zone management to staying healthy while traveling, this episode provides practical insight for busy professionals.

Plus, they answer a listener question on a critical business topic:
• Should contractors lease or buy equipment?
• When leasing makes sense (especially for vehicles)
• Why owning trade-specific equipment often provides better long-term value

This episode blends legal insight, operational strategy, and practical contractor advice — exactly what Law and Mortar is known for.