In Episode 114 of Law and Mortar, Trent Cotney and John Kenney discuss a growing trend that every contractor should be watching: increased coordination between government agencies and heightened enforcement across the construction industry.

From OSHA and wage-and-hour investigations to workers' compensation, licensing, and labor compliance, contractors are facing more comprehensive inspections than ever before. Trent and John explain why compliance can no longer be viewed as individual issues—it must be managed as a complete business system.

They also discuss the challenges of managing subcontractors, recent increases in OSHA inspections related to heat illness, and practical steps contractors can take to reduce risk before an inspection ever occurs.

The episode concludes by answering a listener's question about scaling a roofing company, including where contractors should find education, networking, and leadership resources.

Topics include:

• Coordinated government agency investigations
• OSHA, wage-and-hour, workers' compensation, and licensing compliance
• Managing subcontractor risk
• Heat illness prevention and documentation
• Why safety fundamentals still matter
• Resources for growing and scaling a roofing business
• The value of local roofing associations and manufacturer training

Whether you're running a five-person company or a multi-state operation, this episode offers practical guidance on reducing risk while building a stronger business.

Connect with the Hosts

Trent Cotney – Construction Attorney & Partner, Adams and Reese LLP
Nationally recognized construction attorney serving the roofing and construction industries.

🌐 www.adamsandreese.com

John Kenney – CEO, Cotney Consulting Group
Helping roofing contractors improve operations, profitability, estimating, leadership, and business performance.

🌐 www.cotneyconsulting.com

Follow Law & Mortar for practical conversations on construction law, leadership, risk management, and running a better contracting business.

In Episode 113 of Law and Mortar, Trent Cotney and John Kenney tackle some of the biggest issues impacting the construction industry today—from high-profile construction failures and immigration policy to workforce shortages and employee retention.

The episode opens with an analysis of two recent construction incidents, including a structural failure during a building conversion and a roof collapse at a major retail facility. John and Trent discuss what contractors can learn from these events and why engineering, drainage, and quality control remain critical.

The conversation then turns to the latest Supreme Court immigration rulings and their impact on the construction workforce. With labor shortages continuing to challenge the industry, they discuss the need for practical immigration reform and legal pathways that help contractors meet workforce demands.

Finally, they explore the fundamentals that separate successful contractors from struggling ones, including better estimating, project management, onboarding, mentorship, and the importance of removing toxic employees before they damage company culture.

Topics include:

• Lessons from recent construction failures
• Roof collapse analysis and quality control
• Immigration policy updates and workforce challenges
• Why business fundamentals are making a comeback
• Effective onboarding and mentorship programs
• Building a stronger company culture

Whether you're managing projects, building teams, or preparing for future growth, this episode offers practical advice every contractor can apply.

Connect with the Hosts

Trent Cotney – Construction Attorney & Partner, Adams and Reese LLP
Nationally recognized construction attorney serving the roofing and construction industries.

🌐 www.adamsandreese.com

John Kenney – CEO, Cotney Consulting Group
Helping roofing contractors improve operations, profitability, estimating, leadership, and business performance.

🌐 www.cotneyconsulting.com

Follow Law & Mortar for practical conversations on construction law, leadership, risk management, and running a better contracting business.

In Episode 112 of Law and Mortar, Trent Cotney and John Kenney discuss two topics that are top of mind for contractors: emerging opportunities in data center construction and the rising challenge of insurance renewals and risk management.

As data centers and warehouses continue to drive construction activity, Trent explains why contractors should capitalize on these opportunities while recognizing that market conditions can change quickly.

The conversation then shifts to one of the largest expenses facing contractors today—insurance. John shares why successful renewals begin long before policies expire and why partnering with the right insurance professionals can significantly impact both coverage and cost.

Topics include:

• The current boom in data center and warehouse construction
• Why contractors should avoid assuming today's opportunities will last forever
• Insurance renewals and proactive planning strategies
• Building effective risk management programs
• Finding insurance agents who truly understand construction and roofing
• Why coverage and expertise matter more than simply chasing the lowest price
• Updates on the upcoming FRSA 104th Convention and Expo

Whether you're evaluating new markets or preparing for your next insurance renewal, this episode provides practical advice to help protect your business and improve profitability.

Connect with the Hosts

Trent Cotney – Construction Attorney & Partner, Adams and Reese LLP
Nationally recognized construction attorney serving the roofing and construction industries.

🌐 www.adamsandreese.com

John Kenney – CEO, Cotney Consulting Group
Helping roofing contractors improve operations, profitability, estimating, leadership, and business performance.

🌐 www.cotneyconsulting.com

Follow Law & Mortar for practical conversations on construction law, leadership, risk management, and running a better contracting business.