Rising costs, tariffs, and AI are changing the estimating environment—and contractors need to know where the risks are before they sign the contract.

In Episode 115 of Law and Mortar, Trent Cotney and John Kenney discuss increasing fuel and material costs, including the potential impact of new tariffs on Canadian cement, paint, varnishes, wood products, and other construction materials.

John explains why contractors may see moderate price increases over the coming quarters even without widespread material shortages, while Trent focuses on protecting contractors through proper contract language, bidding practices, and due diligence.

The conversation also examines how tariffs on materials such as concrete can affect roofing contractors indirectly through project costs, schedules, and delays—even when those materials aren't part of the roofing scope.

Plus, John announces his Advanced Estimating Workshop in Lakeland, Florida, November 17–18, and the episode closes with an important discussion about AI in estimating.

Topics include:

• Rising fuel and construction material costs
• Tariffs and their potential impact on contractors
• Protecting bids against price escalation and project uncertainty
• Recognizing project red flags before signing a contract
• Due diligence and contractual risk protection
• Advanced estimating strategies
• Where AI can—and cannot—help estimators
• Why human judgment and verification remain essential

AI can organize information and improve efficiency, but it cannot see every variable that makes an estimate successful. In today's market, technology should support contractor judgment—not replace it.

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 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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Welcome to Episode 108 of Law and Mortar with Trent Cotney, Partner at Adams and Reese LLP, and John Kenney, CEO of Cotney Consulting Group. This episode covers AI’s growing influence on roofing operations, practical safety protocols, and the need for contractors to adapt their business models in an evolving industry.

🔎 Topics Covered:
✅ How AI is transforming estimating, scheduling, inventory, and operations
✅ Why AI-generated images require clear contract language
✅ Free AI training for contractors now available at CotneyConsulting.com
✅ Proven safety practices: daily huddles, toolbox talks, and crew-led meetings
✅ Retail vs. storm-driven models—what contractors need to know today
✅ Why a hybrid business approach offers resilience and flexibility

This episode delivers practical advice, tech insights, and field-tested safety strategies that every roofing contractor should hear.

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.