Contractor Outlook

Contractor Outlook newscast features industry experts discussing important topics including: the economy, politics, weather, business and much more!

This newscast follows The Coffee Shops model of Read, Listen, Watch, allowing contractors to consume the content in their preferred format. Monthly episodes talk about what is happening in our industry and help contractors better forecast and plan for the success of their businesses.

Roof Weight Safety

In this Contractor Outlook Newscast, we’re tackling a topic that’s critical to structural safety but often overlooked: roof weight. Heidi J. Ellsworth visits with Mark Graham of the National Roofing Contractors Association (NRCA) to discuss how roof weight is evaluated, why it matters, and what can go wrong when it’s ... Read More

Heat, Hail, Wind and Water Safety

In this Contractor Outlook Newscast, Heidi J. Ellsworth sits down with Alan Scott of Intertek to discuss the importance of heat, hail, wind and water safety. They explore the evolving intersection of resiliency, sustainability and smart construction. From understanding the real difference between code compliance and true resilience to educating ... Read More

A New Look at Construction Acquisitions

In this Contractor Outlook, Heidi J. Ellsworth meets with Paul Trombitas and Paul Giovannoni of FMI Corp, a leading research firm for the construction industry. Heidi sits down with these two experts to discuss mergers and acquisitions in the industry over the last two years and to get a pulse ... Read More

The Four Key Points of Success

In this Contractor Outlook, Heidi J. Ellsworth is joined by Rocky Bleier, a former American professional football player, veteran of the United States Army and successful construction company owner. He shares the story of his impressive career, his military service and how he built a construction company from the ground ... Read More

Codes and Standards

In this Contractor Outlook, Heidi J. Ellsworth meets with Alex Chausovsky, director of analytics and consulting at the Bundy Group. He is a highly experienced market researcher and analyst with more than twenty years of expertise across subjects including economics, industrial manufacturing, automation, talent and workforce issues and advanced technology ... Read More

Construction Outlook for 2025

In this Contractor Outlook, Heidi J. Ellsworth meets with Paul Trombitas of FMI Research to discuss their 2025 North American Construction Outlook report. They will cover the key dynamics impacting the market, notable segments of growth and construction spending forecasts for the residential, nonresidential and non-building sectors. They’ll also touch ... Read More

Legislative Update

In this Contractor Outlook, Heidi J. Ellsworth meets with Duane Musser and Deb Mazol with the National Roofing Contractors Association (NRCA) to discuss the political landscape since January 20, 2025, exploring the Trump Administration’s primary legislative goals for the new Congress and how they align with the agendas of both ... Read More

The Effects of Weather on Roof Performance

In this Contractor Outlook, Heidi J. Ellsworth meets with Roofing Industry Committee on Weather Issues (RICOWI) Storm Investigation Program Coordinator Phil Mayfield, to discuss the effects of weather on roof performance. They will explore RICOWI’s mission and history, and their ongoing investigations into the impact of extreme weather on the ... Read More

What Does the Next Gen Labor Force Look Like?

In this Contractor Outlook, Heidi J. Ellsworth visits with Chris Czarnik to discuss recruiting, retention and workforce development. With an amazing history working in vocational schools, recruitment and training, Chris is known for his book Winning the War for Talent, which addresses the challenges of talent acquisition in the roofing ... Read More

Construction Economics

In this Contractor Outlook, Heidi J. Ellsworth meets with Dr. Anirban Basu, chairman & CEO of Sage Policy Group, an economic and policy consulting firm, to discuss the current state of the construction industry. They will explore the latest economic trends and what contractors can do to position themselves for ... Read More

Moving Beyond Head Trash

In this Contractor Outlook, Heidi J. Ellsworth meets with Renie Cavallari, the award-winning author and speaker about the mental health of today’s businesses. They visit about how the Summer Olympics shined a light on the importance of working together and believing in the success of all participants. In a time ... Read More

The 2024 Election

In this Contractor Outlook, Heidi J. Ellsworth welcomes Reid Ribble, former roofing contractor, congressman and past NRCA CEO, to talk about the November 2024 elections as Election Day draws near. They discuss the dramatic events leading up to where we are now along with the current state of the ... Read More

Metal Market/Trends Survey

In this Contractor Outlook newscast, Heidi J. Ellsworth meets with Paul Trombitas of FMI, a leading research company, to discuss their 2024 FMI Building Products Market Overview. The report has a focus on roofing but covers the entire construction industry. Heidi and Paul talk about current factors and ... Read More

Artificial Intelligence and Construction

In this installment of Contractor Outlook, sponsored by SRS Distribution, Heidi J. Ellsworth meets with Subodha Kumar from Temple University to discuss Artificial Intelligence (AI). No matter where you work, the day is coming when AI will transform your workplace and the kinds of employees that construction companies want to ... Read More

Contractor Outlook Newscast - Curtis McDonald

Construction is Weathering the Weather

In this Contractor Outlook, Heidi J. Ellsworth meets with the Director of Product Management & Meteorologist at CoreLogic. This episode is about the effect that weather is having on the construction industry overall and how it is changing how contractors and manufacturers are going to business. They talk about ... Read More

The Global Economy and Your Business

In this Contractor Outlook, Heidi J. Ellsworth meets with Gene Marks of The Marks Group about the economy. As a leading speaker, columnist and author, Gene brings a breath of fresh air to a tough topic. Focusing on looking forward, this podcast aims to understand the current economy and the ... Read More