Tips for success in 2026

CCS Influencer Will Lorenz shares his expert tips for finding success in the new year.

Editor's note: The following is a transcript of a conversation with Will Lorenz of General Coatings. You can listen to the interview or read the transcript below.

Dani Sheehan: Hi, I'm Dani Sheehan from CoatingsCoffeeShop and I'm back for another year exploring some great topics with our influencers. I'm here with Will Lorenz, president of General Coatings, to kick off 2026. Will, thanks for being here.

Will Lorenz: Hello, Dani. Thank you very much. We're very excited about 2026. You know, it was a tough year in '25, but so much optimism about '26 with all the investments and tax incentives that are there for roofing. So, it's a great year for roofers and and we wish them the best and hope they they consider spray foam roofing in their portfolio.

Dani Sheehan: Yeah, absolutely. Which I think is a great segue into our January response. This month we're discussing profitability. So, Will, what steps can help coatings contractors avoid common pitfalls and keep projects profitable in the new year?

Will Lorenz: Well, I think it comes down to several things. First, it's the front end. You know, you have to bid projects well so that you can make money. I mean, bottom line is, you know, training your estimators, getting them out there, using the latest technology is very important so that you can make a profitable bid and know that.

The second thing comes down on your operational side and your training side. As we start the new year off, it's very important that uh you know your folks get up to speed on your training so that they know how to use the products, they know how to apply the roof coatings, they know when not to apply it, they know how to apply it, how thick, when the weather is changing, all those different things which they they need to be in in in understanding.

I think the other thing is, you know, on the equipment. You know, if you're coming into this year and your equipment needs some help, well, get the help now. Get some new equipment, get it upgraded so that you can be efficient on the roof and and make money there. But, you know, the important thing is, you know, roofing is an external job. it's out there in in the weather and there are times when it's just not the right day to try and put that roofing system on or there's only a certain window because there's inclement weather coming in or you know it's all real hot in July and boy you should get out there early because your staff will slow down quite a bit you know once the peak summer happens down in Phoenix let's say.

So, I think those are the big tips. You know, bid it well, be prepared with your employees, be prepared with your equipment and then monitor the weather so you know when you need to go and when you need to just get off the roof.

Dani Sheehan: Yeah, I absolutely love that. And like you said, consider spray foam. That's always a great option, too. It is. It is a good profitable business. Amazing. Thank you always for your expert insights. Make sure you catch our other January responses on CoatingsCoffeeShop.com and we'll see you next month.