Trent Cotney

10/17/2026

Roofing History: Rex Flintkote and J. A. & W. Bird Co.

This vintage advertisement for Rex Flintkote Roofing circa 1904, offers a fascinating look at the early days of manufactured roofing materials and the companies that helped transform the industry.

Boston-based J. A. & W. Bird Co. traced its origins to the 1830s, initially operating in the pharmacy and chemical supply business before expanding into paints, varnishes, and eventually roofing products. The company became known for Rex Flintkote, a prepared roll roofing product made from treated wool felt.

The advertisements headline, Its So Easy to Lay, emphasized simplicity of installation, claiming that even a child could almost do it. Rex Flintkote was also promoted as resistant to fire, water, acids, and harsh weather conditions. These were ambitious marketing claims at a time when manufacturers were competing to replace traditional roofing systems with affordable, readily installed alternatives.

The little boy pictured in the advertisement became a recognizable part of Rex Flintkote's branding. By the early 1900s, the company encouraged customers to Look for the Boy on every roll. Rex Flintkote even appeared at the 1904 St. Louis Worlds Fair, where the product covered the Palace of Varied Industries.

The Flintkote name would eventually become one of the most recognizable in American roofing and building materials, expanding well beyond its early roll roofing products.

10/16/2026

Understanding the numbers is critical to running a successful roofing business. Revenue growth is important, but profitability, cash flow, overhead, and job costing ultimately determine long-term success.

As I discussed with , roofing contractors need to look beyond the top line and regularly evaluate their financial performance. Knowing where your money is going is just as important as knowing how much is coming in.

Strong financial management helps contractors make better decisions, protect margins, and position their businesses for growth.

Adams & Reese

10/15/2026

I had the pleasure of speaking at the National Roofing Partners Leader's Summit today. Adams & Reese

10/14/2026

AI is changing how employers screen applicants, but new legislation could create additional compliance obligations.

New York has proposed legislation that would require employers to provide advance notice before using certain AI tools to evaluate job applicants and employees. The bill also addresses bias assessments and transparency in automated employment decisions.

For construction contractors, the concern is that many third-party hiring and background screening platforms already incorporate AI, sometimes without employers realizing it.

Bottom line: Employers should understand how their screening technology works and ensure that human oversight remains part of employment decisions.
Read my latest article: https://www.trentcotney.com/business/new-legislation-would-require-employers-to-disclose-ai-screening/ Adams & Reese

Artificial intelligence (AI) is increasingly changing how employers evaluate job applicants and existing employees. From reviewing resumes and employment histories to analyzing background information and identifying potential risks, AI can […]

10/13/2026

Thank you to for highlighting my recent Roofing Road Trips podcast with Heidi J. Ellsworth of

We discussed some of the biggest challenges facing roofing contractors in 2026, including rising material costs, tariffs, immigration enforcement, workforce shortages, and the growing role of AI in construction.

As the industry continues to evolve, contractors need to stay informed, manage risk, and remain engaged in industry advocacy.

10/13/2026

AI is changing the cybersecurity landscape for roofing and construction contractors.I recently spoke with NRCA about how AI is making cyberattacks more sophisticated, automated, and difficult to detect. Smaller contractors and subcontractors are particularly vulnerable because they often lack the cybersecurity resources of larger companies.From fraudulent payment requests to AI-generated phishing emails, the risks continue to grow.

Contractors need to be proactive with employee training, contractual protections, cybersecurity insurance, and verification of payment instructions. Cybersecurity is no longer just an IT issue. It is a business risk that every contractor needs to address.

Read more from National Roofing Contractors Association: https://www.nrca.net/RoofingNews/ai-is-making-cybersecurity-more-complicated.10-8-2026.13544/Details/Story Adams & Reese

In a recent survey, 48% percent of all construction companies said they consider themselves not big or complex enough to be the victim of a major cyberattack. But cybersecurity is crucial for all companies, especially as artificial intelligence makes cyberattacks more sophisticated.

10/12/2026

California has taken an important step toward curbing abusive website privacy litigation. In a recent ACHR NEWS article, I discussed California's SB 690, which limits private lawsuits under the California Invasion of Privacy Act (C**A). HVAC contractors and other businesses have faced costly claims over common website tools, including tracking pixels, analytics, and chat functions.

Effective January 1, 2027, the law eliminates private lawsuits involving certain website tracking claims and provides retroactive relief for qualifying pending cases. However, contractors should not assume all privacy risks have disappeared. Other C**A provisions remain enforceable, making website privacy audits, accurate disclosures, and appropriate consent practices important.

Thanks to ACHR NEWS for covering this issue and including my perspective. Adams & Reese

10/10/2026

A little roofing history from 1951!

This vintage matchbook advertising Ruberoid roofing products for Frank T. Luby of Urbana, Illinois, offers a glimpse into how roofing contractors marketed their businesses 75 years ago. Ruberoid has an important place in American roofing history. Originally founded as the Standard Paint Company in 1886, the company introduced RU-BER-OID asphalt roll roofing in 1892.

By 1921, the product had become so successful that the company adopted the Ruberoid name.Ruberoid went on to pioneer interlocking asphalt shingles in 1933 and eventually merged with GAF - Roofing in 1967, the same year it introduced Timberline laminated shingles.

I enjoy finding these small pieces of roofing memorabilia. Something as simple as a matchbook can tell a larger story about the contractors, products, and innovations that helped build our industry.

10/09/2026

A significant decision for the construction industry regarding ICE enforcement at jobsites.A federal judge in Alabama recently ruled that certain ICE enforcement practices likely violate the Fourth Amendment, including warrantless entry onto private construction sites and improper detention of workers.I spoke with Engineering News-Record (ENR) about the decision and its implications for contractors. The key takeaways are straightforward: clearly identify private jobsites with signage and fencing, train supervisors on their rights, and understand the constitutional limitations on searches and detentions. Contractors should cooperate with law enforcement while understanding and asserting their legal rights. Although this is a preliminary ruling with limited jurisdictional reach, it provides important guidance for the construction industry. Read the full article: https://www.enr.com/articles/63825-judge-rules-ice-enforcement-likely-violates-constitution Adams & Reese

US district court judge in Alabama grants temporary halt of arrest of Latino US citizen craft worker at homebuiding site as violating search-and-seizure rules

10/08/2026

Day 2 of National Roofing Contractors Association LegalCon watching Adrianne Anglin discussion fleet safety and I'll be bringing us home with a discussion of private equity in roofing. Adams & Reese