By The Coffee Shops®. 

In hard times, customers don’t want more options; they want one solid option that can do it all. Here’s how to be that one.  

In a recent episode of the MetalCast™ podcast, host Karen Edwards sat down with Melissa Dunson, director of marketing and communications for Central States Manufacturing, to discuss ways metal professionals can protect their businesses in the face of recession. From building a more resilient business model to emphasizing gaining momentum in sales and customer relationships, there are a few ways that the industry can prepare.  

Regardless of the economic climate, metal roofing consistently remains a reliable option for property owners because metal’s reputation precedes it; it’s durable, economical, sustainable and aesthetically versatile. This firmly held position as a tried-and-true material should give metal professionals the confidence to stick to their guns; metal isn’t going anywhere anytime soon!  

“You don't recession proof your business by selling more of the same thing. You recession proof it by giving customers more reasons to buy from you,” Melissa emphasized. The beauty of offering metal in your lineup is the versatility of what can be done with metal. 

During slow economic cycles, there’s still plenty of work to be done with metal. Melissa shared, “[With metal] in your back pocket, you can easily say, ‘I'm going to offer customers of various types of backgrounds different kinds of products that appeal to those different types of customers.” By keeping the various uses of metal in mind and available to customers, you’re not only expanding what your customers can gain from your services, but you’re opening your business up to more business no matter the project needs.  

For example, some areas are seeing a falling out of the popularity of asphalt shingles, whether that be for environmental, economic or aesthetic reasons. In its place, metal has become a popular option. Being able to take note of these changes before they take off full scale can not only open the door to a whole new group of customers but also gives your business the competitive edge over those who aren’t paying so close attention.  

Make the most of what you can do with metal. After all, as Melissa said, “Customers don't want more contractors. They want one contractor who can solve more of their problems.” 

Listen to the conversation or Watch the recording to learn more about recession-proofing your business.

Por Jessica Bravo. 

Agosto conectando a la comunidad del roofing. 

El artículo más leído del mes fue el anuncio de Central States Manufacturing, que nombró a Melissa Dunson como vicepresidenta de Ventas y Mercadotecnia. Con más de 15 años de experiencia en la industria de productos para la construcción, Melissa liderará las estrategias de ventas y marketing de la compañía. El contenido de Central States ahora está disponible en MetalCoffeeShop, en la sección de artículos en español.  

RoofersCoffeeShop® EN VIVO salió de gira para cubrir los Business Building Workshops (BBW) de CertainTeed, donde conversamos con contratistas de roofing sobre el crecimiento de sus empresas y sus equipos. Las entrevistas destacan la capacitación, el liderazgo y la colaboración dentro de la industria. Ve las entrevistas en nuestro canal de YouTube y conoce más sobre CertainTeed en su directorio de RCS. 

SRS Para Latinos y RoofersCoffeeShop En Español celebran cinco años de colaboración, fortaleciendo la capacitación, conexión y crecimiento de los profesionales hispanohablantes del roofing. Stephany Hernandez, de SRS Para Latinos, comparte cómo esta alianza ha evolucionado y habla sobre los próximos proyectos y oportunidades para la comunidad de contratistas hispanohablantes. 

Nuestro nuevo bulletin de noticias, Informando Desde el Techo, tiene entre sus enfoques destacar las historias y trayectorias de profesionales de la industria. Alex Crawford es una de las contratistas que destacamos. En conversación con Alberto Torres, comparte su trayectoria, que la llevó de “De tocar puertas sin experiencia a liderar su propia empresa de roofing”. Escucha el episodio completo: 

Finalmente, agosto termina con “A toda velocidad hacia la cima”, una historia que muestra cómo el roofing ayudó a Rudy Gutierrez a alcanzar su sueño en las carreras de aceleración. Rudy y Shell Roofing han dedicado años a apoyar la escena local de carreras de aceleración de la NHRA. Lee el artículo completo y escucha a Rudy explicar la razón detrás de unir sus dos pasiones, el automovilismo y el roofing. 

Y así, cerramos otro mes lleno de contenido, entrevistas e historias de la comunidad del roofing. No olvides visitar RoofersCoffeeShop En Español para mantenerte al día con las noticias, recursos y oportunidades para la comunidad hispanohablante del roofing. 

¡Los artículos más leidos el mes de agosto! 

5 – A toda velocidad hacia la cima 

4 – De tocar puertas sin experiencia a liderar su propia empresa de roofing 

3 – Años de colaboración fortaleciendo a la comunidad hispana del roofing 

2 – Alcanzando metas dentro de la industria del roofing 

1 – Central States Manufacturing nombra a Melissa Dunson vicepresidenta de ventas y marketing

By Anna Lockhart.  

Standing seam metal roofing is all the rage but comes with a heavy cost. Central States says: what if you could get the look, for less?  

Metal roofing has continued to surge in popularity as homeowners have become aware of the benefits of choosing metal for their project needs. In home design, a metal roof not only means modern aesthetics and security against harsh weather, but significant cost and energy benefits for decades to come. A popular design look among owners seeking to upgrade to metal is the standing seam metal roof. However, the upfront cost and project timelines needed for installation of a standing seam roof can deter some homeowners from committing to the option. With Horizon-Loc® from Central States Manufacturing, your customers can get the modern, sleek aesthetics they’re hoping for without the burden of complex installation or high material costs. 

Horizon-Loc is a concealed-fastener metal roof engineered with Fluropon® finishes, offered in a range of colors with added protection against fading. The system has been thoughtfully created with diverse market needs in mind, from its strong wind performance and durability to the nationwide availability for purchasing. Central States has carefully designed a product that can deliver on all fronts for customers: from the system’s simple installation process to the variety of color and feature options, Horizon-Loc is a practical choice for any residential need.  

Ease of installation  

A key feature of the Horizon-Loc metal roofing system is that it doesn't need complex seaming equipment or complicated installation methods. Horizon-Loc can be assembled without clips and are meant simply to snap together with ease, allowing contractors and their crews to assemble a system in no time at all.  

Wind defense 

Many homeowners are drawn to metal roofs for their superior durability and defense against harsh weather conditions. In areas where strong winds and storms are common, a metal roof is the only surefire solution for protecting a home. Horizon-Loc roofs are engineered with wind-lift performance in mind, delivering excellent performance against high wind activity and severe weather.  

CentralGuard® 

Central States stands behind the integrity of its products with CentralGuard®, a promise that extends beyond a lifetime paint warranty to provide multiple layers of protection that help safeguard customers' homes for decades to come.  

Horizon-Loc is more than just a metal roofing system; it’s Central States Manufacturing’s commitment to outstanding quality, excellent craftsmanship and customer satisfaction. Their focus on providing long-term value and durability can be seen in the stunning results of each system installed, ready to protect and amplify each homeowner’s property.  

Learn more about the Horizon-Loc metal roofing system today.

By The Coffee Shops™. 

Having the right latch system is critical to ensuring success and unit integrity for any storage business.  

In an episode of MetalCast™, host Karen Edwards sat down with Andrew Wilson, chief engineering and innovation officer for Central States Manufacturing, to discuss the importance of high-quality latch systems for self-storage units, and how their latest Sentry line is delivering just that! 

Since the 1980’s, Central States has offered customers metal building products, and over the course of the last four decades, the brand has become quite the expert in metal. They know customers rely on metal products to provide long-term results and durability in the face of harsh weather conditions. Offering metal solutions to the storage industry was simply a natural next step for them. As Andrew shared, on top of their extensive line of metal storage solution products, adding latch systems was the right choice to round out their line.  

“[Our Sentry line] hit the market in the middle of last year, and it's been very well received and very successful. We're happy with how it's performed. We’ve gotten good feedback, always looking for more feedback. And we know there's always things we can continue to do better,” Andrew noted. Now, as the line continues to see success and they’ve taken feedback into consideration, Central States is introducing a high-performing latch system to round out the system and customer needs. 

Andrew shared, “The latch offers good corrosion performance, good strength and good durability.” Additionally, the latch system is a flexible add-on to the existing Sentry line for customers who want the option to overlock or need a padlock. “It really helps the ownership of the unit be able to have an extra layer of protection for their tenants.” 

Stronger locks, multiple customization abilities and designed to complement the existing Sentry line – the latch system products were designed with customer needs and convenience in mind, from step one.  

Just like with metal roofing, investing in a metal storage solution offers buyers the same benefits of a long lifespan, durability in the face of severe weather and more. In offering these solutions, the Central States team hopes to build life-long partnerships with customers and offer a wealth of resources to make the most of their investments. Andrew added, “We want to help people improve their business and give them good advice. And it's all about collaboration. Again, we're going to win by having repeat customers, people who trust us, who know that we're not in it to make a buck on the next job. We're in it for the long haul. And that's really what that team is really focused on.” 

Listen to the conversation or Watch the recording to learn more about Central States Manufacturing’s Sentry line and new latches!  

Una líder con más de 15 años de experiencia en la industria de productos para la construcción asumirá el liderazgo de las estrategias de ventas y marketing de la compañía. 

Central States Inc., proveedor líder de componentes metálicos para edificios, soluciones de roofing y productos para la construcción, anunció el nombramiento de Melissa Dunson como vicepresidenta de Ventas y Mercadotecnia de Central States Manufacturing. 

Melissa aporta una amplia experiencia en liderazgo, desarrollo de estrategias comerciales, mercadotecnia, gestión de productos, experiencia del cliente y fortalecimiento de equipos de ventas. Desde que se unió a Central States en 2024, ha desempeñado un papel clave en el fortalecimiento de las relaciones con los clientes, la alineación de las estrategias de ventas y mercadotecnia, y el desarrollo de programas que impulsan el éxito tanto de los clientes como de los equipos comerciales. 

En su nuevo cargo, Melissa encabezará la organización de ventas de Central States con el objetivo de acelerar el crecimiento de la empresa, mejorar la experiencia del cliente y generar valor a largo plazo en todos los mercados donde opera la compañía. Además, continuará liderando las áreas de mercadotecnia y habilitación de ventas. 

"Melissa ha demostrado de manera constante un profundo compromiso con nuestros clientes, nuestros colaboradores propietarios y nuestra estrategia de crecimiento," comentó Kurt Weaver, director ejecutivo de Central States. "Su capacidad para conectar las necesidades de los clientes con soluciones de negocio, formar equipos sólidos y fomentar la colaboración en toda la organización la convierte en la persona ideal para liderar nuestro equipo de ventas hacia el futuro." 

Con más de 15 años de trayectoria en la industria de productos para la construcción, Melissa ha trabajado de cerca con equipos de ventas, operaciones, gestión de productos, experiencia del cliente y mercadotecnia para impulsar el crecimiento de las empresas y fortalecer su posicionamiento en el mercado. Su enfoque centrado en el cliente y su capacidad para construir relaciones de confianza han contribuido al éxito tanto de Central States como de sus clientes. 

"Me siento honrada de asumir este nuevo reto y de seguir sirviendo a nuestros clientes y colaboradores propietarios," expresó Melissa. "Nuestro éxito siempre ha estado basado en alianzas sólidas, un servicio excepcional y el compromiso de ayudar a nuestros clientes a hacer crecer sus negocios. Espero seguir trabajando de la mano con nuestros equipos de ventas para generar valor y crear nuevas oportunidades para nuestros clientes." 

Acerca de Central States 

Fundada en 1988, Central States, Inc. es una empresa 100% propiedad de sus colaboradores. Cuenta con más de 1,300 colaboradores propietarios y 13 plantas de manufactura en todo Estados Unidos, desde donde atiende a miles de clientes de los sectores comercial, arquitectónico, post-frame y residencial. La compañía opera a través de tres unidades de negocio – Central States Manufacturing, fabricante nacional de sistemas de roofing metálico, revestimientos, muros, puertas y otros componentes. Central States Building Works, que ofrece soluciones integrales de paquetes de edificios metálicos, incluyendo proyectos de autoalmacenamiento y edificios metálicos preingenierizados (PEMB). Elevate Structures, empresa especializada en construcción de edificios de mediana altura y múltiples niveles, además de desarrolladora del sistema propietario Alpha Framing System™. 

Central States introduces the latest integration of Central Link and Saberis for optimal management efficiency.  

Central States Manufacturing understands that contractors value their time. That’s why the company prioritizes applications designed to streamline business management processes, allowing contractors to spend less time in the office and more time securing sales and generating leads. Central Link is their solution; a customer portal designed to provide customers a direct link to all things Central States. From order quoting and submissions to 24/7 tracking, Central Link is a free, must-have application that presents users with the resources needed to bring any project to life.  

Taking the application a step further, Central States has introduced their integration with Saberis, a platform aimed at streamlining the ordering process. With Saberis, customers can access and submit quote data directly from their Central Link account to Saberis, connecting directly with ordering systems and data tracking. Worries about keeping up with various files and quote data are a thing of the past. Now, users can focus on what matters most: getting results faster and getting back to work on the important day-to-day tasks.  

With traditional data entry, the ordering process could be a painstaking task, increasing the risk for data errors.  But with Central Link and Saberis, together, Central States has provided their customers with improved data accuracy and faster order processing. 

Central States encourages their customers to take advantage of the benefits offered through the free Central Link platform, and to learn more about possibilities the Saberis integration can offer.  

Learn more about the Central Link integration with Saberis.

An industry veteran with more than 15 years of experience in building products, Dunson has worked closely with sales, operations, product management, customer experience and marketing teams.

Central States Inc., a leading provider of metal building components, roofing and building solutions, has named Melissa Dunson vice president of sales and marketing for the Central States Manufacturing business.

Dunson brings extensive leadership experience in customer engagement, commercial strategy, marketing, product management and sales enablement to the role. Since joining Central States in 2024, she has played an instrumental role in strengthening customer relationships, aligning sales and marketing initiatives and developing programs that help customers and sales teams succeed.

As vice president of sales and marketing, Dunson will lead Central States' sales organization, focusing on accelerating growth, enhancing the customer experience and delivering long-term value to customers across the company's markets, while continuing to provide leadership over the marketing and sales enablement functions of the business.

"Melissa has consistently demonstrated a deep commitment to our customers, our employee-owners and our growth strategy," said Kurt Weaver, Central States chief executive officer. "Her ability to connect customer needs with business solutions, build strong teams and drive collaboration across the organization makes her the ideal leader to guide our sales organization into the future."

An industry veteran with more than 15 years of experience in building products, Dunson has worked closely with sales, operations, product management, customer experience and marketing teams over her career to support business growth and strengthen and elevate company positions in the marketplace. Her customer-first approach and focus on building trusted relationships have helped drive success for both Central States and its customers.

"I am honored to step into this new role and continue serving our customers and employee-owners," said Dunson. "Our success has always been built on strong partnerships, exceptional service and a commitment to helping our customers grow their businesses. I look forward to working alongside our sales teams to continue delivering value and creating new opportunities for our customers."

About Central States

Central States, Inc. is a 100% employee-owned company founded in 1988. With more than 1,300 employee-owners and 13 manufacturing facilities across the United States, Central States serves thousands of commercial, architectural, post-frame and residential customers through three operating business units – Central States Manufacturing, a nationwide manufacturer of metal roofing, siding, walls, doors and other components, Central States Building Works, an all-inclusive solution for material-only metal building packages, including self-storage and PEMB, and Elevate Structures, a leader in mid-rise, multi-story construction and the developers of the proprietary Alpha Framing System™.

By Anna Lockhart.  

Get to quoting faster with quick takeoff turnaround from Central States Manufacturing. 

Correctly calculating a metal roof takeoff is an important part of the estimating process, and a measurement that, if inaccurate, can lead to serious consequences. This is why Central States Manufacturing, is finding ways to simplify the takeoff process – so distributors and contractors can get to accurately quoting and ordering faster.  

Takeoffs must be calculated by taking roof geometry, panel layouts, trim details, waste management and other details all into account. It’s no small task, and it’s certainly time consuming. For contractors looking to cut back on the labor and time required for these estimations, Central States is offering a premium takeoff service at no additional charge to their customers and promising a turnaround time of 48 hours or less.  

Working with Central States, distributor reps and contractors can trust that something as simple as an address can be turned into an accurate takeoff and an actionable quote.  As a metal panel manufacturer, the Central States Takeoff Team of metal experts knows first-hand the intricacies of takeoffs, and aims to tackle the challenges that work can bring. With their partnership, contractors can expect clear, ready-to-use quotes and a simple submission process that helps reduce admin time.  

Creating an accurate estimate that aligns with real-life product systems can be a gamble if your team isn’t an expert in the product line, but this is where Central States shines. Their team knows intimately the ins and outs of each product line item, and how those measurements should be reflected in detailed cut lists and quotes.  

Protect your margins and execute projects with confidence. Central States aims to be a partner that can be depended on to provide high-quality materials as well as a reliable resource to turn to when you need fast and accurate takeoffs and quotes.  

Learn more about Central States Manufacturing and their mission to simplify tearoffs.

By Heidi J. Ellsworth. 

Fire resistance, durability and design innovation are driving new demand. 

Metal siding is experiencing significant growth across residential and light commercial construction, and the reasons go far beyond aesthetics. In 2026, homeowners and contractors are increasingly choosing metal wall systems because they solve some of the biggest challenges facing building exteriors today: fire, pests and rot. What is especially notable is that this shift is not just anecdotal; it is backed by steady market growth and changing homeowner priorities. 

Globally, the metal siding market is growing at an estimated five to six percent annually, with steady expansion expected over the next decade. In the United States, growth is more measured, reflecting a mature market, but the real momentum is happening in higher-end residential applications where metal siding is gaining share due to performance, longevity and design flexibility. 

Unlike traditional materials, metal siding is non-combustible, making it an important option in areas where fire risk is increasing. It also resists insects and pests and eliminates the risk of rot caused by moisture exposure. These performance advantages are aligning with a market that is prioritizing long-term durability and reduced maintenance, especially among homeowners investing in remodels and “forever homes.” 

At the same time, the broader siding market continues to grow at approximately four to five percent annually, driven largely by residential remodeling and exterior upgrades. Within that growth, metal siding is carving out a larger role, particularly in premium segments where homeowners are willing to invest more upfront for lower lifetime costs and better performance. 

Equally important is what is happening on the roofing side of the metal market. Metal roofing is not only growing; it is outperforming many traditional roofing materials and is projected to exceed five billion square feet of volume by 2029, with residential applications representing the majority of that demand. This growth is driven by the same factors influencing siding, including durability, sustainability, insurance considerations and long-term value. 

What is accelerating adoption across both roofing and siding is the rapid evolution of color, coatings and profiles. Contractors and homeowners are no longer limited to basic painted panels. Today’s metal systems offer an expanding range of matte finishes, textured coatings and nature-inspired colors such as charcoals, slate grays, greens and patina-style metallics that are seeing the fastest growth in demand. Matte and low-gloss finishes in particular are gaining popularity because they reduce glare, hide handling marks and elevate the perceived quality of both roofing and siding systems. 

Advanced coating technologies are playing a central role in this transformation. Modern coil coating processes create highly durable, factory-applied finishes that bond tightly to the metal surface, improving corrosion resistance and long-term performance. These coatings also enable printed and textured designs that realistically replicate wood grain, stone, tile and even traditional siding profiles, allowing metal to deliver both performance and aesthetics. 

Companies like Sherwin-Williams are leading this innovation with advanced coil coating systems that provide UV resistance, fade protection and long-term color retention while supporting a wide range of architectural finishes. At the same time, manufacturers such as Central States Manufacturing are bringing these innovations to market through finished metal siding and roofing panels that incorporate these new colors, textures and profiles into complete building envelope systems. 

This is an important distinction. While some companies in the supply chain focus on coated coil, manufacturers like Central States are delivering ready-to-install siding and roofing systems that allow contractors and homeowners to take full advantage of these design advancements in real-world applications. 

For contractors and homeowners, metal siding represents a shift in thinking. It is no longer a niche or purely commercial solution. It is a high-performance, design-forward option that meets the demands of modern construction while delivering resilience against fire, pests and moisture-related deterioration. 

As fire resilience, durability and long-term value continue to shape building decisions, metal siding and roofing are positioned to play an even larger role in the future of exterior design. The data supports what many contractors are already seeing in the field. This is not a short-term trend; it is a long-term shift toward better-performing materials that also meet the growing expectations for design and aesthetics. 

To learn more about these innovations, visit the directories for Sherwin-Williams and Central States Manufacturing on MetalCoffeeShop.com and RoofersCoffeeShop.com. 

By Jenny Yu.  

The SkillsUSA 2026 Championship will connect students, educators, contractors and manufacturers through hands-on skilled trades competitions. 

After a year of honing their skills and participating in local competitions, students from across the country are set to compete at the culminating event: the SkillsUSA 2026 Championship. Taking place at the Georgia World Congress Center in Atlanta from June 1-5, 2026, the event brings together more that 6,700 state champions competing across 114 skilled and leadership contests as part of the broader National Leadership & Skills Conference (NLSC). 

On top of providing the platform for students to compete and showcase their talent, the SkillsUSA program builds the next generation of skilled professionals and elevates the value of careers in the trades. Roofing continues to expand its presence at the event as students can explore career opportunities and compete in roofing-related challenges including Commercial Roofing and Teamwork. According to the National Roofing Contractors Association (NRCA), the competitions are designed to connect career and technical education students with real-world industry opportunities while helping address the skilled labor shortage facing roofing contractors nationwide. 

Here at RoofersCoffeeShop®, we are excited to be a sponsor of the NRCA Roofing Pavilion, the event’s central hub for students and CTE teachers to connect with industry professionals on training and career opportunities.  

Additional sponsors supporting the NRCA booth include ABC Supply, Central States Manufacturing, Georgia-Pacific Building Products, Johns Manville, Elevate™, IB Roof Systems™, Leister, National Roofing Partners, National Women in Roofing (NWIR), QXO, Roofing Alliance, Roofing Technology Think Tank (RT3), SRS Distribution and TAMKO®. This robust participation reflects industry-wide collaboration to help SkillsUSA continue to grow as a pipeline for skilled professionals entering the trades. 

The SkillsUSA Championships have become a critical recruiting and education platform for the roofing industry. NRCA notes if even 5% of SkillsUSA students entered roofing careers, the industry could gain more than 5,000 new workers annually. 

To learn more about the 2026 SkillsUSA Championships, the Roofing Pavilion and ways to get involved, visit the SkillsUSA and NRCA websites. We hope to see you there!