Recognizing the rising leaders shaping the future of metal construction

METALCON has announced the inaugural honorees of its 40 Under 40 Recognition Program, celebrating 40 professionals age 40 and under who are driving the future of metal construction. The honorees represent a broad cross-section of the industry, including manufacturing, roofing, engineering, construction, technology, sales, marketing and education.

Selected for their achievement, leadership, innovation and overall impact, the 2026 honorees are moving projects forward, improving processes, developing new technologies, strengthening customer relationships and helping shape the industry’s next generation of leadership.

“Our inaugural 40 Under 40 honorees represent the energy, talent and forward-thinking leadership that are moving the metal construction industry forward,” said Judy Geller, vice president of trade shows for PSMJ Resources, Inc., producers of METALCON. “They are already making an impact across every part of the industry, and we are proud to recognize their accomplishments and celebrate them at METALCON.”

The 2026 METALCON 40 Under 40 honorees are:

Chandler Barden | owner | CIDAN Machinery Group
Since entering architectural roofing in 2013, Chandler has risen from sales engineer to CEO of CIDAN Group while serving in Metal Construction Association leadership roles and promoting metal construction internationally.

Thad Barnette | director of commercial marketing | Sheffield Metals International / New Tech Machinery
Thad built The Metal Roofing Channel to more than 50,000 subscribers, hosting hundreds of industry experts and using education-driven marketing to connect professionals and strengthen metal construction brands.

Jay Bechtel | founder & CEO | Rib Runner Tools
With a background in construction, Jay recognized a critical need and developed RibRunner Tools to improve metal sheeting pre-installation, helping contractors streamline work through practical, field-driven innovation.

Alina Bosak | branch manager | Chicago Metal Supply
Alina champions architectural sheet metal by developing talent, educating customers through installation classes and advocating for metal’s essential role in construction.

Mason Burchette | owner & chief revenue officer | True Metal Supply
Mason co-founded the company in 2022 and scaled it to 45+ employees and multiple manufacturing facilities, combining nationwide growth with contractor education, digital tools and customer-focused manufacturing.

Joseph Canell | owner | Elevate Roofing and Solar
Joseph has built a company founded on integrity, quality craftsmanship and customer service while investing in education, innovative building practices and technologies that raise industry standards.

Mark Carlisle | industry marketing manager | U.S. Steel
For more than a decade, Mark has connected steelmaking with metal construction by leading U.S. Steel’s construction market intelligence, industry engagement and METALCON strategy and serving in leadership roles across multiple trade organizations.

Austin Cash | new product development manager | The Malco Group
Eight years after joining The Malco Group as a student intern, Austin became product development manager. Now as lead engineer, he led the TurboShear Rotary Panel Cutter from concept to production in 16 months.

Alex Corry | general manager - CDMG Building Systems | CDMG
Alex advanced from civil draftsman to general manager, delivering sustained revenue growth and earning selection to the Nucor Builder Advisory Council as one of 16 builders nationwide.

Daniel Cuenca | owner & general contractor | Mammoth Metal Structures & Mammoth Metal Manufacturing
Daniel is a results-driven leader whose experience, operational vision and commitment to excellence have driven Mammoth’s growth and strengthened its capabilities and reputation in the industry.

Megan Ellsworth | multimedia director | MetalCoffeeShop
Megan connects industry professionals through multimedia, education and conversation, including podcasts, webinars, panel discussions and video content, while serving in a leadership role with National Women in Roofing.

Max Esteban | founder & CEO | Maximilian Sheet Metal
After entering the sheet metal trade at 18, Max founded Maximilian Sheet Metal at 27, growing it into a respected firm while leading as designer, fabricator and project manager.

Scott Frankert | technical product manager, Coil & Extrusion | PPG Industries
Scott bridges technical expertise and commercial strategy, drawing on coil coating technologies and account-growth experience to lead adoption of advanced UV- and EB-curable coatings for manufacturers.

Jesse Gallimore | owner | JamesCo Builders LLC
Jesse built JamesCo Builders around transparency, quality and people-first leadership, strengthening partnerships across automotive, industrial, education and commercial markets.

Leland Gazo | co-owner | Blue Sky Roofing
At 28, Leland helped increase Blue Sky Roofing’s metal roofing revenue by 70% while expanding standing seam and architectural metal systems and mentoring Vermont’s next generation of craftsmen.

Brittni Goodwin | director - Sales | U.S. Steel
Recently promoted, Brittni drives measurable business growth, builds and develops teams and takes ownership of challenges, including new product development in steel.

Ray Haas | owner | Haas Stone & Steel, LLC and Mallet Supply, LLC
Ray advances roofing craftsmanship through traditional techniques and sustainable materials, sharing specialized knowledge through crew training, industry collaboration and improving access to quality sheet metal.

Lyndzye Harper | inside sales manager | S-5!
Lyndzye has distinguished herself by building strong relationships across the metal construction and solar industries. She helped shape the company’s first inside sales manager role, expanding lead development and account management.

James Henry | CEO | Copper Top Roofing and Sheet Metal, Inc.
James joined Copper Top Roofing and Sheet Metal at 19 and became owner at 29, building expertise in custom metal fabrication and standing seam roofing while investing in the people around him.

Jeremy Henson | CEO | ASCO Machines
Jeremy progressed from electrical distribution through sales and executive leadership to become owner and CEO of ASCO USA, building global partnerships that support innovation, growth and lasting industry relationships.

Eric Hinz | sales | Innovative Energy, Inc.
Eric advances the industry by identifying opportunities to improve products, streamline processes and deliver greater customer value while earning trust through professionalism, work ethic and a customer-first approach.

Amanda Johnson | sales & marketing manager | Roper Whitney
Amanda progressed from service coordinator to leading sales and marketing departments, becoming a recognizable sheet metal industry voice through educational video content and sustained professional growth.

Andy Keys | owner | Metal Ops
Andy has expanded contractor support beyond distribution, providing sales training and jobsite education that help roofing professionals better understand how metal roofing systems are sold and installed.

Zachary Lee | senior fulfillment manager | Mill Steel Company
Zachary helped lead development of the Mill Steel App, translating customer insights into a user-friendly digital experience that generated more than $100 million in sales during its first year.

Jace Lyon | executive director | Lyon Metal Roofing
“Born into the industry,” Jace combines hands-on manufacturing experience with an engineering background, advancing into executive leadership while helping strengthen the company’s leadership team and expand its market.

Mahsa Mahdavian | global technical marketing director | Scottsdale Construction Systems
Mahsa has advanced structural engineering through influential cold-formed steel research and steel deck design software, helping improve design methodology, workflows and practical application across the industry.

Brandon Mainor | president | Hornet Building Systems
Brandon oversees operations, applying hands-on manufacturing knowledge to modernize production through technology while maintaining a strong focus on customer service and company culture.

Victor Martinez | design team leader | The Barndominium Company
Victor transforms client visions into buildable plans, managing a pipeline of 40 to 70 active projects while making a measurable impact on projects, processes and people.

Seth McBride | president & founder | Steel Craft Builders
Seth built Steel Craft Builders around pre-engineered metal building expertise and customer service, using technology and AI to improve efficiency, accuracy and pricing across projects throughout the Southeast.

Chad Miller | president | Lyon Roofing, Inc.
Chad began working at Lyon Roofing as a teenager and, through years of hands-on experience, dedication and leadership, advanced through the company to become its president.

Kiara Nirghin | CEO & founder | Emanate
Kiara founded Emanate to bring frontier AI to industrial companies, combining experience as a Stanford AI Lab researcher and Google Science Grand Prize winner with metals-industry innovation.

Colin Palladino | managing director | New Castle Metal
Colin built the company’s roofing division from the ground up, growing the division from a single location into a six-location Northeast operation through entrepreneurial leadership.

Sarah Parks | CEO & co-founder | ContractorHUB
Sarah combines SaaS expertise with a strong understanding of contractor needs, building ContractorHUB around customer experience, ingenuity and product value while raising expectations for technology serving the trades.

Tucker Pearson | head of sales | RenderDraw
Tucker works directly with fabricators and OEMs to modernize operations through software, using a consultative approach that builds trusted, long-term industry partnerships.

Erik Pilgrim | CEO & founder | RenderDraw
Erik is bringing AI-powered takeoffs, connected workflows and 3D visualization to metal construction, helping professionals improve estimating, configuration and project presentation without sacrificing technical precision.

Travis Rex | director of sales operations | EXCEPTIONAL Metals
Travis combines market insight, business acumen and collaborative leadership to identify opportunities, improve processes and turn innovative ideas into practical solutions that advance metal construction.

David Scott | COO | EcoSteel
As COO, David transformed operations, championed Building Information Modeling and helped drive tenfold company growth while overseeing complex steel-building projects and advancing operational leadership.

Eric Ford | senior manager, purchasing | Carlisle Construction Materials
Over the past decade, Eric Ford has become a results-driven supply chain and procurement leader in the steel and construction materials industries. He has led M&A integration, supplier development and unified supply chain strategy while mentoring procurement professionals and strengthening supplier partnerships.

Jesse Winternitz | application engineering & product support manager | S-5!
Jesse has built a career spanning engineering, product development and field application, leading a six-person team and serving as a key voice connecting engineering expertise with real-world application.

Elizabeth Woodworth | regional acoustical manager | Best Supply
Elizabeth manages regional acoustical ceiling sales across Tennessee, Kentucky and Indiana, including specialty metal systems, while serving on the National Association of Women in Construction Nashville’s board and advocating for women in construction.

The honorees will be formally recognized during METALCON 2026, taking place October 7–9 at the Orange County Convention Center in Orlando, Florida. Recognition includes a featured profile on METALCON.com, promotion through email, social media and trade publications, onsite recognition and an invitation to a Future Leaders Happy Hour.

As METALCON celebrates its 35th anniversary, the 40 Under 40 program puts the work and impact of the industry’s emerging leaders front and center at the annual gathering of the metal construction community.
 
About METALCON

Established in 1991, METALCON is the only annual event dedicated exclusively to the application of metal in design and construction. Produced by PSMJ Resources, Inc., in partnership with the Metal Construction Association, it brings together decision-makers from across the metal construction ecosystem to explore innovations shaping the built environment. More than a trade show, METALCON serves as the industry’s annual business summit—where deals are made, partnerships are formed and the next 12 months take shape. For more information, visit www.metalcon.com.

By The Coffee Shops®. 

When traditional options on the market don’t cut it, sometimes you have to do it yourself. One carpenter-turned-designer shares his experience pursuing innovation in creating a new tool bag. 

In an episode of Roofing Road Trips®, host Karen Edwards sat down with Roger Brouard, founder of Veto Pro Pac, to discuss the importance of innovation and pursuing solutions for day-to-day problems. From facing frustration on the jobsite to designing a solution, Roger exemplifies what it means to innovate for the betterment of your industry. Now, his products are a part of The Malco Group and are some of the most relied upon tool storage solutions on the market for industry professionals. 

After facing endless frustration with the traditional soft-sided tool bags, Roger was eager for a better solution for storing his tools on the jobsite. He shared, recalling his frustration of traditional tool storage, “You’d dump everything on the ground and dig through it; it was an exercise of aggravation and frustration to get a needed hand tool.” 

A carpenter by trade and experienced in hands-on problem solving, Roger went to the drawing board and came up with a solution of his own: the Veto Pro Pac. Relying on a vertical layout rather than the traditional horizontal storage systems for the job, the bag is easy to access and sort through. Vertical tiered pockets on a flat panel are inside the bag, streamlining the user’s ability to navigate the system, finding what they need without obstruction and clutter. He shared, “It all came together and I knew it was better than any tool bag on the market, and I knew it would sell.” 

To toughen up the design, as the jobsite often requires a bit of rough handling and wear to the exterior, the bag is made using a plastic, sturdy base. He shared, “A plastic base solved three situations: moisture protection, tear protection and stability to a loaded tool bag.” A tough product for a tough trade, ready to take on the day-to-day needs of carrying so many tools and heavy products. It was vital not only to create a product that’s sturdy, but one that’s going to outlast the rest.  

Listen to the full podcast or Watch the recording to learn more about Roger and his journey to building Veto Pro Pac. 

By Jenny Yu. 

MalcoEdge delivers solutions that help contractors improve accuracy, speed and jobsite consistency. 

As contractors face demand for faster installations and more reliable performance, Malco Tools is providing what they need with MalcoEdge™: a purposeful lineup of refrigeration tools designed to support modern HVACR challenges. Rather than offering a narrow portfolio of tools, the MalcoEdge line brings together a full ecosystem engineered for reliability, durability and efficiency to support everything from initial lineset installation to full system lifecycle troubleshooting and repair.  

MalcoEdge tools for contractors 

• Vacuum pumps: Designed for efficient system evacuation, these compact, jobsite-ready pumps support mobility while delivering reliable performance for residential and light commercial applications. 
• Recovery units: Built for speed and safety, these units provide dependable refrigerant recovery with durable construction and features that support compliance and consistent operation. 
• Hoses: MalcoEdge provides three lines of hoses: Safe Seal, Easy Seal and TurboFlow. These hoses help maintain system integrity, improve flow efficiency and reduce refrigerant loss during service and installation. 
• Manifolds: Featuring durable construction, clear gauges and quick-turn ball valve operation, manifolds provide control and accuracy for both routine service and complex system work. 
• Measurement equipment: Digital gauges and diagnostic tools deliver fast, accurate readings with clear displays and alerts, helping contractors verify performance and troubleshoot efficiently. 
• Tube tools: From cutting and bending to flaring and deburring, these tools are designed for clean, precise connections that reduce rework and support long-term system reliability. 
• Service tools: Purpose-built for critical field tasks, these tools enhance control and precision in tight jobsite conditions while supporting faster, more consistent results. 

Visit Malco Tools’ website or their directories on RoofersCoffeeShop® and MetalCoffeeShop® to learn more about how you can streamline operations and elevate performance with MalcoEdge’s full lineup of HVACR solutions! 

By Jenny Yu.  

The Malco Group highlights training and mentorship as essential to addressing the industry's labor shortage. 

Nobody in the industry gets to where they are alone, and with an ongoing labor shortage, participating in hands-on mentorship and training programs are more important than ever. In a recent episode of MetalCast™, Karen Edwards sat down with Jon Olson, MetalCoffeeShop® Influencer and learning and product training manager for The Malco Group, to discuss how training, mentorship and industry involvement can help bridge the talent gap. 

According to Jon, the challenge facing the trades is twofold: an aging workforce and fewer young people entering the industry with hands-on experience. “The industry is facing a major generational transition,” Jon stated. “Too many people are retiring for the number of people coming in.” 

To help address that challenge, Malco has invested heavily in workforce development initiatives. Through programs such as their Head of the Class Student Recognition Program, as well as partnerships with organizations like SkillsUSA and Building Talent Foundation, the company works to introduce students and aspiring trade professionals to rewarding careers in the skilled trades. “Training, in many ways, is the industry solution to try and bridge that gap between, ‘I'm just starting out,’ and ‘I'm a productive addition to the team,’” Jon explained. 

Beyond formal training, Jon emphasized the importance of mentorship and creating a culture of continuous learning, not only for those new to the industry but for everyone. He encourages contractors to adopt a mindset of “winning and learning,” where every challenge becomes an opportunity for growth.  

“Training doesn't need to be over-structured,” Jon said. “You need to embrace each opportunity you have through continuous improvement and other means to really allow people to learn in their own way.” 

As labor challenges continue across the construction sector, Jon believes contractors who embrace this type of culture while prioritizing training, mentorship and professional development will be best positioned to build stronger teams and long-term success. 

Listen to the full podcast or Watch the recording to learn more about workforce development, training and Malco's impact on the overall future of the skilled trades. 

By Jenny Yu.  

Buy one, get one free: take advantage of Veto Pro Pac’s Spring Promo before June 15! 

Spring is here, and Veto Pro Pac, part of The Malco Group, is helping you prepare for the busiest season of the year!  

With its 2026 Spring Promo, running March 1 through June 15, Veto Pro Pac offers a two-tier incentive: customers who purchase qualifying bags receive a free bonus bag, reinforcing the brand’s commitment to supporting contractors with high-performance gear at a great value.  

Tier 1 

Customers who purchase any tier 1 product get a FREE CB-LD compact technician bag (a $169.99 value; tools not included). Designed for tradespeople who need quick, organized access to their tools and equipment, the CB-LD delivers a versatile solution for everyday jobs.  

Qualifying tier 1 products include:  

• Builders Belt
• Tech OT-LC
• Tech PAC
• And many more! 

Tier 2 

Those who purchase a tier 2 product will receive a FREE MB2B medium zippered meter bag (a $94.99 value; tools not included). The MB2B is a tall, compact meter bag built on an impact- and water-resistant injection molded polypropylene base that keeps the bag upright while protecting your tools and test equipment in any environment. 

Qualifying tier 2 products include: 

• Tech LC
• Tech MC
• TP-LC
• And many more!  

As the season ramps up, promotions like this give contractors an opportunity to expand their tool storage systems at no additional cost. By focusing on combining durability, accessibility and thoughtful design, Veto Pro Pac continues to build on its reputation for premium tool storage solutions designed for professionals in roofing, HVAC and construction. 

To learn more and take advantage of the promotion, visit Veto Pro Pac’s website before the June 15 deadline!

By Jenny Yu.  

By combining tools, pumps, chemicals, refrigeration and worksite solutions, The Malco Group is redefining what it means to be a true partner to the trades. 

The modern jobsite demands more than individual products — it requires integrated solutions that improve efficiency, simplify material purchasing and support contractors across multiple trades. The Malco Group has positioned itself as a one-stop partner by bringing together a portfolio of specialized brands that collectively address the full scope of contractor needs, from tools and refrigeration to chemicals and jobsite organization. By offering bundled category solutions from a single supplier, the company helps streamline operations and improve productivity in the field. 

Core trade tools from Malco Tools 

Malco Tools remains the foundation of the portfolio, offering precision-engineered hand tools and accessories trusted across the trades. Known for durability and field-tested performance, these tools are designed to meet the daily demands of HVAC and building construction professionals while maintaining accuracy and ease of use. 

Refrigeration solutions from MalcoEdge 

The MalcoEdge platform expands the company’s reach into refrigeration with a full suite of installation and service tools. From tube cutters to vacuum pumps and manifolds, the line is designed to support technicians working on increasingly complex HVACR systems. By consolidating these tools under one brand, contractors gain consistency and confidence across refrigeration applications. 

Condensate management from Aspen Mini Pumps 

Aspen Pumps delivers advanced condensate removal solutions designed for modern HVAC systems. Its latest mini pump technology features intelligent sensing and variable speed operation, helping contractors reduce noise, minimize maintenance and improve system reliability. These innovations are built to simplify installation and eliminate callbacks, making them a critical component for efficient HVAC performance. 

Worksite solutions from Veto Pro Pac 

Veto Pro Pac provides premium tool storage systems that improve organization and efficiency on the jobsite. Its vertically oriented tool bags and modular systems are built to reduce time spent searching for tools while protecting equipment in demanding environments, helping contractors stay productive throughout the day. 

Professional-grade chemicals from ACE Chemical 

ACE Chemical rounds out the offering with cleaners, treatments and specialty chemical solutions designed to maintain system performance and extend equipment life. These products support installation, maintenance and repair, giving contractors the resources they need to complete jobs with confidence. 

By uniting these five brands, The Malco Group delivers a comprehensive ecosystem that equips contractors with everything needed to succeed on today’s complex jobsites. 

Learn more about how The Malco Group is supporting contractors with integrated solutions!

ACE Chemical offers the widest selection of American-made HVAC/R chemical products in the industry. 

The Coffee Shops™, the award-winning online communities where the industries meet for technologies, safety, information and education for the construction trades of roofing, metal, coatings and outdoor living are pleased to welcome the Atlantic Chemical and Equipment Company (ACE Chemical) into their community. 

Founded in Atlanta, Georgia, in 1947, ACE Chemical has grown to become one of the leading sources of high-quality chemical products for the HVAC/R market, made entirely in the United States. As part of The Malco Group, a leading manufacturer and distributor of professional-grade HVAC/R and construction products, ACE Chemical is committed to providing durable, high-quality and effective solutions that trade pros can trust. 

ACE Chemical’s product portfolio spans a wide range of applications critical to both roofing and mechanical trades. Its offerings include coil cleaners, refrigerants and oils, leak sealants, water filtration products and duct sealants, along with sprayers and maintenance tools designed to support installation and service work. These products are engineered to improve system efficiency, extend equipment life and simplify maintenance tasks for contractors in the field. 

Its top-selling product is the ACE® Foam N’ Clean®, an innovative, high-foaming, non-acid coil cleaner and brightener. As the first of its kind, the ACE Foam N’ Clean replaces the need for hydrofluoric-based cleaners, offering a safer product without sacrificing performance. 

For roofing professionals specifically, ACE Chemical provides targeted solutions like ACE® RoofSeal, an aerosol-applied product that seals leaks, cracks and seams around rooftop penetrations such as vents, skylights and HVAC units. The product sprays as a liquid and cures into a durable, rubberized coating, offering a fast and effective repair option across a variety of roofing materials.  

ACE Chemical’s Monster® Series delivers a powerful lineup of HVAC/R solutions engineered for the toughest jobsite challenges. Designed specifically for professionals, the series includes high-performance coil cleaners and rapid-response leak sealants capable of addressing even severe system losses, including units losing a full charge within 72 hours. 

In addition to core chemical solutions, ACE Chemical also offers jobsite essentials like industrial wipes, cleaning products and specialty maintenance items that help crews maintain productivity and cleanliness on the job. 

With a strong foundation in innovation and a broad product lineup, ACE Chemical delivers practical solutions that support contractors in improving efficiency, safety and long-term performance across projects. 

The Coffee Shops are proud to welcome ACE Chemical!

Aspen Pumps simplify condensate management for HVAC/R professionals, delivering compact, high-performance solutions that improve installation efficiency and long-term system reliability. 

The Coffee Shops™, the award-winning online communities where the industries meet for technologies, safety, information and education for the construction trades of roofing, metal, coatings and outdoor living are pleased to welcome Aspen Pumps into their community. 

Founded in 1992, Aspen Pumps has built its reputation as the original leader in mini condensate removal technology, setting the global benchmark for performance, precision and reliability. As part of The Malco Group, the brand continues to innovate with its next-generation mini pumps, engineered to be ultra-quiet, compact and easy to install. Designed with both contractors and end users in mind, these solutions deliver “fit and forget” performance while maintaining industry-leading sound levels as low as 16 dB(A). 

Aspen Mini Pumps are engineered to efficiently remove condensate from air conditioning and refrigeration systems, particularly in applications where space is limited or traditional gravity drainage is not possible. Known for their quiet operation and discreet design, these pumps can be easily integrated into a wide range of installations without compromising aesthetics or performance. 

For contractors, the value lies in both ease of installation and long-term reliability. The compact design allows for flexible placement, while consistent performance helps reduce callbacks and maintenance concerns. Whether used in residential or light commercial applications, Aspen Mini Pumps provide a streamlined solution for managing condensate in tight or complex spaces. 

With a focus on innovation, reliability and contractor-focused design, Aspen Pumps offer a targeted solution that helps HVAC/R professionals work more efficiently while meeting the demands of today’s installations. 

The Coffee Shops is proud to welcome Aspen Pumps!

By Jenny Yu.  

The new partnership between The Malco Group and Veto Pro Pac helps contractors work more efficiently with connected, trade-focused solutions. 

The recent addition of Veto Pro Pac to The Malco Group is reshaping how contractors approach efficiency, organization and jobsite performance. In a recent MetalTalk™ webinar hosted by Megan R. Ellsworth, industry leaders discussed how the partnership is designed to deliver more complete solutions for trade professionals, combining premium tools with advanced storage systems to streamline workflows. 

For Breanna Welke, vice president of strategic communications for The Malco Group, the collaboration reflects a broader shift toward integrated jobsite solutions. “Our goal really is to make life easier for our trade pros, to simplify what they do every day and make getting the job done easier, more efficient and safer,” she said.  

She emphasized that the group’s expanding portfolio is about more than individual products. “It’s really about moving beyond just thinking about individual products or individual brands, but focusing on that complete jobsite solution,” Breanna said. “We like to say that we offer everything that a trade pro might need to fill the back of their van.” 

That approach made Veto Pro Pac a natural fit for the partnership. Known for its durable, trade-focused tool storage systems, the brand complements Malco’s legacy in tools and HVAC solutions. “They’ve built a strong reputation for being a premium leader in the tool storage space,” Breanna stated. “Their bags are of the highest quality and were designed with trade pros in mind.” 

From a product development perspective, the alignment runs deep, according to Meredith Giesting, vice president of design. “The projects that we work on have been the most exciting, innovative and challenging,” she said. “Designing for the trades, you’re actually improving their day-to-day life.” 

Together, the companies are building a more connected ecosystem of tools and solutions that prioritize efficiency, durability and real-world performance. As contractors face increasing pressure to do more with less, partnerships like this aim to deliver smarter, more streamlined ways to work.  

Meredith noted that shared values between the brands strengthen their partnership: “We’re focusing on tradespeople. That’s why we do what we do.” 

Listen to the podcast or Watch the full webinar to learn more about how The Malco Group and Veto Pro Pac are shaping the future of jobsite solutions. Don’t miss Veto Pro Pac’s Spring Promo, available through May 31, 2026. 

By Jenny Yu.  

An experienced tradesperson explains how real-world experience led to a better way to organize tools with Veto Pro Pac. 

Frustration on the jobsite often sparks innovation, and for Roger Brouard, that frustration led to the creation of one of the most recognized tool storage brands in the trades. In a recent RoofingRoadTrips® episode, Karen Edwards spoke with Roger about how his experience as a carpenter led to the creation and founding of Veto Pro Pac.

“Veto Pro Pac tool bags basically came out of my frustration with soft side tool bags,” Roger said, describing the “horizontal wrestling match” that made contractors’ lives needlessly inefficient. “You’d dump everything on the ground and dig through it; it was an exercise of aggravation and frustration to get a needed hand tool.” 

Drawing from years in the field — from hand framing and roofing to building wooden lobster boats — Roger combined hands-on trade knowledge with a background in fine arts to rethink tool storage. His breakthrough came with a vertical layout system. “This was the aha moment: all the vertical tiered pockets are on a flat panel,” he said. “It’s ergonomic to your body, and you have a nice, beefy grip.” 

Durability was equally critical in the Veto Pro Pac design. Roger emphasized that jobsite conditions demand rugged solutions. “I wanted to make the bag brutally tough,” he said, noting that harsh environments and heavy use require materials that resist wear and while providing a sturdy structure. “A plastic base solved three situations: moisture protection, wear and tear protection, and stability to a loaded tool bag.” 

Finally, having a fine arts degree, Roger wanted his bag to look good, too. “I wanted it to have a serious, rugged yet classy look,” he said, explaining the earthtone color palette of the product.  

This blend of practical, artistic design and jobsite insight shaped Veto Pro Pac to be the trusted tool bag for contractors today. Now a part of The Malco Group, Veto Pro Pac can further expand its reach to bring solutions to more contractors, reflecting a shared focus on improving efficiency. 

Roger’s road to developing Veto Pro Pac underscores how curiosity and a willingness to solve problems can lead to meaningful innovation. 

Listen to the full podcast or Watch the recording to learn more about Roger and his journey to building Veto Pro Pac.