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<channel>
<title>RoofersCoffeeShop</title>
<link>https://www.rooferscoffeeshop.com/</link>
<description>Roofing Forum, Classifieds, Galleries and More!</description>
<language>en-us</language><item>
<title>Bend and hem metal on-site</title>
<link>https://www.rooferscoffeeshop.com/post/bend-and-hem-metal-on-site</link>
<description>bend-and-hem-metal-on-site</description>
<pubDate>Fri, 19 Jun 2026 12:00:00 PDT</pubDate>
<content:encoded><![CDATA[
		<img src='/uploads/media/2026/06/van-mark-bend-and-hem-metal-on-site.png'
            alt='Bend and hem metal on-site'
            title='Bend and hem metal on-site'
            class=''
            style=' '  loading='lazy' /><br><p>By Jenny Yu.&nbsp;&nbsp;</p>

<h2>Van Mark&#39;s industrial-grade brakes combine portability, durability and precision for demanding metal roofing applications.&nbsp;</h2>

<p>As metal roofing and architectural metal projects continue to grow in complexity, contractors are looking for tools that improve efficiency without sacrificing precision. <a href="https://www.rooferscoffeeshop.com/directory/van-mark-products">Van Mark Products</a>&#39; <a href="https://www.van-mark.com/brakes/van-mark-brakes.shtml#industrial">Industrial Series brakes</a> were engineered specifically for the metal roofing and metal architectural industries, giving contractors the ability to fabricate material directly on the jobsite.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Unlike traditional workflows that require materials to be fabricated off-site, Van Mark&#39;s Industrial Series allows contractors to bend and hem 24-, 26- and 29-gauge painted steel on location. Each Industrial brake includes a precisely engineered stand with a platform designed to handle the load and strain associated with bending roofing metal, helping crews stay productive while reducing transportation and handling challenges.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The Industrial Series includes two options designed to meet the needs of metal roofing professionals.&nbsp;</p>

<h3>Industrial Metal Master&reg; 20 EZ&nbsp;</h3>

<p>The <a href="https://www.van-mark.com/brakes/industrial-metal-master-20-industrial-grade.shtml">Industrial Metal Master&reg; 20 EZ</a> features a high-quality casting that is stronger while remaining lighter than previous designs. It offers the deepest working pocket available at 20 inches, providing flexibility for a wide range of metal roofing applications. Extended leverage bending handles deliver four points of lifting pressure on the hinge to help ensure precise bends, while the included Master Stand disassembles in seconds for easier transport between jobsites. The brake is designed to bend and hem 24-gauge painted steel onsite, making it a practical solution for contractors who need fabrication capabilities wherever the work takes them.&nbsp;</p>

<h3>Mark IV Industrial TrimMaster&reg;&nbsp;</h3>

<p>For contractors who prefer a more traditional configuration, the <a href="https://www.van-mark.com/brakes/mark-IV-industrial-trimmaster-industrial-grade.shtml">Mark IV Industrial TrimMaster&reg;</a> offers a 14-inch throat depth that allows bends in the center of 28-inch sheets. Its included Xtreme Stand&trade; sets up and disassembles in minutes using six fast pins, while custom-formed bend handles provide four points of consistent lift on the hinge for long-term performance and precise results. Like the Industrial Metal Master&reg; 20 EZ, it is built to bend and hem 24-gauge painted steel directly on the jobsite.&nbsp;</p>

<p>For contractors focused on metal roofing, the ability to fabricate materials on-site can help streamline operations, reduce delays and improve responsiveness in the field. Van Mark&#39;s Industrial Series was designed with those needs in mind, providing portable solutions built specifically for the demands of metal roofing and architectural metal work.&nbsp;</p>

<p><a href="https://www.van-mark.com/brakes/van-mark-brakes.shtml#industrial"><strong>Learn more about Van Mark&#39;s Industrial Series and discover how portable industrial brakes can help your crew bend and hem metal roofing materials directly on the jobsite!</strong></a></p>]]></content:encoded>
</item><item>
<title>Van Mark’s game-changing metal bending products</title>
<link>https://www.rooferscoffeeshop.com/post/van-marks-game-changing-metal-bending-products</link>
<description>van-marks-game-changing-metal-bending-products</description>
<pubDate>Sat, 13 Jun 2026 21:00:00 PDT</pubDate>
<content:encoded><![CDATA[
		<img src='/uploads/media/2026/06/van-marks-game-changing-metal-bending-products.jpg'
            alt='Van Mark’s game-changing metal bending products'
            title='Van Mark’s game-changing metal bending products'
            class=''
            style=' '  loading='lazy' /><br><p>By Emma Peterson.&nbsp;&nbsp;</p>

<h2>Discover how customer-driven design has fueled 60 years of success in metal bending technology.&nbsp;</h2>

<p>Since their founding over 60 years ago, <a href="https://www.rooferscoffeeshop.com/directory/van-mark-products">Van Mark Products</a> has worked to develop portable bending brakes that not only produce quality bends, but also serve the evolving needs of contractors in the field. To learn more about their game-changing tools, Megan Ellsworth spoke with Gary Weinert, director of sales and marketing at Van Mark Products, in <a href="https://www.rooferscoffeeshop.com/podcast/gary-weinert-the-brake-that-changed-the-game">an episode of the Roofing Road Trips&reg; podcast</a>.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The first brake that Van Mark made in the 1960s was called the Trim-A-Brake. This brake set the stage for jobsite trim fabrication. And while it was innovative, and brought a lot of value to the installer, it became limited over the decades since its inception. Then in the 1990&rsquo;s Van Mark changed the game again with their introduction of a cam-locking brake for siding installers and roofers as it was able to do a hem (which was traditionally a five-step process) in just two steps! Gary explained:&nbsp;&nbsp;</p>

<blockquote>
<p>You used to need a factory folder to do a hem. With the cam-operated brake, you could hem right on the brake. Additionally, the cam also improved upon the prior brakes in terms of maintenance.&nbsp; Anytime you have metal rubbing on metal, you&#39;re going to get wear and stress points. What the cam-operated brake does is replaces any areas where there could be metal-on-metal wear with ultra-high molecular weight polyethylene (UHMW), eliminating those friction points.&nbsp;</p>
</blockquote>

<p>The result of all this engineering? A high-quality metal bender that can go decades without serious maintenance.&nbsp;</p>

<p>But Van Mark is far from a one-trick pony. In addition to selling the game-changing cam-brake, they have continued to innovate and engineer tools for the modern contractor. Gary shared a bit about their process, explaining, &ldquo;For us, everything boils down to interaction with our end users and improving their experience. That&rsquo;s why you&rsquo;ll see us at tradeshows. We&rsquo;re there to see things with our own eyes and talk to people who use our tools so we can come up with new products they actually need.&nbsp;</p>

<p>And there are a few examples of these contractor-driven tools, the residential heavy-duty brakes and the metal roofing brakes. Gary explained:&nbsp;&nbsp;</p>

<blockquote>
<p>Our initial brakes were meant to bend .019&rdquo; trim coil. And then people realized they needed slightly heavier metal for the gutter business. So, we created the residential heavy-duty version that will bend the heavier gutter stock and some of the light gauge sheet metal that a roofer might use for a valley flashing for residential roofs. When it comes to metal roofing brakes, we evolved our offerings as the industry evolved. We&rsquo;ve had a brake available that will bend heavier gauge materials for metal roofing since 1991, but in the decades since, the industry standards have evolved. So we have made sure our brakes evolved with it, by creating more space in the brake with our MetalMaster lineup that features an expansive 20&rdquo; throat depth.&nbsp;</p>
</blockquote>

<p>These are just two examples of how Van Mark makes sure that they are offering the tools contractors need in the field.&nbsp;&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Learn more about Van Mark and their incredible innovations by <a href="https://www.rooferscoffeeshop.com/post/gary-weinert-the-brake-that-changed-the-game-podcast-transcript">Reading the transcript</a> or <a href="https://www.rooferscoffeeshop.com/podcast/gary-weinert-the-brake-that-changed-the-game">Listening to the full episode</a>.&nbsp;&nbsp;</strong></p>]]></content:encoded>
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<title>Choosing metal tools you can trust</title>
<link>https://www.rooferscoffeeshop.com/post/choosing-metal-tools-you-can-trust</link>
<description>choosing-metal-tools-you-can-trust</description>
<pubDate>Sat, 16 May 2026 21:00:00 PDT</pubDate>
<content:encoded><![CDATA[
		<img src='/uploads/media/2026/05/van-mark-choosing-metal-tools-you-can-trust.png'
            alt='Choosing metal tools you can trust'
            title='Choosing metal tools you can trust'
            class=''
            style=' '  loading='lazy' /><br><p>By Jenny Yu.&nbsp;&nbsp;</p>

<h2>Mark Bitten of Them Roof Boys shares why Van Mark Products is their go-to for reliable metal equipment.&nbsp;</h2>

<p>On the average roofing jobsite these days, leading with efficiency and precision are key to ensuring a successful project. <a href="https://www.rooferscoffeeshop.com/podcast/mark-bitten-work-faster-bend-smarter-with-van-mark">In a recent episode of Roofing Road Trips&reg;</a>, Karen Edwards spoke with Mark Bitten, owner of <a href="https://themroofboys.com/">Them Roof Boys</a>, about how investing in the right tools and equipment, especially from <a href="https://www.rooferscoffeeshop.com/directory/van-mark-products">Van Mark Products</a>, helps contractors complete jobs on schedule and provide quality service to customers.&nbsp;&nbsp;</p>

<h3>From accidental roofer to leading industry voice&nbsp;</h3>

<p>Mark&rsquo;s path to roofing wasn&rsquo;t exactly planned, but it quickly turned into a long-term career. &ldquo;I got into roofing just kind of by fluke,&rdquo; Mark shared. &ldquo;I just took a job as a roofing laborer, and after a while, I realized I could make a real career. That&#39;s when I started to take it seriously.&rdquo;&nbsp;</p>

<p>As Mark embraced the roofing life, he started sharing playful videos on his <a href="https://www.youtube.com/@ThemRoofBoys">YouTube channel</a> that showcased his personality and life as a roofer. The channel features hundreds of videos, attracting tens of thousands of subscribers and millions of views. &ldquo;When I started making videos, I was mostly trying to entertain people. Then it evolved into educational videos about the work itself,&rdquo; Mark said. &ldquo;I moved into short form content on TikTok, and that&#39;s when it really started to take off.&rdquo; That evolution has helped connect Mark with a wider audience of contractors looking for practical, real-world insights.&nbsp;</p>

<h3>Growing a business with the right tools&nbsp;</h3>

<p>Now, Mark runs his own company that focuses on residential roofing and siding, including work with custom metal trims, flashings and transitions that require precision in the field. As his business grew, Mark said relying on pre-manufactured metal components created challenges. &ldquo;When you&rsquo;re working on an old house, a pre-made piece of metal doesn&rsquo;t always fit,&rdquo; Mark explained. &ldquo;I realized, if I could bend it myself, I&rsquo;d be quicker, save money and do a better job overall.&rdquo;&nbsp;&nbsp;</p>

<p>This realization pushed Mark to bring metal bending capabilities in-house, and choosing the best equipment was essential for a smooth transition. &ldquo;The first brake I ever used was a Van Mark. Once I got my hands on some other brands, I really knew that Van Mark was the way to go,&rdquo; Mark said. &ldquo;The nice thing about the Van Mark is just how the brake itself operates. Because of how it&#39;s engineered, it can take on any gauge of metal, whereas with competitors, you would have to adjust the brake for each gauge of metal.&rdquo;&nbsp;</p>

<p>The flexibility and ease of use save Mark&rsquo;s team time, allowing for more efficient operations. For contractors managing tight schedules, reliable equipment can be a productivity and profitability game changer.&nbsp;&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong><a href="https://www.rooferscoffeeshop.com/podcast/mark-bitten-work-faster-bend-smarter-with-van-mark">Listen to the podcast</a> or <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AksCooIodDc">Watch the recording</a> to learn more about Them Roof Boys and how Van Mark Products can help transform your workflows!&nbsp;</strong></p>]]></content:encoded>
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<title>Bringing the shop to the site with portable metal brakes</title>
<link>https://www.rooferscoffeeshop.com/post/bringing-the-shop-to-the-site-with-portable-metal-brakes</link>
<description>bringing-the-shop-to-the-site-with-portable-metal-brakes</description>
<pubDate>Mon, 30 Mar 2026 12:00:00 PDT</pubDate>
<content:encoded><![CDATA[
		<img src='/uploads/media/2026/03/van-mark-bringing-the-shop-to-the-site-with-portable-metal-brakes.png'
            alt='Bringing the shop to the site with portable metal brakes'
            title='Bringing the shop to the site with portable metal brakes'
            class=''
            style=' '  loading='lazy' /><br><p>By Jenny Yu.&nbsp;&nbsp;</p>

<h2>Van Mark&rsquo;s industrial portable brake is giving contractors an accessible way to grow their metal roofing services.&nbsp;</h2>

<p>At the 2026 <a href="https://www.rooferscoffeeshop.com/directory/ire">International Roofing Expo</a>, <a href="https://www.rooferscoffeeshop.com/directory/van-mark-products">Van Mark Products Corporation</a> showcased its latest innovations while engaging contractors eager to expand into the metal roofing market.&nbsp;&nbsp;</p>

<p>Scott Totin, regional sales manager of Van Mark, said the show delivered steady booth traffic and meaningful conversations. &ldquo;It&rsquo;s been a very busy show, so that&rsquo;s been great,&rdquo; Scott expressed. &ldquo;Lots of contractors coming by, saying hi and viewing our products.&rdquo;&nbsp;</p>

<p>Founded six decades ago, Van Mark built its reputation on creating a portable metal bending solution at a time when such equipment was not readily available. Today, the company continues to refine its patented product. &ldquo;The brake that we have in our booth today is what we consider our Rolls-Royce of the market,&rdquo; Scott stated, describing the Van Mark <a href="https://www.van-mark.com/brakes/industrial-metal-master-20-industrial-grade.shtml">Industrial Metal Master</a>. &ldquo;It is the most heavy-duty, industrial version of what we can do. It bends 24-gauge steel, which a lot of metal roofing contractors favor because it makes their job a lot easier.&rdquo;&nbsp;</p>

<p>Weighing about 260 pounds and mounted on a wheeled cart, the portable unit allows contractors convenience and flexibility. &ldquo;They can bring the shop right to their job site,&rdquo; Scott stated.&nbsp;&nbsp;</p>

<p>As metal roofing gains traction, Scott said more contractors are exploring ways to diversify. &ldquo;More and more architects are drawing into their plans a combination of metal and asphalt,&rdquo; he said. &ldquo;Being able to do both makes a more valuable commodity to the general contractor they&rsquo;re working for or homeowners that they&rsquo;re working for.&rdquo;&nbsp;&nbsp;</p>

<p>Van Mark&rsquo;s unique position in the market offers an affordable and accessible entry point for contractors who may not be ready to invest in larger shop machines. &ldquo;It&rsquo;s a nice niche that we find ourselves in, being able to really help a contractor grow their business,&rdquo; Scott shared. &ldquo;Down the road, they may end up buying that bigger machine, but they still keep ours because they know the value of it.&rdquo;&nbsp;</p>

<p>The Coffee Shops&trade; had the opportunity to visit Van Mark&rsquo;s booth and see the Industrial Metal Master. <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=suEoFXuFQ0c">Watch their booth interview for a close-up look!</a>&nbsp;</p>

<p><a href="https://www.youtube.com/live/6okjezBDspY"><strong>Watch the full soundstage interview to learn more about Van Mark&rsquo;s portable brakes and how the company is helping contractors expand into the metal roofing market!</strong></a></p>

<p><iframe frameborder="0" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/6okjezBDspY?si=Fm0u4GrNn8WKay5D" title="YouTube video player" width="560"></iframe></p>]]></content:encoded>
</item><item>
<title>An enduring commitment to quality</title>
<link>https://www.rooferscoffeeshop.com/post/an-enduring-commitment-to-quality</link>
<description>an-enduring-commitment-to-quality</description>
<pubDate>Sun, 29 Mar 2026 00:00:00 PDT</pubDate>
<content:encoded><![CDATA[
		<img src='/uploads/media/2026/03/van-mark-an-enduring-commitment-to-quality.jpg'
            alt='An enduring commitment to quality'
            title='An enduring commitment to quality'
            class=''
            style=' '  loading='lazy' /><br><p>By Emma Peterson.&nbsp;</p>

<h2>Scott Totin shares how decades of field experience and continuous refinement keep Van Mark tools essential on the jobsite.&nbsp;</h2>

<p>In 1964, when Gene Van Cleave founded <a href="https://www.rooferscoffeeshop.com/directory/van-mark-products">Van Mark Products</a>, his goal was simple &ndash; build the best portable bending brakes in the world. Now, over half a century later, Van Mark Products has an extensive line of products that include the <a href="https://van-mark.com/brakes/mark-II-trimmaster-contractor-grade.shtml">Mark II TrimMaster&reg;</a>, <a href="https://van-mark.com/accessories/trim-cutter.shtml">Trim Cutter&trade;</a>, <a href="https://van-mark.com/slitters/trim-a-slitter.shtml">Trim-A-Slitter&trade;</a>, <a href="https://van-mark.com/cutting-tables/surecut-90.shtml">SureCut 90&trade;</a> and <a href="https://van-mark.com/gutter-hood-tools/trim-a-gutter.shtml">Trim-A-Gutter&trade;</a>. To learn about how the company is continuing to grow and innovate to this day, we sat down with Scott Totin, Van Mark&rsquo;s eastern United States regional sales manager.&nbsp;&nbsp;</p>

<p>Scott offers a unique perspective into the world of product development as he has extensive experience as a contractor working in the field prior to moving over the representative side. He explained, &ldquo;I&#39;ve been in the industry overall for almost 40 years. And while I would say the majority of that time has been as a sales rep or a manager of some sort, probably one-third of it was as a contractor in the field. So, I know the limitations of what the tools can and can&#39;t do from the perspective actually being in the field doing it.&rdquo;&nbsp;</p>

<p>It is this insight that makes Scott the perfect person to talk to about the work Van Mark is doing to create tools that best serve contractors in the field. Scott explained:&nbsp;</p>

<p>We&#39;re constantly refining our tools. As an example, 6-8 years ago we changed the way our castings were made so that they were lighter and stronger. It&rsquo;s a lot of small things like that, not obvious, huge innovations at this point, but we&#39;re always listening to what contractors are asking for and talking about different things that we could do to make things better.&nbsp;</p>

<p>At the end of the day, it&rsquo;s this dedication to making improvements and designing tools that directly respond to contractor needs that has given Van Mark the incredible legacy they have. As Scott put it, &ldquo;It&#39;s really fun to have a big release of a new product, and we&#39;ve had those. But sometimes, if it ain&#39;t broke, don&#39;t fix it. It may not be the most exciting product to have in your showroom.&nbsp; But it&#39;s definitely something that when a guy needs it, he will be so thankful you have it.&rdquo;&nbsp;</p>]]></content:encoded>
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<title>Brakes and beyond: Products for efficiency and customization</title>
<link>https://www.rooferscoffeeshop.com/post/brakes-and-beyond-products-for-efficiency-and-customization</link>
<description>brakes-and-beyond-products-for-efficiency-and-customization</description>
<pubDate>Sat, 07 Mar 2026 09:00:00 PST</pubDate>
<content:encoded><![CDATA[
		<img src='/uploads/media/2026/02/van-mark-brakes-and-beyond-products-for-efficiency-and-customization.png'
            alt='Brakes and beyond: Products for efficiency and customization'
            title='Brakes and beyond: Products for efficiency and customization'
            class=''
            style=' '  loading='lazy' /><br><p>By Jenny Yu.&nbsp;&nbsp;</p>

<h2>By prioritizing the end-user experience, Van Mark Products has developed metal bending tools and accessories that push contractors ahead of their competition.&nbsp;</h2>

<p><a href="https://www.rooferscoffeeshop.com/podcast/gary-weinert-the-brake-that-changed-the-game">In this episode of the Roofing Road Trips&reg; podcast</a>, host Megan Ellsworth spoke with Gary Weinert, director of sales and marketing at <a href="https://www.rooferscoffeeshop.com/directory/van-mark-products">Van Mark Products</a>, about the company&rsquo;s longstanding innovative solutions that meet contractors&rsquo; needs out on the jobsite.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The core tool Van Mark Products is known for are their brakes &mdash; high-quality metal bending machines for roofing, siding and windows. From there, the company has continued to expand its product offerings based on customer feedback and demand.&nbsp;</p>

<p>&ldquo;Our goal is to make the end user&#39;s job more efficient,&rdquo; Gary stated. &ldquo;What started out as a simple machine to make 90-degree bends on a piece of metal has morphed into many, many other tools. We make various stands based on that user&#39;s needs. We have legs that are very easy to store and accessories to hold the rolls of coil, cut it, form it.&rdquo;&nbsp;</p>

<p>On top of prioritizing jobsite efficiency, Van Mark also highlights customization as a key differentiator in their equipment. Gary used drip edge to exemplify this.&nbsp;</p>

<p>&ldquo;When people buy shingles, they can buy boxes of drip edge, but the standardized sizes don&#39;t always fit the situation,&rdquo; Gary explained. &ldquo;What if they need a gutter or a drip edge that&#39;s an inch longer than standard? What do you do? That&#39;s where the brake would become very, very handy. Now, I can custom make the drip edge.&rdquo; Gary noted that this customization is especially useful for structures that were built in the 50s, 60s and 70s that no longer have standard replacement pieces readily available on the market.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Furthermore, Van Mark&rsquo;s tools provide contractors with the necessary edge to beat their competition. One popular tool Gary mentioned was the trim former, a mini roll forming tool that rides on the front of the brake to detail brick mold and form the aluminum into the desired shape.&nbsp;</p>

<p>&ldquo;When they&#39;re putting that up, it does two things: for the contractor, it adds rigidity to the metal. For the homeowner, it adds that decorative look. It&rsquo;s a win-win,&rdquo; Gary said. &ldquo;It helps the contractor do their job better and gives them a sales tool, where somebody could be coming in with a lower price, but they don&#39;t use all the proper tools.&rdquo;&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong><a href="https://www.rooferscoffeeshop.com/post/gary-weinert-the-brake-that-changed-the-game-podcast-transcript">Read the transcript</a> or <a href="https://www.rooferscoffeeshop.com/podcast/gary-weinert-the-brake-that-changed-the-game">Listen to the podcast</a> to learn more about Van Mark Products&rsquo; various unique solutions for the building envelope.&nbsp;</strong></p>]]></content:encoded>
</item><item>
<title>The countdown to IRE 2026 has begun!</title>
<link>https://www.rooferscoffeeshop.com/post/the-countdown-to-ire-2026-has-begun</link>
<description>the-countdown-to-ire-2026-has-begun</description>
<pubDate>Thu, 23 Oct 2025 09:00:00 PDT</pubDate>
<content:encoded><![CDATA[
		<img src='/uploads/media/2025/10/ire-the-countdown-to-ire-2026-has-begun.png'
            alt='The countdown to IRE 2026 has begun!'
            title='The countdown to IRE 2026 has begun!'
            class=''
            style=' '  loading='lazy' /><br><p>By Emma Peterson.&nbsp;</p>

<h2>Get ready for three days full of roofing education, networking and innovation.&nbsp;</h2>

<p>January 2026 might seem far away right now, but with the holiday season quickly approaching, it&rsquo;ll be here before we know it! And with January comes the <a href="https://www.rooferscoffeeshop.com/directory/ire">International Roofing Expo (IRE)</a>. This year&rsquo;s IRE will be hosted from January 20&ndash;22, 2026 at the Las Vegas Convention Center in Nevada.&nbsp;</p>

<p>If you&rsquo;ve never been to IRE before, it is the place to be for roofing and exterior professionals! From an expansive trade show floor to countless education sessions, IRE will be full of learning, networking and fun! The Coffee Shops&trade; crew will be there hosting our LIVE soundstage sponsored by our friends at <a href="https://www.rooferscoffeeshop.com/directory/srs-distribution-inc">SRS Distribution</a> in the lobby, so make sure to stop by, say hi and see what&rsquo;s happening.&nbsp;</p>

<h3>Education en Espa&ntilde;ol&nbsp;&nbsp;</h3>

<p>This year&rsquo;s show features 45 different educational sessions! Be on the lookout for an article focused on these sessions as we get closer to IRE. For now, we wanted to highlight the Spanish offerings!&nbsp;&nbsp;</p>

<p>This year, one of the nine different education tracks available at IRE is designed specifically for <a href="https://ge26ire.mapyourshow.com/8_0/sessions/#/searchtype/sessiontrack/search/Latino/show/all">Spanish-speaking roofing professionals</a>. The sessions available in this track will feature incredible speakers, like Yessie Gomez (<a href="https://www.rooferscoffeeshop.com/directory/srs-distribution-inc">SRS</a>), Alan Diaz (<a href="https://www.rooferscoffeeshop.com/directory/elevate">Elevate</a>), <a href="https://www.rooferscoffeeshop.com/directory/amparo-sancen-rcs-en-espanol-influencer">Amparo Sancen</a> (<a href="https://www.rooferscoffeeshop.com/directory/latinos-en-roofing">Latinos en Roofing</a>) and <a href="https://www.rooferscoffeeshop.com/directory/moises-morales-rcs-influencer-en-espanol">Moises Morales</a> (Advosy Construction).&nbsp;&nbsp;</p>

<h3>The trade show floor&nbsp;</h3>

<p>Over in the expo hall, IRE will be hosting over 500 exhibitors! Again, The Coffee Shops will be in the lobby, but a lot of our partners, such as <a href="https://www.rooferscoffeeshop.com/directory/all-weather-insulated-panels">All Weather Insulated Panels</a> (Booth 1601), <a href="https://www.rooferscoffeeshop.com/directory/a-c-t-metal-deck-supply">A.C.T. Metal Deck Supply</a> (Booth 2131), <a href="https://www.rooferscoffeeshop.com/directory/bitec-inc">BITEC</a> (Booth 2313), <a href="https://www.rooferscoffeeshop.com/directory/equipter-llc">Equipter</a> (Booth 4231), <a href="https://www.rooferscoffeeshop.com/directory/service-first-solutions">Service First Solutions</a> (Booth 1855) and <a href="https://www.rooferscoffeeshop.com/directory/van-mark-products">Van Mark Products</a> (Booth 4744) will be on the show floor. Go and say hello to them as you explore the new products available and connect with other roofing professionals.&nbsp;&nbsp;</p>

<p>In addition to the large number of exhibitor booths in the Expo Hall, there are also a variety of show-floor demonstrations and building clinics! These are a great way to sharpen your business and roofing skills as you explore.&nbsp;&nbsp;</p>

<p><a href="https://ge26ire.mapyourshow.com/8_0/explore/exhibitor-gallery.cfm?featured=false"><strong>Check out the full list of exhibitors!</strong></a></p>

<h3>Networking events&nbsp;</h3>

<p>There are numerous networking events to attend, and we are especially excited about these:&nbsp;&nbsp;</p>

<ul>
	<li><strong>Annual Community Service Day:</strong> Happening preshow on Monday, January 19, this is the 17th annual service project hosted in conjunction with IRE. At this event, you will get the chance to work side-by-side with your peers to repair and revitalize homes for low-income families in Las Vegas.&nbsp;&nbsp;</li>
	<li><strong>Welcome Party:</strong> Wrap up the first day of IRE 2026 at the beloved welcome party! This event kicks off at 5 p.m. on Tuesday and is a great opportunity to network and have fun with industry professionals.&nbsp;</li>
	<li><strong>EmpowerAll Reception:</strong> This special <a href="https://www.rooferscoffeeshop.com/directory/nrca">National Roofing Contractors Association (NRCA)</a> event, happening on Tuesday from 4-5 p.m., celebrates the unity in our roofing community.&nbsp;</li>
	<li><strong>The Roofing Alliance Construction Management Student Competition:</strong> A highlight every year, this competition challenges students around the country to &ldquo;<a href="https://www.theroofingexpo.com/en/experience/special-events.html">demonstrate their roofing knowledge, master project planning and excel under pressure. By attending, you&rsquo;re not only supporting students, you&rsquo;re also investing in the next generation of roofing professionals</a>.&rdquo;&nbsp;</li>
</ul>

<p>The Coffee Shops are also proud to be sponsoring the annual IRE First Timer&#39;s event! This is the perfect opportunity for people new to the show to meet network in an informal setting.&nbsp;</p>

<h3>Register and reserve&nbsp;</h3>

<p>Planning to make the trip to Vegas for IRE 2025? Book your hotel and register now! The team at IRE has worked with onPeak to secure a discounted rate on hotel rooms for attendees of the show. These rates average 30% less than what you would find on other travel sites!&nbsp;</p>

<p>As for your registration, there are a variety of options for show passes that you can choose from:&nbsp;&nbsp;</p>

<ul>
	<li><strong>Expo Pass:</strong> Gives you show access for all three days, access to the show floor demos and access to general sessions.&nbsp;&nbsp;</li>
	<li><strong>Super Pass:</strong> Everything included in the Expo Pass plus access to all the conference sessions and a ticket to the welcome party!&nbsp;&nbsp;</li>
	<li><strong>Day Conference Pass:</strong> Everything in the Expo Pass with the addition of a single (1) day of conference sessions (Tuesday, Wednesday OR Thursday). If you choose Tuesday, it includes a welcome party ticket.&nbsp;&nbsp;</li>
</ul>

<p>Do note, NRCA members do get discounts on all pass types!&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong><a href="https://compass.onpeak.com/e/012607010/1#hotels">Book your hotel</a> and <a href="https://xpressreg.net/register/irex0226/landing.asp?sc=WEBCNVENG&amp;aban=&amp;hkey=&amp;iq=&amp;vip=&amp;smt=&amp;tm=&amp;utm_source=&amp;utm_medium=&amp;utm_campaign=&amp;utm_term=&amp;utm_content=&amp;utm_refcode=">choose your pass today</a>!</strong></p>]]></content:encoded>
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<title>Building partnerships in the era of influencers</title>
<link>https://www.rooferscoffeeshop.com/post/building-partnerships-in-the-era-of-influencers</link>
<description>building-partnerships-in-the-era-of-influencers</description>
<pubDate>Tue, 14 Oct 2025 03:00:00 PDT</pubDate>
<content:encoded><![CDATA[
		<img src='/uploads/media/2025/10/van-mark-building-partnerships-in-the-era-of-influencers.png'
            alt='Building partnerships in the era of influencers'
            title='Building partnerships in the era of influencers'
            class=''
            style=' '  loading='lazy' /><br><p>By Anna Lockhart.&nbsp;&nbsp;</p>

<h2>Social media stars and a notable industry brand join forces to bring their product lines to the forefront at one of this year&rsquo;s industry trade shows.&nbsp;</h2>

<p>In the age of booming technology and social media, the world has significantly shrunk in size. To prove this point, Scott of <a href="/directory/van-mark-products">Van Mark Products</a> shared the story of how stumbling upon one video on social media led to the formation of a close relationship that has transformed the company&rsquo;s trade show presence for good.&nbsp;&nbsp;</p>

<p><a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OxOsXHyFpqE">Live from the Van Mark booth at the 2025 JLC LIVE show</a>, where residential contractors convene to see the latest innovations on the construction market, Karen Edwards got an up-close look at their product line. In conversation with Scott, regional sales manager for Van Mark, the two discussed the brand&rsquo;s unique product demonstrations taking place on the trade show floor.&nbsp;&nbsp;</p>

<p>In a testament to the unifying power of social media, Van Mark enlisted the help of Them Roof Boys, social media influencers who were attending the event, to showcase their products through live demonstrations. Bending various materials using the Van Mark product line up, the duo proved in real time just how formidable the products from Van Mark truly are!&nbsp;</p>

<p>Them Roof Boys, as it turns out, have relied on the Van Mark product line for some time. Scott shared, &ldquo;We kind of bumped into each other through social media. They use our products, and have for some time, so we started a conversation. From there, we ended up having them attend these shows.&rdquo; This year marks the third trade show they&rsquo;ve attended together, showcasing Van Mark products.&nbsp;&nbsp;</p>

<p>&ldquo;We&rsquo;re a tool company, manufacturing for the roofing and siding industries, predominantly,&rdquo; Scott shared. &ldquo;We make products that are used to bend metal materials, and we also offer different accessories that complement that line of metal work.&rdquo; Pointing to the product display behind him, Scott noted the ease of transport and portability of their metal benders. &ldquo;One of the major advantages of our products, over the bigger machines, is that they&rsquo;re pretty portable,&rdquo; he noted.&nbsp;&nbsp;</p>

<p>No matter where you need a machine on the jobsite, the Van Mark benders are easily movable and can be transported with relative ease. &ldquo;Be sure to check us out on social media,&rdquo; Scott encouraged. &ldquo;We post lots of demos and will be sharing clips from our experience at the show!&rdquo;&nbsp;&nbsp;</p>

<p><a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OxOsXHyFpqE"><strong>Watch the YouTube video to learn more about Van Mark Products and their experience at JLC LIVE!</strong></a></p>

<p><iframe frameborder="0" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/OxOsXHyFpqE?si=NRLyZ9OGDO2-Nu9k" title="YouTube video player" width="560"></iframe></p>]]></content:encoded>
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<title>TAG, you’re it: The ultimate addition to gutter service offerings</title>
<link>https://www.rooferscoffeeshop.com/post/tag-youre-it-the-ultimate-addition-to-gutter-service-offerings</link>
<description>tag-youre-it-the-ultimate-addition-to-gutter-service-offerings</description>
<pubDate>Wed, 01 Oct 2025 12:00:00 PDT</pubDate>
<content:encoded><![CDATA[
		<img src='/uploads/media/2025/09/van-mark-tag-youre-it-the-ultimate-addition-to-gutter-service-offerings.png'
            alt='TAG, you’re it: The ultimate addition to gutter service offerings'
            title='TAG, you’re it: The ultimate addition to gutter service offerings'
            class=''
            style=' '  loading='lazy' /><br><p>By Van Mark Products.&nbsp;&nbsp;</p>

<h2>Up your gutter game with this must-have gutter system offering.&nbsp;</h2>

<p>The need for quality gutter protection is consistently high, leading to a very profitable market for many industry professionals looking to expand their services. For those who offer gutter services, or are considering gutter protection offerings, now is the perfect time to up your game by offering the right products. To do so, and succeed, is a balancing game, but here at <a href="https://www.rooferscoffeeshop.com/directory/van-mark-products">Van Mark Products</a> we have just the solution and advice for not only tackling this venture but mastering it!&nbsp;&nbsp;</p>

<p>Allow us to introduce the Van Mark Trim-A-Gutter (TAG) system. While not required, when used in conjunction with a Van Mark brake, the TAG allows you to fabricate your own custom formed gutter hood out of basic trim coil or gutter coil, which as we all know is relatively inexpensive and readily available at a moment&rsquo;s notice. Designed to quickly shape a consistent gutter hood profile that can be adapted to almost any roof pitch, in standard 48&rdquo; sections but also allow for up to 50&rdquo; lengths to allow for overlap. This also makes for an easy one-person installation!&nbsp;</p>

<p>The complete TAG system is more than just the Trim-A-Gutter tool itself; we also offer optional specialized gutter clips for secure mounting of the hoods to existing gutters. Or when being used with new gutter installations, we offer 5&rdquo; &amp; 6&rdquo; K style heavy-duty aluminum extruded gutter brackets that provide a solid mount for the gutters along with a mounting point for the custom hoods.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Here are some clear advantages of the Van Mark Trim-A-Gutter system over off the shelf products:&nbsp;</p>

<ul>
	<li>It pays for itself over a few jobs.&nbsp;</li>
	<li>Match almost any color gutter, siding or shingles.&nbsp;</li>
	<li>Low material costs&nbsp;</li>
	<li>Simple 2-step bending process to form hood.&nbsp;</li>
	<li>Customizable for various situations with little to no wasted material&nbsp;</li>
	<li>No franchise or marketing fees and no territory restrictions&nbsp;</li>
	<li>Gutter brackets can reinforce sagging gutters.&nbsp;</li>
	<li>Gutter clips make for a quick and easy installation on existing gutters.&nbsp;</li>
	<li>50&rsquo; of trim coil can produce 100&rsquo; to 150&rsquo; of gutter hood&nbsp;</li>
	<li>Available Unileg tool stand or attach TAG to your VM brake.&nbsp;</li>
	<li>Portable and durable for a lifetime of use&nbsp;</li>
</ul>

<p>If gutter protection sounds like a good fit for your customers, reach out to a local Van Mark dealer or contact us directly for more information on the Trim-A-Gutter system and how it can help you grow your business and increase profitability!&nbsp;</p>

<p><em>Original article and image source: <a href="https://van-mark.blogspot.com/2024/05/toolz-for-hood.html">Van Mark</a></em></p>]]></content:encoded>
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<title>Beyond the expo hall and education sessions</title>
<link>https://www.rooferscoffeeshop.com/post/beyond-the-expo-hall-and-education-sessions</link>
<description>beyond-the-expo-hall-and-education-sessions</description>
<pubDate>Mon, 29 Sep 2025 09:00:00 PDT</pubDate>
<content:encoded><![CDATA[
		<img src='/uploads/media/2025/09/metalcon-beyond-the-expo-hall-and-education-sessions.png'
            alt='Beyond the expo hall and education sessions'
            title='Beyond the expo hall and education sessions'
            class=''
            style=' '  loading='lazy' /><br><p>By Emma Peterson.&nbsp;</p>

<h2>Learn about all the events and opportunities available at METALCON 2025.&nbsp;&nbsp;</h2>

<p>When you think about trade shows, you probably initially think about the exhibit floor or the education sessions offered. And while these are huge draws by themselves, trade shows offer so much more than that! For example, <a href="https://www.metalcoffeeshop.com/directory/metalcon-1">METALCON</a> (which boasts over 30 educational sessions and more than 275 exhibitors), also gives contractors and other metal professionals opportunities to network, have fun and give back!&nbsp;&nbsp;</p>

<p>This year&rsquo;s show, which is sponsored by industry leaders like <a href="https://www.metalcoffeeshop.com/directory/exceptional-metals">Exceptional Metals</a> (silver sponsor), <a href="https://www.metalcoffeeshop.com/directory/drexelmetals">Drexel Metals</a> and <a href="https://www.metalcoffeeshop.com/directory/van-mark-products">Van Mark Products</a>, will be held from October 21-23, 2025, in Las Vegas, Nevada. There&rsquo;s a lot happening during those three days, so we&rsquo;ve put together a comprehensive overview for you! To learn more about the expo floor and educational opportunities, check out our previous article, <em><a href="https://www.rooferscoffeeshop.com/post/2-keynotes-8-workshops-35-educational-sessions-and-over-275-exhibitors">2 keynotes, 8 workshops, 35 educational sessions and over 275 exhibitors</a></em>. For information about the networking and charity events, keep reading!&nbsp;&nbsp;</p>

<h3>Networking opportunities&nbsp;</h3>

<p>As the largest international event dedicated to metal construction and design, METALCON is the perfect place to connect with professionals from across the industry! Make sure to take advantage of these incredible networking opportunities that will take place during the show:&nbsp;&nbsp;</p>

<ul>
	<li><img src="https://www.rooferscoffeeshop.com/uploads/media/2025/09/metalcon-beyond-the-expo-hall-and-education-sessions-1.jpeg" style="float:right; height:300px; margin-left:20px; width:449px" /><strong>Welcome party:</strong> Hosted in the Exhibit Hall at 4:00 p.m. on October 21, this event is included in your registration and is a great way to reunite with old friends or make new ones.&nbsp;</li>
	<li><strong><a href="https://metalcon.com/mimosas/">Metal and mimosas</a>:</strong> With this popular annual event, METALCON has created a space for women of the industry to come together and celebrate their successes! This exciting event will take place at 7:00 a.m. on October 21 and includes a $25 participation fee.&nbsp;&nbsp;</li>
	<li><strong><a href="http://metalcon.com/oktoberfest-schedule/">Oktoberfest happy hours</a>:</strong> Raise a glass to deals and discoveries with the Oktoberfest celebration at METALCON! Running all three days of the trade show and included in your registration, taking part in this event is as easy as visiting participating booths across the show floor and enjoying an ice-cold beer!&nbsp;</li>
	<li><strong><a href="https://metalcon.com/speed/">Speed networking</a>:</strong> METALCON&rsquo;s speed networking event (hosted in the Main Theater on October 21 at 3:00 p.m.) is the perfect way to maximize your time and connections. Make sure to bring plenty of business cards!&nbsp;&nbsp;</li>
	<li><strong><a href="https://metalcon.com/valley/">Valley of Fire</a>:</strong> Consider getting to Vegas a bit early for this pre-show, off-site event. Attendees will get to explore the stunning Valley of Fire with U.S. Marine Corps veteran Adam Bautz, founder of Outdoor Travel Tours and graduate of The Semper Fi &amp; America&rsquo;s Fund Apprenticeship Program!&nbsp;</li>
	<li><strong>Stock Car Pit Crew Challenge:</strong> Want to test your ability to work as a team under pressure? This fast-paced, pit-crew style competition is all about speed, skill and teamwork! Sponsored by <a href="https://www.metalcoffeeshop.com/directory/metalforming-inc">MetalForming</a> and hosted at booth #1150 all three days of the trade show, be sure to stop by for the chance to win some major bragging rights!&nbsp;</li>
	<li><strong><a href="https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/NT7PQ68">Top Product Awards</a>:</strong> Want to find out the most innovative products and services that are shaping the future of the metal industry? Make sure to check out the Top Products Awards! The winners will be announced live from the Deck on October 22 at 2:30 p.m. If you haven&rsquo;t already voted, <a href="https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/NT7PQ68">make sure to vote</a> for your favorite products before October 21 (you might see The Coffee Shops own MetalTalk&trade; in the &ldquo;other&rdquo; category!).&nbsp;&nbsp;</li>
	<li><strong><a href="https://metalcon.com/future-leaders/">Future Leaders Happy Hour</a>:</strong> Held in the Backyard at 4:00 p.m. on October 22, this is an event designed for the &ldquo;rising stars, apprentices, management trainees and go-getters age 40 and under.&rdquo;&nbsp;&nbsp;</li>
</ul>

<h3>Special events&nbsp;</h3>

<p>METALCON is your opportunity to be in the room where it happens! You will not want to miss these incredible live events that will be taking place during this year&rsquo;s event:&nbsp;&nbsp;</p>

<ul>
	<li><img src="https://www.rooferscoffeeshop.com/uploads/media/2025/09/metalcon-beyond-the-expo-hall-and-education-sessions-2.jpeg" style="float:right; height:200px; margin-left:20px; width:300px" /><strong>The Training Zone:</strong> Sponsored by <a href="https://www.metalcoffeeshop.com/directory/sherwin-williams-metalvue">Sherwin-Willaims&#39; MetalVue</a> program, this is a hands-on training area that will demonstrate best practices related to metal tools and materials. Led by the incredible <a href="https://www.metalcoffeeshop.com/directory/john-sheridan-sheridan-metal-resources">John Sheridan</a> and his team of <a href="https://www.metalcoffeeshop.com/directory/sheridan-metal-resources">Sheridan Metal Resources</a> experts, there will be events both in English and Spanish to participate in.&nbsp;</li>
	<li><strong><a href="https://metalcon.com/design-district-metalcon/">Design District</a>:</strong> Known as a &ldquo;show-within-a-show,&rdquo; the Design District illustrates the variety of ways that metal can be used in construction and design. Whether you&rsquo;re struggling with an architectural challenge or just wanting to spark your creativity, this zone will introduce you to new ways of thinking about metal.&nbsp;</li>
	<li><strong><a href="https://metalcon.com/mastery/">Metal Mastery Clinics</a>:</strong> Hosted by industry experts from the <a href="https://www.metalcoffeeshop.com/directory/mra-metal-roofing-alliance">Metal Roofing Alliance</a> and the <a href="https://www.metalcoffeeshop.com/directory/metal-construction-association-mca-2">Metal Construction Association</a>, these clinics cover the nuances of industry best practices. From roll forming on-site to creating retrofitted systems, the knowledge to be gained from these clinic sessions is sure to improve contractor efficiency and boost customer satisfaction.&nbsp;</li>
	<li><strong>Live from METALCON:</strong> And if you want to be a part of the buzz in real time, make sure to stop by The Coffee Shops&rsquo; booth (#2001)! Not only will our amazing crew be there, but we will also be hosting a live MetalCast episode that you can watch firsthand!&nbsp;&nbsp;</li>
</ul>

<h3>Giving back&nbsp;</h3>

<p>Beyond the show itself, METALCON is proud to be coordinating two powerful ways to give back to those who have served our country:&nbsp;&nbsp;</p>

<ul>
	<li><strong>Building for a cause:</strong> METALCON is coordinating materials and funds to construct a 2,500+ sq. ft. steel frame for a barndominium live on the show floor! After being constructed during METALCON, this <a href="http://metalcon.com/barndo">Barndo Project</a> will be &ldquo;gifted to a deserving hero through the Military Warriors Support Foundation.&rdquo; From the designing of the space to the construction and final walkthrough, you can be a part of this meaningful project by donating <a href="https://47jh1.share.hsforms.com/24yyRscsVTKmJKrG8xpWidA">materials, labor, equipment, services</a> or <a href="https://47jh1.share.hsforms.com/24yyRscsVTKmJKrG8xpWidA">finances</a>.&nbsp;&nbsp;</li>
	<li><strong><a href="https://metalcon.com/giving-back/">METALCON Deck donations</a>:</strong>&nbsp; 2025 marks another year of METALCON working with Semper Fi &amp; America&rsquo;s Fund, a &ldquo;non-profit dedicated to providing urgently needed resources and financial support to critically wounded, ill and injured members of the U.S. Armed Forces and their families.&rdquo; To support, all you need to do is stop by the METALCON Deck and talk to the show management team! While there, you can also grab a beer (as a part of the Oktoberfest fun), ask questions, network, provide feedback and <a href="https://metalcon.com/giving-back/">win on-site prizes</a>!&nbsp;</li>
</ul>

<p><strong>If you haven&rsquo;t already, make sure to register for METALCON 2025 using <a href="https://www.xpressreg.net/register/metl1025/start.asp?sc=30MCS">this link</a> and receive $30 off registration costs (you can also use code 30MCS for the same discount)!</strong></p>]]></content:encoded>
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