Contractor Outlook newscast features industry experts discussing important topics including: the economy, politics, weather, business and much more!
This newscast follows The Coffee Shops model of Read, Listen, Watch, allowing contractors to consume the content in their preferred format. Monthly episodes talk about what is happening in our industry and help contractors better forecast and plan for the success of their businesses.
Contractor Outlook
In this Contractor Outlook™, Heidi J. Ellsworth is joined by Alex Chausovsky to explore the economic trends and global factors impacting contractors today. They discuss the differences between new construction and replacement work, the effects of energy markets, supply chain challenges and other emerging risks that could influence the industry. ...
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In this episode of Contractor Outlook™, Heidi J. Ellsworth talks with Todd Thomas, co-founder of Woodchuck AI, about how artificial intelligence could help contractors manage tear-off waste more efficiently. Todd explains how the platform uses AI and camera technology to monitor jobsite dumpsters in real time. Woodchuck AI is ...
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In this Contractor Outlook™ episode, Heidi J. Ellsworth talks with Paul Trombitas, partner at FMI, about what the latest construction outlook means for contractors navigating an uncertain market. Drawing from the 2026 Q2 North America Construction and Engineering Outlook Report, Paul breaks down why the industry is still positioned for ...
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In this Contractor Outlook™ episode, Heidi J. Ellsworth sits down with Angie Hicks, co-founder of Angi, to explore the evolving relationship between contractors and homeowners in today’s digital-first environment. From the origin story of Angi to its growing focus on supporting service professionals, the conversation highlights how direct feedback, advisory ...
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In this episode of Contractor Outlook™, host Heidi J. Ellsworth sits down with Allison Hadley, spokesperson of American Home Shield, to unpack what today’s homeowners really want when it comes to greener homes and how those expectations are shaping opportunities for contractors. Drawing from recent homeowner research, Allison shares insights ...
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In this Contractor Outlook™, Heidi Ellsworth is joined by Eric Voyer from The Farnsworth Group to dive into the latest shifts in the building products market and their impact on contractors. Eric shares insights on how deep customer research is reshaping marketing strategies and product development for building product brands. ...
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In this Contractor Outlook™, Heidi J. Ellsworth visits with Ronald McDonald House Global President & CEO Katie Fitzgerald to explore the mission and impact of Ronald McDonald House, tracing its history and the heart behind how it all began. Katie dives into the powerful partnership with the Roofing Alliance and ...
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In this Contractor Outlook™, Heidi J. Ellsworth visits with Kristen McAlister of Cerius Executives, a national leader in fractional executive placement, who shares insights into why this model is gaining traction and how it can position construction companies for long-term success. The rise of fractional hiring gives construction companies access ...
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In this episode of Contractor Outlook™, Heidi J. Ellsworth talks with Denver Riggleman, co-founder and CEO of Hootl, about how artificial intelligence is reshaping the construction industry. With a unique background in military intelligence, government and tech entrepreneurship not to mention being a former congressman, Denver shares how Hootl is ...
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In this Contractor Outlook™, Heidi J. Ellsworth sits down with Kevin Fox of Foxwerx Group, a leading authority on artificial intelligence, to discuss the rapidly evolving role of AI in construction. Kevin shares insights on how builders and trade professionals are using artificial intelligence to streamline operations, boost conversions and ...
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In this Contractor Outlook™, Heidi J. Ellsworth visits with Caitlin Burke to discuss her inspiring journey; she courageously shares her personal story of resilience, self-discovery and empowerment. As a recruiter for the construction industry, she shares how her personal journey helps inspire others to join the trades. Through ...
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In this episode of Contractor Outlook™, Heidi J. Ellsworth sits down with Trent Cotney of Adams and Reese to explore the policy changes reshaping the contracting and roofing industries under the current presidential administration. With his wealth of experience in roofing and industry advocacy, Trent offers expert insights into evolving ...
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In this Contractor Outlook™ Newscast, we’re tackling a topic that’s critical to structural safety but often overlooked: roof weight. Heidi J. Ellsworth visits with Mark Graham of the National Roofing Contractors Association (NRCA) to discuss how roof weight is evaluated, why it matters, and what can go wrong when it’s ...
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In this Contractor Outlook Newscast™, Heidi J. Ellsworth sits down with Alan Scott of Intertek to discuss the importance of heat, hail, wind and water safety. They explore the evolving intersection of resiliency, sustainability and smart construction. From understanding the real difference between code compliance and true resilience to educating ...
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In this Contractor Outlook™, Heidi J. Ellsworth meets with Paul Trombitas and Paul Giovannoni of FMI Corp, a leading research firm for the construction industry. Heidi sits down with these two experts to discuss mergers and acquisitions in the industry over the last two years and to get a pulse ...
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In this Contractor Outlook™, Heidi J. Ellsworth is joined by Rocky Bleier, a former American professional football player, veteran of the United States Army and successful construction company owner. He shares the story of his impressive career, his military service and how he built a construction company from the ground ...
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In this Contractor Outlook™, Heidi J. Ellsworth meets with Alex Chausovsky, director of analytics and consulting at the Bundy Group. He is a highly experienced market researcher and analyst with more than twenty years of expertise across subjects including economics, industrial manufacturing, automation, talent and workforce issues and advanced technology ...
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In this Contractor Outlook™, Heidi J. Ellsworth meets with Paul Trombitas of FMI Research to discuss their 2025 North American Construction Outlook report. They will cover the key dynamics impacting the market, notable segments of growth and construction spending forecasts for the residential, nonresidential and non-building sectors. They’ll also touch ...
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In this Contractor Outlook™, Heidi J. Ellsworth meets with Duane Musser and Deb Mazol with the National Roofing Contractors Association (NRCA) to discuss the political landscape since January 20, 2025, exploring the Trump Administration’s primary legislative goals for the new Congress and how they align with the agendas of both ...
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In this Contractor Outlook™, Heidi J. Ellsworth meets with Roofing Industry Committee on Weather Issues (RICOWI) Storm Investigation Program Coordinator Phil Mayfield, to discuss the effects of weather on roof performance. They will explore RICOWI’s mission and history, and their ongoing investigations into the impact of extreme weather on the ...
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In this Contractor Outlook™, Heidi J. Ellsworth visits with Chris Czarnik to discuss recruiting, retention and workforce development. With an amazing history working in vocational schools, recruitment and training, Chris is known for his book Winning the War for Talent, which addresses the challenges of talent acquisition in the roofing ...
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In this Contractor Outlook™, Heidi J. Ellsworth meets with Dr. Anirban Basu, chairman & CEO of Sage Policy Group, an economic and policy consulting firm, to discuss the current state of the construction industry. They will explore the latest economic trends and what contractors can do to position themselves for ...
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In this Contractor Outlook™, Heidi J. Ellsworth meets with Renie Cavallari, the award-winning author and speaker about the mental health of today’s businesses. They visit about how the Summer Olympics shined a light on the importance of working together and believing in the success of all participants. In a time ...
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In this Contractor Outlook™, Heidi J. Ellsworth welcomes Reid Ribble, former roofing contractor, congressman and past NRCA CEO, to talk about the November 2024 elections as Election Day draws near. They discuss the dramatic events leading up to where we are now along with the current state of the ...
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In this Contractor Outlook newscast, Heidi J. Ellsworth meets with Paul Trombitas of FMI, a leading research company, to discuss their 2024 FMI Building Products Market Overview. The report has a focus on roofing but covers the entire construction industry. Heidi and Paul talk about current factors and ...
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In this installment of Contractor Outlook, sponsored by SRS Distribution, Heidi J. Ellsworth meets with Subodha Kumar from Temple University to discuss Artificial Intelligence (AI). No matter where you work, the day is coming when AI will transform your workplace and the kinds of employees that construction companies want to ...
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In this Contractor Outlook, Heidi J. Ellsworth meets with the Director of Product Management & Meteorologist at CoreLogic. This episode is about the effect that weather is having on the construction industry overall and how it is changing how contractors and manufacturers are going to business. They talk about ...
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In this Contractor Outlook, Heidi J. Ellsworth meets with Gene Marks of The Marks Group about the economy. As a leading speaker, columnist and author, Gene brings a breath of fresh air to a tough topic. Focusing on looking forward, this podcast aims to understand the current economy and the ...
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