Episodes

  • Episode 70 - What Makes a Metal Roof Last? Lessons From South Texas Metal Roofing with Edward Montemayor

    Episode 70 - What Makes a Metal Roof Last? Lessons From South Texas Metal Roofing with Edward Montemayor
    Sep 30 2026
    What makes a metal roof last—and what installation mistakes can shorten its life? Edward Montemayor of South Texas Metal Roofing joins Building With Metal to share lessons from years in the field. We talk about common installation mistakes, roofing in the demanding South Texas climate, finding skilled labor, producing panels in-house, and what separates great metal roofing contractors. Edward also shares why, despite years of experience, McElroy Metal’s installer certification training still taught him something new.
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    22 mins
  • Episode 69 - When Buildings Shake and Burn: Inside Fire & Earthquake Testing

    Episode 69 - When Buildings Shake and Burn: Inside Fire & Earthquake Testing
    Sep 16 2026
    How do engineers know a building system will perform when it matters most? In this episode of Building with Metal, host Kathi Miller welcomes back Bob Zabcik of Z-Tech Consulting—one of our most popular guests—to explore the science behind fire and earthquake testing. Bob takes us inside today's testing laboratories to explain how building systems are evaluated under extreme conditions and why those results play such a critical role in building codes, product development, and public safety. We discuss what engineers are really looking for during fire tests, how seismic testing has evolved, and why testing is about far more than simply passing or failing. The conversation also features an incredible look at multi-hazard testing, where researchers subjected a full-scale building to a simulated earthquake before exposing it to fire—providing valuable insight into how structures perform during real-world disasters. Whether you're an architect, engineer, contractor, or simply fascinated by how buildings are designed to withstand nature's toughest challenges, this episode offers a behind-the-scenes look at the science that helps make our built environment safer and more resilient.
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    28 mins
  • Episode 68 - AI on the Jobsite: How Smart Contractors Are Building the Future with Christian Rosas of Nexus Builders

    Episode 68 - AI on the Jobsite: How Smart Contractors Are Building the Future with Christian Rosas of Nexus Builders
    Sep 2 2026
    Artificial intelligence is changing construction faster than most people realize—but it's not about replacing skilled workers. It's about giving contractors better tools to work smarter, communicate more effectively, and solve some of the industry's biggest challenges. In this episode of Building With Metal, Christian Rosas of Nexus Builders joins us to discuss how AI is already making an impact on jobsites. We explore practical applications for contractors, the ongoing labor shortage, using iPads to simplify onboarding, overcoming language barriers, and why successful companies will view AI as a powerful assistant rather than an autopilot.
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    26 mins
  • Episode 67 - Beyond Gray: Sherwin-Williams on the Future of Exterior Color

    Episode 67 - Beyond Gray: Sherwin-Williams on the Future of Exterior Color
    Aug 19 2026
    In Episode 67 of The Building with Metal Podcast, presented by McElroy Metal, I dive into the evolving world of exterior colors with Bryn Wildenhauer from Sherwin-Williams. We explore the shifting trends away from traditional grays towards warmer, more chromatic hues that embrace nature's palette. Bryn shares insights on how color choices impact building aesthetics and longevity, emphasizing the importance of personal preference over fleeting trends. Discover the latest developments in color forecasting, including connections to sustainability and how geographical influences shape color selection in construction. Whether you're a contractor, architect, or designer, this episode offers valuable guidance on making informed color decisions that will stand the test of time. Tune in for an engaging discussion that will inspire your next project.
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    21 mins
  • Episode 66 - Are Women in Construction a Fad or the Future? With Rita Brown, NAWIC

    Episode 66 - Are Women in Construction a Fad or the Future? With Rita Brown, NAWIC
    Aug 5 2026
    The construction industry is evolving, and organizations like the National Association of Women in Construction (NAWIC) are helping shape its future. In this episode of Building with Metal, we sit down with Rita to discuss NAWIC's nearly 70-year legacy of supporting construction professionals through education, leadership development, networking, and workforce advocacy. Whether you're a contractor, architect, manufacturer, engineer, or simply interested in the future of construction, this conversation offers valuable insights into building stronger teams, developing the next generation of leaders, and creating a more resilient industry.
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    38 mins
  • Episode 65 - Modular Construction: Building Faster Without Compromising Quality with Debbie Erives

    Episode 65 - Modular Construction: Building Faster Without Compromising Quality with Debbie Erives
    Jul 22 2026
    Construction projects are under more pressure than ever. Skilled labor shortages, unpredictable weather, rising costs, and compressed schedules are forcing owners and contractors to rethink how buildings are delivered. In this episode, we're joined by Debbie Erives, Vice President of Sales and Marketing at RDI Enclosures, to explore how modular construction is helping manufacturers, municipalities, and industrial facilities complete projects faster without sacrificing quality. Whether you're an architect, contractor, facility manager, or building owner, this episode offers practical insights into one of the fastest-growing trends in commercial construction.
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    33 mins
  • Episode 64 - AI Marketing: How to Become the Company AI Recommends with Todd Hockenberry

    Episode 64 - AI Marketing: How to Become the Company AI Recommends with Todd Hockenberry
    Jul 7 2026
    Artificial intelligence is changing the way customers search for information, evaluate products, and make purchasing decisions. But what does that mean for your marketing strategy? In this episode, we're joined by Todd Hockenberry to discuss how AI is reshaping search, content creation, and digital marketing. We break down the differences between SEO, AEO, and GEO, explore how companies can become trusted sources that AI recommends, and discuss what marketing teams should be doing today to prepare for the future. Whether you're a marketing professional, business owner, or sales leader, this episode provides practical insights to help your organization stay visible and competitive in an AI-driven world.
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    27 mins
  • Episode 63 - What Separates a Good Metal Roof Installation from a Great One? With Lane Osbon

    Episode 63 - What Separates a Good Metal Roof Installation from a Great One? With Lane Osbon
    Jun 24 2026
    A metal roof can be designed correctly, manufactured correctly, and delivered correctly—but if it's not installed correctly, none of that matters. In this episode of Building with Metal, we sit down with McElroy Metal's Weather-Tightness Warranty team to discuss what separates a good metal roof installation from a great one. From contractor training and roof inspections to common installation mistakes and warranty requirements, we explore the critical role proper installation plays in long-term roof performance. Whether you're a contractor, architect, consultant, or building owner, this episode offers practical insights into delivering metal roofing systems that perform as intended for decades.
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    28 mins