Law & Mortar : Recent Episodes

Trent Cotney & John Kenney

Trent Cotney and John Kenney are dedicated to helping the construction industry with legal, business, and safety challenges. Questions? Please contact trent.cotney@arlaw.com or jkenney@cotneyconsulting.com.

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Welcome to Episode 106 of Law and Mortar featuring Trent Cotney, Partner at Adams and Reese LLP, and John Kenney, CEO of Cotney Consulting Group. This episode covers the current landscape of the construction industry—offering practical strategies to help contractors navigate economic pressure, backlog slowdowns, and rising costs.

🔎 Topics Covered:
✅ Shrinking backlogs, a quiet storm season, and contractor concerns for 2025
✅ Why accounts receivable management and lien rights are more critical than ever
✅ Contractor sentiment: 80% confident about finishing the year, but uncertain ahead
✅ How to audit job costs, manage cash flow, and prepare realistic budgets
✅ Immigration-related risks: documentation, rights cards, and legal compliance

If you're a contractor looking for honest industry insights and real-world advice, this episode delivers.

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Welcome to Episode 105 of Law and Mortar with Trent Cotney, Partner at Adams and Reese LLP, and John Kenney, CEO of Cotney Consulting Group. In this episode, they explore how AI and automation are reshaping the roofing and construction industries—from estimating to operations and beyond.

🔎 Topics Covered:
✅ Real-world applications of AI in estimating, scheduling, and communication
✅ Why AI is a support tool—not a replacement for human thinking
✅ How drone technology and robotics are being enhanced by AI
✅ Predictions on automation trends: 10% robotics-human workforce in 5–7 years?
✅ How contractors can start testing AI now using free tools

Whether you’re just starting to explore tech or already integrating AI into your business, this episode offers key insights into what’s next for construction professionals.

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Welcome to Episode 104 of Law and Mortar with Trent Cotney, Partner at Adams and Reese LLP, and John Kenney, CEO of Cotney Consulting Group. In this episode, Trent and John dive into emerging legal and operational issues in the construction industry—from AI and data privacy to workplace marijuana safety.

🔎 Topics Covered:
✅ The evolving role of AI in construction, estimating, and admin operations
✅ AI’s legal risks: data privacy, policy development, and liability
✅ Workplace safety and marijuana legalization—what contractors must know
✅ Upcoming Advanced Estimating Workshop in Lakeland, FL (October 21–22)

From safety protocols to forward-thinking tech adoption, this episode helps contractors stay informed and protected in a rapidly changing landscape.

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Welcome to Episode 103 of Law and Mortar featuring Trent Cotney, Partner at Adams and Reese LLP, and John Kenney, CEO of Cotney Consulting Group. This episode covers urgent updates on tax reform, contractor insurance, and the increased risk of immigration audits and ICE raids.

🔎 Topics Covered:
✅ The “Big Beautiful Bill” and what it means for contractor taxes
✅ What’s changing with pass-through deductions, car loan interest, and overtime tax breaks
✅ The risks tied to the rollback of solar incentives for the roofing industry
✅ Why contractors must tighten their insurance and risk management strategies
✅ ICE raids and I-9 audits: how to prepare now

From navigating tax shifts to protecting your team and business, this episode is packed with critical updates and action items for roofing and construction professionals.

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Welcome to Episode 102 of Law and Mortar with Trent Cotney, Partner at Adams and Reese LLP, and John Kenney, CEO of Cotney Consulting Group. This episode focuses on one of today's most urgent threats facing the roofing and construction workforce: immigration enforcement and its immediate and long-term impact on labor availability.

🔎 Topics Covered:
✅ Why up to 40% of the roofing workforce is undocumented—and what that means
✅ ICE audits and raids: what contractors need to know and how to prepare
✅ Why e-verify isn’t enough and what compliance really looks like
✅ Legal, ethical, and strategic steps contractors can take now to protect their workforce
✅ What the industry needs in terms of real, workable immigration reform

This episode is a must-listen for construction professionals navigating a shifting legal and labor landscape.

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Welcome to Episode 101 of Law and Mortar with Trent Cotney, Partner at Adams and Reese LLP, and John Kenney, CEO of Cotney Consulting Group. This week’s episode delivers a candid discussion on the critical role immigration plays in the construction workforce, especially in roofing, and what contractors need to know to navigate evolving enforcement and compliance challenges.

🔎 Topics Covered:
✅ The reality: 38–40% of the roofing labor force is undocumented
✅ Implications of immigration raids, OSHA enforcement, and e-verify limitations
✅ Why the H-2B visa program isn’t enough to meet labor demand
✅ Employer responsibilities and how to prepare for ICE inspections
✅ Strategic guidance: focus on cash flow, short-term work, and risk awareness

If you’re a contractor, this episode is essential listening for protecting your workforce and business.

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Welcome to Episode 100 of Law and Mortar, a special milestone edition featuring Trent Cotney, Partner at Adams and Reese LLP, and John Kenney, CEO of Cotney Consulting Group. In this commemorative episode, Trent and John reflect on the podcast's origins, evolution, and the industry challenges they've covered over the years.

🔎 Topics Covered:
✅ The podcast's journey from a pandemic project to 100+ episodes strong
✅ Reflections on labor shortages, market shifts, and post-COVID business resilience
✅ Tips for contractors on adapting to material constraints and economic uncertainty
✅ Networking, community, and celebrating industry events like the upcoming Florida Expo
✅ Bonus: Trent's 100-day charitable offer to support construction-focused causes

Join us in celebrating 100 episodes of insight, resilience, and real talk for the construction industry.

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Welcome to Episode 99 of Law and Mortar with Trent Cotney, Partner at Adams and Reese LLP, and John Kenney, CEO of Cotney Consulting Group. This week, Trent and John break down the current political, economic, and labor uncertainties in the construction industry, including how tariffs, immigration, and automation are shaping contractor operations.
🔎 Topics Covered:
✅ Political changes and their effects on labor availability and subcontractor workflows
✅ How tariffs and immigration policies are creating industry confusion
✅ Why automation in manufacturing and field labor is gaining momentum
✅ Market uncertainty, smart purchasing decisions, and fleet leasing insights
✅ Upcoming travel and highlights from the FRC Expo
A must-listen for contractors navigating today’s complex and shifting construction landscape.

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Welcome to Episode 98 of Law and Mortar, featuring Trent Cotney, Partner at Adams and Reese LLP, and John Kenney, CEO of Cotney Consulting Group. In this episode, Trent and John discuss the construction sector's economic challenges and uncertainty.

🔎 Topics Covered:
✅ The potential recession and how contractors should prepare
✅ Budgeting strategies and maintaining a strong financial position
✅ The latest on ICE raids and audits—how immigration policies are impacting labor
✅ Automation in construction and why companies must optimize their operations
✅ Insights from IRE 2024 and upcoming industry events

Get expert insights into how to navigate uncertainty and strengthen your business in today’s construction market.

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Welcome to Episode 97 of Law and Mortar, featuring Trent Cotney, Partner at Adams and Reese LLP, and John Kenney, CEO of Cotney Consulting Group. In this episode, Trent and John explore the growing role of artificial intelligence (AI) and automation in the construction and roofing industries.

They discuss:
✅ How contractors are using AI for email management, proposal writing, and process optimization
✅ The future of robotics in construction and roofing
✅ AI’s potential for customer service, logistics, and quality control
✅ Upcoming presentations at industry events, including discussions on AI, maintenance agreements, and legal issues in subcontracting

Don’t miss this forward-thinking discussion on how AI is reshaping the roofing and construction industries!

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Welcome to Episode 96 of Law and Mortar, featuring Trent Cotney, Partner at Adams and Reese LLP, and John Kenney, CEO of Cotney Consulting Group. In this episode, Trent and John break down the latest policy shifts affecting the construction industry, including executive orders, immigration policies, and tariffs. They discuss the impact of these changes on labor costs, materials, and business strategy. Plus, they share insights on preparing for economic uncertainty and upcoming industry events like the International Roofing Expo (IRE) and Women in Roofing. Don’t miss this essential discussion for construction and roofing professionals!

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Law and Mortar- Episode 95: Roofing Legal Issues, Trump-Era Construction Impacts, and Year-End Financial Planning

Join Trent Cotney, Partner at Adams and Reese LLP, and John Kenney, CEO of Cotney Consulting Group, for an insightful discussion on the roofing and construction industry's latest challenges and opportunities.

This episode covers:

· Roofing Legal Issues: Analyzing fraudulent practices and navigating settlement advice.

· Construction Industry Trends: Evaluating the Trump administration's impacts on deregulation, immigration, and labor availability.

· Year-End Financial Strategies: Practical advice for tax planning, employee incentives, and investing in growth to mitigate tax liabilities.

Stay informed and prepared for what lies ahead in the industry.

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Dive into Episode 94 of 'Law and Mortar,' where hosts Trent Cotney and John Kenney dissect the latest current affairs, political climate, and more topics and effectiveness in the roofing and construction industry.

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Dive into Episode 93 of 'Law and Mortar,' where hosts Trent Cotney and John Kenney dissect the latest FTC rulings, discuss building trust through authentic testimonials, and explore effective risk mitigation in the roofing and construction industry. This episode covers:

  • FTC Ruling and Legal Insights: Learn about the implications of new FTC rulings on roofing companies and the importance of genuine reviews.
  • Building Trust: Discover how authentic testimonials and word-of-mouth are essential for growing a roofing business.
  • Risk Mitigation Strategies: Gain insights on avoiding common operational pitfalls through effective management.
  • Marketing Strategies: Evaluate the pros and cons of in-house versus outsourced marketing. Join Trent and John for a comprehensive look at the challenges and strategies that shape the roofing industry. Subscribe to stay updated with expert insights aimed at enhancing your business’s resilience and success.

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Welcome to Episode 92 of "Law and Mortar" with Trent Cotney, Partner at Adams and Reese LLP, and John Kenney, CEO of Cotney Consulting Group.
In this episode, we dive deep into the latest trends in the roofing industry, discussing crucial developments that every contractor needs to know. We talk about the impact of recent regulatory changes, best practices for risk management, and how to leverage technology to stay ahead in the game. Whether you're a seasoned professional or just getting started, this episode is packed with insights to help you navigate the industry's complexities. Let’s get started!

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Welcome to Episode 91 of "Law and Mortar" with Trent Cotney, Partner at Adams and Reese LLP, and John Kenney, CEO of Cotney Consulting Group.

Today's episode explores the evolving roofing industry, focusing on Supreme Court Decisions and Qualified Immunity, a live disaster preparedness Estimation Workshop, and more.

Stay tuned for all this and more on "Law and Mortar"!

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Welcome to Episode 90 of "Law and Mortar" with Trent Cotney, Partner at Adams and Reese LLP, and John Kenney, CEO of Cotney Consulting Group.

In today's episode, we dive into the evolving roofing industry, focusing on automation, the role of manufacturing, and the future dominance of private equity-owned installing companies. John previews his upcoming estimating training course and the deep dive workshop in Lakeland, Florida, while Trent highlights their excitement for the upcoming FRSA Expo in Orlando, where they'll reconnect with local roofers and share invaluable insights.

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Welcome to Episode 89 of our podcast! Get ready to dive into the construction world with our special hosts Trent Cotney, Partner at Adams and Reese LLP, and John Kenney, CEO of Cotney Consulting Group. Join us as we dive into the highlights of Roofing Day in DC, discussing the key takeaways and the impact on the industry. We will also share their expert insights on the current political climate and its effects on the market. Whether you're directly involved in roofing or interested in the broader implications of these topics, this episode offers valuable perspectives on navigating challenges and seizing opportunities in today's dynamic environment.

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🎙️ Welcome to Episode 88 of our podcast! Get ready to dive into the world of construction with our special guests Trent Cotney, Partner at Adams and Reese LLP, and John Kenney, CEO of Cotney Consulting Group. Together, we'll explore the hottest topic in the industry: Subcontractors. Tune in as we unravel key insights and expert perspectives that are shaping the landscape of construction today. Let's get started! 🏗️

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In this episode, Trent Cotney of Adams and Reese LLP and John Kenney from Cotney Consulting Group discuss key takeaways from the International Roofing Expo (IRE) 2024. They delve into the latest trends, innovations, and strategic insights gained from the event, offering listeners a deep dive into what’s next in the roofing and construction industries. This conversation is essential for professionals looking to stay updated on industry advancements and predictions for the future. Tune in for a straightforward, insight-packed discussion.

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New Episode 86 features Trent Cotney, Partner at Adams and Reese LLP, and John Kenney, CEO of Cotney Consulting Group, discussing The State of The Industry for 2024 and upcoming events in the roofing industry.

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Episode 85 features Trent Cotney, Partner at Adams and Reese LLP, and John Kenney, CEO of Cotney Consulting Group, discussing Fleet Management Best Practices and last-minute tips for 2023.

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Join us in a riveting conversation on Episode 84 of our podcast, where we delve into the transformative world of skilled labor training. This week, we feature two distinguished guests: Trent Cotney, a prominent Partner at Adams and Reese LLP, and John Kenney, the dynamic CEO of Cotney Consulting Group.

Our in-depth discussion centers around the pivotal movement to lower the apprenticeship age to under eighteen, a crucial step that promises to revolutionize the industry by allowing students to embark on hands-on training with experienced contractors at a younger age.

As the year draws to a close, Trent and John also share valuable insights on end-of-the-year planning, offering listeners a glimpse into the strategic minds that have shaped the industry.

And, in the spirit of Thanksgiving, our esteemed guests reflect on the year gone by, sharing personal anecdotes and expressing gratitude for the milestones and challenges that have enriched their journey.

Tune in to Episode 84 for an enlightening and thought-provoking exploration of the skilled labor landscape, led by two of its most influential voices.

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Episode 83 features Trent Cotney, Partner at Adams and Reese LLP, and John Kenney, CEO of Cotney Consulting Group, discussing what a contractor may overlook in preparing for a sale, the current M&A climate in our industry, AR collections, and more.

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Episode 82 features Trent Cotney, Partner at Adams and Reese LLP, and John Kenney, CEO of Cotney Consulting Group, discussing the immigration issues, what is happening at the Western States Roofing expo, and more in this week's podcast.

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Episode 81 features Trent Cotney, Partner at Adams and Reese LLP, and John Kenney, CEO of Cotney Consulting Group, discussing the construction outlook for the remainder of 2023 and an advanced look at what we can expect in 2024, safety incentive plans, and more in this week's podcast. 

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Episode 80 features Trent Cotney, Partner at Adams and Reese LLP, and John Kenney, CEO of Cotney Consulting Group, discussing how to handle reputation management, field leadership study, and the future workforce, and more in this week's podcast. 

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Episode 79 features Trent Cotney, Partner at Adams and Reese LLP, and John Kenney, CEO of Cotney Consulting Group, discussing contract terms to watch out for, capital impacts, cash flow, employee retention, and more in this week's podcast. 

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Episode 78 features Trent Cotney, Partner at Adams and Reese LLP, and John Kenney, CEO of Cotney Consulting Group, discussing Florida's New Immigration law, the possible default on the debt limit, and their effects on business in this week's podcast. 

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Episode 77 features Trent Cotney, Partner at Adams and Reese LLP, and John Kenney, CEO of Cotney Consulting Group, discussing Artificial Intelligence (AI) in this week's podcast. 

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Episode 76 features Trent Cotney, Partner at Adams and Reese LLP, and John Kenney, CEO of Cotney Consulting Group, discussing Cal/OSHA's new lead standard, Florids's new law on statute of limitations, what's new at RT3, and more. 

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New Episode 75 features Trent Cotney, Partner at Adams and Reese LLP, and John Kenney, CEO of Cotney Consulting Group, discuss OSHA providing work visas to illegals, deep diving into the possible challenges of 2023, the IRE, and more. 

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Episode 74 features Trent Cotney, Partner at Adams and Reese LLP, and John Kenney, CEO of Cotney Consulting Group, Safety Preparation, and Culture, Issues for contractors loaning or leasing their equipment to other contractors, and more. 

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Episode 73 features Trent Cotney, Partner at Adams and Reese LLP, and John Kenney, CEO of Cotney Consulting Group, discussing the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) proposed rule prohibiting Non-Compete Agreements, Florida Insurance Market and Business Operations, and the Labor Shortage.  

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Episode 72 features Trent Cotney, Partner at Adams and Reese LLP, and John Kenney, CEO of Cotney Consulting Group, discussing year-end preparation and collections, reviewing this year's goals set and the results, and setting goals in 2023.  

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Episode 71 features Trent Cotney, Partner at Adams and Reese LLP, and John Kenney, CEO of Cotney Consulting Group, discussing increasing contractor bankruptcy cases, payment issues on insurance claims, and more.  

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Episode 70 features Trent Cotney, Partner at Adams and Reese LLP, and John Kenney, CEO of Cotney Consulting Group, discussing The Independent Contractor Rule, Insurance Do’s and Don’ts, and a look into the use of augmented reality for training in the construction and roofing industry.  

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New Episode 69 features Trent Cotney, Partner at Adams and Reese LLP, and John Kenney, CEO of Cotney Consulting Group, discussing hiring and using non-compete agreements in our industry. They also discuss what's coming at the Western States Roofing Expo and more. 

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Episode 68 features Trent Cotney, Partner at Adams and Reese LLP, and John Kenney, CEO of Cotney Consulting Group, discussing how the EPA considers classifying discarded PVC plastics as hazardous waste. They also discuss the industry’s top issues as we head into the last four months of 2022 and more. 

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Episode 67 features Trent Cotney, Partner at Adams and Reese LLP, and John Kenney, CEO of Cotney Consulting Group, discussing 1099 sales agreements, insurance work, subcontractors,  industry employee recruitment, and retainage, and more. 

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In Episode 66, Trent Cotney and John Kenney discuss the recent 100th anniversary FRSA Expo, industry uptick with problems collecting money and what you can about it, operational tips, upcoming travel and industry events, and more.

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In Episode 65 Trent Cotney and John Kenney discuss the forced labor protection act, current conditions, recent infrastructure air travel announcement, workforce, recruitment-retainage, and more.

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In Episode 64 Trent Cotney and John Kenney discuss the economy and outlook, collections, The International Federation For The Roofing Trade (IFD), and more.

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In episode 63 Trent Cotney and John Kenney discuss workplace violence issues, skilled labor and materials issues, and a Floridas special session on homeowners insurance and more.

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In this episode of Law & Mortar, Trent & John discuss the new Corporate Maintenance for your Business, coatings, and slip-resistant underlayments.    

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In this episode of Law & Mortar, Trent & John discuss the new Mental Health Awareness and Safety in your Company, Contractor License Issues, the Economy, Inflation, and the Future Outlook.

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In this episode of Law & Mortar, Trent & John discuss the new OSHA Expansion of the Electronic Recordkeeping Rule, the New EPA Proposal to ban the ongoing use of Asbestos, and the never-ending supply chain issues. 

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In this episode of Law & Mortar, Trent & John discuss their plan at IRE 2022, update on vaccine mandate, tips for contractors regarding the collection, and come up with the best way of negotiation to release funds when you have a holdback.

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In this episode of Law & Mortar, John greets special guest Kelly Tanner, Client Engagement Manager at Cotney. Kelly tells John about her experience at Durn-Last Inc. in Nashville. John & Kelly discuss clients' feedback about Cotney subscription plans and how plans can help your business. John is interested in what Kelly thinks regarding Cotney's estimating training and how it benefits your standing point in the roofing industry.

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In this episode of Law & Mortar, Trent and John talk through updates regarding new OSHA ETS, licensing-related issues, upcoming speaking engagements such as TARC, Chicago Trade show, and IRE. John gives a brief overview of the new Project Management Program and Cracking the Code training from ShopCotney.com. In addition, the speakers discuss how to measure the revenue per crew.

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In this episode of Law & Mortar, Trent and John discuss the damage from recent storm disasters in Kentucky and Tennessee, the repercussions of material shortages, cardinal change in the construction industry, and the difference between Gross Profit & Net Profit in the roofing business.

In the addition, they give an overview of the upcoming Project Management Training Suite on ShopCotney.com at the beginning of the year!

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In this episode of Law & Mortar, Trent and John discuss the updates on OSHA ETS and other vaccine mandates, tricky contractors provisions, upcoming John’s speaking engagements, and Special Holiday deals on ShopCotney.com. John and Trent share their legal & professional opinion on whether the employer should pay commission to the employee that has left the company.

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In this episode of Law & Mortar, Trent and John discuss the current state of vaccine mandates in the U.S and how to prepare for mandate reform as the new Covid-19 variant spreads. John and Trent also share how Cotney provisions can proactively help your business. Make sure to follow Cotney's social channels to take advantage of upcoming year-end ShopCotney discount codes. 

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In this episode of Law & Mortar, John hosts the podcast with a special guest Christie Coston. John and Christie talk about essential contract provisions for contractors, what awaits the infrastructure industry in the future, and what the contractor should do if he signed the contract and some terms in it are not favorable to him.

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In this episode of Law & Mortar, John hosts the podcast with a special guest Whitney Beasley. John and Whitney discuss the infrastructure bill passed in Congress, why people are leaving the workforce, Cotney helps Metropolitan Ministries, upcoming Black Friday & Cyber Monday sales on shopcotney.com, IRE in February 2022, and how to keep your workers from leaving the company.

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In this episode of Law & Mortar, Trent and John discuss new Emergency Temporary Standard (ETS) regulations by OSHA, what employers should do regarding vaccination, how it is going to affect both employers and employers. On the other note, Trent talks about his upcoming business trips, when John presents the new Director of Estimating program from Cotney Consulting Group.

Program is available to purchase at  
https://www.cotneycl.com/o4ku 

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In this episode of Law & Mortar, Trent and John chat about upcoming changes to Law & Mortar podcast, the new Cotney office in Ecuador, Roofing Training programs, handling negative reviews online as a contractor, and new OSHA Heat & Injury regulation.

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In this episode of Law & Mortar, Trent and John discuss the recent National Safety Expo, virtual NRCA Legal Conference, International Federation for Roofing Trade, state government reaction to vaccine mandates order, Ocean Shipping Reform Act of 2021, pandemic impact on every industry on the market and what are the solutions, and how to handle post-review on an employee who is leaving your company.

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In this episode of Law & Mortar, Trent and John discuss METALCON 2021, vaccine mandates, new OSHA regulations regarding hot weather, the National Safety Expo coming this December in Orlando, FL, and the best beginner/ intermediate level training for roofing estimating in the industry.

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In this episode of Law & Mortar, Trent and John talk about Best of Success & Western Roofing Expos, roofing estimating certificates PREC and CPRE from Cotney, and how to settle an argument with the other side, if they do not want to resolve it peacefully.

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In this episode of Law & Mortar, John and Trent discuss manufacturers releasing pricing news, Project Management Training from Cotney coming soon, the new Covid-19 "Mu" variant, and how employers should deal with withholdings when an employee is leaving a company.

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John and Trent discuss John's new World of Roofing Podcast,  vaccine mandates and developing policies & procedures to protect your business and employees from OSHA,  and John and Trent's upcoming presentations at Best of Success and Western Roofing Expo 2021!

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In this episode, Trent Cotney and John Kenney discuss last weeks webinar on OSHA safety, generational legal & business differences in the workforce & an upcoming webinar on how to navigate this, Tesla’s humanoid robot and how it will impact the construction industry, and the importance of cyber security.

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In this episode Trent and John discuss the last week’s IRE, policies for encouraging employees getting COVID-19, an upcoming FREE OSHA webinar from experts of the industry on August 18, and advice on handling your former employees that became your competitors.

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In this episode, Trent Cotney and John Kenney this week's IRE 2021 convention, possible COVID-19 vaccine mandate, E-Verify and what kind of SOPs you should have to ensure everything is being done correctly!

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In this episode, Trent Cotney and John Kenney talk about Cotney's Spanish Advanced Roofing Estimating Training Program, the recent FRSA expo, COVID-19 mandates reoccurring & what to expect in the industry, Contractor's rights with price increases and long lead times, and IRE 2021!

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John and Trent discuss the upcoming FRSA tradeshow & what to expect from Cotney,  Biden's new Executive Order & what it means for the construction industry, & bubble testing.

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John and Trent discuss safety and Cotney's new safety consultant, Keven Yarbrough's safety tips during OSHA inspections, electrical safety tips from John, and details about the release of Cotney's Advanced Roofing Estimating Training Program. 

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John and Trent discuss contractors, distributors, and manufacturers relationships due to material shortages, existing and outdated shipping methods and tech that could change it, and our upcoming tradeshows. 

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John and Trent discuss what to expect from Cotney at IRE 2021, techniques to help navigate delays, and what our future innovation center will offer to the industry.

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John and Trent discuss OSHA's current guidance on the COVID-19 vaccine, the two new estimating training programs being offered through Cotney, and the rules around e-verify that employers should follow.  

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Trent and special guest, Lee Lipniskis, discuss the importance of having an attorney review your contract before negotiations, the dangers of summer heat for crew members, managing your subcontractors, and a recent visit from John Chan, Owner of The Durable Slate Company. 

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John and Trent discuss how you can improve your contract negotiation skills, roofing craftsmanship in the U.S. compared to other parts of the world, and a well-known roofing industry safety expert joining the Cotney team. 

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John and Trent discuss our new estimating training program, the art of contract negotiation, and the exploration of carbon for roof systems.

To register for the FREE contract negotiation webinar mentioned, go to cotneycl.com/contractnegotiation

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John and Trent continue to discuss material shortages and price increases with regard to existing contracts, material substitutions, and the importance of your operational communications.

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Special guest Attorney Ben Briggs joins John Kenney in this episode to discuss CDC updates affecting employers, mandated vaccine policies,  screening of marijuana use in the workplace, and the importance of documentation in employee files.

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John and Trent discuss opportunities for contractors to use our Training Center, legal issues with using non-royalty free photos, and the importance of reputation management on social media and company reviews.

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John and Trent discuss material shortages, price increases, and using substitutions on projects from a legal and business perspective.

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John and Trent discuss the importance of good supplier relationships, recent price increases of materials, future automation and robotics within the industry, and vaccine passports.

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John and Trent discuss some key issues for the sprayfoam industry, including how sprayfoam contractors should prepare themselves before and during projects, and they also provide an overview of some of their recent webinars.

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John is joined by special guest Ric Asfar to discuss important insurance exclusions in your policies, contractors' comprehensive general liability insurance 101, and the potential issues stemming from large claims. 

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Trent is joined by special guest Lee Lipniskis in this episode of Law & Mortar to discuss continued succession planning & transition of businesses, Biden’s new stimulus package, and material shortages/price increases due to COVID. 

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John and Trent discuss Cotney’s new training center for roofers, John's upcoming webinar, residential roofing tile issues, and the launch of Cotney Capital. Listen to the end for a special offer!  

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John and Trent review some legal cases that have occurred in the roofing industry and the trends that have emerged from them, the importance of details in submittals, and the benefits of having a paper trail.

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John and Trent discuss winter weather issues contractors face, the importance of understanding your contracts, and the integration of better business practices and using Initial Decision Making (IDM).

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John and Trent discuss Biden's stimulus plan, COVID-19 production issues, possible COVID-19 case increases and what the new strains can mean for your business, and a new estimating training program for roofers!

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John and Trent discuss how the new strains of COVID-19 can affect vaccinations, our newly built training center at our Tampa headquarters, and how the construction workforce can benefit from the Biden Administration's changes to U.S. immigration policy. 

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John and Trent discuss contractors mandating employees to get the COVID-19 vaccine from a legal and business perspective, the new stimulus package, the second round of the Paycheck Protection Program, and the importance of checking your finances in the new year.

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John and Trent discuss year end procedures contractors should be implementing, increased subcontractor labor trends in the industry, and their recent work in South Africa that is helping bring greens roofs to the industry.

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John and Trent discuss the newly released COVID-19 vaccine and potential legal issues around mandating it, material shortage issues, and the anticipated decrease in production levels in Q1. John also discusses his new book that outlines everything you need to know when running a construction business. 

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John and Trent discuss PPP loans and how to navigate the taxes associated with those, the importance of safety to avoid injuries in the cold weather, and current trends with COVID-19 across the country and what contractors should expect to see in the upcoming months.

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John and Trent discuss static electricity roof fires and necessary training that can help keep your workers safe and international mergers and acquisitions being on an uptick, particularly in Ecuador. John also introduced Cotney Analytics, coming in 2021, which can benefit your business's campaigns and increase your leads.

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John and Trent discuss the potential increase in P3s (private partnerships) and what that means for infrastructure and vertical construction projects. They also review safety measures and training during these cold-weather months and what to expect in the industry with the recent spikes in COVID-19 cases.

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John and Trent review some highlights from their recent election recap webinar and discuss new bills that have been passed by various states, such as the legalization of marijuana and increased minimum wage, and how those bills can affect contractors. They also discuss items to review by the end of the year in preparation for 2021.

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John and Trent discuss how the recent election is expected to affect the construction industry. They also talk about how the increased legality of drugs, particularly in Oregon, might challenge the construction industry workforce and how the recent wave of COVID-19 outbreaks continues to affect the European construction industry.

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John and Trent discuss how a downward trend in the current market, with the pandemic in full force and the election looming, could affect the construction industry. They also talk about the use of solar panels and renewable energy within the private roofing sector, and the legal issues that could arise with increased solar installation. Additionally, they touch on new technology for roofers that is leading to zero carbon footprint.

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John Kenney and Trent Cotney discuss green roofing, specifically its growing popularity in the North U.S., Europe, and Canada and when it is appropriate to use a green roof, new guidance from the Department of Labor regarding classifications of employees vs. independent contractors, and the legal issues of a subcontractor vs. prime roofing contractor.

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John Kenney and Trent Cotney discuss litigation in roofing and critical cases that set the standards for today, proper procedures for residential job site clean up, how to prepare for hurricane season as a Florida contractor, and insights from the Roofing Association of New Zealand Virtual Conference.

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John Kenney and Trent Cotney discuss the history and common setbacks of modified roofing products, how to avoid potential issues with contracts and warranties, the importance of educating your customer, and problems arising from residential roofing contractors working on chimneys.

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John and Trent discuss the in and outs of the metal roofing industry, oil canning issues, disclaimers and liability in contracts, avoiding construction defects, liabilities with COVID-19, and the benefits of proper documentation.

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John and Trent discuss best practices for installation of roof coatings, the development of different types of coatings, and the benefits of warranties and how to use them to your advantage. 

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John and Trent discuss lightning warning systems and protection, best tips for installing EPDM systems, and protecting yourself from COVID-19 liability.

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In this episode, John Kenney and Trent Cotney discuss the best practices for residential deck inspection, how to properly tarp a roof and preparing for storms with disaster preparedness planning.  

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In this episode, Trent Cotney & John Kenney cover best practices for installing TPO, fighting liquidated damages, and using analytics to help your business.

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On this episode of Law & Mortar, John Kenney & Trent Cotney discuss the Paycheck Protection Program, writing successful change orders and RFIs, and best practices for accounts receivable.