Law and Mortar – Episode 109

In Episode 109 of Law and Mortar, Trent Cotney and John Kenney break down the latest Supreme Court ruling on President Trump’s tariffs and what it means for roofing contractors and construction businesses moving forward.

While the ruling may have been unfavorable in some respects, tariffs aren’t going away. Trent and John discuss why contractors should stay disciplined in their pricing strategies and prepare for continued volatility under new legal frameworks.

They also shift gears to talk about life on the road — sharing real-world travel strategies for contractors balancing training, consulting, and family commitments. From time zone management to staying healthy while traveling, this episode provides practical insight for busy professionals.

Plus, they answer a listener question on a critical business topic:
• Should contractors lease or buy equipment?
• When leasing makes sense (especially for vehicles)
• Why owning trade-specific equipment often provides better long-term value

This episode blends legal insight, operational strategy, and practical contractor advice — exactly what Law and Mortar is known for.

Welcome to Episode 108 of Law and Mortar with Trent Cotney, Partner at Adams and Reese LLP, and John Kenney, CEO of Cotney Consulting Group. This episode covers AI’s growing influence on roofing operations, practical safety protocols, and the need for contractors to adapt their business models in an evolving industry.

🔎 Topics Covered:
✅ How AI is transforming estimating, scheduling, inventory, and operations
✅ Why AI-generated images require clear contract language
✅ Free AI training for contractors now available at CotneyConsulting.com
✅ Proven safety practices: daily huddles, toolbox talks, and crew-led meetings
✅ Retail vs. storm-driven models—what contractors need to know today
✅ Why a hybrid business approach offers resilience and flexibility

This episode delivers practical advice, tech insights, and field-tested safety strategies that every roofing contractor should hear.

Welcome to Episode 107 of Law and Mortar featuring Trent Cotney, Partner at Adams and Reese LLP, and John Kenney, CEO of Cotney Consulting Group. This episode explores two essential topics for roofing business owners: succession planning and the responsible integration of AI in operations.

🔎 Topics Covered:
✅ Why every contractor needs a succession plan—even if retirement feels far off
✅ How to start with third-party valuations and regular reviews
✅ The evolving impact of AI in roofing and how it’s reshaping workflows
✅ Announcing: a free AI training resource to help contractors get ahead
✅ The importance of developing clear AI policies to protect your business

Whether you’re planning your exit strategy or just getting started with AI, this episode provides actionable advice to future-proof your business.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.