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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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!

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!

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.