In Episode 113 of Law and Mortar, Trent Cotney and John Kenney tackle some of the biggest issues impacting the construction industry today—from high-profile construction failures and immigration policy to workforce shortages and employee retention.

The episode opens with an analysis of two recent construction incidents, including a structural failure during a building conversion and a roof collapse at a major retail facility. John and Trent discuss what contractors can learn from these events and why engineering, drainage, and quality control remain critical.

The conversation then turns to the latest Supreme Court immigration rulings and their impact on the construction workforce. With labor shortages continuing to challenge the industry, they discuss the need for practical immigration reform and legal pathways that help contractors meet workforce demands.

Finally, they explore the fundamentals that separate successful contractors from struggling ones, including better estimating, project management, onboarding, mentorship, and the importance of removing toxic employees before they damage company culture.

Topics include:

• Lessons from recent construction failures
• Roof collapse analysis and quality control
• Immigration policy updates and workforce challenges
• Why business fundamentals are making a comeback
• Effective onboarding and mentorship programs
• Building a stronger company culture

Whether you're managing projects, building teams, or preparing for future growth, this episode offers practical advice every contractor can apply.

Connect with the Hosts

Trent Cotney – Construction Attorney & Partner, Adams and Reese LLP
Nationally recognized construction attorney serving the roofing and construction industries.

🌐 www.adamsandreese.com

John Kenney – CEO, Cotney Consulting Group
Helping roofing contractors improve operations, profitability, estimating, leadership, and business performance.

🌐 www.cotneyconsulting.com

Follow Law & Mortar for practical conversations on construction law, leadership, risk management, and running a better contracting business.