# Law & Mortar 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. Page: Feed: --- ## Law and Mortar Episode 114 _2026-07-31_ In Episode 114 of Law and Mortar , Trent Cotney and John Kenney discuss a growing trend that every contractor should be watching: increased coordination between government agencies and heightened enforcement across the construction industry . From OSHA and wage-and-hour investigations to workers' compensation, licensing, and labor compliance, contractors are facing more comprehensive inspections… [Listen](https://www.buzzsprout.com/1074124/episodes/19582551-law-and-mortar-episode-114.mp3) ## Law and Mortar Episode 113 _2026-07-21_ 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… [Listen](https://www.buzzsprout.com/1074124/episodes/19529318-law-and-mortar-episode-113.mp3) ## Law and Mortar Episode 112 _2026-06-12_ In Episode 112 of Law and Mortar , Trent Cotney and John Kenney discuss two topics that are top of mind for contractors: emerging opportunities in data center construction and the rising challenge of insurance renewals and risk management . As data centers and warehouses continue to drive construction activity, Trent explains why contractors should capitalize on these opportunities while… [Listen](https://www.buzzsprout.com/1074124/episodes/19338714-law-and-mortar-episode-112.mp3) ## Law and Mortar Episode 111 _2026-05-04_ In Episode 111 of Law and Mortar , Trent Cotney and John Kenney shift from market pressure to industry perspective—covering rising fuel costs, workforce discussions in Washington, and the importance of preserving roofing history. Trent shares insights from Roofing Day in DC, where conversations centered around immigration, affordable housing, and OSHA regulations—issues that continue to shape the… [Listen](https://www.buzzsprout.com/1074124/episodes/19122468-law-and-mortar-episode-111.mp3) ## Law and Mortar Episode 110 _2026-03-06_ Law and Mortar – Episode 110 In Episode 110 of Law and Mortar , Trent Cotney and John Kenney take a hard look at the current state of the construction and roofing markets. Contractors across the country are still busy—but as John explains, busy doesn’t always mean healthy. Over the last six months, warning signs have begun to appear in the form of declining margins, delayed project decisions, and… [Listen](https://www.buzzsprout.com/1074124/episodes/18803812-law-and-mortar-episode-110.mp3) ## Law and Mortar Episode 109 _2026-02-21_ 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… [Listen](https://www.buzzsprout.com/1074124/episodes/18723526-law-and-mortar-episode-109.mp3) ## Law and Mortar Episode 108 _2026-01-31_ 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,… [Listen](https://www.buzzsprout.com/1074124/episodes/18602212-law-and-mortar-episode-108.mp3) ## Law and Mortar Episode 107 _2025-12-12_ 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… [Listen](https://www.buzzsprout.com/1074124/episodes/18345913-law-and-mortar-episode-107.mp3) ## Law & Mortar Episode 106 _2025-10-31_ 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… [Listen](https://www.buzzsprout.com/1074124/episodes/18110808-law-mortar-episode-106.mp3) ## [Point a Domain, Start a Pit (Sponsored)](https://crawlproof.com/a/Cfm2AvHlITfc) _2025-10-31 · **Sponsored**_ Point any domain to a blacked-out, poison-green coming-soon page with an email waitlist. ## Law & Mortar Episode 105 _2025-10-14_ 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… [Listen](https://www.buzzsprout.com/1074124/episodes/18011414-law-mortar-episode-105.mp3)