Category: <span>2022</span>

Innovator of the Year Nominee Profile: John Kiesel, Division 7 Roofing & Imagine Technologies

“If you can dream it, you can have it.”

Each year, RT3 receives so many great nominations for its Innovator of the Year award, but ultimately there can only be one winner. This is why we decided to spotlight some of those who should be recognized with an honorable mention.

John Kiesel began roofing at the age of 17 working for his father’s roofing business. He worked his way up from field worker to superintendent to general manager and today is president of Division 7 Roofing.  “I feel the pain of roofing and recognize that when innovation or technology is able to disrupt the barbaric nature of roofing, I embrace that and I want to see roofing be a more accommodating career,” he said.

The innovation and technology that John went on to create to improve the industry almost didn’t happen. When he was in need of a superintendent, a very bright individual applied and was hired. They had a roofing background and also shared some ideas on 3D models and visualization. It turned out that this bright individual wasn’t suited for the field, but rather than terminate their employment, John decided to give them a chance to see if the 3D modeling idea could help his roofing company. They thought that maybe flying a drone and creatively creating a scene could deliver value to their business and to their customers.

John invested in this idea for a year to develop resources, the technology platform, and whatever else was needed in order to get this from what seemed sketchy at first to an awesome deliverable. And once they saw the deliverable, and how it was improving their processes, reducing time, improving estimating, saving them from safety infractions, they knew they needed to make this a product and share it with the rest of the industry.

John wanted to deliver a tool to contractors where they could hire intellectual people and bring them into the industry with a starting point that wasn’t as difficult as his own. This is how Imagine Technologies was born.

The company uses photogrammetry and 3D models to enable more accurate everything across a roofing contractor’s business. It’s able to be put into an augmented reality environment as well that really helps customers understand their roof and what is happening on it.

John says that the development and implementation of this technology has shifted the culture in their company. They look at problems and now ask themselves if technology can fix it.

He is also taking this technology into the trade schools to change their mindsets about careers in roofing. Many youth never thought of it as an option but after seeing the technology, they are clamoring for summer internships with the company.

John believes in giving back to his community and supporting industry organizations like National Women in Roofing. They sponsor a local minor league baseball team and arranged for their local NWiR council to throw out the first pitch. They also organized a diaper drive for a nonprofit where people would get a ‘buy one get one free’ ticket to the game if they brought a pack of diapers. The minor league team also uses the technology John developed to power their virtual seating chart which allows fans to see the view from their seat before purchasing a ticket.

John truly believes that the roofing industry is a blue ocean for technology change and says, “if you can dream it, you can have it.”

Learn more about Division 7 Roofing and Imagine Technologies.

Roofing Technology Think Tank Announces 2022 Innovator of the Year

The award recognizes a roofing contractor who contributes to the advancement of the roofing industry.

York, Pennsylvania, December 6, 2022 –- Roofing Technology Think Tank (RT3), a group of progressive roofing professionals focused on technology solutions for the roofing industry, awarded the 2022 Innovator of the Year award to Joe Hoffman, owner and president of Hoffman Weber Construction The award was announced during the 2022 Best of Success Conference in Scottsdale, Arizona.

“Joe is a true innovator who recognized the online shift in consumer buying habits and developed the technology to allow Hoffman Weber Construction to sell roofs to homeowners online,” stated Anna Anderson, CEO of Art Unlimited, Award Task Team Leader and past RT3 Board President. “The technology that Joe created, known as Roofle, has changed the landscape for purchasing residential roof systems.”

Hoffman Weber Construction has been a leader in using technology for decades.  As an early adopter of EagleView, AccuLynx and Xactimate, Joe Hoffman has led Hoffman Weber in the adoption of technology that has propelled their business while inspiring them to create software that roofing contractors need for growth into the future.

With the development of Roofle, homeowners can enter their property address and within seconds receive price quotes for good, better and best roofing systems from their choice of manufacturer. Hoffman is making this technology accessible to other roofing contractors who want to increase transparency and bring their roofing businesses into the 21st century.

Congratulations to Joe Hoffman and Hoffman Weber Construction on being named the 2022 Innovator of the Year.

About Roofing Technology Think Tank (RT3)
Roofing Technology Think Tank (RT3) strives to find innovative technology solutions to be used within the roofing industry.  RT3 provides insights from progressive thought leaders both inside and outside the roofing industry along with practical resources for implementing potential solutions successfully. The organization will encourage and enable contractors to embrace technology as they seek to grow their businesses.  With a commitment to disseminate technology advancement information, RT3 will help build the professionalism and appeal of the roofing industry. Learn more at www.rt3thinktank.com.

Industry Partnerships Achieve Positive Results in Pilot Project Using Mushrooms to Decarbonize Construction Waste

Lendlease, Rubicon Technologies, Mycocycle, and Rockwood Sustainable Solutions applied mycology to roofing shingles in what is believed to be a first-of-its kind sustainability study, emphasizing the importance of recycling, reuse, and carbon reduction

Lendlease, Rubicon Technologies, Inc. (NYSE: RBT), Mycocycle, and Rockwood Sustainable Solutions, today announced the completion of a successfully partnered pilot involving used asphalt shingles, mushrooms, and mycoremediation technology to reduce construction and demolition waste in order to produce a sustainable and reusable product to further create a more circular economy.

According to the Environmental Protection Agency, 11 to 13 million tons of asphalt shingles end up in landfills each year, where they take upwards of 300 years to break down. After seeing the large percentage of waste that was generated by used asphalt roofing shingles from a recent re-roofing project at their Fort Campbell Army installation in Kentucky, Lendlease, Rubicon, Mycocycle, and Rockwood Sustainable Solutions proposed a solution to reuse the material in a new capacity.

“Every asphalt shingle from those 214 homes would have gone to a landfill,” said Sara Neff, Head of Sustainability at Lendlease Americas. “There was simply no viable use for them. We understand the importance of reducing our Scope 3 carbon by diverting waste streams from the landfill. After teaming up with Rubicon, Mycocycle, and Rockwood Sustainable Solutions, we came up with an innovative idea using mycoremediation technology; combining mushrooms and shingles to break down waste materials and create a new by-product that could ideally be reintroduced for reuse, furthering a circular economy.”

Shingle samples were gathered and transported to Rockwood Sustainable Solutions’ facility in Lebanon, Tennessee where Mycocycle, an environmental remediation company that uses fungi to decarbonize waste streams, performed what is believed to be a first-of-its-kind pilot study, mixing the sample with three strains of fungi, a process called mycoremediation.

“The successful completion of this pilot is a fantastic example of environmental innovation in action,” said Nate Morris, Chairman and CEO of Rubicon. “Rubicon’s mission is to end waste, and it is innovations such as these that find second life circular solutions for hard-to-recycle materials. Partnerships, like this one between Rubicon, Lendlease, Mycocycle, and Rockwood Sustainable Solutions are possible when environmental innovation and the circular economy meet.”

“Using mycoremediation to process waste so as to be further recycled and form part of the circular economy is its highest use,” said Joanne Rodriguez, Founder and CEO of Mycocycle. “Our mycelium recycling pilots continue to see excellent results among a wide range of materials, and I’m excited to see where our work, in partnership with Lendlease, Rubicon, and Rockwood Sustainable Solutions, takes us.”

“This partnership has the potential to be a template for the future,” continued Neff. “Of those 11 to 13 million tons of asphalt shingles dumped in landfills each year, only 5-10 percent are being recycled. Taking a product that is no longer viable and combining it with a natural renewable source that results in a new product is a phenomenal outcome that is both beneficial to the environment and bolsters the economy. We are proud of this pilot and our future partnerships with Rubicon, Rockwood Sustainable Solutions, and Mycocycle.”

Alexandra Ewing of Lendlease, Chris Batterson of Rubicon, Lincoln Young of Rockwood Sustainable Solutions, and Joanne Rodriguez of Mycocycle will be hosting a session on the results of this project, titled “Forging a Truly Circular Economy for Toxic C&D Materials,” at the Greenbuild International Conference and Expo on Tuesday, November 1, 2022 at the Moscone Center in San Francisco, California.

Additionally, the team is looking to manufacturers across the building industry and encouraging them to continue to focus on the impact these new materials can have on reducing emissions while making our supply chain more sustainable.

About Lendlease

Lendlease (www.lendlease.com) is a leading global real estate and investment group with operations in Australia, Asia, Europe, and the Americas. Our purpose is to create places where communities thrive. Headquartered in Sydney, Australia, and listed on the Australian Securities Exchange, Lendlease has approximately 7,700 employees internationally. Our core capabilities are reflected in our operating segments of Development, Construction, and Investments. The combination of these three segments provides us with a sustainable competitive advantage and allows us to provide innovative integrated solutions for our customers.

About Rubicon

Rubicon Technologies, Inc. (NYSE: RBT) is a digital marketplace for waste and recycling, and provider of innovative software-based products for businesses and governments worldwide. Creating a new industry standard by using technology to drive environmental innovation, the company helps turn businesses into more sustainable enterprises, and neighborhoods into greener and smarter places to live and work. Rubicon’s mission is to end waste. It helps its partners find economic value in their waste streams and confidently execute on their sustainability goals. To learn more, visit www.Rubicon.com.

About Mycocycle

Mycocycle, Inc. (www.mycocycle.com) was founded in October 2018. It is a woman-owned, early stage cleantech company using mycoremediation to process toxins out of waste. Mycocycle was one-of-seventeen companies worldwide selected to The Circulars Accelerator in 2022 through the World Economic Forum and Accenture, was the winner of the 2021 1871 Momentum Awards as an Industry Disrupter and Chicago Innovation “Up and Comer” Award, recognized as a Finalist in FastCompany’s “2021 World Changing Ideas” Awards issue, recognized as a Forbes “Next1000” Entrepreneur and Energy+Environment Top 100 Leader, selected as a Top 100 Global Deeptech Pioneer by Hello Tomorrow, and a 2020 Innovation selection in the EPA’s Innovation and America Recycle’s Fair.

About Rockwood Sustainable Solutions

Rockwood Sustainable Solutions (www.rockwoodrecycling.com) was founded in 2014.  Rockwood began their operations in shingle recycling; collecting materials, processing, and utilizing the shingle in hot mix asphalt in Tennessee.  As the company progressed, they continued to grow through recycling additional construction products including wood, tires, and drywall.  Today, Rockwood is one of Tennessee’s largest construction recycling companies specializing in a variety of material recovery for various end markets.

Forward-Looking Statements 

This press release includes “forward-looking statements” within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended. All statements, other than statements of present or historical fact included in this press release, are forward-looking statements. When used in this press release, the words “could,” “should,” “will,” “may,” “believe,” “anticipate,” “intend,” “estimate,” “expect,” “project,” the negative of such terms and other similar expressions are intended to identify forward-looking statements, although not all forward-looking statements contain such identifying words. Such forward-looking statements are subject to risks, uncertainties, and other factors which could cause actual results to differ materially from those expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements. These forward-looking statements are based upon estimates and assumptions that, while considered reasonable by Rubicon Technologies, Inc. (“Rubicon”) and its management, are inherently uncertain; factors that may cause actual results to differ materially from current expectations include, but are not limited to: 1) the outcome of any legal proceedings that may be instituted against Rubicon or others following the closing of Rubicon’s business combination with Founder SPAC (the “business combination”); 2) Rubicon’s ability to meet the New York Stock Exchange’s listing standards following the consummation of the business combination; 3) the risk that the business combination disrupts current plans and operations of Rubicon as a result of consummation of the business combination; 4) the ability to recognize the anticipated benefits of the business combination, which may be affected by, among other things, the ability of the combined company to grow and manage growth profitably, maintain relationships with customers and suppliers and retain its management and key employees; 5) costs related to the business combination; 6) changes in applicable laws or regulations; 7) the possibility that Rubicon may be adversely affected by other economic, business and/or competitive factors; and 8) other risks and uncertainties set forth in the sections entitled “Risk Factors” and “Cautionary Note Regarding Forward-Looking Statements” in Rubicon’s Registration Statement on Form S-1 filed with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”), and other documents of Rubicon filed or to be filed with the SEC. Although Rubicon believes the expectations reflected in the forward-looking statements are reasonable, nothing in this press release should be regarded as a representation by any person that the forward-looking statements set forth herein will be achieved or that any of the contemplated results of such forward looking statements will be achieved. There may be additional risks that Rubicon presently does not know of or that Rubicon currently believes are immaterial that could also cause actual results to differ from those contained in the forward-looking statements. You should not place undue reliance on forward-looking statements, which speak only as of the date they are made. Rubicon does not undertake, and expressly disclaims, any duty to update these forward-looking statements, except as otherwise required by applicable law.

Investor Contact:

Sioban Hickie, ICR, Inc.

rubiconIR@icrinc.com

Media Contact:

Dan Sampson

Chief Marketing & Corporate Communications Officer

dan.sampson@rubicon.com

RubiconPR@icrinc.com


RT3 member AccuLynx, recognized as Best SaaS Product for the Construction Industry

International Software Awards Program announces initial shortlist for Best SaaS Product for the Construction Industry.

AccuLynx, the leading provider of all-in-one business management software for roofing contractors, today announced it has been recognized in the 2022 SaaS Awards program shortlist for Best SaaS Product for the Construction Industry.

The SaaS Awards program, which celebrates software innovation across the US, Canada, Australasia, EMEA, and the UK, annually recognizes the best solutions in each category. AccuLynx demonstrated its leadership position in the roofing industry through years of innovative software development and proven success across thousands of customers.

“The shortlisted candidates announced today have proven to be truly innovative thinkers in the SaaS industry,” said James Williams, Head of Operations for the SaaS Awards.
“We are delighted to be recognized by the SaaS Awards program as one of the best SaaS products for the construction and roofing categories,” said Mike Stein, CEO of AccuLynx. “We’ve continued to put innovation and customer satisfaction at the forefront, and this award underlines those efforts.”

This recognition follows a stream of recent awards for AccuLynx’s roofing software in the Construction Management Software and Construction Management CRM categories from large software review sites including Capterra, GetApp, and Software Advice. To read more about the SaaS Awards and other recognized solutions, visit the awards page.

About AccuLynx
AccuLynx is the leading provider of cloud-based business management software for roofing contractors. Recognized as a pioneer in the industry, AccuLynx has helped thousands of companies—from rapidly-growing start-ups to multi-location operations—streamline their processes and grow their business. Used by more contractors than any other roofing software, AccuLynx’s simple business management tools include CRM, estimating, production scheduling, project management, aerial measurements, material ordering, photo sharing, payment processing, custom reporting, and homeowner financing, and more. AccuLynx has direct integrations with Beacon Building Products, SRS Distribution, ABC Supply, QuickBooks, HomeAdvisor, GAF, GreenSky, EagleView Technologies, and others. For more information, visit acculynx.com.

Roofing Technology Think Tank Announces New Board Members and Officers

The board supports the RT3 mission and leads the organization in its efforts to educate and advance technology in the roofing industry. 

Roofing Technology Think Tank (RT3), a group of progressive roofing professionals focused on technology solutions for the roofing industry, announced Jeremy Dickmann, CEO, Appollo Primm Commercial Roofing, Forest Park, Georgia and Jon Gardner, National Training and Development Leader, Owens Corning, Toledo, Ohio as its newest board members.

“We are looking forward to having Jon and Jeremy join the board,” said Karen Edwards, RT3 director. “They have both been active members of RT3 and will help us continue to educate and advance the roofing industry by working to share how technology can elevate us all.”

RT3 would also like to extend its gratitude to Anna Anderson of Art Unlimited and Tracey Prociw, former director of RCAW, for their commitment to the organization. “Anna and Tracey both played important roles in the growth and evolution of RT3. Anna continues to volunteer her time as a member of the tactical task team as well as the awards task team. We wish Tracey the best in her retirement,” said Edwards.

Other board members include:

  • Deryl Kratzer, President/COO, National Roofing Partners, will serve as RT3 president
  • Wendy Marvin, CEO, Matrix Roofing & Home Solutions, will serve as RT3 treasurer
  • Andrew Centauro, COO and Director of Marketing, Elmer W. Davis, Inc. Commercial Roofing
  • John Kenney, CEO, Cotney Consulting Group

The Think Tank meets throughout the year, with a combination of virtual and live meetups that focus on learning about new and emerging technologies.  Past live meetups have been held at innovative locations that help educate the group on progressive technologies that can make a difference in the roofing industry, including Texas A&M, Boxabl, 3M Innovation Center and Roofing Granule Lab, OMG Roofing Products, Vanderbilt Wond’ry, Microsoft Innovation Lab, Georgia Tech, BuiltWorlds and the U.S. Capitol. 

The next live meetup is planned for the fall 2022. RT3 contractor members will also be participating in educational panels during industry tradeshows and appearing on podcasts and webinars to share tips and information to other contractors about how using technology is helping them recruit their future workforce.  

Stay up to date with RT3 news and events by signing up for the RT3 SmartBrief e-Newsletter at www.rt3thinktank.com. Listen to the RT3 podcast on your favorite listening platform.

About Roofing Technology Think Tank (RT3)
Roofing Technology Think Tank (RT3) strives to find innovative technology solutions to be used within the roofing industry.  RT3 provides insights from progressive thought leaders both inside and outside the roofing industry along with practical resources for implementing potential solutions successfully. The organization will encourage and enable contractors to embrace technology as they seek to grow their businesses.  With a commitment to disseminate technology advancement information, RT3 will help build the professionalism and appeal of the roofing industry. Learn more at www.rt3thinktank.com.

RT3 member RoofersCoffeeShop® Announces MetalCoffeeShop™

RoofersCoffeeShop launches second Coffee Shop focused on Metal, brought to the industry by Sherwin-Williams Coil Coatings.

RT 3 member RoofersCoffeeShop®, celebrating 20 years as the award-winning website where the industry meets for technology, information and everyday business announces a new website for the industry, MetalCoffeeShop™.  Offering the same resources as RoofersCoffeeShop (RCS), the new site will focus on metal construction including roofing, walls, gutters, HVAC and more.

MetalCoffeeShop offers a one-of-a-kind educational, informational and community experience for metal contractors and the metal industry – brought to you by Sherwin-Williams Coil Coatings.  This new Coffee Shop delivers the same industry-leading content wholly focused on metal construction while creating a unique online community for metal professionals overall.

“For twenty years RoofersCoffeeShop has offered one of the strongest online communities for roofing professionals,” stated Heidi J. Ellsworth, RCS president.  “Working with Sherwin-Williams, we are thrilled to launch MetalCoffeeShop.com for the metal construction industry.  We are proud to have metal associations including Metal Construction Association (MCA), Metal Roofing Alliance (MRA), National Roofing Contractors Association (NRCA) and METALCON, the leading metal conference, on the site where we can share their information along with thought leadership from manufacturers, distributors and service providers daily.”

“Sherwin-Williams is committed to helping contractors grow their businesses within the metal market and this new online community is the ideal platform for us to help them achieve success,” said Christian Zimprich, Marketing Manager for Sherwin-Williams Coil Coatings. “We were drawn to creating this digital community with RoofersCoffeeShop because of their construction knowledge and expertise, along with their demonstrated ability to bring news, information, education and learning opportunities to the industry. This will be a unique online community that will expand the knowledge of metal building products to the overall market.”

In conjunction with Sherwin-Williams, leading metal construction product and service providers will share information for metal-focused contractors on new products, initiatives and services that improve the industry.  With a focus on providing education for the growth and success of metal construction companies, the site offers thought leadership for ongoing metal construction business success.  Supported by metal-focused social media and eNews, MetalCoffeeShop is opening a brand-new opportunity to build community, business and networking for metal contractors.

About RoofersCoffeeShop

As an award-winning website and online community, RoofersCoffeeShop is committed to being a roofing professional advocate by supplying consistent information, education and communication avenues for all roofing professionals, and especially contractors, while promoting the positive growth, education and success of the roofing industry overall. Visitors to the site continue to find excellent opportunities for sharing information while participating in important ongoing conversations concerning new technologies, safety and the overall roofing trade. From the rooftop to the board room, RoofersCoffeeShop is “Where the Industry Meets!” For more information, visit www.rooferscoffeeshop.com.

About MetalCoffeeShop

MetalCoffeeShop is committed to being an advocate and supporter of the metal construction industry.  With Sherwin-Williams and industry thought leader’s contributions, the site supplies consistent information, education and networking avenues for all metal construction professionals.  Visitors to the site will not only find education and information but thought-leading editorial, multimedia and Influencer content that elevates the metal construction industry.  Like RoofersCoffeeShop, MetalCoffeeShop is “Where the Metal Industry Meets!”  For more information and involvement opportunities, visit www.metalcoffeeshop.com.

RT3 member Jobba announces partnership with Pegnato Roof Intelligence Network  

One-of-a-kind connection to help roofers grow and succeed in the ever-changing digital world. 

Chicago, IL— Jobba, the roofing industry’s leading software provider, announced that it has partnered with Pegnato Roof Intelligence Network (PRIN) to help contractors win more jobs with major accounts and position them for success with a seamless integration into the network. 

PRIN is a proven system that connects clients with contractors through a cutting-edge platform. Roofing contractors in Pegnato’s network work with some of the largest companies with the most physical locations throughout the United States. 

“We are excited to be able to offer this invaluable resource to our roofing contractors,” explained Scott Keith, Jobba CEO. “This seamless integration with the PRIN network will bring more jobs to our users and help them manage those jobs more efficiently and profitably, all while streamlining communications with the customer.” 

Current Jobba users can begin using the PRIN network today at no additional cost by simply requesting PRIN membership through their Setup. 

For contractors who do not have a full Jobba package, they can take advantage of the PRIN Network through Jobba Express, which is a concentrated Jobba package focused on accessing PRIN. Users can be set up within a week to start receiving and executing work orders.  

Contractors can learn about the Jobba/PRIN Partnership and Jobba Express to see how Jobba and the PRIN connection can help their business. 

About Jobba
Jobba Trade Technologies is the leading provider of business management solutions for roofing contractors. Using a contractor-driven development approach, Jobba creates tools and solutions that roofing companies use every day to successfully operate their business. The cloud-based platform is full of innovative and easy-to-use tools that allow roofing contractors to manage every aspect of their business. For more information, visit www.jobba.com.
About Pegnato Roof Intelligence Network 
Pegnato Roof Intelligence Network (PRIN) is a cloud-based facility management solution that allows commercial property managers to easily manage and maintain their roof’s health. Their cutting-edge platform uses an exclusive network of vetted roofing contractors and connects them with a variety of multi-location businesses, including retail companies, restaurants, childcare facilities, commercial real estate companies and more. Learn more at www.pegnato.com.  

Roofing Technology Think Tank Opens Nominations for 2022 Innovator of the Year Award

The award recognizes a roofing contractor who has demonstrated a commitment to technology and the advancement of the roofing industry.

York, Pennsylvania – Roofing Technology Think Tank (RT3), a group of progressive roofing professionals focused on technology solutions for the roofing industry, announced that it has opened the nomination period for the 2022 Innovator of the Year Award.

This award was created to nationally recognize a roofing contractor that has contributed to the advancement of the roofing industry through technical innovation and/or product development in one of the following areas:

  • Production/Technology Efficiency
  • Safety Innovation
  • Client Service/Quality of Delivery 
  • Employee Recruitment/Training/Retention
  • Environmental Impact

Award judging criteria will be based on innovation, results, design and strategy. Nominations are reviewed blindly by a team of RT3 members who select the winner. The 2022 recipient will be announced at the Best of Success conference, December 4-6, 2022, at the Fairmont Scottsdale Princess in Scottdale, Arizona.

To be eligible, a roofing contractor must be licensed and bonded for a minimum of five years and have a minimum $2 million in annual revenue. They also must be a member of a professional industry association and be able to cite community enrichment ties through support of non-profits or company culture programs.

Previous winners include Ken Kelly of Naples, Florida-based Kelly Roofing (2021), Scott Riopelle of Denver, Colorado-based Interstate Roofing (2020) and Curtis Sutton of Carthage, Tennessee-based Rackley Roofing (2019). 

For more information and to submit an award application visit www.rt3thinktank.com/award. There is a $50 nomination fee to cover processing and award costs. The nomination period closes September 15, 2022.

About Roofing Technology Think Tank (RT3)
Roofing Technology Think Tank (RT3) strives to find innovative technology solutions to be used within the roofing industry.  RT3 provides insights from progressive thought leaders both inside and outside the roofing industry along with practical resources for implementing potential solutions successfully. The organization will encourage and enable contractors to embrace technology as they seek to grow their businesses.  With a commitment to disseminate technology advancement information, RT3 will help build the professionalism and appeal of the roofing industry. www.rt3thinktank.com.

RT3 member Cotney Construction Law Joins Adams & Reese

This expansion creates one of the largest construction law practices in the country.


Adams and Reese LLP is pleased to announce the expansion of its nationally ranked construction practice with the combination of Tampa, Florida-based Cotney Construction Law LLP, a full-service legal and consulting firm serving the construction and infrastructure industries with 16 attorneys and professionals located across the United States. These additions join Adams and Reese’s current roster of 58 construction attorneys and takes the group to 75, now one of the largest construction practices in the country. The combination strengthens Adams and Reese’s capabilities in high-stakes commercial disputes and transactions. The combined practice now boasts eight Florida Bar board-certified construction lawyers, as well as two Florida certified general contractors.

The complete list of attorneys joining Adams and Reese today includes:

Trent Cotney
Tray Batcher
Benjamin Briggs
Christie Coston
Jacqueline Feliciano
Roscoe Green
Brian Lambert
Benjamin Lute
Steven McCommon
Hilary Morgan
Brian Oblow
Gabriel Pinilla
Mason Pokorny
Ashlee Poplin
Kyle Rea
Lee Tomlinson


“Our construction practice is a driver for the firm, and client needs are fueling its growth. Our strategic plan calls for doubling down on existing areas of strength,” said Gif Thornton, managing partner of Adams and Reese. “Trent and the Cotney team are national leaders in the construction law space, and their capabilities complement ours. This combination moves us toward dominance nationally and in the Southeast in particular, coinciding with the economic growth in the region.”

The team joining Adams and Reese brings a wealth of knowledge and experience in serving publicly traded companies, private businesses and individuals in transactions and disputes nationally and internationally. Their singular focus is meeting an array of legal, business and consulting needs in the construction space, as evidenced by national rankings by Chambers USA, Construction Executive, Construction Tech Review, Finance Monthly, Forbes and U.S. News & World Report, among others.

“We are excited about this opportunity to add our already deep bench to a national firm like Adams and Reese, whose resources and platform will take us to the next level,” said Trent Cotney, who served as chief executive officer of his firm and now becomes a partner at Adams and Reese. “As advocates for construction clients in the U.S. and around the world, our combined team has a deep understanding of what we must bring to bear when providing the most comprehensive counsel to our clients, and we can better meet their needs through our collective strengths. Our team shares Adams and Reese’s forward-thinking vision and commitment to diversity, which will exponentially grow our combined capabilities.”

The new team of attorneys relocates to Adams and Reese’s downtown Tampa office, located at 100 N. Tampa Street, Suite 4000.

“Every major city nationwide is seeing dramatic changes to its skyline, and the country is ripe with new construction and infrastructure projects that require the experience of trained construction lawyers,” said David Toney, leader of Adams and Reese’s Construction Team and a member of the firm’s Executive Committee. “This combination gives us the horsepower to respond to that need both now and into the future.”

“As the complexity of business challenges increases in response to a more interconnected global economy, our clients are seeking sophisticated advice at national and international levels,” said Jeffrey Brooks, chair of the Executive Committee at Adams and Reese. “The successful combination with Cotney will serve as a platform for our continued growth, as well as an exemplar of the partnership we seek in that mission.”

​​​​Adams and Reese, founded in 1951, is a multidisciplinary law firm with over 270 attorneys and advisors strategically located throughout the United States and Washington, D.C. The American Lawyer includes Adams and Reese on its distinguished list of the nation’s top law firms, the Am Law 200. The National Law Journal also includes the firm among the top 200 on the NLJ 500 list of the nation’s largest law firms. Learn more at www.adamsandreese.com.