Tag: <span>Cotney Construction Law</span>

Tag: Cotney Construction Law

RT3 member Cotney Construction Law Joins Adams & Reese

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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.

RT3 member Trent Cotney forms Cotney Capital Corporation to accelerate growth in the construction industry

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Tampa, FL, March 8, 2021 – The Cotney Capital Corporation, a private equity and venture capital company designed to accelerate growth in the roofing and construction industries, is pleased to announce its launch. In addition to offering investment options for growing companies, Cotney Capital also has a revolutionary incubator program designed to partner emerging companies in the construction sector with mentors that will guide them on the path to success.

“When I surveyed the private equity and venture capital markets for construction start-ups, I did not see another company that would be able to combine the resources that we have at our disposal with the decades of experience in the industry. That singularity of focus allows our investees and mentees to gain a competitive advantage. I recognize that the industry is at a tipping point where it must embrace technology to survive. My goal with Cotney Capital is to invest and mentor the future of construction,” said Trent Cotney, CEO of Cotney Capital.

Participants in Cotney Capital’s incubator program will receive hands on training on go-to-market strategies, operations and controlled growth and scaling, among other things. In addition, Cotney Capital has the legal resources needed to assist in any corporate transaction involving a participant’s business.

“I am excited to be a part of Cotney Capital,” says John Kenney, Chief Innovation Officer of Cotney Capital. “In addition to my 45+ years’ experience in the construction industry, I have helped develop many cutting-edge technology solutions for clients that have increased efficiency and accelerated growth. I look forward to being the tip of the spear and working with the bright minds of our future.”

For more information about Cotney Capital, please go to www.cotneycapital.com.

John Kenney Named COO and Technical Director of Cotney Construction Law

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Cotney Construction Law (CCL), the leading national law firm for the roofing industry is pleased to announce the appointment of John Kenney as Chief Operating Officer and Technical Director for CCL.  With over 45-years’ experience in the roofing industry working with some of the largest roofing contractors, Kenney brings a wealth of experience in construction that will help CCL continue to grow while providing the best service and support for roofing contractors across the country.

Kenney will oversee operations for CCL along with providing business and technical consulting for CCL customers.  “We are excited to have John join our team.  Not only is he a skilled operations professional but he also understands construction and can help our customers with technical questions, concerns and planning,” stated Trent Cotney, CEO of Cotney Construction Law.  “We believe there is a huge need in the industry for basic business consulting that can help contractors run a profitable and sustainable business.  It works hand-in-hand with the CCL subscription services that provide ongoing legal and risk management.  We are also looking forward to adding John to our list of skilled lobbyists in Florida.”

Kenney started his career by working as a roofing apprentice at a family business in the Northeast, quickly moving up to manage many successful projects in the New York, New Jersey and Pennsylvania markets before continuing his executive career in Florida.  He has worked for multiple Top 100 roofing contractors running every aspect of a contracting business.  He is intimately familiar with all aspects of roofing production, estimating, and operations.

Kenney is well-known for his philanthropy and volunteerism.  He is president of the West Coast Roofing Contractors Association and has been involved with the organization for twenty years.

Kenney will support the CCL team who currently serves as General Counsel or affinity partner for National Roofing Contractors Association (NRCA), Florida Roofing and Sheet Metal Association (FRSA) and several of its affiliates, Western States Roofing Contractors Association (WSRCA), Chicago Roofing Contractors Association (CRCA), Tennessee Association of Roofing Contractors (TARC), National Women in Roofing (NWIR), Roofing Technology Think Tank (RT3), Tile Roofing Institute (TRI), IIBEC Florida and the National Slate Association (NSA).  The firm is known for their industry advocacy, philanthropy and overall commitment to the roofing industry.

To learn more about Cotney Construction Law, please visit www.cotneycl.com or call (866) 303-5868.

About Cotney Construction Law

Cotney Construction Law is a national law firm that provides representation for the construction industry.  Experienced in the representation of businesses and professionals in construction disputes and transactions, Cotney is a well-known advisor and legal counsel in the construction industry.  The firm’s practice areas include construction law, litigation, arbitration, contract review & drafting, immigration, employment, OSHA defense, licensing defense, bid protests, lien law, bond law and alternative dispute resolution.  The firm has offices throughout Florida as well as locations in Birmingham, Boston, Charlotte, Chicago, Denver, Grand Rapids, Houston, Nashville, and Portland, OR.  For more information, visit www.cotneycl.com.

Webinar Recording: Virtualizing Your Roofing Business in Light of Coronavirus

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March 18, 2020 – During this worldwide pandemic, many owners of roofing companies have questions and concerns about their ability to thrive in this uncharted territory.

In this webinar recorded March 18, 2020 you’ll hear the following roofing industry experts share their insights on how a roofing company can virtualize their business to avoid the inevitable impact of the virus.

Marketing Expert: Anna Anderson, Art Unlimited
Sales Expert: Ryan Groth, Sales Transformation Group
Commercial Roofing: Steve Little, KPost Company
Residential Roofing: Ken Kelly, Kelly Roofing
Legal Ramification Expert: Trent Cotney, Cotney Construction Law

Access the Master Resource Document here. 

 

Why focusing on technology will help increase construction productivity

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By Trent Cotney, RT3 Board Member.

The productivity problem in the construction industry is undeniable. Although the industry has only just begun to scratch the surface with technology, it is a key to improving how efficiently things are done. Our construction lawyers believe the construction industry can benefit significantly from the leveraging of technology as a means to increase productivity.

The industry needs a technological transformation for several reasons: the industry is plagued with overly complex and bureaucratic processes, slow document control and distribution, and a lack of access to needed information. Technology will help close the performance gap, reduce manpower in critical areas, and attract new talent to fight the labor shortage.

Close the Performance Gap
According to a recent construction survey, most construction executives believe that construction performance levels are subpar, yet, they believe technology is one of the keys to bridging the performance gap. Building smarter will increase performance. Those that participated in the survey believe that integrating project management information systems, building information modeling, and advanced data analytics will deliver the greatest return on investment.

Reduce Manpower
Although the industry is experiencing a labor shortage, introducing technology in certain areas will help workers work more efficiently in other areas. Machines such as the Tybot, for example, are capable of doing what humans can do and free up available people to work on other tasks. This is especially valuable during the construction industry’s labor shortage. The Tybot can tie rebar on bridges. It is estimated that the use of technology such as this can cut labor hours in half as well as reduce rebar-related injuries, which will also reduce your need for a Sarasota construction attorney.

Attract New Talent
On the other side of the manpower coin, is the technology’s ability to attract the next generation to the construction industry to combat the labor shortage. Progressive construction companies are those that embrace digitization and utilize new technologies like IoT-based wearables, analytics solutions, building information modeling, smart tools, and project management software. These technologies help to optimize the workforce which is an attractive incentive for millennials.

Source: Cotney Construction Law.

Disclaimer: The information contained in this article is for general educational information only. This information does not constitute legal advice, is not intended to constitute legal advice, nor should it be relied upon as legal advice for your specific factual pattern or situation.

NRCA’s New and Exciting Training Program

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By Cotney Construction Law.

At Cotney Construction Law, we are dedicated to bridging the skills gap. Along with the right guidance from construction organizations, professionals, and a roofing attorney, we can meet the labor demand for the future. The National Roofing Contractors Association (NRCA) will be fundamental in this process with a new training program that will aim to educate and certify skilled workers. In fact, as one NRCA board member declared, this could be a “gamechanger” for the entire industry.

As we will discuss in this article, the NRCA’s new program will look to accomplish two feats. First, provide prospective roofing professionals with the education and training they need to succeed. Second, certify existing roofing professionals across the nation.

NRCA’s ProCertification Program Requirements

Certification courses and training classes will feature all of the most popular topics within the roofing industry including courses focused on roofing systems, solar, repair, and maintenance services. Students will be provided with educational online courses and training programs.

To become certified, roofers will need to successfully complete a written test and also a skills test. All courses and certifications will be developed off of current industry standards. Experienced and professional foremen will assess the certified skills test and provide training courses as well. Although the program has not launched yet, it should be open for enrollment later this year.

The Purpose of the Program

The primary motivation for this new educational and training course is to bridge the skills gap. NRCA believes that by investing over $10 million into this program that both current and prospective roofers can combat the labor shortage problem. However, another purpose of the program is to add legitimacy to a profession that has never required certifications or a formal training program before. NRCA members hope that this new institution of training and certifying professionals will also garner more respect from industry professionals and prospective clients as well.

Creating Long-Term Professionals in Roofing

The program should also add a certain sustainability to young roofing professionals opting to make roofing their career path. Young workers that join roofing companies on the entry level can enroll in roofing courses to further their education and training. This will help these young workers become long-term, certified professionals. Similarly, active roofers that desire to become certified may receive benefits of an improved salary within their roofing companies.

With NRCA’s vision, one day these certifications may be mandatory by insurance companies. Perhaps even construction companies will require their roofers to be certified in order to propose bids on projects as well.

Source: Cotney Construction Law

Disclaimer: The information contained in this article is for general educational information only. This information does not constitute legal advice, is not intended to constitute legal advice, nor should it be relied upon as legal advice for your specific factual pattern or situation.

Using Technology to Keep Workers Safe

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By Cotney Construction Law.

In 2015, 937 people died while working on construction sites. This tops all industries and is a long-held source of concern for all of us in the construction industry, from contractors to construction attorneys. What’s more alarming is that these numbers are increasing. Year by year, as the labor shortage lingers and the demand for new construction increases, companies struggle to keep their workers safe.

While traditional tactics such as training and the use of personal protection equipment will always be a part of safety programs, new technologies are entering the mix. These tools can take worker protection to next level.

Much of the technology that you see in construction focuses on making specific processes more efficient. While this is important, there is another part of the construction experience where technology can prove vital.

Statistics show that construction is one of the most dangerous industries in business. According to the Occupational Safety and Health Administration, one in five worker deaths come from the construction industry. However, new technology is turning that around by allowing companies to better sense physical conditions among workers and on the job site and by taking dangerous jobs out of the hands of individuals.

Here are some of the technologies that are making construction work safer and more efficient:

Exoskeletons

It sounds like something out of a science fiction or superhero movie, but exoskeletons are starting to weave their way onto construction sites everywhere. These suits can be used to lift heavy loads and provide relief for workers by distributing load weight to different muscles. These suits also come with sensors that can measure the amount of exertion being placed on a worker’s body.

Driverless Vehicles

These trucks not only make workers safer by taking them out of potentially dangerous situations, they are efficient because they drive more precise routes and deliver materials quickly. These vehicles can be operated remotely and use GPS technologies to ensure that it always finds the proper location.

Sensors

Sensors on equipment has become a critical part of detecting wear and tear and location. When sensors are placed at various locations throughout a site, it can measure a variety of conditions accurately, including silica dust, chemical fumes, and temperature. This information helps contractors make adjustments to working conditions as needed.

Virtual Reality

VR is making safety training more effective by presenting hazards to workers in an environment where they can learn about them without being in harm’s way. Workers can also learn how to use equipment such as excavators and cranes in a safe environment.

Drones

Drones are taking the construction industry by storm, largely because of the amount of ways that they can used. In terms of safety, drones can do jobs that are unsafe for humans, such as surveying damaged roofs. Drones can also review worker activities to ensure safe behavior. The latter use of drones provides the additional benefit of ensuring OSHA compliance. For additional methods of achieving compliance, talk to one of the Jacksonville construction lawyers at Cotney Construction Law.

Wearables

Wearables, including smart vests and helmets, can effectively measure an individual’s physical health and allow you to make decisions based on that data. Other wearables have airbags that can deploy if a worker falls. Also, new helmet technology allows for workers to train more thoroughly through the use of augmented reality and spot hazards before they interact with them.

Disclaimer: The information contained in this article is for general educational information only. This information does not constitute legal advice, is not intended to constitute legal advice, nor should it be relied upon as legal advice for your specific factual pattern or situation.

Source: Cotney Construction Law.

6 Technology Trends in Construction

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By Cotney Construction Law.

Industry innovators are using tech to transform the way construction companies perform a variety of tasks from land inspections to creating structures. Look for new technology to move from something seen at trade shows and in magazines to an essential part of cost effectively building structures and keeping workers safe. They may also become an active part of avoiding disputes.

This article discusses a few of the exciting technological developments that are changing construction sites, both now and in the future. It’s worth investing in one or two of these technologies now to stay ahead of your competition.

Drones

With recent changes in FAA policy regarding drones, expect this technology to be plugged into the construction process in a variety of ways. Drones can be used to inspect construction sites to give quick and efficient insight on potential risks prior to the start of a project. It can give you an overhead view of progress on a construction site and spot issues rapidly. Drones are also being used as surveillance on projects, making it easier for contractors to ensure that jobs are correctly and safely being done.

Building Information Modeling (BIM)

Tech-forward construction companies are using BIM tools to create 3D simulated models of the structures that are being produced. By doing this, construction professionals can identify potential design issues before projects break ground.

Project Management Apps

The smartphone is already becoming a mainstay on the construction site. Its use will continue to widen with tools like project management apps and digital blueprints. As we all know, general contractors have to juggle a variety of tasks at once. Now, from their phone, they can manage project schedules, send reports, take pictures of potential issues, and compare project data with financial information. Digital blueprint apps allow multiple people to view documents, compare them with collected data, and make changes quickly. It turns the blueprint into a collaborative tool and saves companies money by avoiding costly changes and the type of disputes that may require a construction attorney.

Smart Helmets

The hard hat is now taking head protection to the next level. Smart helmets are devices that can help users detect hazards around them. This is done through the use of cameras and sensors within the helmet that create a 4D augmented reality.

Automated Robots

Automated robots are being programmed to perform a number of tasks on the construction site, including drilling, bricklaying, and constructing beams. Eventually, these robots will be able to construct structures without people on site. This can greatly reduce the cost of onsite workers and reduce safety concerns.

Driverless Trucks

Another automated technology, driverless trucks are also making construction sites safer by hauling materials independent of a driver. These trucks are controlled remotely using GPS technology. They are more fuel efficient and experience fewer delays than trucks with human drivers. This can make the construction site safer and reduce the type of disputes for which a Sarasota construction attorney is needed.

Note: This first published on Cotney Construction Law’s website and can be viewed here.

Disclaimer: The information contained in this article is for general educational information only. This information does not constitute legal advice, is not intended to constitute legal advice, nor should it be relied upon as legal advice for your specific factual pattern or situation.

Cloud Technology and the Construction Industry

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By Cotney Construction Law.

A critical component of the construction industry is the flow of information. On a daily basis, blueprints, daily reports, change reports, and punch lists are passed among contractors, architects, and subcontractors. That’s just a small list of the information that’s being dispersed. If that’s not enough, the construction environment is fast moving and not all parties are in the same location. In years pass, these details made communication slow and hitting project deadlines a matter of chance. Enter cloud technology.

The “cloud” refers to a remote server that stores data and software. From a technological standpoint, the cloud allows construction companies to keep massive amounts of information in a place that is accessible from anywhere that you can establish a wifi or cellular connection. In terms of day to day operation, the cloud is making an impact in a number of areas. That’s why 59 percent of construction companies surveyed by the Associated General Contractors of America and Sage say that they are either using a cloud solution or planning to use one.

The cloud presents a number of benefits to construction companies. Here are a few:

Access to information anywhere. There was a time where plans had to be carried from job site to job site in big tubes. Construction sites are dirty places and items are easily lost. With the cloud, information can be accessed from anywhere with a mobile device. Oftentimes, information is housed in an office, while work is done in the field. Now, information is more easily attained and more accurate.

Real-time collaboration. Similarly, the parties that are involved in a construction project, developers, designers, contractors, and subcontractors are typically in different places. Sometimes different cities. Meeting in person takes time and effort. Phone calls alone leave gaps in information. A cloud solution allows all parties to see construction plans in real time, collaborate on them, and make decisions. It’s a more seamless way of reaching consensus and reduces the types of conflicts that would require the help of a construction law attorney to settle.

Secure data. It may seem counterintuitive that a platform that exists remotely can be more secure than saving files on your own desktop, but the advances in cloud technology make that the case. With many cloud solutions, data is backed up nightly. More importantly, many cloud solution providers use more sophisticated security and antivirus tools than the average user employs on their desktop. Additionally, computers can be stolen or compromised.

Cost-effective solution. Let’s face it, you are going to need a data storage solution at some point. If your company is even moderately successful, you will accumulate a great deal of data. Physical servers are one solution, but they are expensive to purchase and maintain. A cloud solution is much more affordable and is scalable. As your need for data storage grows, so too can your space in the cloud.

As our construction lawyers have noted in previous articles, the construction site is a fast-paced environment. Skilled tradesmen are busy working on various aspects of the project. Materials move back and forth on the job site. Subcontractors work to complete critical components of a structure. All of this is done under strict timelines. However, for the pace at which construction moves, a fundamental part of the process has always hampered it– paperwork. From contracts to change orders, paperwork is a major part of our industry. Collaboration has always been difficult because all parties have to be in the same place. Now with cloud technology, this is no longer the case.

Note: This first published as a two-part article on Cotney Construction Law’s website and can be viewed here.

Disclaimer: The information contained in this article is for general educational information only. This information does not constitute legal advice, is not intended to constitute legal advice, nor should it be relied upon as legal advice for your specific factual pattern or situation.