By Emma Peterson. 

Learn about the state of the outdoor industry by reading the top OCS articles of March. 

OutdoorCoffeeShop™ (OCS) was established to create an online space for outdoor professionals and contractors to learn and grow together. To help facilitate that community, our team organizes and publishes a variety of resources, from webinars to podcast to articles. And with that much content getting made every month, it can be hard to keep up! That’s why we like to take a moment at the beginning of each new month to look back on the top articles of the previous month!  

Looking back at March, multiple of our top articles featured guest speakers from our Contractor Outlook series. In one episode, Kevin Fox of FoxWerx Group explained how AI has heralded in a new world of business operations. He went on to emphasize that the most important part of AI is not the tool itself, but how people are using it.  

Also on the topic of AI was Denver Riggleman's episode of Contractor Outlook and subsequent article. In the article, Emma Peterson highlighted Denver’s concerns for businesses who use AI without proper cybersecurity precautions.  

And the last but certainly not least Contractor Outlook guest speaker on our list was Caitlin Burke, a senior construction recruiter at Tiello. The article about her episode focuses on how building a positive company culture with competitive benefits is key to recruiting and retaining a workforce.  

March 2026’s top articles 

5 - Sharing the industry’s stories, feeling the momentum by OutdoorCoffeeShop 

4 - Sherwin-Williams Kentucky expansion more than doubles capacity of coil coatings plant

3 - Navigating a new world of technology by Emma Peterson 

2 - The state of roofing recruitment and retention by Emma Peterson 

1 - A new safety frontier by Emma Peterson 

This expansion leads the way for future industry growth.

Sherwin-Williams Coil Coatings, the leading manufacturer of coil and extrusion metal coatings in the world, today announced it completed a major expansion at its coil coatings manufacturing plant in Bowling Green, Kentucky, to align production of its popular products with an expected trajectory of positive growth in the metal roofing and construction markets.

“Our Performance Coatings Group continues to invest in advanced technologies that support innovation and long-term partnerships,” said Karl Jorgenrud, president, Sherwin-Williams Performance Coatings Group. “The Bowling Green expansion will strengthen our supply chain resilience and ensure our customers receive high-performance solutions without interruption.”

The company significantly upgraded the 32-year-old facility with state-of-the-art technology, advanced automation, larger batch capabilities and expanded production capacity to meet accelerating demand in roofing, metal building and OEM manufacturer markets.

The expansion adds a 60% overall increase from 2025 — and enables larger batch production. Sherwin-Williams says enhanced automation will also improve formulation accuracy, reduce any defects, increase consistency and strengthen the plant’s ability to meet lead-time commitments.

“Industry experts predict demand increasing across roofing and siding markets and this expansion bolsters our ability to deliver our products in less than five days, which is advantageous to our many customers,” said Drew Waldroup, vice president of sales for the Sherwin-Williams. “Increased capacity and automation also enhance our reliability, provide greater operational flexibility and allow us to collaborate seamlessly with other Sherwin-Williams manufacturing sites nationwide.”

The Bowling Green facility manufactures polyester coil coatings (PolyPREMIER™) designed for interior and moderate exterior applications such as lighting fixtures, appliances, garage and entry doors and building products. These polyester systems deliver the toughness and flexibility required for reliable interior performance.

For exterior environments, the plant produces siliconized modified polyester (SMP) coatings (WeatherXL™), which offer enhanced UV resistance, gloss retention and long-term weatherability for metal roofing, siding, agricultural buildings and industrial panels. The expansion strengthens Sherwin‑Williams ability to scale production and support growing customer demand.

Sherwin-Williams is a global leader in coil and extrusion metal coatings, serving coaters, roll formers, OEMs and construction professionals worldwide with innovative, high-performance finishing technologies.

For more information about the expansion check out the fact sheet.

By Jenny Yu.  

New H&C innovations are designed to help contractors deliver efficient, profitable results. 

As demand grows for durable outdoor living spaces that don’t compromise on visual appeal, Sherwin-Williams is introducing new concrete coating solutions through its H&C brand to help contractors meet performance and profitability goals. The brand’s latest innovations reflect a focus on efficiency, protection and long-term value for professionals working on patios, driveways and other concrete surfaces. 

A key example is the upcoming Heavy Shield Plus, a high-performance concrete coating designed to deliver both protection and visual impact. According to Dan Hedberg, the brand’s assistant product manager, the value of coatings goes well beyond appearance. 

“Coatings like Heavy Shield Plus provide both aesthetic value as well as protective value,” Dan said. “They protect investments and ensure patios, driveways or whatever it may be, hold up for years to come even when exposed to harsh weather and abuse.” He added that taking on concrete coatings projects backed by Heavy Shield Plus allows contractors to “grow their businesses and offer even more valuable services to their customers.” 

Marketing Manager Garrett Harris echoed that sentiment, emphasizing performance and profitability. “Coatings aren’t just cosmetic; they are an investment in longevity and performance,” Garrett stated. “Choosing the right system can elevate your portfolio and turn an average job into a highly profitable job.” 

Dan said Heavy Shield Plus was designed with contractor efficiency in mind. “It’s easy to apply and can go on bare surfaces or surfaces that have been previously coated,” he explained. “It dries fast and even large projects can be knocked out in a single day.” He also pointed to its durability and flexibility without sacrificing aesthetic value, noting, “With thousands of color options, contractors can pick the right color for any kind of job.” 

On top of product innovation, Sherwin-Williams and H&C emphasize hands-on support to help professionals select the right solutions for their projects. “Our field teams provide hands-on training, specification guides and personalized support to ensure every project gets the right solution,” Garret shared. “At the end of the day, our mission is simple: help professionals deliver beautiful, durable spaces that stand the test of time.” 

Learn more about H&C products like Heavy Shield Plus!

By Emma Peterson. 

From residential patios to industrial manufacturing plants, H&C is delivering durability, aesthetics and ease of installation.  

If you’ve ever thought about repainting your walls, you’ve probably heard the name Sherwin-Williams. With almost 5,000 storefronts and locations around the world, they are a household name in the paint world. But did you know that their offerings extend far beyond your walls? To learn more about Sherwin-Williams' outdoor coating offerings, we hosted Garrett Harris and Dan Hedberg from the Sherwin-Williams H&C team.  

H&C is a Sherwin-Williams brand specifically focused on decorative concrete products. Garrett shared, “We are a part of the Sherwin-Williams umbrella, which means we benefit from the same research, technical expertise and distribution network that Sherwin-Williams has built.” But H&C’s story goes beyond that. As Dan put it, “The H&C brand has been around since 1929, so it has a unique and rich legacy even beyond its role in the Sherwin-Williams family.” 

This legacy includes products like their Heavy Shield Plus™ Concrete & Driveway Enamel/Stain. Heavy Shield Plus is an industry-leading concrete coating that not only delivers maximum durability, but also unbeatable aesthetics. Dan talked a bit about the product, sharing, “Heavy Shield Plus is a very versatile product, it's perfect for outdoor living spaces like driveways, patios, pool decks, walkways and even some indoor living spaces. Ultimately, whether it be a high traffic area like a residential driveway or a light industrial setting like a loading dock, this product is a great choice.” 

How does it achieve this incredible versatility and durability? Heavy Shield Plus is formulated with a polymer that adheres to concrete better than competing coatings. This not only means it lasts longer with fewer reapplications, but it can be used on a wider variety of surfaces. Dan explained, “Heavy Shield Plus can go over water-based and solvent-based coatings. This is a big one for our pros because you don’t always know what the existing coating is when you get to a job site. Because Heavy Shield Plus can go on both water- and solvent-based surfaces, you don’t have to spend time doing a xylene test to see what the existing coating is. Saving that time is saving money.”  

At the end of the day, Heavy Shield Plus is a prime example of the performance of H&C’s products. As Garrett put it, “Heavy Shield Plus is the next generation of its kind for protective coatings designed to be used in high traffic and extreme condition areas. It's a catch-all product, you can use it really anywhere, and a great example of how H&C works to help people get the most out of their concrete surfaces.”  

Learn more about Heavy Shield Plus and other H&C products on their website.

By Jenny Yu.  

Sherwin-Williams and H&C continue to innovate as contractors demand stronger, more resilient exterior solutions. 

For almost 160 years, Sherwin-Williams has provided professional contractors and DIYers alike with coating solutions for inside and outside their homes. In a recent From the Ground Up™ episode, Karol Weyman spoke with Dan Hedberg, assistant product manager for Sherwin-Williams, about how the company and its H&C brand continue to expand their product lines to meet growing demands.  

“We've been around for a long time. We've been focusing on exterior spaces and concrete specifically for a very long time,” Dan stated. “With a brand like H&C and Sherwin-Williams, you can be assured that you're getting a company that really knows what they're doing and has tested out the market.” 

One way H&C and Sherwin-Williams have established themselves as leaders is by addressing durability concerns for outdoor surfaces that take a beating from various extreme climates. “Whether you think about northern states like Ohio, we get brutal freeze-thaw cycles and salt in the winter, and down in Florida, you have very harmful UV rays. There are unique things to consider depending on the environment,” Dan said. “But, regardless of whether you’re up north or down south, we not only want our surfaces to be protected, but we want it to be beautiful, too.”  

Another demand Dan spoke to was the importance of water resistance when engineering new coating products. “On things like pool decks, you have water immersion to think about,” Dan explained. “You have water sitting, not being wiped up right away, oftentimes with an inferior coating that’s going to lead to softening of the coating, and it’s going to fail that way. You also have discoloring and fading to worry about.” 

Furthermore, Dan discussed chemical exposures on spaces like driveways. “Think about all the nasty things that we store in our garage or that might drip off our cars: gasoline, oil, transmission fluid, brake fluid, all that nasty stuff,” Dan said. “These try their best to eat away or at least stain a coating.” 

To address these growing demands and concerns, Dan expressed how Sherwin-Williams and H&C continue to be trusted partners for contractors and end-users alike with innovative solutions like their newest addition, Heavy Shield Plus. “We're testing those from top to bottom and keeping very rough and abusive conditions in mind when developing products,” Dan shared.  

Listen to the podcast to learn more about how H&C and Sherwin-Williams deliver high-performance products for evolving outdoor spaces.

By Jenny Yu.  

Sherwin-Williams leaders explain how innovation and concrete-focused expertise drive the next generation of H&C coatings. 

Sherwin-Williams continues to expand its leadership in concrete coatings with new innovations from its H&C brand, a line dedicated solely to protecting and enhancing concrete surfaces. We spoke with Assistant Product Manager Dan Hedberg and Marketing Manager Garrett Harris about how the company’s history and forward-looking strategy shape the next generation of high-performing products, including the upcoming Heavy Shield™ Plus. 

A history of quality and innovation 

Dan said Sherwin-Williams’ long record of durability and market leadership stems from its commitment to innovation. “From introducing the first ready-mix paint and first resealable paint can in the 1870s, to introducing the first water-based house paint and first roller applicator in the 1940s, to introducing the first custom color mixer and first paint can shaker in the 1950s and 60s, innovation is nothing new to us,” Dan stated. “It’s the lifeblood of our company and what has made us so resilient over our close to 160-year history.” 

With nearly 5,000 stores worldwide and over 60,000 employees, Sherwin-Williams continues to grow in reach and reputation. “We deliver not only a physical product that is good, but we also provide a good experience,” Garrett shared. “Contractors and property owners trust us because we deliver solutions and stand behind our products. Because of that, people continue to come back to us.” 

H&C also boasts a long history of consistency and proven performance on a specific focus. “Since 1929, H&C’s focus has always been, and will always be, concrete.” Dan said. “With H&C, you know you’re getting the muscle of Sherwin-Williams in terms of research, technical expertise, distribution, elite talent and next generation facilities, but also a hyperfocus on concrete surfaces and the concrete industry specifically.”  

“Think of it as the go-to brand for protecting and beautifying outdoor concrete,” Garrett added. “What sets H&C apart is its focus: we specialize in coatings that transform hardscapes without the cost and disruption of replacement. We have teams only dedicated to concrete coatings and how that interacts both with contractors, with homeowners and with people trying to expand their business.” 

Outdoor concrete opportunities and challenges 

Extreme climate, foot and vehicle traffic, and durability are the most pressing concerns H&C strives to address when innovating for outdoor concrete performance.  

"Concrete is assumed to protect itself, and that's not always the case,” Garrett shared. “So, we try to provide that education so we can help everyone overcome the challenges and present opportunities with our products. Our coatings protect against moisture, UV and wear, helping contractors deliver long-lasting results that save clients money and elevate curb appeal.” 

Dan agreed. “That’s where H&C shines. At the end of the day, it is always going to be cheaper to protect your existing concrete than to let it ride and end up needing to repair or replace it,” Dan emphasized. “No matter kind of finish you’re looking for or what kind of surface you’re coating — H&C has you covered.” 

With products including clear sealers, penetrating waterproofers, decorative stains and high-performance epoxies, H&C meets the needs of both contractors and homeowners in providing the best solutions possible. 

What’s next: Heavy Shield Plus 

One of the brand's newest solutions is Heavy Shield Plus, a breakthrough in adhesion and abrasion resistance. “H&C Heavy Shield Plus is our next generation, super-premium, water-based solid color concrete stain designed with Supreme Adhesion Technology to maximize resistance to flaking and peeling even in high-traffic areas.” 

“It’s a next-generation protective coating designed for high-traffic and harsh environments — think commercial walkways, patios and outdoor entertainment spaces,” Garrett added. “What makes it unique is its advanced abrasion resistance, ability to withstand ponding water and its very much improved adhesion.” 

Learn more about Heavy Shield Plus and the full H&C product lineup today.

With a continued commitment to sales excellence, first-class customer service and effective marketing, H&C ® is continuously looking for innovative ways to make concrete more appealing, artistic and colorful. 

The Coffee Shops™, the award-winning online communities where the industries meet for technologies, safety, information and education for the construction trades of roofing, metal, coatings and outdoor living, are pleased to welcome H&C® Decorative Concrete Products (H&C) into their community. 

For nearly a century, H&C has helped professionals transform ordinary concrete into durable, high-performance surfaces. Established in 1929, the brand built its foundation on superior adhesion, reliable protection and industry-leading quality that guides every product they develop today. 

Contractors, designers and hardscape specialists face one consistent challenge: delivering finishes that look great and stay great. H&C emphasizes sales excellence, exceptional customer service and continuous innovation to ensure their solutions elevate your craft, providing results that look great and stay great. 

A complete decorative concrete portfolio 

H&C covers the full spectrum of concrete needs, from beautification to heavy-duty protection. Their products include stains, sealers, waterproofers, resurfacers and specialty coatings that perform exceptionally across residential and commercial environments.  

Here’s what stands out in their current offerings: 

• HEAVY SHIELD™ Concrete & Driveway Enamel/Stain: Designed for both interior and exterior use, HEAVY SHIELD is a solid color, water-based stain that combines deep penetration with long-lasting durability. 
• Shield-Crete® Water-Based Epoxy Garage Floor Coating: For clients looking for a polished, professional garage finish, Shield-Crete epoxy creates a hard, durable surface that resists peeling and eliminates hot-tire pickup issues. 
• ClariShield® Clear Sealers: When a job calls for enhancing, enriching or protecting bare or previously coated concrete, the ClariShield line brings out the natural aesthetic of the substrate while adding long-lasting protection from weather, water and wear. 

H&C helps simplify the selection process with straightforward tools that guide you toward the right stain or coating based on the substrate and site conditions. With a wide range of solid color options and tintable systems, outdoor professionals can easily specify the perfect finish for any project style. 

The Coffee Shops are proud to welcome H&C Decorative Concrete Products!

Outdoor Influencers celebrate their inaugural year of giving back to the outdoor industry. 

The Coffee Shops™, the award-winning websites where the industries meet for technology, information and everyday business, announces the 2026 Influencers for OutdoorCoffeeShop™.    

Each month, Influencers respond to a topic that is relevant and timely such as business growth, sustainability and eco-friendly solutions, design inspiration and more. OCS features Influencer responses through interviews, videos and articles. These Influencers represent every corner of the outdoor living industries, including contractors, associations, distributors, manufacturers and service providers. Their contributions are showcased in dedicated sections on the website and shared on social media. 

“Our mission with OutdoorCoffeeShop is to amplify the voices of professionals shaping the outdoor living industry,” said The Coffee Shops’ President and CEO Heidi J. Ellsworth. “From landscaping to hardscapes, pools, spas and decking, these Influencers are on the frontlines, bringing insights that will strengthen businesses and elevate professionalism across the industry.” 

We are proud to announce the following 2026 OutdoorCoffeeShop Influencers: 

• Rachel Mohorn – Heritage 
• Brittainy Klein – Heritage  
• John Kenney – Cotney Consulting Group 
• Trent Cotney – Adams & Reese 
• Rob Murray – IM (Intrigue Media) Landscape Growth 
• Cindy Code – Project Evergreen 
• Kristin Case – Hi-Peak Staffing Solutions 
• Garrett Harris – Sherwin-Williams 
• Julissa Chavez – SRS Building Products/Heritage 
• Amanda Gay – Brava/Aspire 
• Taylor Dahlquist – Elevated Outdoors 

Find more information on the 2025 OCS Influencers.

About OutdoorCoffeeShop 

OutdoorCoffeeShop™ (OCS) is a community and resource hub for professionals in the outdoor space to share ideas, tell stories, research, find learning opportunities and offer help. OCS is the one of many websites under the umbrella of The Coffee Shops (thecoffeeshops.online), which went online in 2002.  OCS is the latest online community for contractors specializing in hardscape, pool and water features, decking and flooring, landscaping and outdoor living. Like the other Coffee Shops, OCS delivers award-winning content, education and information with a focus on outdoor living that will build professionalism and networking opportunities. We are the place where the industry meets!  For more information, visit www.outdoorcoffeeshop.com. 

About The Coffee Shops 

Award-winning websites and online communities make up The Coffee Shops. Starting with RoofersCoffeeShop, which launched in 2002, the growth of the sites has been explosive for the construction trades of roofing, metal, coatings and their customers. Currently featuring four Coffee Shops, RoofersCoffeeShop, MetalCoffeeShop®, CoatingsCoffeeShop®, OutdoorCoffeeShop™ and their sister site AskARoofer™, all the sites are committed to advocating for the construction trades by supplying consistent information, education and communication avenues for all contractors, while promoting positive growth, education and success of construction industries overall. The Coffee Shops also feature strong microsites with RoofersCoffeeShop.ca, RoofersCoffeeShop.uk and En Español. Visitors to the site continue to find excellent opportunities for sharing information while participating in important ongoing conversations concerning new technologies, safety and overall construction information and education. The Coffee Shops are “Where the Industries Meet!” For more information, visit www.thecoffeeshops.online.