In this episode of Setting the Standard, host Chris Coryell interviews Darren Schulz (President) and Andrea Fisher (Director of Marketing) from Duro-Last, a premium roofing manufacturer based in Saginaw, Michigan. With Darren marking his first year as president and Andrea bringing nearly seven years of marketing expertise, they discuss what sets Duro-Last apart in a competitive industry.

The conversation centers on Duro-Last's partnership-driven business model, which prioritizes direct relationships with certified contractors over traditional distribution channels. Darren and Andrea explain their "edge to edge, deck to sky" approach - manufacturing complete roofing systems rather than individual components - and how this enables comprehensive warranties backed by rigorous quality control. They discuss the cultural continuity maintained during recent ownership transitions and the importance of their annual contractor seminar that serves as both education and recognition.

Chris explores why Coryell Roofing chose to align exclusively with Duro-Last despite being a premium-priced option, emphasizing how true partnerships provide contractors with technical support, marketing assistance, and quality assurance that extends far beyond product sales. The discussion addresses industry challenges including the need to educate building owners who often don't understand roofing complexities until problems arise, and Chris's philosophy of raising industry standards even when it potentially creates more competition. Both guests share their unexpected journeys into the roofing industry and why professionals find it so engaging once they enter the field.

Host: Chris Coryell, Coryell Roofing
Guests: Darren Schulz, President, Duro-Last; Andrea Fisher, Director of Marketing, Duro-Last

In this episode of Setting the Standard, host Chris Coryell interviews David Mabe (Vice President of Construction & Founder of TIPS) and Brandon Rakestraw (Regional Sales Manager, Coryell Roofing) to explore how purchasing cooperatives are transforming procurement for public entities. Founded in 2002, TIPS (The Interlocal Purchasing System) now serves all 48 states, providing legally compliant procurement alternatives that save public agencies significant time and money.

David shares compelling research showing that traditional bidding costs public entities up to $17,000 per complex procurement, while cooperative purchasing eliminates these expenses entirely. The discussion reveals how the traditional "low bid" mentality often results in poor outcomes, with contractors disappearing after 18 months and substandard work that costs taxpayers more in the long run. Brandon explains how TIPS enables true partnerships between quality contractors and public entities, allowing schools and municipalities to select proven vendors for consistent, high-quality results. The episode highlights the recent legislative victory in Tennessee that now allows construction services through cooperative purchasing, opening new opportunities for rural communities that previously struggled to attract quality contractors. With over 100 roofing contractors in the TIPS network and 150+ procurement categories available, this episode demonstrates why cooperative purchasing represents the future of smart public procurement, combining cost savings, quality assurance, and compliance in one streamlined process.

Host: Chris Coryell, Coryell Roofing

Guests: David Mabe, Vice President of Construction & Founder of TIPS; Brandon Rakestraw, Regional Sales Manager, Coryell Roofing

In this episode of Setting the Standard, host Chris Coryell interviews Stewart Shirey (Co-founder) and Ed King (Senior Vice President) from Government Capital in Southlake, Texas. With over 33 years in the industry and $6.5 billion in financing provided across 11,000 transactions, Government Capital specializes in helping public entities navigate complex financing options.

Stewart and Ed break down the "hidden costs" that public entities face when delaying critical infrastructure projects - particularly the "silent killers" of inflation and lost ROI that often exceed financing interest rates. They explain how tax-exempt borrowing rates (4-5%) combined with current inflation rates (5-7%) actually make financing more economical than paying cash. The discussion covers the two-lane approach of securities vs. non-securities financing, state-by-state regulatory differences, and why K-12 schools face unique funding challenges. With 80 new first-time superintendents in Texas alone and ongoing challenges around school funding, this episode provides essential insights for public decision-makers considering infrastructure investments, making a compelling mathematical case that strategic financing is often the most responsible fiscal approach.

Host: Chris Coryell, Coryell Roofing
Guests: Stewart Shirey, Co-founder, Government Capital; Ed King, Senior Vice President, Government Capital

Cooperative Purchasing & State-Applicable Finance Options

New laws mean new opportunities. Dr. Dale Lynch and Mark Treece explain how Tennessee’s Chapter 98 and purchasing cooperatives like TIPS are transforming how school districts make capital improvement decisions. Learn how these tools empower smaller districts, simplify compliance, and support smarter long-term investments.

Wendell Olson and Kelly Coryell tackle the unique roofing needs of colleges and universities, from aesthetic preservation to catastrophic loss prevention. Hear how proactive planning, FM Approved systems, and campus-specific strategies help institutions avoid the costly trap of lowest-bid regrets and protect their long-term legacies.

Hospitals operate 24/7, and their roofs must too. In this episode, Jeremy Hey and Kelly Coryell discuss the high-stakes nature of healthcare roofing, including patient-centric planning, infection control, and why annual roof assessments are as essential as checkups. Learn how the right roof protects people, policy, and peace of mind.

Explore how proactive roofing strategies directly impact school safety, legacy, and budget protection. Featuring powerful stories from Dr. Kyle Reynolds, Anthony Velez, and Kelly Coryell, this episode shares lessons from the award-winning Woodward Public Schools project and dives into what educators must know to prevent costly disruptions and storm-related losses.