ABC Supply’s College of Knowledge Ignites Industry Growth in Cincinnati with Power100 on the Ground

At ABC Supply’s College of Knowledge in Cincinnati, ABC Supply Co., Inc. brought contractors, vendors, and rising leaders together to show why AI, repeatable sales systems, and a culture of constant learning are quickly becoming the real competitive edge in roofing and exterior remodeling.​

On January 29, ABC Supply Co., Inc hosted its annual College of Knowledge event in Cincinnati, Ohio. As one of the largest wholesale distributors of roofing, siding, and exterior building products in North America, ABC Supply continues to invest in contractor education, hands-on training, and long term business growth. The College of Knowledge brings together contractors, builders, and suppliers for a day focused on sales strategy, product knowledge, new technology, and real world business improvement. The event is designed to help industry professionals sharpen their skills, stay ahead of trends, and build stronger companies.

Power100 was present at the event, led by CEO Greg Cummings, engaging directly with contractors and leaders through live interviews and rapid fire conversations. “Power100 is the only unbiased third-party platform that recognizes and elevates the top leaders and most impactful companies in the home improvement industry.” The alignment between ABC Supply and Power100 was clear. Both organizations are committed to raising the standard of leadership, encouraging innovation, and supporting contractors who want to grow with integrity and purpose.

A Day of Learning, Leadership, and Industry Growth at ABC Supply’s College of Knowledge 2025

On January 29, contractors and industry professionals gathered in Cincinnati, Ohio for the annual College of Knowledge hosted by ABC Supply Co., Inc. The event brought together roofing contractors, exterior remodelers, builders, and suppliers from across the region, all with one shared goal. To learn, grow, and sharpen their edge in a fast changing market.

The College of Knowledge is built around one clear purpose. Help contractors become better business owners. Throughout the day, attendees moved between educational sessions focused on sales strategy, product knowledge, leadership development, and emerging technology. From roofing and siding to windows and premium exterior products, the event covered the tools and tactics companies need to stay competitive in 2025.

What made this year stand out was the strong focus on innovation and future readiness. Artificial intelligence, automation, and smarter sales systems were not talked about as distant ideas. They were discussed as real tools contractors can begin using right now. The message was clear. The industry is evolving, and those who lean into change will lead the way.

The scale of the event reflected ABC Supply’s long standing commitment to contractor education. Many companies brought multiple team members, dividing sessions by department so sales teams, operations leaders, and owners could each gain specialized knowledge. This approach created a ripple effect. Learning did not stay with one person. It returned to entire organizations.

Beyond the sessions, the energy in the room told its own story. Contractors connected with manufacturers, shared experiences with peers, and explored new products that could help them differentiate in their markets. The College of Knowledge was not just about information. It was about building relationships, strengthening community, and reinforcing the idea that growth in this industry is built together.

With decades of experience supporting contractors, ABC Supply once again demonstrated why the College of Knowledge remains one of the most respected educational events in the home improvement space. It continues to serve as a place where learning meets leadership and where companies serious about improvement come to invest in their future.

Industry Leaders Share Real Insights on AI, Sales Mastery, and the Power of Continuous Learning

During the event, Greg Cummings, CEO of Power100, led a series of rapid fire interviews with contractors and industry leaders on the ground. These conversations were honest, practical, and forward thinking. They revealed one clear message. The home improvement industry is at a turning point.

One of the strongest themes that surfaced throughout the interviews was artificial intelligence. Contractors are no longer asking if AI matters. They are asking how fast they need to move.

Jacob Brandstetter, VP of Sales Manager at KangaRoof, reflected on a session about AI and the future of business. He shared, “If you don’t get in this, you’re not going to be a part of the future.” His words captured what many in the room were feeling. AI is not just a trend. It is becoming part of daily operations.

Jacob also pointed out that AI does not have to feel overwhelming. “If you can start small and just start to utilize it within your business, it can grow up to be anything.” That mindset shift was powerful. Contractors do not need to rebuild their companies overnight. They can begin with small steps and build from there.

Jason Jones of Renegade Roofing and Restoration echoed that sentiment. He has been actively exploring AI chatbots to simplify operations and create more time freedom. “If I can have an answering machine that is delegating calls and simplifying, I can get more time for my family,” Jason explained. For him, AI is not just about growth. It is about balance and better systems.

The message was clear. AI is quickly becoming a tool that can drive efficiency, improve customer experience, and support scalable growth.

Another powerful theme that surfaced was the need for structured sales systems. Many contractors admitted that while they are strong communicators, they often rely on instinct rather than a defined process.

Jason was open about this challenge. “I’m very open and people friendly, so I just kind of wing it every time I go. I don’t have a standard process.” He recognized that while this approach may work for him, it becomes difficult to teach and scale when building a sales team.

Through sessions at the College of Knowledge, contractors learned that sales is not just personality. It is process, tonality, timing, and understanding pain points. Jason reflected on this shift, saying, “Once you understand it and you know the process, like anything, it becomes easier.”

This focus on systemization is critical for companies that want to grow beyond owner driven sales. A clear and repeatable framework creates consistency, improves close rates, and builds confidence across teams.

Perhaps the most consistent message throughout the interviews was the value of ongoing education. Companies that return year after year do so because they believe learning is not optional.

Jacob shared how his company approaches the event strategically. “We’ve probably got 15 guys here today. We’ve got guys in different rooms. We kind of pick the best seminars for each department.” That intentional structure shows a deep commitment to team development.

Jason, who has attended the College of Knowledge for several years, summed it up simply. “It just keeps getting better and better every year. I love the training aspect. If you’re not growing, you’re staying stagnant.”

Even newer companies expressed the same mindset. Kody Conley of Conley Exterior Solutions said, “I just come here to learn all I can.” That hunger to learn reflects a growth mindset that separates leaders from followers.

The College of Knowledge continues to prove that education is not an expense. It is an investment. Companies that choose to sharpen their skills, explore new technology, and refine their systems are the ones positioning themselves to lead the industry into 2025 and beyond.

Beyond systems and technology, one of the most powerful moments captured during the rapid fire interviews was the reminder that this industry is still deeply personal. Behind every growing company is a story of family, loyalty, and purpose.

Kody and Quentin Conley of Conley Exterior Solutions shared more than business goals. They shared brotherhood. When Greg asked Quentin why he joined his brother in business, his answer was simple and heartfelt. “My brother’s always been pretty much a role model to me in everything I’ve done. So just following his life path is what I strive to do.”

He continued, “It’s important to me to stand by him and help him with everything he does, because he’s supported me my whole life.”

That exchange captured something bigger than strategy. It showed that leadership in the home improvement industry often begins at home. Companies are built on trust, shared vision, and the desire to build something meaningful together. These are not just roofing businesses. They are family legacies in the making.

Throughout the day, Greg reinforced a powerful belief. Small businesses do not mean small impact. Many companies may operate with a close knit feel, but they carry big capacity. The most respected brands in the industry still operate with what feels like a family handshake, even as they grow into large organizations.

Another powerful voice at the event was Terri, Founder and CEO of Lady on the Roof. Her focus was clear. Stay ahead of technology, offer premium permanent products, and stand out in a crowded market. But her vision goes even further.

When asked what ABC Supply has meant to her company, Terri shared, “They’ve definitely been committed to our growth. They’ve been committed to a minority company breaking into the construction industry.”

Her leadership represents more than business expansion. It represents opportunity.

Terri also spoke about inspiring more women and young people to enter the trades. “We know there’s a labor shortage,” she explained. “It’s not just about women opening their eyes to the opportunity, but young people, youth.”

This message is critical. The home improvement industry is full of opportunity, yet many outside the space do not see it. With new technology, strong earning potential, and room for advancement, the industry offers real pathways to wealth and stability.

The conversations at the College of Knowledge showed that the future of construction leadership will not be defined by one type of owner. It will include women, minority leaders, family partnerships, and the next generation stepping forward with fresh ideas and bold ambition.

Through every interview, one theme stood out. Growth is not only about revenue. It is about responsibility. Responsibility to family. Responsibility to community. Responsibility to build an industry that is stronger, smarter, and more inclusive for the future.

A Defining Moment for Growth, Innovation, and Industry Unity

The 2025 College of Knowledge in Cincinnati was more than a one day event. It was a reflection of where the home improvement industry stands today and where it is headed next. Contractors did not gather just to sit in seminars. They came to sharpen their edge, challenge their thinking, and prepare for a future that is moving fast.

The impact of the event could be felt in every conversation. From AI integration to sales system refinement, from family led businesses to inclusive leadership, the message was clear. The companies willing to learn, adapt, and lead with purpose will shape the next chapter of this industry.

Relationships were strengthened. New partnerships were formed. Ideas were exchanged openly between peers who understand the daily realities of running a contracting business. The room was filled with leaders who believe growth is earned through education, discipline, and action.

Through live interviews and direct conversations, Greg Cummings and Power100 captured something deeper than business tactics. They captured mindset. Contractors who refuse to stay stagnant. Leaders who take ownership. Companies preparing to build stronger systems and better teams in 2025.

The College of Knowledge once again proved that when education meets community, advancement follows. The long term significance of this event will not only be seen in sales numbers. It will be seen in better trained teams, smarter processes, stronger families, and a more forward thinking industry.

As technology accelerates and the next generation steps forward, the future of home improvement belongs to those who continue to invest in learning. The leaders in Cincinnati made one thing clear. They are ready.

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Recap the event here. 

Watch the full interviews:
Power100 Interview with Jacob Brandstetter | ABCs College of Knowledge:Power100 Interview with Jason Jones | ABCs College of Knowledge:Power100 Interview with Terri Kruse | ABCs College of Knowledge:Power100 Interview with Kody and Quentin | ABCs College of Knowledge: