At BUILD 26, Walls & Ceilings Editor John Wyatt spoke with Rudy Kadiric of Horizon Interiors to discuss the current state of the Metro Chicago construction market, labor availability and the technologies shaping wall and ceiling contracting.

Kadiric, a past Walls & Ceilings cover star (two times), attended the event to walk the trade show floor, reconnect with industry peers and evaluate products and software that could improve operations back home. Horizon Interiors performs drywall and steel framing work throughout Chicago and surrounding suburbs, where Kadiric said demand remains strong across multiple sectors.

At BUILD 26, Horizon Interiors’ Rudy Kadiric discussed Chicago’s strong construction market, ongoing labor shortages and the growing role of technology in helping wall and ceiling contractors improve productivity and stay competitive.

“The market is excellent right now,” he said during the interview. “There’s a lot of work throughout Chicago and the suburbs.”

The conversation focused heavily on workforce challenges, a topic that continues to affect interior finishes contractors nationwide. Kadiric acknowledged that labor shortages remain one of the biggest obstacles to maintaining consistent quality and meeting project schedules. Recruiting qualified field workers continues to require a combination of outreach, relationship building and long-term workforce development.

Wyatt asked whether Horizon Interiors has explored partnerships with trade organizations and schools to attract younger workers into the trades. Kadiric noted that industry associations can play an important role in connecting contractors with training resources and future talent pipelines.

The discussion also turned toward strategies for sustaining growth in a competitive market. Contractors are increasingly evaluating construction software, project management systems and estimating tools to improve productivity and reduce inefficiencies. For wall and ceiling contractors facing tighter schedules and ongoing labor constraints, investments in technology can help standardize workflows and improve communication between office and field teams.

At BUILD26, Kadiric said he was particularly interested in seeing new products, networking with peers and exploring software solutions that could provide a competitive edge. Trade shows remain an important venue for contractors to compare systems, evaluate emerging products and gather information directly from manufacturers and service providers.

Wyatt closed the interview by thanking Kadiric for joining the special edition of the “If Walls Could Talk” podcast and reflecting on the contractor’s long relationship with Walls & Ceilings. He previously appeared on the magazine’s cover during his time with Horizon Interiors and earlier in his career with a Grand Rapids-based company.