Articles by Chris Gray

If Walls Could Talk

Dear Anna: Why are Videos Essential in Marketing?

Video provides contractors a way to show off personality and culture that other mediums struggle to convey

November 21, 2025

In the latest “Dear Anna” podcast, marketing expert Anna Anderson breaks down how contractors can leverage video to capture attention, boost SEO and communicate authenticity — all while keeping content short, strategic and effective.

Dear Anna: The Retention Playbook: Never Lose a Customer Again

If Walls Could Talk

Dear Anna: How Do I Never Lose a Customer Again?

Learn tips and strategies on winning over customers and making them lifelong clients

October 29, 2025

Art Unlimited CEO Anna Anderson discusses strategies from the book “Never Lose a Customer Again” and how contractors can apply them to their marketing and operations to win over customers.

Acquisition News

Lowe’s to Acquire Foundation Building Materials for $8.8 Billion

The deal adds FBM’s 370 locations across the U.S. and Canada, strengthening Lowe’s reach to 40,000 professional contractor customers.

Chris Gray

August 20, 2025

One Comment

Lowe's is boosting its Pro ecosystem with the acquisition of Foundation Building Materials Inc., a distributor of interior building products, for $8.8 billion.

If Walls Could Talk

Dear Anna: How Do I Optimize for AI Overviews?

Contractors need to adapt to AI-enhanced search results if they wish to remain relevant

July 16, 2025

As search engines like Google make AI overview search results front and center, roofing contractors will need to adapt to keep their digital business fronts relevant.

A 2024 report from the Center for Construction and Research reveals that approximately one in six individuals employed in the construction industry reported experiencing anxiety or depression.

Mental Health

Addressing Mental Health in the Construction Industry

Unchecked mental health issues lead to increased suicide rates among construction workers.

Chris Gray

May 29, 2025

One Comment

Unchecked mental health issues lead to increased suicide rates among construction workers.

Dear Anna: Is My Website Truly Accessible?

Not only does accessibility help with legal compliance, but it could also lead to increased lead generation

May 27, 2025

Statistically, many websites are not compliant with accessibility requirements. Find out if your site is up to snuff to potentially gain new leads in this episode of “Dear Anna.”

The U.S. House of Representatives is struggling to get President Trump's "Big Beautiful Bill" onto the floor for a vote.

News Analysis

2026 Budget Passes House — But at What Cost?

The 2026 budget offers key wins for contractors but will likely increase national debt

Chris Gray

Bryan Gottlieb

May 22, 2025

No Comments

Tax reforms in the recently House-passed version of the 2026 federal budget proposal offer good news for contractors—if the country can weather its long-term costs.

Podcast

Dear Anna: How Can I Optimize Lead Generation?

Studying your company’s touchpoints can lead to smarter marketing decisions

April 21, 2025

Marketing expert Anna Anderson challenges contractors to think differently about lead generation to better inform their marketing strategies and budgets.

Podcast

Dear Anna: How do I Successfully Market During Election Cycles?

Chris Gray

August 20, 2024

No Comments

With a presidential election hogging the advertising space in most media, how does a contractor hope to get their name out? Marketing expert Anna Anderson has the answers in this episode of “Dear Anna.”

Legal

VIDEO: Recent Supreme Court Rulings That Can Affect YOU!

Chevron overruling could result in more opportunities to appeal federal agency rulings

Chris Gray

August 5, 2024

No Comments

Chevron overruling could result in more opportunities to appeal federal agency rulings

Credits 1 AIA LU/HSW; 0.1 ICC CEU

This course will explore the pivotal role architects and lighting design play in creating safer, more sustainable spaces. Learn how to avoid common lighting mistakes and make informed decisions that create the best visual environment for occupants.

Articles by Chris Gray

Dear Anna: Why are Videos Essential in Marketing?

Dear Anna: How Do I Never Lose a Customer Again?

Lowe’s to Acquire Foundation Building Materials for $8.8 Billion

Dear Anna: How Do I Optimize for AI Overviews?

Addressing Mental Health in the Construction Industry

Dear Anna: Is My Website Truly Accessible?

2026 Budget Passes House — But at What Cost?

Dear Anna: How Can I Optimize Lead Generation?

Dear Anna: How do I Successfully Market During Election Cycles?

VIDEO: Recent Supreme Court Rulings That Can Affect YOU!

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