In the 2026 Metal Construction News State of the Industry roundtable, a panel of five industry leaders discussed the landscape and trajectory of the metal and architecture industries. This summary provides an overview of the discussion’s topics, focusing on the impacts of tariffs, the role of technology and AI, and the skilled labor shortage. The full video can be viewed above.
Joining MCN executive publisher Melanie Kowal were the following professionals:
David Leinbach
David K. Leinbach is president and founder of Kaiser Construction. He acquired Martin Construction Company of Denver, Pa., a commercial contractor, in 2010. In 2017, the companies merged to form the Kaiser-Martin Group, creating a general contracting company well-suited for future growth. Leinbach also holds majority ownership of Kaiser Investment, a property management firm, and serves as the current president of the Metal Building Contractors and Erectors Association (MBCEA).
Christen Funk
Christen Funk is president of Butler Manufacturing and chair of the Metal Building Manufacturers Association (MBMA). Funk brings more than two decades of experience leading global businesses and driving growth. She has managed massive P&Ls, led teams of hundreds, and delivered strategies that transformed markets. Before joining Butler, she helped Rain Bird achieve double-digit growth and expand into new segments. Earlier in her career, she scaled Rubbermaid Commercial Products through innovation and acquisitions.
DJ van Rooyen
DJ van Rooyen has been a founding partner in Steel Worx Solutions, LLC, since 2005. In his role at the company, he has spent the last two decades building Steel Worx Solutions into a leading provider of steel and metal construction services.
Mark Bus
Mark Bus is the national sales manager for ATAS International. In addition to his position at ATAS, Bus serves on the national Metal Roofing Alliance (MRA) board and the board of St. Joseph the Worker School in Orefield, Pa.
Steven Hudgins
With more than two decades of experience in the commercial construction industry, Steven leads the Rainwater Construction team as president. Hudgins’ construction industry experience includes 14 years with Butler Manufacturing.
