ASSOCIATION NEWS: CFA Health and Safety Survey Says…

CFA conducted a survey on the state of safety education in member companies. The survey was the precursor for work being undertaken to develop a learning management system (LMS) and offer online courses for access by members of the Association, to bring better education to the workforce. Such an LMS not only elevates the quality […]

TRICK OF THE TRADE CORNER: Tying to Prevent Footing Spread

This issue’s Trick of the Trade response to the president’s challenge is shared by Jason Ells of Custom Concrete in Westfield, Indiana. Jason has worked with his company’s residential foreman to identify and understand this simple solution they offer to the industry. Jason’s tip has rewarded his company’s member account with 50 points redeemable in […]

MANAGEMENT DEPARTMENT: Find Better Customers to Make More Money

Many concrete contractors are experiencing busy workloads. Their schedules are almost as full as they were before the Great Recession. However, their profits are not where they should be. I am often asked, “How do I make more profit on my construction jobs?” One of the best ways to make more money on your construction […]

CALLING ALL FOUNDATION PROFESSIONALS!

The Concrete Foundations Association announces Concrete Foundations Convention 2017, consisting of both a 3-day professional pass and a 1-day opportunity to interact with the Concrete Foundations Convention in Nashville, TN on July 20, 2017. The 1-day registration is extended to the regional industry for companies wishing to expose their key workforce to a great concrete […]

2017 Projects of the Year | Non-Wall Structural Element

Non-Wall Structural Element Burnett Residence Site Walls SCW Footings & Foundations Salt Lake City, Utah The category for non-wall structural element was created to honor the many projects where contractors are asked to deliver a concrete structure other than the typical load-bearing foundation wall. In other words, any element that is not a simply supported […]

2017 Projects of the Year | Commercial Project

All Points Anson Building 8A Commercial Project Custom Concrete Westfield, Indiana The casual observer may look upon concrete slabs as a basic and perhaps the easiest form of cast-in-place to complete. Those who have undertaken the challenge on any SOG will not likely agree and will be quick to add that the commercial slab with […]

2017 Projects of the Year | Single-Family Residence 2000-5000 SF

Bashan Lake Residence Single-Family Residence 2,000 to 5,000 sq.ft. Talpey Construction Westbrook, Connecticut Bigger houses in tall, sloping lots are a formula for complex foundations and an opportunity for achieving striking quality. That was the result of this residential foundation located in East Haddam, Connecticut. “The site offered 22 ft. of elevation change between the […]

2017 Projects of the Year | Single-Family Residence Under 2000 SF

Blue Willow Ridge Nest #3 Single-Family Residence Under 2,000 sq.ft. SCW Footings & Foundations Salt Lake City, Utah The intrigue of the residential foundation that is under 2,000 sq.ft. is often overlooked in today’s construction economy, where bigger is spectacular and ostentatious is attractive. Some of the most challenging projects, however, come in small packages. […]

2017 Projects of the Year Overall Grand Project: Going Out On A Limb Is Easier Than Building On A Cliff…

The 2017 Projects of the Year Awards… continued excellence in the field of cast-in-place concrete. OVERALL GRAND PROJECT OF THE YEAR Single Family Residence Over 5,000 sq.ft. Aerie Residence by Ekedal Concrete, Inc., Newport Beach, California Corona Del Mar, California 15,000 sq.ft. Single Family Residence Canadian novelist David Bergen once quipped, “I think a construction […]

Defining Leadership

Here is the problem with being seen as a leader: leaders continue to give a lot of time, energy and often money as a way of contributing to the larger goal or to honor the position they have attained. This is increasingly hard on the organization and the individual as it regularly conflicts with the […]