Seven Lessons Learned From Firing 300 People

Over the course of many years, I’ve fired more than 300 employees at our concrete construction company. The list of reasons for the dismissals is long and varied. I’ve fired people because they’ve caused problems on job sites, refused to take direction from their Foremen, stolen from the company or coworkers, been under the influence […]

Code Compliance with Insulated Concrete Form Foundations

Insulated Concrete Forms (ICFs) are increasingly being used as foundations in commercial and residential projects. Part of the reason is that ICFs naturally help comply with increasingly strict energy codes. While many are familiar with ICFs for above-grade walls, their benefits transfer to foundations as well. Energy code compliance, quicker more efficient construction, and safer […]

Planning for the Future Workforce

Understanding how to recruit, train, and motivate a younger generation is helping create successful industry leaders – and social media is helping. by Tina Grady Barbaccia, AEC Editorial Specialist, Constructive Communication, Inc.   One of the common stories in concrete construction that remains today is that of the son or daughter who began working with […]

Recharging Your Leadership

CFA Board of Directors adds four new faces for 2017-2020 By James Baty Like most organizations, the Board of Directors is the governing body for the Concrete Foundations Association (CFA).  It consists of leaders volunteering their time, attention and financial resources in response to their pride and passion for this industry. As the CFA fiscal […]

SCHWING AMERICA ACQUIRES ASSETS OF LOOP BELT INDUSTRIES

ST. PAUL, MINN. (September 29, 2017) – Schwing America, worldwide designer, manufacturer and distributor of premium concrete production and handling equipment, announced the closing of transaction for the purchase of all the assets of Loop Belt Industries, makers of high-quality truck mounted telescopic conveyors. “We are thrilled to acquire the assets of Loop Belt Industries […]

Profoundly Impacted by Convention

This issue of the magazine introduces the newest CFA Board members. One of the common threads between them is easily found in the profound impact that Convention, meeting and networking with peers has had on them. This is not unique by any stretch of the imagination to a member of the Board. Talk with any […]

Success Only Comes After Work!

The only place success comes before work is in the dictionary. After many years in business, I can attest to that being a “Concrete Fact.” Becoming a CFA member will never take the hard work out of success, but membership sure can lighten the load and, hopefully, help avoid the pitfalls of our industry through […]