An industry with as much history as cast-in-place concrete may appear as if practices and systems are no longer evolving. While new technologies using computers and advanced mechanics or logic are often brought to light, many times the most innovative solutions are initiated by the contractors themselves, tapping their experience and creativity to find a better way without necessitating significant capital investment or expense. The Spirit of Innovation for the Innovative Contractor of the Year Award recognizes an individual or company for developing, creating, or instituting new concepts across a broad spectrum of business categories including construction, management, and marketing.

The Board of Directors recognizes this year’s recipient, Tim Ball and TCB Walls of Melbourne, Florida, for an innovative aspect of supplier management. Since exploring Ball’s business model during a post-COVID event, many companies have been influenced by his engagement of suppliers, how he treats them as he treats his best customers. “This was a revolutionary way of making sure your company is a ‘preferred customer’—by making your supplier realize they are a ‘preferred vendor,’” offered Baty during the presentation.

In addition to innovation in customer relations, Baty noted the innovative spirit with which Ball’s company continues to lead in above-grade concrete housing. “While this has yet to grab a hold on volume-based construction decisions outside of his market, it has quickly become the standard for a market where storm risk is a regular reality,” Baty said.

When asked what his main advice for this customer relations tactic might be, Ball said that his goal was to make his supplier feel like his best customer, and whenever he does this, they are always there for him.