Jason Ells Custom Concrete Company Inc. jasone@customconcrete.com

As I pen this farewell letter, it is with a heart full of gratitude and a sense of accomplishment that I reflect on my two years serving as your president. These past two years have been an incredible journey, marked by significant milestones, collaborative efforts, and shared triumphs.

One of the initiatives  I am most fond of is reestablishing the executive retreats. These retreats allow us to step away from our day-to-day operations and spend quality time at various members’ places of work. These gatherings foster an environment where we can learn from each other, share best practices, and grow as companies and as a more cohesive Association. The insights and camaraderie we gain at these retreats prove invaluable, reinforcing our commitment to excellence and innovation within our industry.

Another significant accomplishment is conducting our first-ever 360 review at the board level. This comprehensive review allows us to gain a better understanding of our performance, strengths, and areas for improvement. The feedback gathered is instrumental in guiding our strategic focus and ensuring that we are continually aligning our efforts with the needs and expectations of our members. This initiative sets a new standard for accountability and growth within our leadership team.

We also undertook the ambitious project of revamping our website and member management system. This overhaul was aimed at enhancing user experience, improving accessibility, and providing more streamlined and efficient services to our members. The new website is now not only more visually appealing but also more functional, ensuring that our members have easy access to resources, updates, and networking opportunities. The updated member management system has simplified administrative processes, allowing us to focus more on delivering value to our community.

A highlight of my tenure is the launch of our Golden Tie Program. This initiative is designed to recognize companies and individuals who connect potential members to our association through warm introductions, referrals, and recommendations. Our current members are our best source for building our membership base, and this program celebrates their outstanding contributions. Celebrating the first award recipient at last year’s convention was a proud moment, and I look forward to seeing this program continue to honor excellence and inspire future leaders.

None of these accomplishments would have been possible without the unwavering support and dedication of our incredible staff and board members. Their hard work, passion, and commitment have been the driving force behind our successes. I am deeply grateful for the opportunity to have worked alongside such a talented and devoted team. Together, we have laid a strong foundation for continued growth and innovation.

As I step down from my role, I am filled with optimism for the future of our association. It is my great pleasure to welcome Sean Smith of MPW Construction Services as the incoming president. Sean is a second-generation leader of his business and a second-generation president of our board, bringing a wealth of experience, vision, and passion to this role. I have no doubt that under his leadership, our association will continue to thrive and reach new heights.

Thank you once again for the honor of serving as your president. I look forward to supporting Sean and witnessing the continued success of the Concrete Foundations Association.

Warm regards,

Jason Ells

Outgoing President

Concrete Foundations Association