By Trenton Baty, Membership & Marketing Director 

Spring has been full speed ahead for the CFA and our members. From project backlogs to planning major events like CFACON25, the pace has been nonstop. That’s why the CFA Executive Retreat in Salt Lake City came at the perfect time—it was a chance to step away from the daily grind, recharge and reconnect with fellow leaders in the industry. The retreat offered the perfect balance of professional insight, personal connection and a breath of fresh mountain air. 

The first day was all about connection. A visit to the Natural History Museum of Utah offered a relaxed and engaging backdrop to meet new faces and deepen existing relationships. As we explored the exhibits and shared stories, the atmosphere made it easy to have conversations that often get lost in the busyness of daily work. That evening’s dinner in the mountains brought everyone together around great food and even better company. It was a refreshing way to kick off the retreat and a reminder of the power of slowing down and spending time with like-minded professionals. 

The next day brought a deeper dive into the innovations and operations driving our industry. We began with a visit to Jeff Dumas Concrete Construction, where Jeff and his team showcased their facility alongside an incredible homemade breakfast before taking us to a project site where we got to witness their teams’ speed and precision as they prepared their footings to pour a wall that day. 

From there, we toured Boman and Kemp Manufacturing, Inc.’s steel fabrication and window well production facilities, gaining insight into the precision and scale behind the products many of our members rely on. We ended the day with a site tour hosted by Solid Concrete Walls Footings and Foundations, highlighting creative approaches to complex foundation work and offering a great look at real-time problem solving in the field. If you missed it, don’t worry, you’ll catch this project in the Project of the Year awards!   

Each stop on the tour offered a valuable learning opportunity and a firsthand look at how CFA members are leading with innovation and excellence. The chance to experience these operations up close—and discuss them with the people behind the work—was a highlight of the retreat.  

Overall, the Salt Lake City Executive Retreat was the pause we all needed to reflect, connect, and refocus. It brought together the best of CFA—collaboration, shared insight and the kind of camaraderie that makes our association so special. As we return to our busy spring schedules, we do so with fresh ideas, stronger relationships and renewed energy for the season ahead.