Cranes & Equipment: We’ve All Come a Long Way
By: Joan E. Ausbury, President Cranes & Equipment Corp. Peoria, IL
It was July 18, 1986, Kansas City, Missouri and the vision is still clear in my aging mind. The hole is dug, the footers are in, and there’s a busload of CFA members milling about the typical mounds of dirt around an excavation. The building site is on a slight hill in a wooded area. The entrance drive gently winds around the hill.
You could hear it coming and you could see the puffs of smoke from the exhaust as the truck works its way up the hill. It’s a tandem axle chassis full of concrete forms in baskets with a 35’ knuckleboom crane on the back. What a site!
The truck backs into a cleared area at which time the driver gets out, sets the outrigger booms and starts to unfold the goliath. It looks just like a giant arm booming up, knuckling under and picking 3,400 lb. loads of 34 – 3’ x 8’ aluminum panels off the truck and into the hole. All this in just a matter of minutes. The laborers are already in the hole unstrapping the panels and setting them in place as the crane repeats the process, emptying the truck of its load and providing enough forms to set a complete foundation.
Although I had sold my first crane into the poured concrete wall industry two years earlier (spring of 1984), this was the first mass demonstration of a form handling boom truck that I recall. Handling wall panels in baskets with a crane was in its infancy. The past two decades have brought about considerable changes: changes in the types/size of forms – how to handle 10’ forms and gang forms; building sites have changed – impossible to build on; foundation footprints have changed dramatically – no more rectangular homes.
It was in 1986 that we, The Supply House, Inc., became a member of the CFA. Our first year at the World of Concrete was 1988, albeit in the parking lot of the Las Vegas Hilton. 1992 brought about a name change to Cranes & Equipment Corp. but our dedication to this industry only intensified. As a specialist in providing form handling boom trucks and working closely with contractors and fellow CFA members, our business grew tremendously and in turn, I believe, has had a dramatic effect on handling forms and allowed contractors to grow.
Only by knowing and understanding the poured wall industry can one provide a reliable and safe product that will work in this industry. Networking with fellow CFA members during summer meetings and workshops has helped not only educate ourselves, but also given us the opportunity to inform its members about equipment that is available to assist them in their business.
And to think 20 years ago a crane with 35’ of reach was the cats meow. It’s not only job sites and the size of forms that have changed. Today one needs binoculars to see to the end of the boom tip with reaches pushing 100 feet. Where will it all end? I don’t know, but with constant communication with fellow CFA members, we’ll continue to pave the way for bigger and better solutions.
A total of 22 contractor member firms were represented at that 1986 sumer CFA meeting in Kansas City..
WE’VE ALL COME A LONG
WAY, HAVEN’T WE?
Western Forms: Working With the CFA to Help the Industry Grow
ABOUT WESTERN FORMS®
What started 50 years ago as a form tie producer has grown into a leading aluminum forming systems manufacturer. Today, Western Forms delivers high quality, high performance form panels, hardware, tools, and accessories. With unique technological innovations, Western Forms continues to improve its position as a leader, in the minds of both industry experts and the crew members that use its products daily all over the world.
Dedicated Research & Development, Engineering, and Technical Support departments strive to find new, better ways to work, produce, and perform. Backed by a professional Customer Service staff, nationwide sales representatives work directly with contractors and builders to get the most out of their investments and help their businesses grow.
From the manufacturing plant to the support staff, from distributors across the country to your local contacts, Western Forms stands behind its products, its people, and its promise to bring you the best aluminum forming systems for your projects.
WESTERN FORMS AND THE (CFA)
When Western Forms attended the first meeting of what would become the CFA in 1975, it knew from the beginning that the organization would get its full support and participation.
The poured wall industry benefits from professional leadership dedicated to keeping its members educated through providing both formal programs and the additional opportunities for business owners to come together and freely exchange ideas.
As a manufacturer, Western Forms supported the vision that the industry could improve through collective work. Any supplier, vendor, or manufacturer of a good product can deliver an important component, but contractors face more obstacles that can’t be met by one company alone. Beyond the act of pouring a wall, financial, regulatory, and personnel management concerns are all part of building a company. Qualified poured wall contractors with the knowledge to run successful businesses strengthen the overall concrete construction community and foster growth throughout the membership in North America.
With this in mind, Western Forms believes one of the most successful opportunities offered by the CFA is the annual round-table workshop at the summer meeting. This value-added service allows members from all aspects of busi ness management to share solutions about what makes a company remain competitive. From new ideas in materials handling to new production innovations, financial strategies to developing code changes, these discussions offer participants the chance to gain new insight and directly benefit from other members’ experience.
As the CFA looks to the future, Western Forms continues its commitment to working closely with members and leaders to help the industry grow. From a small start of 8-10 people with a common goal of making poured wall construction better for those in the next generation to the professional talent and 300+ membership today, Western Forms has seen first-hand what the CFA can accomplish.
More than an industry organization, the CFA fosters both business relationships and friendships. Western Forms is proud of its membership and its role in professional development as a result of its own dedication to the CFA.
Butler Construction: The Most Efficient on Efficiency
By: Talia J. Nelson, Marketing & Member Services
Butler Construction formed in 1978 by president, Daniel Butler, in Auburn, Indiana. A small family owned business, it expanded from pouring basements to include pouring large walls for machinery press prints and retaining wall work. It specializes in total site and foundation construction.
A CFA member since 1998, Butler Construction works hard to personalize each job and maintain friendly relationships with all their customers, while being as efficient as possible. Dan Butler explains, “ We pride ourselves with being the most efficient on efficiency and meeting time guidelines.”
One way they increase their efficiency is by using their Boom trucks to reduce the amount of labor used at job sites. They are able to get more done with less workers, which keeps both Butler Construction and their customers happy.
Purinton Builders, Inc.: On the Right Path
Talia J. Nelson, Marketing & Member Services
Purinton Builders, Inc of Granby, Connecticut, is the type of company that CFA was created for. As with many businesses, it started out as one man with the desire to succeed. Dennis Purinton, President of Purinton Builders, Inc., started the journey to success in the spring of 1984.
Originally, Purinton Builders, Inc. was a specialized company that did only unusual work, such as pouring eight-foot walls with wood forms. As the company prospered, Purinton was able to purchase aluminum forms, and currently pours nine-foot walls, still specialized work, which distinguishes them from their competitors. Plus, they also do production work in developments.
Forms were not the only equipment Purinton purchased over the years. Recently, he purchased a bigger Boom truck, the largest in the state, and he continues to update his aluminum panels and accessories. Purinton also purchased electronic layout equipment, a Geodimeter, which enables the company to produce at a larger volume with less labor. As most contractors know, you need good equipment in order to provide a good product and increase your productivity. The results were no different for Purinton Builders Inc. Purinton states, “Buying new equipment has doubled the growth of our foundation business in 12 months.”
However, good equipment is only a variable in the equation. Another variable is knowledge. Purinton keeps up on changes, trends, and problems in the concrete industry by attending CFA seminars at the Summer Meeting and other CFA events. “So much can be learned from attending the seminars and talking to other contractors there,” states Purinton.
Although Purinton is pleased with the changes in his business, he isn’t satisfied yet. On his list of future goals is building an office and shop. This will definitely be needed when he accomplishes his goal of doubling the size of his company in the next three years. If that isn’t enough, he is diligently working to organize a local chapter of the CFA. With the help of CFA headquarters, Purinton hopes to have the Northeastern Chapter running in 2005. He has a lot to do to accomplish these goals but he’s definitely on the right path.
To learn more about the Northeastern Chapter, other local chapters, or about starting a local chapter in your area – contact Local Chapter Coordinator, Talia Nelson, at toll free 866-CFA-WALLS or email tnelson@cfawalls.org.
Dependant Foundations: Moving On Up
Byline: Talia J. Nelson, Marketing & Member Services
You may have seen the name Mark Markovich beside “Treasurer” on the list of Concrete Foundations Association’s Board of Directors, but that is not the only organization in which Markovich actively participates. Markovich has been president of
Dependant Foundations in Brighton, Michigan for the past 20 years. Dependant Foundations started out in Markovich’s yard; moved to a small yard near his home; and finally relocated to a 10-acre yard with buildings, centrally located in Dependant Foundation’s market. What began with three employees – that includes Markovich – is now a successful business with approximately 45 employees. They provide such services as excavation, slabs, and walls – and pour 8.52 basements per week.
Markovich contributes his success to his dedicated employees. “Most of my employees have been with Dependent Foundations for 8-15 years,” Markovich states. “They are my biggest assets.”
Approximately 70% are seasoned veterans- that’s extraordinary in an industry known for high turnover. Because of this, Dependant Foundations excels in customer service. The employees are dedicated to growing the company and satisfying the customer.
With such an experienced staff, Markovich was able to add technological advancements to increase production without increasing labor. He purchased a Geodimeter, a sophisticated layout device that combines a transit (leveling device), electronic tape measure, and a computer; and Autocad, a computer aided drafting and design software package. To accompany this new technology, Dependant Foundations hired a full time salesman with great experience and skills in Information Technology. Once again, making sure that Dependant Foundations provides the best possible customer service to their clients.
While Markovich continually updates his equipment, he recently purchased a 38 meter Putzmeister Z Boom and 10’x 9’ BEP Forms, he is reluctant to give credit too hastily. As Markovich states, “I’m always looking for a better way to do things.” This could explain his active role in the CFA. Markovich thinks networking in the association is one of the biggest benefits of being a member.
“Members sharing their experience, especially in the equipment acquisition equation,” Markovich explains.. “What members experience vs.. what salesmen tell you…its invaluable..”
CFA provides the platform for developing relationships with other contractors who truly care about growing their businesses. The Association also provides research that is invaluable to many in the concrete industry. Such as the cold weather testing completed by the CFA Cold Weather Research Committee. CFA members spent endless hours testing the concrete, compiling the data, and then creating a report so CFA members could benefit from the research. For these reasons and many others, Markovich plays an active role on the CFA board.
As for the future of Dependant Foundations…another 20 years at least. Markovich would like to enter the concrete home construction market in Michigan. He’s among the right crowd in the CFA. The Concrete Homes Council, an alliance of the CFA, promotes the benefits of cast-in-place concrete construction.
For more information about the Concrete Foundations Association or The Concrete Homes Council, contact Talia Nelson at 866-CFA-WALLS or email tnelson@cfawalls.org.
Foundations Plus: Laying the Foundation
By: Foundations Plus, Utica, Oh
The fall of 2003 marked the completion of a quarter century of service by our firm, Foundations Plus, owned and operated by Mahlon D. Eash and family. We began the business in 1978 to supplement the dairy farming income needed to support our family of ten children. In those early days, we poured a wall or two per week… usually for a neighbor, family member, or local contractor.
We developed a special interest in pouring retaining walls and residential foundation walls. From the beginning, Mr. Eash and his sons always made it a practice to personally oversee the footer and wall work on each job to insure that our walls were straight and square. Quality and customer satisfaction are hallmarks of our poured walls.
Year by year, our business slowly but steadily increases. All of this increase grows out of referrals and word-of-mouth recommendations from those for whom we have word. Today, we pour retaining and foundation walls for contractors, friends, and family members in a radius that spans about 60 miles from our office in Utica, Ohio.
Over the past 26 years, there have been many changes in our local area, the nation, and around the world. But some things haven’t changed. Mahlon Eash Sr., now 77 years of age, and his sons still go out each day to oversee the footer and wall work at our jobsites, and on most days they still put in nearly 12 hours. From sun up ‘til sundown, wherever a Foundations Plus wall is being poured, a family member is present to oversee the work and insure that quality and customer satisfaction continue to be the hallmarks of our poured walls.
Our company motto is taken from I Corinthians 3:12: “For other foundation can no man lay that that is laid which is Jesus Christ.” As He is the strong and sure foundation for faith which lead life eternal, so we strive to reward the confidence you place in us by building walls that will stand secure for this present age.
We look forward to the future.
Menke Brothers Construction Company:
Talia J. Nelson, Marketing & Member Services
The Concrete Foundations Association was beginning just about the time that another organization was forming. Menke Brothers Construction Company in Fort Jennings, Ohio began with only seven employees. Just as the association has grown, so has the staff at Menke Brothers. They employ 45 and provide a variety of services, including excavation, flatwork, concrete and stone placement – in other words…the complete foundation package.
To make this complete package the best in quality, Menke Brothers works hard to hire key personnel who want the business to grow, buy good equipment that will get the job done faster and with less labor, and provide guarantees that benefit customers. Included in their equipment is a Stone Slinger, Putzmeister TB 80, mini excavator, and boom trucks. All of these purchases have increased their productivity; but more importantly, they’ve enhanced the quality of their work.
“The Putzmeister TB 80 allows us to place concrete on tight lots fast with less man power,” states Tom Menke, Treasurer of Menke Brothers Construction Company. “The mini-excavator allows us to dig additions and cave-ins while keeping our excavator available to dig basements.”
They’ve also added a Data Transmission Network (DTN). Menke explains, “The DTN allows us to look at the weather each morning to help determine whether or not we can pour.” This prevents crews from arriving at job sites, only to realize that the weather is not cooperating. Less time is wasted in travel to sites where they are unable to pour due to the weather.
Another technological advancement they have benefited from is the use of Quick Books, an accounting program for the computer. “Quick Books allows us to see our financial status at the click of a button,” states Menke. “We can see more in depth reports on which facet of our company is producing the greatest profits.”
Specialized crews, state-of-the-art equipment, and up-to-date computer software have all helped make happy and satisfied customers of Menke Brothers Construction Company.
The CFA has also helped. CFA staff and members are always available to provide information regarding concrete facts or company issues. The association is a place to turn to find answers, which give contractors knowledge needed to provide the most expertise in the poured wall industry. One such example Menke Brothers is thankful for is the cold weather concrete research. It has provided invaluable information to all contractors who have to pour in colder climates. Menke Brothers will continue to be an active part of the CFA and continue to work for their customers, which will ensure they maintain continued success and growth.
CFA 30th Anniversary Summer Meeting: The Fourth of July’s Grand Finale
Thirty Summer Meetings…who can say they’ve been to all of them? Not a lot of us…possibly Joan Ausbury? A lot has changed over the years, as things just keep getting better and better. There will be no exception this year; the CFA has a lot in store for us.
The schedule will be a little different this year though – more contractors say they want to golf. It’s a great opportunity to golf with other contractors and National Associates, and get to know them personally. So this year, the educational seminars will take place in the mornings of Thursday and Friday, July 7 & 8, 2005, which leaves Saturday, July 8, wide open for the greens. For those of you who like me, are golf challenged, there are plenty of other tourist attractions that you can fill your time with. (Maybe someone will let me go along and just drive the cart.)
The Board and Committee meetings will be on Wednesday, July 6, in the afternoon. The Opening Tradeshow and Reception is scheduled for Thursday, July 7, from 6:00 to 9:00 PM. As usual, the suppliers will bring their newest products. They support us so much throughout the year; we need to show our support for them by attending this event. It’s a great time to catch up with other members and introduce yourself to faces you don’t recognize. The CFA is dedicated to uniting concrete contractors and professionals to promote the mutual interests of the industry. One of the best ways to do this is by getting to know one another’s joys and frustrations.
The CFA staff also wanted to make sure that there were no surprises on this trip. Although they can’t control the weather, they can make sure that the hotel accommodations fit our needs. In October, while there for A.C.I., Ed and Jim visited the San Francisco Hyatt Embarcadaro for a tour, and also toured the big city. In the next issue of Concrete Facts, look for Jim’s article on the exciting places to go while you’re in San Fran.
The evening activities will remain on Friday and Saturday evenings. Friday night’s event is the USSB Hornet, a world-class sea, air and space museum with an emphasis on the legacy and history of aircraft carriers and naval aviation. The Saturday night event is the Hornblower, “a majestic vessel, perfect for the world’s most scenic waterway.” Included in the Saturday event will, of course, be karaoke. We’ve sung in the mountains, we’ve sung near the ocean, it’s about time we sang on a boat in the sea! (OK, OK, I’ll promise not to sing!)
So mark it on your calendar – start making reservations – because this summer meeting is going be the grand finale to the Fourth of July fireworks display. Don’t miss out!
Terry Lavy, CFA President, Lavy Concrete Construction Inc. terry@lavyconcrete.comRegional Meetings
The Concrete Foundations Association is expanding its regular spring and fall meetings beginning in spring 2005 in Minneapolis as part of our attempt to reach more CFA members (and potential members) with our educational and networking opportunities. This is also an opportunity to support our newly forming local chapters.
The first regional meeting will be held Saturday, April 2, 2005, in the Minneapolis, Minnesota area. The Minnesota Concrete Foundation Association (MCFA) was the first local chapter to organize under the banner of the CFA and we want to give their 40+ members as much support as possible.
There are several other reasons for going to a regional meeting in the spring and fall versus our standard Foundation Fundamentals seminar. First, many workers have already attended Brent Anderson’s Foundation Fundamental’s seminars. Both MCFA and Brent are anxious to move on to cover more in depth information about foundations and concrete.
Second, while the CFA Annual Summer Meeting remains our flagship event, the regional meetings present an opportunity for smaller companies to partake in our excellent educational offerings and informal networking opportunities. These meetings are held on a single day versus the multi-day format of the summer meetings. This allows smaller firms to participate and larger companies can send more people, for a smaller investment of time and money.
The format includes concurrent sessions and round tables with material and content along two paths. One path has been developed for the company managers and office personnel, the other for the field workers and foremen. The educational portion of the meetings are approximately 5 hours long, followed by a cocktail reception and table-top displays. There are no off-site or social activities planned for the regional events. Attendees can be in and out in a single day. The shorter events give attendees a taste for what the longer and more comprehensive summer meetings are like.
Chapters are also in the formative stages in Atlanta , Pittsburgh, Connecticut, and Raleigh. Future regional meetings will be staged in those cities to support their efforts. If you are interested in forming a CFA chapter in your city or state, contact Talia Nelson at CFA at 866-232-9255 or tnelson@cfawalls.org.
Ed Sauter, Executive Director, CFA esauter@cfawalls.orgCFA Honors Brad Barnes with MVP Award
Brad Barnes, PE received the first ever CFA MVP Award at ACI’s Northeast Ohio Chapter monthly meeting on Thursday, November 11, 2004. Barnes, the ACI Chapter Director, was chosen for his time and effort put into the CFA Cold Weather Research Program.
Jim Baty, CFA Technical Director, gave a brief presentation on the significance of the CFA Research Program. Following the presentation, Baty presented the award, on behalf of the CFA, to a surprised Barnes in appreciation for his tireless efforts. CFA Cold Weather Committee members in attendance included, Scott Smith of MPW Construction, Frank Ramey of Tri-County Excavating, Jim Baty and Rick Buccini of Osborn-Medina Concrete. Buccini was instrumental in scheduling the evening, unbeknownst to Barnes. Seventy-five ACI members turned out to support one of their own.
The events surrounding the award were highly educational. Baty’s presentation focused on the background and purpose for the research, and completion of the final stages of durability and freeze/thaw cycling that substantiated the performance results of the mix designs. Baty also finalized the transition to practice for those in attendance. The evening concluded a panel discussion moderated by Barnes, Baty, Buccini, and several other local professionals with key experience in cold weather concrete. Attendees asked questions to further understand the research presented and the impact of cold weather in general to a variety of applications.
This research program as been a total success,” states Baty. “The efforts put forth by Barnes coincided with significant guidance by the Committee Chair, Terry Lavy, and tremendous industry and member contribution.”
The final results of this effort will be realized later this month as the CFA distributes the Cold Weather Research Report. All CFA members will receive one copy. Members can purchase additional copies for $14.95, and $29.95 for non-members. Contact Janette Barr, jbarr1@cfawalls.org, or Jim Baty, jbaty@cfawalls.org, or call toll free 866-CFA-WALLS (232-9255) for more information.
