Por qué es importante hacerse miembro

Photo of a foundation partially built in the snow

De Scott Renfroe – foundationbuilders.com

«Respuestas técnicas críticas» – Recientemente hemos completado un gran proyecto de cimentación comercial para un cliente habitual. El contratista general valora nuestra experiencia y calidad, pero tenía dudas sobre este proyecto porque sus compradores, que son ingenieros, se preguntaban si los cimientos debían verterse con clima frío y si había que derribarlos y volver a verterlos debido a los posibles daños irreparables causados por las temperaturas bajo cero. Seguimos de cerca las previsiones meteorológicas y fijamos los tiempos de vertido, utilizamos mantas y cambiamos las mezclas de concreto o añadimos productos químicos en función de las previsiones.

Por desgracia, casi todo suscitó la preocupación de los compradores. El fin de semana se produjo un descenso drástico de las temperaturas, que empezaron a los 32˚F y bajaron a un solo dígito durante la noche. Pedimos y vertimos una mezcla Tipo IL 4000-psi con un 20 % de ceniza volante. Solicitamos aceleradores, pero no lo confirmamos en el lugar y el lunes siguiente descubrimos que el concreto no tenía aceleradores. Nuestro equipo tampoco cubrió las paredes. Inmediatamente surgió la preocupación de que el concreto estuviera dañado y no alcanzara la resistencia de diseño.

Recordé que podíamos acceder al «Soporte técnico», la inversión que la Concrete Foundations Association había hecho décadas atrás para la investigación en climas fríos. Mi capacidad para hacer una llamada telefónica a nuestra sede, ser dirigido al teléfono móvil de nuestro Director ejecutivo, James Baty, y su pronta respuesta a mi insistente buzón de voz condujo a discusiones con el Contratista general y el comprador que estaban equipados con detalles técnicos y un plan para supervisar y probar la resistencia del concreto. Al día siguiente, teníamos una carta de solicitud de la CFA en la que se abordaba todo el asunto basándose en los principios de investigación que nuestra Asociación había establecido. Esto contribuyó en gran medida a aliviar las preocupaciones iniciales de los clientes y los ingenieros.

A foundation wall with different heights in the snow Building concrete foundation in the snow

Nuestro cliente se encaminaba hacia la demolición y sustitución de los cimientos, un error que nos habría costado un mínimo de $250 000. En cambio, pudimos seguir adelante, confiando en la «competencia técnica» de nuestra red. La información de la CFA pagó fácilmente las cuotas pasadas y futuras. Nuestro equipo reconoce ahora mejor las prácticas recomendadas y los ajustes de planificación que debemos hacer cuando el tiempo nos toma por sorpresa. También nos damos cuenta de que si no fuera por nuestra condición de CFA Concrete Pros, miembros de esta Asociación con acceso a otros profesionales y a nuestro personal de confianza, esto podría haber acabado de manera muy diferente. Mi padre lo sabía desde mucho antes, y yo también lo he llegado a saber. Ahora todos ¡tenemos confianza!

 

Fecha/Hora
Resistencia
de la parte
superior
del muro
Resistencia
de la parte
media/inferior
del muro
Alta temp.
Baja temp.
Detalles
2/7
3800PSI
4000PSI
59 ºF
16 ºF
2/3
3500PSI
3800PSI
48 ºf
18 ºF
1/31
2600PSI
3200PSI
45 ºF
16 ºF
1/30
1600PSI
2000PSI
37 ºF
19 ºF
1/29
48 ºF
14 ºF
Mantas recogidas
1/28, 3:00pm
1600PSI
2000PSI
45 ºF
5 ºF
1/27, 2:15pm
1500PSI
1700PSI
Muro cubierto
por 1.a vez.
1/27, 9:15am
1500PSI
44 ºF
4 ºF
Mantas agregadas
por la tarde
1/26
33 ºF
10 ºF
1/25
25 ºF
12 ºF
Nieve
1/24, 10:30am
43 ºF
12 ºF
Muro encofrado.
Diseño de la
mezcla: 4000 psi
con Tipo IL y 20 %
de ceniza volante

¡Le vemos!

Five people are seated at a table with a projector screen behind them, and one man is standing at the podium speaking with a microphone.

Construir la mano de obra del mañana a través del Programa de Aprendizaje para Jóvenes de Wisconsin

En marzo, los profesionales del sector se reunieron en el evento «BUILD MY TALENT», organizado por la Lakeland Builders Association y la Racine Kenosha Builders Association en Wisconsin, para mostrar cómo el Programa de Aprendizaje para Jóvenes (YA, por sus siglas en inglés) da forma al futuro de la construcción al proporcionar a los estudiantes de secundaria una experiencia práctica en el mundo real.

Lo más destacado del evento

Un grupo de empleadores de YA, entre los que se encontraban Kurk, Inc., Stebnitz Builders Inc. y CG Schmidt, compartieron información valiosa sobre:

  • Estrategias de tutoría y formación
  • Cómo los YA impactan en la cultura empresarial
  • Desafíos extraordinarios al contratar estudiantes de la secundaria
  • Políticas de seguridad y OSHA
  • Gestión de riesgos y seguros

Los programas YA ayudan a encargarse de la escasez de mano de obra mientras perfeccionan empleados cualificados y motivados. Por ejemplo, Kurk, Inc. informa de importantes beneficios de sus aprendices, que aportan talento nuevo y entusiasmo a sus proyectos. Los estudiantes también adquieren valiosas competencias e inician carreras significativas gracias a estas oportunidades.

Si su empresa no aún no examinó el Programa YA, ¡ahora es el momento perfecto!

Estas iniciativas crean una mano de obra cualificada y preparan a los jóvenes para liderar la industria en el futuro.

El evento «BUILD MY TALENT» se grabó, y la presentación está disponible en línea en  www.buildmyfuturesewi.com/build-my-talent.

¿Su organización ha hecho algo impactante? ¡En la CFA le vemos! Comparta sus historias de éxito enviándolas por correo electrónico a James.Baty@cfaconcretepros.org y ¡celébremoslo con usted!

La CFA anuncia el nuevo programa de transporte de mercancías para asociaciones

La CFA ha firmado un acuerdo con ESTES Association Solutions para ayudar a sus miembros a obtener servicios fiables de transporte de mercancías. ESTES es el mayor transportista privado de mercancías de Norteamérica.

Cuando los miembros de CFA se inscriban en el programa, disfrutarán de precios exclusivos para miembros, soporte dedicado y acceso a la gama completa de servicios de transporte de mercancías de ESTES.

«Estes dispone de envíos LTL con casi 7000 rutas con entregas al día siguiente, junto con un sólido servicio Time Critical Guaranteed y entrega de mercancías Final Mile a hogares, empresas, instituciones y lugares de trabajo sin muelles de carga», explicó Alesia Dragon, directora del programa ESTES Association Solutions. «Entre otros servicios que ofrecemos están la expedición global de mercancías con cobertura mundial y servicios LTL fiables y especializados, como el transporte a ferias comerciales».

Para obtener más información sobre el programa de transporte de mercancías de la CFA con ESTES, llame al 804-353-1900, ext. 2970, visite www.estes-express.com/lp/associations o envíe un correo electrónico a AssociationSolutions@estes-express.com.

Acerca de ESTES Express Lines

ESTES es el mayor transportista privado de mercancías de Norteamérica.

Como proveedor de transporte basado en activos con presencia mundial, Estes combina casi un siglo de experiencia en el transporte regional de mercancías con los recursos, el alcance y la fiabilidad de un transportista nacional. Respaldada por sus más de 280 terminales norteamericanas, sus casi 7000 rutas de entrega al día siguiente y su flota de más de 10 000 tractores, ESTES se compromete a llevar la carga de Estados Unidos a dónde y cuándo necesite llegar. Y con su continua inversión en tecnología vanguardista, así como también el apoyo de sus más de 23 000 empleados, ESTES siempre se esfuerza más para ofrecer experiencias excepcionales que hacen que sus clientes regresen. Las soluciones integrales de transporte de mercancías del transportista incluyen cargas inferiores a una carga completa (LTL, por sus siglas en inglés), LTL por volumen y cargas completas, plazos críticos garantizados, envíos y logística personalizados, y la última milla. Desde el transporte de corta distancia hasta el transporte internacional, ESTES lo hace todo.

Para obtener más información sobre ESTES Express Lines, póngase en contacto con Sundee Coin, Directora de ventas para el desarrollo de negocios de asociaciones, al 804-353-1900, ext. 2970, o envíe un correo electrónico a Sundee.Coin@estes-express.com.

QR Code to enroll in Estes freight program

World of Concrete 2025—Una atmósfera eléctrica

De Trenton Baty, Director de membresía y marketing

Two men stand in front of a Concrete Foundations Association banner at a convention.La Concrete Foundations Association (CFA) comenzó el año satisfactoriamente, con una exitosa presencia en el World of Concrete (WOC), nuestro primer gran evento bajo la nueva dirección de AOE. Nuestro puesto fue un punto de referencia de la actividad, proporcionando una oportunidad para volver a conectar con los miembros de toda la vida, mientras que también dio la bienvenida a nuevas caras en nuestra comunidad. Las interesantes conversaciones y la valiosa creación de contactos ayudaron a fortalecer las relaciones en el sector y a ampliar el alcance de la CFA.

La vida en el puesto de la CFA fue muy emocionante. Desde el momento en que se abrieron las puertas hubo un zumbido constante de conversaciones. Fue un espacio acogedor en el que tuvimos la oportunidad de dar a conocer a nuevas personas en qué consiste la CFA: nuestra misión, recursos, apoyo y la sólida red de contactos que ofrecemos a los profesionales de los cimientos. ¡Surgieron muchas conversaciones de nuestro puesto porque tenía una de las pocas zonas para sentarse del pabellón de la convención! Conocer a nuevos miembros y relacionarse con compañeros del sector reforzó la solidez de nuestra comunidad, y los debates sobre los retos y las innovaciones del sector originaron valiosas conversaciones que ayudarán a dar forma al futuro de la CFA.

Hay que dar las gracias especialmente a todos los miembros de la Junta que acudieron al puesto a lo largo de la semana. Los dos primeros días fueron los más concurridos, especialmente el martes, ya que nuestro Director ejecutivo impartía uno de nuestros cursos de certificación y formación. Este curso también contó con una gran asistencia y fue un gran éxito para continuar con nuestras oportunidades de formación en el WOC.

Los momentos más destacados de la semana fueron la reunión del Consejo de asociaciones nacionales de la CFA y la reunión de la Junta Directiva de la CFA, en las que se enfatizó en nuestro compromiso con la colaboración, la planificación estratégica y el liderazgo continuado en el sector. Sin embargo, uno de los momentos más memorables fue la Foundation Contractors’ Night en The Strat. El evento fue un éxito enorme, casi batiendo nuestros récords de asistencia de años anteriores. Esta noche no solo contó con algunas de las mejores comidas y vistas de Las Vegas, sino que el evento sirvió como una gran presentación de la CFA para muchos. Varios de los invitados que asistieron se mostraron deseosos de unirse a nuestra Asociación tras las conversaciones y relaciones que allí se establecieron. Esta noche especial no solo reforzó el fuerte sentido de comunidad dentro de la CFA, sino que también sirvió como el inicio perfecto para las celebraciones de nuestro 50 aniversario, estableciendo el tono para un año emocionante por delante.

En general, World of Concrete 2025 no solo fue un evento exitoso para la CFA, sino que también fue una gran entrada en la Asociación para mí. Desde un punto de vista profesional, fue inspirador ser testigo de la fuerza de nuestra comunidad, participar en conversaciones impactantes y ver de primera fuente cómo nuestra asociación continúa impulsando la industria. Las conexiones establecidas y los conocimientos obtenidos de los miembros, socios y compañeros darán forma, sin duda, a nuestros esfuerzos en el próximo año. Personalmente, fue un recordatorio de por qué estoy tan emocionado de formar parte del equipo de la CFA: la camaradería, las experiencias compartidas y el espíritu colectivo para favorecer el éxito mutuo. La energía, la emoción y las conexiones significativas de este evento me han dejado motivado y optimista sobre el futuro de la CFA y la increíble comunidad que continuamos construyendo juntos.

World of Concrete 2025—An Electric Atmosphere

By Trenton Baty, Membership & Marketing Director 

Two men stand in front of a Concrete Foundations Association banner at a convention.The Concrete Foundations Association (CFA) started the year on a high note with a successful presence at World of Concrete (WOC), our first major event under AOE’s new management. Our booth was a focal point of activity, providing an opportunity to reconnect with long-standing members while also welcoming new faces into our community. Engaging conversations and valuable networking helped strengthen industry relationships and expand CFA’s reach. 

Life in the CFA booth was nothing short of exciting. From the minute the doors opened there was a constant buzz of conversation. It was a welcoming space where we had the chance to introduce new people to what CFA is all about—our mission, resources, advocacy and the strong network we offer to foundation professionals. Many conversations stemmed from our booth having one of the few seating areas in the convention hall! Meeting new members and engaging with industry peers reinforced the strength of our community, and discussions about industry challenges and innovations sparked valuable conversations that will help shape the future of CFA. 

Special thanks are needed to all the Board Members that stepped into the booth throughout the week. The first two days were the busiest, especially Tuesday, as our Executive Director was teaching one of our certification and education courses. This, too, had a strong turnout and was a big success continuing our education opportunities at WOC.  

Key highlights of the week were the CFA National Associations Council Meeting and the CFA Board Meeting, both of which emphasized our commitment to collaboration, strategic planning, and continued industry leadership. However, one of the most memorable moments was Foundation Contractors’ Night at The Strat. The event was an overwhelming success, nearly beating our attendance records from previous years. This night didn’t just have some of the best food and views in Las Vegas, but the event served as a great introduction to CFA for many. Several guests in attendance were eager to join our Association after the conversations and relationships formed there. This special night not only reinforced the strong sense of community within CFA but also served as the perfect kickoff to our 50th-anniversary celebrations, setting the tone for an exciting year ahead. 

Overall, World of Concrete 2025 was not just a successful event for CFA but was also a great entry into the Association for me. From a professional standpoint, it was inspiring to witness the strength of our community, engage in impactful conversations, and see firsthand how our association continues to drive the industry forward. The connections made and the insights gained from members, partners, and peers will undoubtedly shape our efforts in the year ahead. Personally, it was a reminder of why I’m so excited to be part of the CFA team—the camaraderie, the shared experiences and the collective drive to support one another’s success. The energy, excitement and meaningful connections from this event have left me motivated and optimistic about the future of CFA and the incredible community we continue to build together. 

CFA Announces New Association Freight Program

CFA has an agreement with Estes Association Solutions to help members secure reliable freight transportation services. Estes is the largest privately owned freight carrier in North America.  

When CFA members enroll in the program, they will enjoy exclusive membership pricing, dedicated support, and access to Estes’ full suite of freight shipping services.  

“Estes has LTL shipping with nearly 7,000 next-day lanes, along with robust Time Critical Guaranteed service and Final Mile freight delivery to homes, businesses, institutions, and jobsites without loading docks,” explained Alesia Dragon, Estes Association Solutions program manager. “Among other services we offer are global freight forwarding with worldwide coverage and reliable, specialized LTL services like trade show transportation.”  

For more information on CFA’s freight program with Estes, phone 804-353-1900, ext.2970, visit www.estes-express.com/lp/associations or email AssociationSolutions@estes-express.com. 

About Estes Express Lines  

Estes is North America’s largest privately owned freight carrier. As an asset-based transportation provider with a global footprint, Estes combines nearly a century of regional freight shipping expertise with the resources, reach, and reliability of a national carrier. Backed by its 280+ North American terminals, nearly 7,000 next-day lanes, and fleet of more than 10,000 tractors, Estes is committed to getting America’s freight where it needs to go, when it needs to get there. And with its continued investment in leading-edge technology, as well as the support of its more than 23,000 employees, Estes always goes the extra mile to deliver exceptional experiences that keep its customers coming back. The carrier’s comprehensive freight shipping solutions include Less Than Truckload (LTL), Volume LTL and Truckload, Time Critical Guaranteed, Custom Shipping and Logistics, and Final Mile. From short-haul to global freight forwarding—Estes does it all.  

For Further Information on Estes Express Lines, Contact:  

Sundee Coin, Manager of Association Business Development Sales   

804-353-1900 X2970  

Sundee.Coin@Estes-Express.com    

QR Code to enroll in Estes freight program

We See You!

Five people are seated at a table with a projector screen behind them, and one man is standing at the podium speaking with a microphone.

Building Tomorrow’s Workforce Through Wisconsin’s Youth Apprenticeship Program  

In March, industry professionals gathered at the “BUILD MY TALENT” event, hosted by the Lakeland Builders Association and Racine Kenosha Builders Association in Wisconsin, to showcase how the Youth Apprenticeship (YA) Program is shaping the future of construction by providing high school students with hands-on, real-world experience. 

Key Takeaways from the Event  

A panel of YA employers, including Kurk, Inc., Stebnitz Builders Inc. and CG Schmidt, shared valuable insights on:  

  • Mentorship and training strategies 
  • How YAs impact company culture  
  • Unique challenges when hiring high school students 
  • OSHA and safety policies 
  • Insurance and risk management 

YA programs help businesses address labor shortages while developing skilled, motivated employees. For example, Kurk, Inc. reports significant benefits from their apprentices, who bring fresh talent and enthusiasm to their projects. Students also gain valuable skills and start meaningful careers through these opportunities. 

If your business hasn’t explored the YA Program, now is the perfect time! These initiatives create a skilled workforce and prepare young people to lead the industry in the future.  

The “BUILD MY TALENT” event was recorded, and the presentation is available online at www.buildmyfuturesewi.com/build-my-talent 

Has your organization done something impactful? We at the CFA see you! Share your success stories by emailing them to James.Baty@cfaconcretepros.org and let us celebrate with you!

Why Membership Matters

Photo of a foundation partially built in the snow

By Scott Renfroe – foundationbuilders.com

“Critical Technical Responses” – We recently completed a large commercial foundation project for a repeat customer. The General Contractor values our expertise and quality but had concerns about this project because his buyers, who are engineers, questioned whether the foundation should have been poured in cold weather and questioned if it should be torn out and repoured due to the potential irreparable damage likely caused by the freezing cold. We follow weather forecasts closely and set pour times; use blankets; and change concrete mixes or add chemicals based on forecasts.

Unfortunately, almost everything raised the buyers’ concerns.  The weekend had a drastic drop in temperatures beginning at 32˚F and dropping into single digits overnight, Snowfall was also greater than predicted. We ordered and poured a 4000-psi Type IL mix with 20% fly ash. We requested accelerators but failed to confirm on site and found out the following Monday that the concrete had zero accelerators. Our crew failed to blanket the walls, too. Immediately, concerns arose about damaged concrete and concrete not attaining design strength.

I remembered our ability to access “Technical Support,” the investment the Concrete Foundations Association had made decades ago for cold weather research.  My ability to make a phone call to our headquarters, to be directed to the mobile phone of our Executive Director, James Baty, and his prompt response to my urgent voicemail led to discussions with the General Contractor and buyer that were equipped with technical details and a plan to monitor and test the concrete strength. The next day, we had an application letter from CFA addressing the entire issue based on the research principles our Association had established. This went a long way in easing early concerns from the customers and engineers.

Building concrete foundation in the snowA foundation wall with different heights in the snow

Our customer was moving in the direction of a tear-out and replacement of the foundation, an error that would have cost us a minimum of $250,000. Instead, we were able to proceed, relying on the “technical competency” of our network. The information from CFA easily paid for past and future membership dues. Our team now better recognizes the best practices and the planning adjustments we need to make when weather catches us by surprise. We also realize, that were it not for our status as CFA Concrete Pros, members of this Association with access to other professionals and our reliable staff, this might have turned out much differently. My dad knew this a long time before, and I’ve come to know it myself.  Now we all believe it!

 

Date/Time
Top of Wall
Strength
Mid/Bottom of
Wall Strength
High temp
Low temp
Additional
Details
2/7
3800PSI
4000PSI
59 ºF
16 ºF
2/3
3500PSI
3800PSI
48 ºf
18 ºF
1/31
2600PSI
3200PSI
45 ºF
16 ºF
1/30
1600PSI
2000PSI
37 ºF
19 ºF
1/29
48 ºF
14 ºF
Picked up
blankets
1/28, 3:00pm
1600PSI
2000PSI
45 ºF
5 ºF
1/27, 2:15pm
1500PSI
1700PSI
Covered wall for
first time
1/27, 9:15am
1500PSI
44 ºF
4 ºF
Blankets added in
afternoon
1/26
33 ºF
10 ºF
1/25
25 ºF
12 ºF
Snow
1/24, 10:30am
43 ºF
12 ºF
Poured wall;
4000psi type 1L
with 20% fly ash

Building Back Better: The Case for Concrete Homes

A house surrounded by trees that has been destroyed by a fire. There is burnt debris all around the ground.

By Joe Nasvik 

The recent fires in Los Angeles have resulted in the largest amount of fire damage the country has ever seen. For so many people, life went from normal to one of complete despair in the matter of just a few hours. Homes of all kinds—modern and traditional designs; new and old; homes with stucco siding; homes with clay tile and steel roofs; small and big—all burned to the ground leaving people without homes or possessions. Over time, investigation will uncover many contributing factors, but without a doubt the two leading causes for the fires were lack of rain in the LA basin over the past year and the up-to-100 mile-per-hour Santa Ana winds with only 3% humidity that fueled the fires and made firefighting nearly impossible. The other key factor is the fact that the destroyed homes were built with combustible materials. 

Whether or not you personally believe in global warming or whether or not you think it is caused by man, it’s a fact that the world climate is changing, and global temperatures are rising. With over half a million years of weather history collected, the scientific research has demonstrated the link between carbon dioxide (CO2) in the air and atmospheric temperature; when CO2 levels in the air rise, so does the atmospheric temperature, and when they drop so does the temperature. The question remaining is where the CO2 is created. With the increasing amount of heat energy in the atmosphere, weather will continue to become more extreme, and our building structures will have to become more robust as a result.  

Landscape photo of wildfire and smoke above green plants and a palm tree in California.When Los Angeles is ready to rebuild, there will be updated building codes designed to offer better protection in the event of fires. For the sake of those who died and for those who lost everything, it’s time for building codes to require all new homes to be constructed with non-combustible materials, or at the very least that buildings remain structurally sound for an hour or more in a fire environment. The City of Los Angeles’ building code will probably mandate things as house designs that don’t trap burning embers during wind events, the reduction of burnable landscape materials around homes and changes to water systems. Narrow streets will likely also be widened so that vehicles leaving an area won’t interfere with emergency vehicles going the other way. Building code upgrades will probably also require that buildings be designed to resist stronger wind forces and violent weather in recognition of climate change.  

The shift to non-combustible building materials will not be easy. Historically the US has been blessed with large forests, so we became a wood-built culture with large trained labor forces to build wood-frame structures. However, this isn’t the case for many other countries in the world where timber is scarce. In those places, concrete is the leading building material. Florida builds more concrete homes than any other state because of hurricane damage, flooding, termite damage and a climate that encourages wood decay.  

Concrete Houses 

The push for concrete in the US has a long history. In 1908, Thomas Edison filed for a patient for the construction of concrete homes. He developed cast iron forms that were assembled to build an entire house in one concrete placement. An opening was left at the top of the roof for concrete to move into the forms. He also developed a flowable mix so that the concrete would flow down to the bottom of the house and to all parts of the formwork. Afterward, the forms were unbolted and moved to the next house. He built only a few houses in New Jersey and Gary, Indiana, but some of them are still in use today. A black and white diagram of a concrete building from Thomas Edison

Architects such as Tadao Ando and Frank Lloyd Wright designed high-end, modern-looking and sleek homes for wealthy buyers. Ando designed a beachfront home in Malibu, California, that was built in 2013 and survived the Palisades fire. 

It would be great if concrete could be regarded as “fireproof,” but it is more accurate to say that it is “fire resistant.” Nothing is fireproof because everything depends on the amount of time something is exposed to heat and the amount of heat involved. This relationship with concrete will be described more fully in the next article in this series. 

Concrete homes can be designed, engineered and built to resist hurricanes, tornadoes, fires, floods and earthquakes. They can protect inhabitants from trees that fall on houses and flying debris. Concrete homes are resilient because they can survive disasters without needing to be rebuilt. In succeeding articles, the following will be addressed: 

  • How concrete homes perform in fires 
  • How engineers design concrete homes to resist increasing natural disasters 
  • Different concrete home building methods and their associated costs 
  • Their resiliency compared to the carbon dioxide created in the building process 
  • Information about the process of developing and changing building codes 
  • How home insurance companies view concrete homes 

The road ahead for rebuilding Los Angeles and dealing with a monumental number of toxic debris will be long and stressful. Let’s hope their decisions will be for the good of everyone.  

How Do You Define Stability in Your Concrete Business?

By Bill Humbert, www.RecruiterGuy.com 

Our country is evolving—shifting perspectives, adjusting immigration policies, and even reshaping the size of our government. As with any transformation, there will be resistance and unforeseen consequences. Some of these changes may positively impact your business, while others may present challenges. This article isn’t meant to alarm you but spark critical thinking about how these shifts could affect your concrete business. 

“Sometimes, I see things differently…” That’s my tagline for Letters to the Editor on my website. So, let’s take a different look at stability in business. 

 

Is Stability About Sticking to the Same Plan? 

When speaking with small business owners about strategy, I often hear: 

“I know what I’m doing. My business has been successful every year! It’s as stable as a rock!” 

Or, in your case, maybe “as stable as a concrete footing.” 

That got me thinking—does stability mean running the same business plan year after year, regardless of market changes? 

 Let’s consider something important: rocks don’t grow. Over time, they erode—just look at the Grand Canyon. 

 

What If Your Business Were an Oak Tree? 

Instead of thinking of your business as a rock, what if you viewed it as an oak tree? 

  • Deep roots – Your experience and industry knowledge provide a strong foundation. 
  • Resilience – Like oak wood, your business can withstand storms and market shifts. 
  • Thick-skinned – The tree’s bark protects it from pests, just as your adaptability shields you from economic challenges. 
  • Longevity – Oak trees can live for hundreds of years. While that may not be true for you, your business can thrive for generations. 
  • Opportunistic growth – Oaks branch out toward the sun, sensing where to expand for maximum advantage. 

The key difference? An oak tree grows and adapts. Shouldn’t your business do the same? 

 

How Can You Branch Out in Your Concrete Business? 

Consider small but impactful changes to enhance profitability without significant capital investment. 

  • Where can you eliminate inefficiencies and free up time? 
  • What parts of your business provide the highest return on effort? 
  • Would you be happier and more profitable running estimates or crafting a strategic growth plan? 
  • If estimating takes too much of your marketing/selling time, would it be wiser to hire an estimator? You could be growing your business while your estimator is sharpening their pencil. 

Since launching my business in 1990, I’ve continually adapted. I didn’t just stick to what worked—I branched out. Here’s how I diversified my income: 

  1. Authoring books – I’ve written three career search books and actively promoted their sales. 
  2. Speaking internationally – I took a risk, delivering talks on The Power of Proper Goal Setting across three continents. 
  3. Expanding my expertise – My upcoming fourth book will generate additional income through back-of-room sales. 

I also invested in a coach to help me strategize and execute these new opportunities successfully. 

 

The Only Constant is Change—How Will You Respond? 

We can’t control broad cultural and economic changes—but we can control how we respond. The most successful business leaders don’t just weather the storm; they adapt, grow, and outpace the competition. 

I’d love to hear about your challenges. Let’s have a conversation, explore new possibilities, and build a stronger, more resilient path forward for your business. 

It is easy to meet me at your convenience. Click on this link to find a time that works for both of us – www.recruiterguy.com/contact/   

EXPECT SUCCESS!