Letter from the President
Hello CFA Contractor and Associate Members! With the close of 2018 almost here, I view this as the perfect time to offer some thoughts regarding our businesses and our association. It seems that each year brings new challenges and that running our businesses takes more of our time and energy. Even in a good economy, […]
Stephens & Smith Construction Company Revives Student-Learner Program
FEATURE ARTICLE: Stephens & Smith Construction Company Revives Student-Learner Program By Jereme Montgomery, Business Development Many of you reading this article will testify that the skill gap is real. There is a shortage of skilled craftsmen in the construction industry, and it has continued (and will continue) to effect quantity and quality of structures built […]
Get More Workers: How to Use an Employee Referral Program to Bring in More People
By Doug Herbert How much does it cost a contractor to hire one employee? According to my concrete contractor buddies, Sean Smith from Cleveland, Ohio and Jason Ells from Indianapolis, Indiana, the amount is at least $1,000 per new employee. Based on my experience and calculations, that number is spot on. Here are just […]
Maintaining “Alternative Fall Protection Plans” Under OSHA Regulations
Adequate Fall Protection in Residential Concrete Foundation Pouring: Maintaining “Alternative Fall Protection Plans” Under OSHA Regulations By Michael G. Latiff and Mark W. Steiner On May 1, 2017, the secretary of labor for the Northeast District of Ohio issued what can be fairly characterized as an unprecedented serious citation to a residential concrete foundation […]
Matching Form Release Agents to Application Methods: Part II
TECHNICAL DEPARTMENT: Matching Form Release Agents to Application Methods Part 2 of a 4-Part Series By Destry Kenning, Forming Market Segment Manager, Nox-Crete Products Group Formwork requires a considerable investment, but even the best forms cannot produce the best results unless they are paired with the proper form release agent. To prevent the adhesion […]
Letter from the Director: Thoughts from my Desk…
Thoughts From My Desk… Throughout the 26th volume of Concrete Facts magazine, I will be sharing insights from the many interactions I have with members, non-member companies and the general public. My goals are first, to show you how the challenges faced are universal throughout North America, and second, to use these interactions to help […]
Letter from the President: Greetings from the new Pres!
Greetings, CFA Members and readers of Concrete Facts! I would like to introduce myself to all of you who may not know me. I am Phillip Marone, President of Marone Contractors and affiliated companies. I am honored to have been selected by our Board too represent all of you as the next association President. Our […]
Tricks of the Trade – “Winter Scaffold Brackets”
This issue’s Tricks of the Trade is shared by a CFA board member in the spirit of continuing to share great ideas and to challenge you, the reader, to consider the ways you overcome annoying details and situations to be more effective and economical in your work. If you are from an active CFA member […]
Increase Profits by Creating Systems in Your Company
Let me ask you a personal question. When you wake up in the morning and you get ready for work, do you always do things in the same order? Here’s what I mean: When I wake up on a weekday, I do the same tasks in the same order, every time. I first grab my […]
Dealing With the Reactivity of Aluminum Forms and Concrete
By Destry Kenning, Forming Market Segment Manager, Nox-Crete Products Group Part 1 of a 4-Part Series Anyone who has placed concrete against new or older reconditioned and not properly seasoned aluminum forms is most likely familiar with the veins or worm-like trails that form in the resulting concrete, and also familiar with the excessive […]
