A Legacy Supported by Certification
Certification programs establish measurable standards for skilled trade professionals—demonstrating technical proficiency, adherence to best practices and ongoing professional growth. Ensuring that residential construction professionals are adhering to these standards is vital to the success of our industry. The Residential Foundation Technician Certification is a collaborative effort between the American Concrete Institute (ACI) and the Concrete Foundations Association (CFA). This program evaluates the competency of an individual in […]
From Hard Hats to Helmets: The Evolution of Head Protection in the Workplace
By Scott Greenhaus Previously published in Concrete Repair Bulletin, March/April 2024 In the realm of occupational safety, head protection has come a long way from its beginnings as a simple hard hat. The transition from hard hats to helmets represents a remarkable evolution in the goal to keep workers safe in a wide range of industries. This article explores the history and technological advancements […]
CFA Tech Note 014: Interpreting Nominal Concrete Wall Thickness
Introduction A frequent point of discussion between contractors, designers and code authorities involves the interpretation of “nominal” versus “actual” concrete wall thickness. This technical note provides clarification on this topic by examining relevant building codes and industry standards. Understanding the code-defined relationship between nominal and actual dimensions is essential for ensuring compliance and project continuity. Analysis of Code Requirements The International Residential […]
An Unbalanced Market: Demand, Development and What’s Ahead
By Chris Hancock, CEO, Builders Association of Greater Indianapolis The U.S. homebuilding industry is operating in an increasingly unbalanced market, shaped by persistent economic pressures, structural supply constraints and evolving buyer behavior. According to the National Association of Home Builders (NAHB), builders across the country continue to face a convergence of challenges that complicate both planning and production. Elevated interest rates remain the most significant headwind, directly impacting affordability and […]
Routine Versus Rocket Science: Thirteen Rock-Solid Ways to Keep Your Customers Coming Back
By Kate Zabriskie You know that friend who’s always there when you are in need? The one who shows up on time, follows through on promises and genuinely cares about what’s going on in your life? That’s exactly what your business needs to be for your customers. Sure, those splashy marketing campaigns and point-collecting apps might turn some heads. But keeping customers? That’s more like maintaining a good friendship—it’s about consistency, trust and showing up […]
From Builder to CEO: Why Most Construction Companies Never Break $50 Million
BY GERARD ALIBERTI, OWNER OF PRO-ACCEL You started your construction company because you love building things. You were good at it. Maybe great at it. You could see a project through from concept to completion, and you took pride in every detail. Fast forward to today, and you’re running a $10 million, $15 million, maybe even $25 million company. You’re still operating like you’re running a $5 million business. You’re the bottleneck. Every critical decision flows through […]
Capturing Field Knowledge and Preserving Your Legacy with AI
Learn how AI can capture and organize field knowledge from notes and photos into a searchable data asset, improving efficiency and preserving expertise for your firm. The construction industry is experiencing a significant operational shift. Recent data indicates that a substantial number of construction businesses are now using artificial intelligence (AI) to improve efficiency and accuracy. In fact, the […]
Building More than Just Concrete…Building Futures!
BY JENN OTT, MODERN POURED WALLS CONSTRUCTION SERVICES Bringing classrooms and careers together at the 2025 Lorain County Career Pathways Expo, Modern Poured Walls (MPW) Construction Services proudly represented the concrete construction industry demonstrating that we build more than concrete structures- we build futures. Held in late October at the Lorain County Fairgrounds Ross Expo Center in Wellington, Ohio, which transformed into an array of […]
Building Back Better Resiliency
BY JOE NASVIK This is the fourth and final article of the Building Back Better series. After the decision is made to build a house, the next issue to resolve is how it should be built. The best building system is one that will be best for the current and future occupants. Using sustainability and resilience guidelines is […]
2025 CFA Consulting Members Directory
CFA works with many great consultants. If you are looking for consulting services, visit one of the companies below: BIC bicauctions.com BIC is a used concrete equipment specialist serving contractors, manufacturers and lenders nationwide. The company helps industry professionals unlock value from idle or underutilized assets—whether it’s a single unit or an entire fleet. Their […]
