Lighthouse After School

Stephens and Smith Concrete Construction participates with a Trades/Industry Program Attracting tomorrow’s workforce to the concrete industry involves fostering early engagement and understanding of the field. Introducing high school students to construction trades through a structured workshop approach holds immense potential in shaping their perception of and interest in concrete careers. “Our TIP program is […]

Foundation Contractors Night: Enthusiastic Participation at The Strat

I am thrilled to reach out to you following the recent Foundation Contractors Night hosted at The Strat in Las Vegas. Once again, our Concrete Foundation Association staff has demonstrated their exceptional talent in pulling off another fantastic event. With over 320 attendees gracing the occasion, the night was filled with lively conversation, networking opportunities, […]

Build my Future: Collaboration Engages Youth, How did it come about? What are its Goals

Perma-Structo of Sturtevant, Wisconsin, a Certified Contractor member of the Concrete Foundations Association, has a long history of participation in efforts aimed at awareness and trades education for youth to bring about a stronger future for the construction industry. The most recent event, Build My Future, continued to demonstrate the value for all involved. Build […]

Why Membership Matters

“PRECISION FOCUS!!” I have had the privilege in the last two years of being introduced to the field of concrete construction in an incredibly dynamic way.  While it started with photographing job sites for my brother-in-law, Russ Talpey of Talpey Construction, I have been inspired to continue telling the story I find so compelling.  Not […]

Concrete Reasons to set BHAG (Big Hairy Audacious Goals) for your Concrete Business

By Bill Humbert, recruiterguy.com There is a difference between properly setting a goal and making a resolution for your business. I know. I have been in business for 34 years. Why not make a “resolution”? The answer is easy. Are many New Year’s resolutions kept? Over my past 34 years, maybe two New Year’s resolutions […]

Ensuring Worker Safety: The Vital Role of Alternative Fall Protection Plans

By Tim Neubauer, MS, CSP For construction, safeguarding the lives of workers is not just a regulatory mandate but is also a moral obligation. As the construction industry grapples with the persistent challenge of fall-related fatalities, the importance of proper fall protection measures becomes increasingly evident. Data from 2020 reveals a stark reality: out of […]

Navigating Generational Shifts in Family Construction Businesses While Keeping the Construction Legacy Alive

Prepared by: Jerry Aliberti, Owner of Pro-Accel Surviving and thriving in the construction business is no walk in the park! Passing the family business on to the next generation should be a moment of pride. But let’s be real: it is a challenge loaded with all sorts of fears. Fear of letting go, fear of […]

The “Oops” Factor: How Human Error is Powering a Multibillion-Dollar Cybercrime Empire

By Jeff Robinson, President & CEO of Tier 3 Technology Solutions You may have heard this statistic before: According to an Accenture study, 43% of all cyberattacks target small businesses. The explanation is simple enough—small businesses have valuable data and resources worth targeting but often don’t prioritize cybersecurity. Even more daunting for small business owners? […]

Fall Board Meeting Highlights

I trust this letter finds you well and thriving. As we approach the end of another successful year, I am delighted to share some highlights from our recent Fall Board Meeting, which was held in beautiful Oklahoma City. The gathering served as a powerful reminder of the strength and camaraderie that defines the Concrete Foundations […]

The Challenge of Time

The calendar is telling me it is December, and I’m still trying to convince myself it can be true. How is it that 2023 is nearly over, and by the time you are reading this, 2024 has likely arrived? I hear this in nearly every conversation where I get the chance to catch up with […]