A publication of the Concrete Foundations Association
Concrete Facts Magazine Online
Feature
CFA Celebrates Excellence with the 2025 Professional Awards
The most compelling evidence of an individual’s influence lies in their dedication and service to advancing the industry. This sentiment strongly resonates with the Concrete Foundations Association as it reflects on this year’s nominations and professional awards. Set against the historic backdrop of Deadwood, S.D., CFACON25 provided a one-of-a-kind setting for attendees to connect, learn […]
2025 Projects of the Year: The Category Winners
The 26th annual Concrete Foundations Association (CFA) competition invited members to showcase their most outstanding projects, competing for recognition as some of the most celebrated achievements in the industry’s history. The entries, a collection of 24 unique and intricate submissions, spanned 11 categories, ultimately resulting in 14 projects being honored this year. While the projects […]
A Human Writer versus ChatGPT: A Live Debate
By Danny Judge, Tier 3 Technology Solutions A guy can only write so many articles about how fast AI is improving and why organizations should take precautions, so I decided to show you instead. I staged a live debate—a content writer versus ChatGPT, duking it out over who is the better writer. The Preparation: I […]
How to Rewire Your Brain for Success
The human brain is incredibly adaptable. It holds the potential to change, learn and grow throughout our lives. However, many people unknowingly sabotage this by operating with a fixed mindset, the belief that abilities and intelligence are static. Research shows that this mindset limits personal and professional success, as well as discourages positive change. On […]
I Did It My Way!
As the Olympic closing ceremony draws to a close, one of the most iconic songs of all time, Frank Sinatra’s “My Way,” resonated through the air. It was a poignant moment that evoked emotion, bringing tears to athletes and viewers worldwide—perhaps even to you (but don’t worry, your secret is safe with me!). Every leader […]
PROFESSIONAL AWARDS CONCRETE FOUNDATIONS ASSOCIATION
Professionalism Recognized by Peers CFA Announces 2024 Professional Awards Among the truest statements of any career is the adage, “It is not about what you know but rather who you know.” While this phrase is profound, one of its limiting factors is that it only covers knowledge. True, knowledge is power; yet in the Concrete […]
Magazine Issues
In Memoriam, Karl Schlecht
The Concrete Foundation Association and the entire concrete industry regrets to inform you of the passing of Putzmeister founder and visionary, Karl Schlecht. Putzmeister has asked us to share this tribute and obituary. Our thoughts and prayers are with the Schlecht family and Karl’s worldwide network of friends and co-workers. With deep sorrow and great […]
CFACON24 – The Risks Worth Taking
As your executive director now for the past decade and having participated in your journey since 2001, I have experienced some wonderful examples of this Association taking calculated risks that pay great dividends. In this rich history, planning a summer convention in the remote parts of northwest Oregon was quite challenging. Committing to an extensive […]
Taking the Reins
Sean Smith is Vice President for Modern Poured Walls located in Wellington, Ohio. He became a board member in 2012, beginning his officer track in his second term. A second-generation president of the Concrete Foundations Association, Sean brings his passion for the Association, the relationships he has made, and the powerful influence on his business […]
50th Anniversary Celebration Begins
The Concrete Foundations Association will reach its 50th year of supporting the cast-in-place concrete contractor in the Spring of 2025. A yearlong effort will celebrate the significance of fifty years of enduring challenging economic cycles, an evolving marketplace, and a host of labor, legal, code, safety, and technology influences. The year of celebration was kicked […]
CFA Establishes Preferred Supplier Program
Membership networks generally have a variety of participation and recognition levels based on the interests of individuals and organizations and the services and resources provided. Tiered membership levels, labeled as “sustaining” or given common titles (i.e., gold, silver, diamond, and platinum) typically follow a pay-to-be-recognized system. Instead, during the fiscal year 2023–24, CFA’s Board of […]
Best Practice Groups Continue Making A Difference
One of the significant considerations for members of the Association is how the CFA impacts their business. Keeping in mind that first and foremost the CFA is a network of organizations run by like-minded and passionate leaders, networking remains the most valuable benefit. With this in mind, Best Practice Groups (BPGs) were initiated a couple […]
Caught-In-Action
Attention to detail This is a trait every employer hopes to inculcate in the workforce they send outward to jobs. It is the mark that often establishes the strata in the marketplace, elevating the most professional teams. Although never surprised when this is identified, the leadership at Beaver Concrete Construction is proud of the individual […]
Evaluating the Performance of Portland Limestone Cement (Type 1L) and the Mitigating Effects of Liquid Floor Hardeners/Densifiers
By Lee Nabb – Nox-Crete Flooring Division Manager Abstract: Portland Limestone Cement (PLC) or Type 1L cement, a blended cement containing limestone, has gained significant market share due to its reduced environmental impact compared to traditional Type 1 Portland Cement. However, recent field experience has highlighted potential challenges when using Type 1L cement such as […]
I Did It My Way!
As the Olympic closing ceremony draws to a close, one of the most iconic songs of all time, Frank Sinatra’s “My Way,” resonated through the air. It was a poignant moment that evoked emotion, bringing tears to athletes and viewers worldwide—perhaps even to you (but don’t worry, your secret is safe with me!). Every leader […]
RockWell Announces the Launch of “The New Denali” Window Well, Coming Mid-2024
RockWell Window Wells is thrilled to unveil The New Denali. This next-generation product promises to redefine window wells, designed to meet modern construction needs while maintaining a budget-friendly approach. Vaughn Cook, RockWell’s President, shared his excitement about the product: “We are so excited to introduce the arrival of The New Denali. We’ve completely reimagined this […]
PROFESSIONAL AWARDS CONCRETE FOUNDATIONS ASSOCIATION
Professionalism Recognized by Peers CFA Announces 2024 Professional Awards Among the truest statements of any career is the adage, “It is not about what you know but rather who you know.” While this phrase is profound, one of its limiting factors is that it only covers knowledge. True, knowledge is power; yet in the Concrete […]
MEMBERSHIP MILESTONES:
The Awards Gala at CFACON24 began with a tribute to the milestone anniversaries across the membership. One of the exciting moments in this segment was the identification of historic membership growth, with many new members as well as a robust list of members completing their first-year anniversary. NEW CONTRACTOR MEMBERS IN 2024 Cotton’s Concrete Construction […]
