A publication of the Concrete Foundations Association
Concrete Facts Magazine Online
Feature
Nebraska’s Leading Concrete Construction Company Obtains New Resource
Lincoln, NE – Stephens & Smith Construction Co., (www.stephensandsmith.com) has announced that Jereme “Bird” Montgomery has joined the S&S team as their Business Development Coordinator. His primary duties will focus on new and existing clients, sales, marketing, and social media. Mr. Montgomery has a wealth of experience within the concrete construction industry, having spent the […]
Winter Walls – The Walls Are “Leaking”
As published in Concrete Contractor Magazine, April 10, 2017. This column presents a comparison issue between what is assumed to be faulty construction or installation and the natural hydration process combined with the change of seasons. Question: Last winter we installed several foundations for a builder in one development. He called this week asking us […]
Why Attend Convention
Between podcasts, YouTube tutorials, webinars and google.com, why would I invest the time and money to attend a convention? What will I learn there that I can’t learn online? If this is your mindset, I challenge you to take your company to the next level and explore the real benefits of attending your industry events, […]
Top Safety Awards Call For Entries
The Board of Directors for the Concrete Foundations Association has created a Top Safety Awards program to recognize contractors in the industry committed to maintaining safe working environments on their job sites. In 2011, OSHA rescinded the exemption from fall protection for residential construction, including that of residential foundation construction under the belief that significant […]
Millennials in the Workforce
Millennials: we have all heard the word used in some way or another. In the workforce, it can carry a negative connotation among employers. Lazy, high maintenance, ignorant, entitled, and self-righteous are just a few of the words used to describe them. But this word carries with it another implication that the world is changing […]
The Power of Following Up
You can get many of the things you want in life simply by following up. Follow up with that prospect that hasn’t returned your call. Follow up with your customer to let them know your men are on the jobsite. Follow up to ensure the concrete is on the way. Follow up with your employee/coworker […]
Magazine Issues
Are We Really A Family?
Dear CFA Brothers and Sisters, Many institutions claim to have a “family” environment. Is “family” an overused cliché…or is it real? This March, we at the Bartley Corporation, lost a dear friend and long-time employee. Betty was our dispatcher, also known as “Mother-Central”. Our employees sprang into action to help her, stood beside her, and continue to grieve her loss. We will never […]
CFA Returns to Tamaya
The CFA will return to the Tamaya Resort at the Santa Ana Pueblo north of Albuquerque, New Mexico for the 2013 Summer meeting. We don’t often return to a prior venue but this is a very special place. Quiet, beautiful, and serene are just a few of the adjectives used by attendees following our stay in 2008. As you will […]
CertainTeed Enhances Commitment to Innovation, Appoints New Vice President of Research & Development
(Valley Forge, Pa.) – CertainTeed Corporation is bolstering its capacity for industry-leading innovation through the appointment of Minas Apelian as vice president of research and development (R&D). In this newly established position, Apelian will lead the design, development and execution of next generation products and technologies across all CertainTeed business units, which includes siding, ceilings, pipe, foundations, […]
Saint-Gobain sells its PVC “Pipe & Foundations” business to Westlake Chemical for US$175 million
PARIS–(BUSINESS WIRE)–Saint-Gobain signed an agreement for the sale of its U.S.-based PVC Pipe & Foundations business to North American Pipe Corporation, a subsidiary of Westlake Chemical Corporation (NYSE:WLK) of Houston, Texas, for a total price (enterprise value) of US$175 million (around €135 million), representing 7.2 times 2012 EBITDA(US$24 million). Manufactured by Saint-Gobain’s Exterior Products Division within […]
Custom Concrete Makes Promotion
Jason Ells has been promoted to executive director of operations at Westfield, Indiana, based Custom Concrete. Ells, who launched his career in 1998 at Custom Concrete as a Quality Control Tech, will oversee the sales force and production departments, establishing processes that produce both quality and efficiency. He will also continue to work closely with customers to ensure the individualized attention they expect from […]
Garland Industries Acquires DryDog Barriers, Expands Line of Waterproofing Products
Garland Industries, Inc. recently acquired DryDog Barriers, LLC, a manufacturer of waterproofing products and related accessories for the residential and commercial marketplace, expanding its line of high-performance, below-grade waterproofing solutions for the building envelope. The DryDog line of products and services will be integrated into GMX, Inc., a wholly owned subsidiary of Garland Industries and a leading manufacturer of waterproofing solutions […]
2013 International Concrete Sustainability Conference Co-Sponsorship Agreement
National Ready Mixed Concrete Association (NRMCA) and Concrete Foundations Association (CFA) are co-sponsoring the upcoming 2013 International Concrete Sustainability Conference scheduled for May 6-8, 2013 in San Francisco at the Hotel Sofitel. The Conference is designed to bring researchers and practitioners together to exchange the latest ideas, knowledge, and tools to build the future of concrete construction as it relates […]
Cost Reduction Technology’s Solution to Musculoskeletal Disorder Injuries in the Construction Industry
Editor’s note: The information contained in this article is a demonstration of the efforts the CFA is putting forward toward the development of a revolutionary risk management program to assist companies in qualifying for and taking the greatest advantage of the Insurance Captive forming for this industry. After a successful introduction to this company during the 2006 CFA Annual Convention in Wisconsin, CRT has continued to strengthen their network and […]
Robotic Systems for Layout — A Consultant’s View
It has been a while since any of us have even wanted to think about investing in more layout equipment or upgrading the current systems. Here are just a few ideas on the subject and things that you may want to consider: 1st…Relax, you did it right the first time Chances are your existing system (Geodimeter/Trimble 5600 systems or […]
Content You Bring to the Market: What CFA Members Write About
The following discussion is an excerpt taken from a CFA Member newsletter. CFA members are becoming aggressive to their markets and supplying their customers with education and information to better inform them of the expertise that resides in their service. Marketing your company today needs to be about a lot more than just building the […]
CFA WELCOMES NEW BOARD MEMBERS… ANOTHER GENERATION
Without a doubt, one of the most exciting aspects of remaining connected to a powerful industry organization is the evidence of evolution and the perspective that it brings to your business. Benjamin Franklin once said, “When you’re finished changing, you’re finished.” Certainly one can adamantly support this for the goals and challenges of an Association […]
Meeting the Challenge of Change
Dear CFA Friends, I hope 2013 brings happiness and prosperity for you all. For me, the transition from 2012 to the New Year means change. I find myself looking optimistically to the new horizon but keeping a reflecting eye on the rear view mirror. In 2012, our company celebrated the retirement of three key employees that have been with us for two, three, and […]
