...contniued from previous page

Bomanite Corporation,
Madera, California

It wasn’t long before he developed an early imprinting method that he called “ornamented concrete,” which he initially used on the sidewalks of Carmel, Calif. The technique, revolutionary for the time, was deceptively simple in concept: The V-shaped blades of a metal stamping platform imprinted a pattern on fresh concrete. By using at least two stamping units, the first stamp could be removed and placed next to the second stamp to produce a continuously printed decorative pattern. Soon, contractors all over California were using the method.

In 1970, Bowman co-founded Bomanite Corporation with three partners. Eventually the three bought him out and Bowman stayed on for a time as a part-time consultant. From its Palo Alto, Calif., offices, Bomanite Corp. began expanding its reach by establishing franchises around the United States as well as in other countries around the world. In 1990, the company moved its corporate offices and manufacturing plant to a larger facility in Madera, Calif. In 2004, Bomanite opened a second manufacturing facility in Knoxville, Tenn., in order to meet the growing demand for Bomanite products. The facilities produce dry shake color hardener, integral color, release agents, imprinting tools, fibers and various other products for the installation of architectural concrete paving.

Today, Bomanite products and projects can be found around the world. Project installations range from single-family residences to multimillion-dollar sports and entertainment complexes. Auto dealerships, casinos, golf courses, country clubs, health care facilities, restaurants, shopping centers, theme parks, hotel/resorts, museums, municipalities and governments have all trusted Bomanite with their decorative concrete needs.

“At Bomanite,” Casto says, “art, technology and the installer all meet as one.”

Licensing programs
The original license agreement, Bomanite Imprint Agreement, covers cast-in place colored, imprinted and textured concrete. Bomanite Toppings Systems focuses on the renovation market. Bomanite Custom Polishing is a diamond-grinding process that promotes age-proven terrazzo-type finishes. Bomanite Precast Elements is a program that focuses on precast manufacturing of high-end decorative countertops, tiles, and architectural elements. Grasscrete is a pervious pavement process patented in Europe and marketed in the United States exclusively by Bomanite Corporation.

Bomanite Franchise Partners stay on the cutting edge of the decorative concrete industry through their affiliation with the worldwide network of licensed Bomanite contractors. Although owning a franchise may not be for everyone, there are some definite advantages for doing so. They include access to Bomanite brand products, tools and proven systems; brand name association; peer support and assistance; support at the corporate level, which includes national marketing and business development efforts; specification assistance; product research and development; and systems training.

“Our industry is very unique,” Casto says. “The product is only as good as the contractor who installs it. You have to have the right contractor with the right training and the right expertise.”

Training is provided to the Bomanite network through Bomanite University. This program consists of a number of technical and business improvement workshops, which are scheduled throughout the year.

Experts in the industry attend these trainings and provide valuable information to all franchise partners who attend these free events, but these experts aren’t the only ones who have something to teach. Through these events, the Bomanite network shares information with one another and exchanges ideas. They share methods for installation and ideas for creative use of products. Being a member of a tight-knit network of contractors, Bomanite Franchise partners have peers with whom they share tools and equipment, as well as joint venture on projects. They meet to discuss business practices and support one another in growing their businesses.

Some of the company’s Franchise Partners have been with the company for the entire 35 years that Bomanite has been specially licensing their contractors. “We have great working relationships and we sometimes team up when we have huge projects or need extra manpower,” says McCool, whose own franchise employs about 65 people. “I love the camaraderie with my fellow Bomanite contractors.”