Karen Keyes Concrete Decor

Author: Karen Keyes

Successful Construction Training Requires Commitment and a Plan

Business & Technology Training & Education Vol. 16 No. 7 - October 2016 by Karen Keyes Comments are Disabled

Training in the construction industry seems more daunting than some other professions. With all of the moving parts of our industry, we not only need to train on skill and leadership, but also safety and technology.

Group of architects listening to a presentation about decorative concrete

Become an AIA Approved Education Provider in 7 Easy Steps

Training & Education Vol. 16 No. 6 - August/September 2016 by Karen Keyes Comments are Disabled

Licensed architects are required to earn a certain number of continuing education credits to maintain their license from the American Institute of Architects. So, when you, a decorative concrete contractor, offer them a way to earn desired credit, you have at least one guaranteed hour of their attention.

Insights on What Helps Concrete Contractors Succeed

Business & Technology Vol. 16 No. 4 - May/June 2016 by Karen Keyes Comments are Disabled

While surveying my peers, I discovered that contractors approach projects differently and require a great variety of tools to get the job done. Perhaps this is why our industry is so innovative and unique.

How to Get the Concrete Job Without Being the Low Bid

Business & Technology Vol. 16 No. 1 - January 2016 by Karen Keyes Comments are Disabled

We’ve all had the phone call with a client where he lets you down gently, saying thanks, but some other contractor came in with a lower number. Sometimes it’s best to just write off those lost jobs, but how do you get the jobs you really want without having to be the lowest price?

5 Ways to Effectively Utilize Your Decorative Concrete Awards

Events & Recognition Business & Technology Vol. 15 No. 8 - November/December 2015 by Karen Keyes Comments are Disabled

A stack of award submission requests are sitting on my desk staring me down and deadlines are popping up all over my calendar. Many associations and local, regional and national companies and groups in the decorative concrete realm host award programs to help recognize the best of the best.

How to Take Jobs Beyond Decorative Concrete

Business & Technology Vol. 15 No. 6 - August/September 2015 by Karen Keyes Comments are Disabled

The phrase “decorative concrete” means many things. Depending on your operation, it may mean specializing in one facet, such as concrete countertops, or it may mean everything from stamped concrete to polished concrete.

Five Secrets of a Successful Decorative Concrete Design Center Revealed

Business & Technology Vol. 15 No. 4 - May/June 2015 by Karen Keyes Comments are Disabled

In 2001, Colorado Hardscapes made a move that forever changed its approach to sales and marketing. The company moved into a new concrete design center, the first of its kind in Colorado.

Re-ignite Your Spark of Passion for Decorative Concrete

Business & Technology Vol. 15 No. 2 - February/March 2015 by Karen Keyes Comments are Disabled

The fear that we may lose touch with the concrete artistry in our industry is a legitimate feeling. It seems like more and more projects require firm decisions and designs before they ever reach our eyes. Are we losing the chance to add our expertise, advice and artistic touch to decorative projects?

Decorative Concrete Trends in Colorado and Beyond

Concrete Placing Vol. 14 No. 8 - November/December 2014 by Karen Keyes Comments are Disabled

Some of the concrete design trends in Colorado differ from those in other parts of the country. In Colorado, we see a strong push for higher quality in even the most standard concrete. Even though we specialize in decorative concrete, some of our larger contracts this year include a good portion of standard uncolored broom-finished concrete.

Making and Keeping Great Decorative Concrete Workers in an Employee Drought

Business & Technology Vol. 14 No. 6 - August/September 2014 by Karen Keyes Comments are Disabled

In desperation we post employment opportunities on social media sites, in local newspapers and on online job listing pages. We even purchase radio spots, hoping to pick up the one or two rock-star employees left looking for new employment. But the reality is, there truly is a labor shortage out there.