I’m hoping this 25th anniversary edition of Concrete Decor is a welcome surprise for everyone. For some of you, Concrete Decor started arriving in mailboxes in January 2001. For those who have never seen a copy of Concrete Decor and like what it offers, take a gander at www.concretedecor.net once you’ve absorbed all that’s in these pages. You’ll find a treasure trove of information and ideas spanning the past 25 years.
Concrete Decor is not back in circulation. Instead, we felt that Concrete Decor’s 25th anniversary is a good reminder that decorative concrete is alive and well worldwide. It’s facing some challenges that you’ll read about here, but it remains, in my opinion, a robust career choice. If you’re considering a career in decorative concrete, you can expect to grow old in this trade. The opportunities abound.
Two years ago, we entrusted Concrete Decor’s Decorative Concrete Hall of Fame to the American Society of Concrete Contractors. That respected organization proudly carries the torch forward. It honors those in our industry who truly have its best interests at heart.
It feels a little awkward to say this, but I learned just how big an honor this program is when ASCC members broke my rule and awarded me with this special honor at the 2025 World of Concrete show. If you’re planning to attend WOC Jan. 20-22 in Las Vegas, make a point of visiting ASCC’s exhibit in the South Hall. You’ll discover this industry’s roots. You’ll connect with people who bring the same energy and passion to this craft that inspired me to start Concrete Decor. It’s contagious!
Outdoors at WOC is another great attraction, namely Decorative Concrete LIVE. Concrete Decor has hosted this product demonstration arena for the past 10 years. It’s where you’ll find us celebrating Concrete Decor’s 25th anniversary and showcasing 25 finishes we believe will amplify your business offerings in 2026. You’ll also find some 70+ industry artisans in the space who are eager to meet you and discuss your goals and aspirations and discuss the challenges in the business.
Years ago, I attended a workshop in Yorkshire, England. At dinner one evening, a tradesman asked me why we would fly halfway around the world to share trade secrets with them. In response, I told him that if this industry loses sight of the importance of learning, it will also lose its direction … and along with that, a competitive advantage. That said, take every opportunity to learn from others and never stop. You’ll find many great friendships along the way.
Lastly, I want to point out that Concrete Decor has its own online store. It opened in 2020, and it has been a lot of fun to support the industry in this way. We’re not the only store out there, but we do take your business seriously. You’ll find that the smartphone you walk around with is a smart way to order the products, tools, and equipment you need. Today, we offer more than 20,000 products, and just about everything will find its way to your front door in a few days. That’s our promise.
In closing, I encourage you to patronize the advertisers you find in these pages. Subscribe to Concrete Decor’s free online newsletter and also tell Concrete Decor about projects you’re doing that demonstrate concrete’s advantage over other building solutions. Sharing is caring because your story on ConcreteDecor.net is an endorsement for you and a learning opportunity for others. Work safe and work smart!
We remain at your service.
Yours in decorative concrete,
Bent Mikkelsen
Publisher
