The world's foremost resource on decorative concrete
From self-cleaning and self-repairing to bendable and glowing, concrete is constantly evolving, regularly bringing technologically improved products to market.
The best training and the best products mean nothing if we can’t find projects to prove our talent, right? I’m not going to sugarcoat our plight – I have been peddling decorative concrete for nearly 20 years and have never seen as many challenges as the ones we face today. Having said that, my goal is to have the best year possible, and I’m going to let you in on a secret as to how this will be done.
Membership in an industry association or society offers numerous opportunities for education, peer networking, and accessing a wealth of information that helps us grow professionally. There are several organizations that support concrete contractors and concrete construction.
A few in the decorative concrete industry are good at the trade and great salespeople as well, but not many. If sales are not your thing, then now is the time to push ahead of the competition and find the right person.
Taking concrete to another level with the introduction of a new television show called "Concrete Nation" that will begin airing on Fox television stations in October. The goal of "Concrete Nation" is to document the building of a house made mostly of concrete. The intent is to show the world the beauty of concrete when put into the hands of artists.
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.
Join Concrete Decor magazine and the Concrete Decor RoadShow as we showcase the wonders and innovations of decorative and architectural concrete in a homelike setting at the 2017 World of Concrete. On a 40-by-40-foot concrete stage in the outdoor Concrete Surfaces & Decorative Pavilion across from the South Hall, Decorative Concrete LIVE! will feature displays alongside demonstrations of horizontal and vertical concrete finishes that can be used in quality homes of any size and style.
Winning the battle with Mother Nature becomes a little challenging when the weather heats up. This is also the same time our services are in highest demand. There are ways to combat the heat and the challenges it creates, but few are profitable.
Many experts believe the decorative concrete industry will experience large amounts of growth in 2015. That will come from new products and techniques, and a growing awareness of the versatility of decorative concrete.
Sustainable design is a big part of what makes a building green – especially in terms of earning LEED points – but sustainable construction techniques can add a few points and can also prove to an owner or designer that your company is serious about the issue.
Five on-the-job tips for a concrete contractor on the job site.
