concreate

Izabela Pal is the Founder and CEO of AIG Construction, a minority and woman-owned company specializing in residential and commercial construction. Izabela’s zero-to-millionaire success story began with her emigration from Poland to New York, where she gained experience in the construction industry working as a project manager before founding her own business in 2018. A savvy entrepreneur dedicated to fostering a strong workplace culture, she has grown her construction company into a multimillion-dollar business with over 120 employees, aiming for nationwide expansion.

In this episode…

Every construction company wants rapid growth in an ever-evolving industry. However, scaling a business is no easy feat. What factors should entrepreneurs in the construction field consider when expanding their company?

Entrepreneur and developer Izabela Pal faced hurdles during her construction company’s early stages, from surviving the pandemic to substantial insurance challenges. Despite these obstacles, she succeeded by following industry trends and pivoting into new markets, building her woman-owned construction company into a multimillion-dollar business within the first five years of operation. Leveraging the lessons learned in her early days in the industry, Izabela builds her company’s foundation on prioritizing safety in construction projects, persevering in the face of challenges, and taking action instead of overthinking. By creating a safe workplace that values empathy and kindness in interactions, she ensures her employees enjoy the process and maintains a close-knit family atmosphere.

Tune in to the latest installment of Get the Intel as Chad Gill hosts Izabela Pal, the Founder and CEO of AIG Construction, to discuss strategies for scaling a construction company. Izabela shares the story behind her journey into entrepreneurship as an immigrant, the challenges she faced growing her company, and how to build a strong workplace culture while prioritizing staff training and standards to ensure consistency in service delivery.

Christopher "Chris" de Pierne is the Owner of TITAN Systems LLC, a team of contractors providing best-in-class coating installation to residential and small commercial markets. TITAN, founded in 2000, utilizes its extensive experience in the coatings and concrete repair industry to assist engineers, architects, and owners in planning and designing unique and functional spaces. Chris is also a Senior Estimator at the Baton Rouge branch of STRUCTURAL, an industry-leading concrete repair company. After starting his professional career as a forensic accountant, Chris transitioned to the concrete repair and restoration industry in 2006. Before becoming an estimator, he garnered experience working as a laborer, foreman, superintendent, and CE inspector. 

In this episode…

Trade jobs are in high demand, and over 83% of respondents in a trades industry survey feel extremely satisfied with their career choices. Experts attribute this job satisfaction to the career path's stability, followed by competitive compensation and a flexible schedule. So, how can we encourage more people to consider trade careers? 

Industry expert Christopher "Chris" de Pierne highlights the importance of trade programs in high schools, reflecting on how he started early in the industry, having struggled with reading but excelled in math and had a sense of purpose when working with his hands. He leveraged his passion to take on more responsibilities, including project management, and finally advanced to a senior estimator in the construction industry. Chris shares his inspiring career journey, emphasizing the accomplishment and fulfillment the younger generation can find in trades.

Tune in to this latest episode of Get the Intel as Chad Gill chats with Christopher "Chris" de Pierne, the owner of TITAN Systems, LLC, about his journey in the concrete repair industry. Chris reflects on his career trajectory from laborer to senior estimator, shares insights on career satisfaction strategies, discusses practical estimation in the construction industry, and highlights the importance of encouraging the younger generation to pursue a trades career.

Douglas(Doug) Krause is the President of RUTE Foundation Systems, LLC, an industry-leading construction firm producing efficient, sustainable structural foundations for wind and solar industries. RUTE designs its modular concrete prefabricated structures to minimize the cost of clean energy and reduce CO2 for wind farms and cattle ranches. A construction industry pioneer, Doug specialized in precast concrete in the 2000s and introduced the first precast post-tensioned wind tower foundation to the industry in 2018. His experience cuts across senior engineering roles in various firms, shoreline restoration, dredging, and wind and solar plant design.

In this episode…

Thanks to their abundance, cleanliness, and sustainability, wind and solar power have emerged as clear winners in the renewable energy sector. But how is the construction industry innovating to shape the future of sustainable energy? 

Let's face it — behind the sleek rows of solar panels and wind energy turbine towers lies a complex web of civil engineering expertise that plays a pivotal role in successfully implementing sustainable power projects. According to construction expert Doug Krause, the secret lies in land- and lifecycle-efficient support structures. Doug and his team at RUTE create precast, post-tensioned wind turbine foundations with a focus on durability. In addition, RUTE SunTracker, a high-clearance, cable-stayed solar for cattle ranches, deploys solar without the need to remove vital farmland. These solutions have been instrumental in increasing structural performance, reducing construction costs, and improving sustainability for wind farms and cattle pastures. 

In this episode of This is Concrete, Chad Gill welcomes Doug Krause, the President of RUTE Foundation Systems, LLC, to discuss efficient and sustainable structural support systems for wind and solar industries. Doug unpacks the technology behind RUTE’s wind and solar energy foundation systems, explains the intricacies of renewable energy and grid management, and highlights wind and solar energy industry trends and challenges.

Freddy Deen is the President of Wild Construction, a full-service general contractor specializing in complete roofing systems and exterior remodeling. Wild Construction is a recognized GAF Master Elite asphalt shingle installer, offering the best warranties in the industry. With over 15 years of experience, Freddy leverages his expertise and passion for making things happen through construction. Before founding his construction company, he honed his management skills by working in sales and client development.

In this episode…

As a contractor in the thriving construction industry, do you find it challenging to keep your firm growing because you're constantly losing employees? Retaining employees is as important as acquiring new clients since your team is your business’s backbone. High turnover rates can result in increased expenses, reduced productivity, and low morale. How do you improve retention to ensure long-term success?

Finding and retaining talented employees is an arduous task that most hiring managers need help with, regardless of their industry. However, having skilled and dedicated employees cannot be overstated. Roofing industry expert Freddy Deen believes that people want to belong to a place and feel like their work matters. Contractors must, therefore, be forthcoming and keep their workers involved, in addition to hiring right and delegating effectively. In addition, embracing project management software can also help streamline processes and ensure effective team communication. 

In this installment of Get the Intel, Chad Gill welcomes Freddy Deen, the President of Wild Construction. They discuss business growth and retention strategies for contractors and the importance of project management software for contractors. Freddy shares his entrepreneurial journey, his biggest challenges in the industry, and tips to ensure quality roofing.

Mike Bratten is the President of AXIS Structural, a full-service engineering consulting firm in South Central Texas. A professional structural engineer with expertise in design and materials testing, Mike's experience spans multistory buildings using concrete tilt-wall, structural steel, CMU, wood frame, and pre-engineered metal buildings. Before venturing into structural design,  Mike worked as a project manager in the construction materials testing industry, gaining valuable experience in typical methods used in building structures. At AXIS, he leads a 13-member team, including drafting technicians, graduate engineers, and other professional engineers. His responsive, proactive, and hands-on approach to projects has earned accolades, including being named a SABJ 40 Under 40.

In this episode…

In the complex world of construction project management, recognizing that each participant — architects, engineers, contractors — has a distinct perspective is crucial. While specialized knowledge in their respective fields is essential, particularly for large and complex projects, an even more critical element is understanding how all these specialized roles interweave to bring the project to life.

Structural Engineer Mike Bratten stresses the primary role of collaboration, particularly between architects and engineers, for successful building projects. He highlights the growing recognition of involving engineers early in the design process to consider factors like function, efficiency, structure, and technical limitations. Further, preferences for building types, such as retail or multistory offices, can impact material choices (concrete vs. steel) and facade complexity. So, engineers must carefully balance design preferences with safety and practicality, paying close attention to detail.

In this episode of Get the Intel, Chad Gill hosts Mike Bratten, the President of AXIS Structural, to discuss the intricacies of structural engineering and construction management. Mike highlights the importance of understanding architects' ideas and taking a hands-on approach for effective project execution. He also reflects on construction engineering in Texas and why project managers should build relationships with local manufacturers.

Alejandro Gomez Rivera is the Co-founder of binni, a construction technology startup focused on simplifying concrete and tunnel construction workflows through technology. With 15 years of experience delivering complex hydraulic transportation and energy infrastructure projects in North and Latin America, he is passionate about civil infrastructure. A Fulbright Scholar and technology enthusiast, Alejandro is revolutionizing the construction industry through software solutions to accelerate the adoption of technology and infrastructure systems, emphasizing cast-in-place concrete and mechanized tunneling construction processes.

In this episode…

Despite being the world's largest industry, research shows that the construction sector lags in adapting to new technologies and processes. As a result, productivity has stagnated over the past decades. How are industry innovators providing solutions to accelerate technology adoption and improve existing systems?

For construction technology expert Alejandro Gomez Rivera and his team at binni, simplifying communication between construction teams, suppliers, and partners is critical to enhancing efficiency. The company designed its project management software to create communication channels for construction technology platforms, enabling contractors to collaborate with multiple parties, including ready-mix plants and structural engineers. The platform helps simplify field team reporting on operations, streamlining information acquisition for swift decision-making.

In this episode of This is Concrete, Chad Gill hosts Alejandro Gomez Rivera, the Co-founder of binni, to discuss binni’s goal of improving communication and data sharing across the concrete construction process. Alejandro highlights how contractors can leverage technology in concrete construction, the challenges hindering innovation in the industry, and how his company’s project management software creates communication channels for construction technology platforms.

Beau Atkins is a divorce lawyer and the CEO of Evolve Family Law, a Canadian firm dedicated to protecting the interests of families through trusted and experienced family lawyers. Combining over a decade of experience with divorce, including his parents, Beau is passionate about helping parents separate while protecting their kids. After his frustrating journey navigating the family justice system, Beau leveraged technology and integrated it into all firm processes, law and business alike, to better serve his clients and the public.

In this episode…

Divorce or separation is hard enough, but it’s even more complex when children are involved. Research has shown that ongoing parental conflicts increase children's risk of psychological and social problems. Divorcing parents must come up with a plan to navigate divorce without harming their young ones. How can parents have an amicable separation?

Family lawyer Beau Atkins witnessed his parent’s marriage degenerate as their relationship became toxic. Recalling the traumatic event of standing up to his father at 14, Beau emphasizes the importance of conflict resolution habits. He narrated the long-term effects of the conflicts on each member of his family and how an interview with his parents revealed unexpected memory gaps. To help others avoid the pains of a messy separation, Beau integrates technology into his family law practice, advocating for a process that helps people separate without lawyers or courts. He, however, recommends seeking personal counsel during separation to make the process less painful and help determine if the relationship is truly over.

In this episode of Get the Intel, Chad Gill chats with Beau Atkins, the CEO of Evolve Law, about the impact of divorce and how to protect kids when navigating divorce and separation. Beau shares the traumatic experience of his parent's separation, the importance of seeking counsel for affected family members, and his aim of using technology to improve divorce proceedings.

Alex Iannessa is the Founder and CEO of EnRoads Paving LLC, a full-service commercial paving company founded to simplify site construction needs. Serving the Chicagoland area and national verticals, EnRoads specializes in a diverse range of services, including due diligence, parking lot maintenance, asphalt and concrete paving, and asset acquisitions and dispositions. With over 10 years of construction experience, Alex has completed over 800 projects before founding EnRoads Paving in 2022. He leverages his operational background to manage the company's vision and long-term goals. 

Joe O’Brien is the COO and Partner at EnRoads Paving LLC. Before EnRoads Paving, Joe honed his skills as a project manager on diverse commercial real estate teams. With an educational background in business administration and management, he manages the company’s day-to-day operations, fostering and growing a long-term portfolio of clients.

In this episode…

In the commercial construction business, a successful project starts with trust. How can contractors build trust with customers before and during projects?

For industry experts Alex Iannessa and Joe O'Brien, maintaining relationships is vital for business. By fostering transparency, trust, and communication, you can create an effective work environment for employees and ongoing business transactions and partnerships. Reflecting on the early days of their construction company, Alex and Joe emphasize how building trust with reliable partners is key to their success in the construction industry. In addition, the company’s full-service approach and ability to understand clients’ perspectives help them deliver accountable and enjoyable customer interaction with successful project delivery.

In this episode of This is Concrete, Chad Gill welcomes Alex Iannessa, Founder and CEO at EnRoads Paving LLC, and Joe O'Brien, COO and Partner at EnRoads Paving LLC. They discuss the importance of trust building in commercial paving contracting and reflect on construction industry trends. Alex and Joe provide insight into EnRoads’ services and processes, the effects of market fluctuations on concrete prices and demand, and how to navigate the challenge of seasonal fluctuations in workload.

Don Ajamian is the CEO of Emergent 3D, a California construction company providing affordable workforce housing solutions with 3D printing technology. With 38 years of experience as a licensed general contractor, Don transitioned to the 3D construction printing industry following the 2018 Carr Fire in Northern California. His objective is to captivate the listening audience's interest by showcasing the vast possibilities that 3D printing technology holds for the construction industry today.

In this episode…

3D printing is poised to revolutionize the construction industry, offering significant social implications. How can contractors leverage 3D printing in disaster recovery, workforce development, and creative design in construction?

Veteran contractor Don Ajamian discovered the potential of 3D printing in construction following the Carr Fire in Shasta County, California, which destroyed over 1400 homes and numerous structures. Reiterating the need for innovation in construction, he emphasizes the potential of concrete 3D printing to lower building costs and address the workforce shortage. In addition, research shows that 3D printing for construction could be efficient in disaster recovery, offering advantages such as rapid construction, unlike traditional construction methods that can be time-consuming and labor-intensive.

In this episode of This Is Concrete, Chad Gill welcomes Don Ajamian, the CEO of Emergent 3D, to discuss Don’s company’s work in 3D printing construction and the potential benefits and applications. Don shares his experience using 3D printing for post-fire construction and how the innovation can improve the industry’s workforce and ease the housing crisis.

Karen Keyes is the President and Owner of The Art of Concrete LLC, a Denver concrete company renowned for its expertise in exterior decorative concrete. Karen has deeply entrenched roots in concrete, from learning the creative side of the industry at her family’s business to holding leadership roles across industry verticals, including business development, marketing, and consultancy. Karen is LEED BD + C AP certified and holds a master's degree in organizational leadership from the University of Denver. A thought leader in her field, she writes for various industry publications, including Concrete Decor, and has authored the book Designing with Concrete.

In this episode…

Every ambitious leader has growth goals, but is your business prepared to handle growing pains? While business growth is positive, how do you balance being committed to your vision and making the necessary changes to scale your company?

Karen Keyes is a seasoned decorative concrete expert who’s created a niche for herself in decorative concrete, distinguishing her career on the philosophy that “concrete is a medium that can bridge the gaps in design and harmonize with its surroundings." However, running a rapidly growing decorative concrete company comes with challenges. Her company has doubled in size from last year and is experiencing “growing pains.” According to Karen, business owners wear many hats and navigate the challenges of finding talent, particularly in project management and industry knowledge. In addition, a growing company can put added stress on managers and teams. 

Join Chad Gill in this installment of This Is Concrete as he welcomes Karen Keyes, the President and Owner of The Art of Concrete LLC. Karen discusses the intricacies of the decorative concrete industry and how to overcome growing pains while building a thriving business. She highlights the importance of work-life balance for concrete finishers, the benefits of growing a crew from within, and how to price intricate projects.

Nick Dedmon is the Founder of ElectroLink Chargers, a California-based EV car charging solution with advanced software and hardware management. A seasoned construction industry professional, Nick's expertise has been instrumental in revolutionizing the field for over a decade. Before ElectroLink Chargers, he worked as a commercial contractor specializing in TI (tenant improvements).

In this episode…

The electric vehicle (EV) market has witnessed massive growth in recent years, with an increased choice of models, reduced prices, and improved features. As more drivers switch to EVs, the need for viable and accessible electric charging infrastructures becomes increasingly critical. How are challenges in the growing EV market being addressed to reshape the future of electric mobility?

One of the challenges mitigating the EV market is the lack of charging points. Nick Dedmon, a construction industry veteran turned EV expert, advocates implementing solutions such as incentivizing electrical vendors and building owners to fix units faster. His company, ElectroLink Chargers, sells charging stations to building owners and manages software for reimbursement checks, which the building owners can use to pay their electric bills. Nick emphasizes the importance of addressing customers’ concerns about grid stability and infrastructure to create a mindset shift toward EV charging.

In this episode of This Is Concrete, host Chad Gill interviews Nick Dedmon, Founder of ElectroLink Chargers, to address the innovations in EV charging. Nick reflects on his pivot to the EV industry from construction, his company’s infrastructure and business model, and the importance of addressing customers’ concerns about grid stability and infrastructure.

Mike Murray is the President of Mike Murray Concrete Solutions and the Marketing Director of Concrete Cares, a nonprofit helping families and children facing the challenges of cancer through donations and sponsorship. Having spent more than 25 years in the industry, Mike, a seasoned veteran, sold his construction company in 2012 and started Concrete Cares to raise awareness of cancer’s impact on families.

As a pioneer in the ACI Decorative Concrete certification program, he shares his expertise at workshops on concrete curing. Mike’s work has won multiple accolades, including being a Fellow of the American Concrete Institute in 2013 and one of the Most Influential People in Decorative Concrete in 2015. He is also a 2015 inductee into the Concrete Decor Hall of Fame.

In this episode…

Our careers receive much of our time and attention and are often a fulfilling and purpose-giving aspect of our lives. But at some point in life, we may need to figure out how to find fulfillment in a cause. How do we navigate this turning point in life and make an impact?

Concrete industry veteran Mike Murray started his career in the construction industry at an early age and worked toward finding career fulfillment. After shifting his mindset, Mike realized he could fill a gap in his community by creating awareness of the impact of cancer on families. His determination allowed him to expand Concrete Cares into a renowned nonprofit. However, despite the accomplishments arising from Mike's enthusiasm, he discovered that success in inspiring others requires harnessing his creativity and exploring new avenues.

Join us in this episode of This is Concrete as host Chad Gill chats with Mike Murray, the President of Mike Murray Concrete Solutions and the Marketing Director of Concrete Cares, about his inspiring story. They discuss Mike's transition from construction work to leading the fight against cancer and how he combines his passion for concrete with cancer awareness. Mike also shares his construction industry experience and how to navigate the challenges of concrete technology.

Piyush Jain is the Founder and CEO of Simpalm, an award-winning digital product development company with expertise in mobile app development, web development, and backend engineering. He is also the Co-founder of Ducknowl, a SaaS product that helps recruiters resolve screening and assessment challenges.

With a PhD from Johns Hopkins University, Piyush aims to help firms leverage emerging technologies to increase productivity. His expertise spans mobile tech, Internet of Things, iOS, Android, and more. As a thought leader in tech, Piyush has been featured in Forbes, Huffington Post, YEC, and several online publications.

In this episode…

Hiring talents for your company can often feel like a daunting maze, but what if there was a way to leverage technology to create a seamless recruiting process? This is precisely where the power of Ducknowl, a hiring platform with a 70% reduction in screening time, shines through.

The primary recruitment objective of any company is to hire the most qualified candidates. Thanks to the rise of AI, the hiring process is more efficient, less biased, and cost-saving. From conducting initial screenings to providing personalized recommendations to candidates, AI-powered platforms like Ducknowl are changing the recruitment game. According to a survey, companies that embraced AI in recruitment have seen their cost per screening reduce by 75%. Hiring managers can also conduct asynchronous video interviews and psychometric tests to assess candidates' skills and personalities and make informed decisions.

Join Chad Gill in this episode of Get the Intel as he chats with Piyush Jain, the CEO of Simpalm and Co-founder of Ducknowl. They explore AI trends in hiring, the benefits of asynchronous interviews, and Ducknowl’s AI-powered tools for automating candidate screening and assessment tests. You’ll gain valuable insights into making informed hiring decisions, how to leverage digital tools to fast-track recruitment, and how to build a hiring system that candidates trust.

Dr. Fred Ray Lybrand Jr. is an author, business coach, and consultant with a unique ability to simplify complex problems and communicate complicated matters. As the Founder of Advanced Writing Resources, he revolutionizes writing by tapping into writers' natural language instincts. For over 20 years, Dr. Lybrand Jr. has been helping entrepreneurs and leaders master complex problem-solving by leveraging his expertise in communication, creative problem-solving, and leadership development. He has successfully led critical crisis resolutions across various industries and authored several books, including The One Success Habit. His newest book, Enjoying Problems, empowers entrepreneurs to find, love, and solve their challenges confidently and achieve their goals.

In this episode…

When facing a problematic situation, most people focus on the challenge rather than setting clear goals for what they want to achieve. Have you ever felt overwhelmed trying to resolve a challenge? Embracing the mindset of 'enjoying problems' might be the solution you've been seeking.

We encounter problems in all aspects of life, making problem-solving skills essential for career growth and personal development. To achieve success and reach desired outcomes,  business coach Dr. Fred Ray Lybrand Jr. recommends viewing challenges as opportunities for solutions. Having successfully developed innovative solutions for companies, he created the "simple six models" to help people define and solve problems more effectively. He empowers entrepreneurs to embrace a positive mindset towards challenges. Understanding that problems have advantages and how they work will empower you to tackle critical issues as they arise.

In this episode of Get the Intel with Chad Gill, author and problem-solving expert Dr. Fred Ray Lybrand Jr. unpacks the strategy behind complex problem-solving for entrepreneurs and the inspiration behind his book Enjoying Problems. He emphasizes the importance of focusing on a goal rather than assigning blame, breaking complex problems into smaller parts, and the value of clear communication in leadership.

Sven Bilén is the Professor of Engineering Design, Electrical Engineering, and Aerospace Engineering at Penn State University. He has over three decades of experience designing, building and fielding innovative systems for harsh and demanding environments. Sven has used his unique skill set to build satellites and their systems, wireless sensor networks, cognitive and software-defined radio systems, and robotic concrete printing systems.

Sven is also the Co-founder and Lead Systems Engineer of X-Hab 3D, a manufacturer and seller of expeditionary-grade 3D concrete printing (3DCP) systems, a senior member of IEEE, an associate fellow of AIAA, and a member of AGU, ASEE, INCOSE, and Sigma Xi.

In this episode…

3D printing enhances manufacturing processes by minimizing waste and decreasing production costs. It's also an environmentally friendly option compared to traditional production methods. The technology was adopted by multiple industries, testing the boundaries of its capabilities. How can 3D printing be used to advance concrete production?

Combining his interdisciplinary work in electrical, aerospace, and civil engineering, Sven Bilén is leading the charge in designing technology to make concrete 3D printing available for construction projects — on Earth and in space. Access to a concrete 3D printer reduces waste, allows contractors to build complex infrastructures, and permits multiple types of concrete to be used depending on the characteristics necessary to complete the infrastructure.

On this episode of This Is Concrete, Chad Gill welcomes Sven Bilén, Professor of Engineering Design, Electrical Engineering, and Aerospace Engineering at Penn State University, to discuss X-HAB 3D’s technology design for concrete 3D printing and its implications on the engineering and construction industry. Sven also divulges how lunar concrete can be used for space infrastructure and repurposed as a structural component on Earth.

Mike Dooley is the General Manager at Columbia Precast Products (CPP), a precast concrete products company serving the greater Pacific Northwest. Operating from Woodland, Washington, CCP manufactures durable, reliable, and ready-to-install concrete products for the region’s rapidly changing infrastructure. In his over 18 years of experience in the precast industry, Mike has held several positions, including Technical Sales Rep for a concrete accessory vendor and leading teams as a safety director, business developer, and project manager.

A graduate of Political Science from the University of Oregon, Mike served on the National Precast Concrete Association (NPCA) committees for safety and environmental subcommittees. When he’s not supervising projects, he loves spending time at car shows with Michelle, his beautiful wife, and their three children and enjoying the family’s Mustang 99.

In this episode…

Leadership is a game that requires exceptional skills and strategies to win, whether you’re managing a project, leading a team, or running a business. How can construction and manufacturing industry leaders inspire, motivate, and guide others toward a common goal?

In his nearly 18 years in the precast industry, Mike Dooley learned the recipe for successful leadership in construction and manufacturing settings. This entails diligence, empathy, and communicating effectively with stakeholders and team members. Besides learning quickly and applying that knowledge in critical situations, outstanding leaders make sacrifices, deliver results, and build personal relationships. Another attribute that sets exceptional leaders apart is passion. For those new to the industry, Mike emphasizes the willingness to help and chip in, even if it means staying late or doing tasks outside one's job description. In addition, managers don’t have all the answers. The ability to seek input from employees fosters collaboration and open communication in the workplace. After all, a company is only as good as its team. Openness, empathy in leadership, and sharing stories of one’s struggles can motivate employees to grow and perform at their best.

In this episode of Get the Intel, Chad Gill welcomes Mike Dooley, General Manager at Columbia Precast Products, to explore the intricacies of leadership, problem-solving, and personal growth in a manufacturing setting. Mike reflects on his career experiences in the precast concrete industry and shares insights on streamlining operations. He highlights the industry’s impact on America’s infrastructure, the value of servant leadership, and building a thriving team culture.

James Baty is the Executive Director at the Concrete Foundations Association, providing promotional materials, educational seminars, networking opportunities, and technical and informative meetings for members. As a technical specialist with over three decades in the industry, James has managed, taught, and certified concrete contractors, fulfilling his passion for developing industry-skilled leaders. He is also the Manager for Regulatory and Technical Affairs at the Tilt-Up Concrete Association, improving the tilt-up construction method by providing education and resources to enhance quality and performance.

In this episode…

Business owners anticipate working unceasingly during the early days of launching their company and refrain from handing off responsibilities to team members until the business is steady and consistent. Owners tend to overextend themselves and become so comfortable working for their business that they miss the opportunity to work on it.

After working tirelessly to gain traction, it’s challenging to entrust someone else to carry out your vision with the same passion you embody. But working for your business is not the same as having the freedom to work on your business. James Baty encourages business owners to delegate routine tasks, allowing them to focus on other business aspects, like developing workplace culture. Investing in your teams builds trust and loyalty within your organization, making it easier to cede responsibilities.

On this episode of This Is Concrete, Chad Gill welcomes James Baty, Executive Director of Concrete Foundations Association, to discuss how to go from working in your business to working on your business. James explains the importance of task delegation, shares how to build trust and cultivate community, and discusses how technological advancements have improved the concrete industry.

Steve Jacobs is a speaker, instructor, and Owner of Nature Designs Landscaping, a general contractor company serving in San Diego. For over 40 years, Nature Designs has specialized in building and maintaining water-conscious landscapes, creating award-winning residential and outdoor living spaces. Steve earned his landscape contractor's license in 1988 and has since ventured into swimming pool and spa installation. He is a certified arborist, water manager, irrigation expert, and general contractor.

In addition to having a degree in horticulture from Cuyamaca College, Steve has been teaching the Landscape Contracting class at the college since 2003. He is also a former president of the state chapter of the California Landscape Contractors Association (CLCA). An industry thought leader, Steve is passionate about speaking on design, horticulture, irrigation technology, plant disease, and pest control. He often holds seminars on water-conscious planting, how to save money in gardening, and firescaping strategies.

In this episode…

Poor communication between contractors and clients is one of the major impediments to successful project delivery. Have you ever wondered how successful contractors effectively handle demanding clients and projects?

As the leader of a leading landscaping company, veteran horticulturist Steve Jacobs maintains the value of active listening in improving customer satisfaction. This approach shows you empathize with them and want to solve their problems. Steve has discovered that effectively implementing customers’ ideas entails asking open-ended questions to clarify their needs and expectations. Patiently attending to their requests and concerns and relaying back situations allows customers to feel genuinely understood and satisfied.

In this episode of Get the Intel, Chad Gill sits down with Steve Jacobs, renowned speaker and Founder of Nature Designs, to discuss the value of effective communication in building trust and understanding with clients. Steve emphasizes active listening for project managers and provides insights on streamlining landscaping operations. He also reflects on his career path in horticulture and how he navigates the challenges of San Diego's hot and dry climate as a landscape designer.

Jerry Green is the Founder, CEO, and President of Prestige Concrete, a full-service concrete and masonry contracting, restoration, and repair company known for its decorative concrete flatwork and hardscape. Jerry is an experienced estimator, project manager, and sales representative who has contributed to intimate and popular projects, including SeaWorld and Petco Park. Throughout his career, he’s relied on innovation, determination, and mentorship and practices integrity and honesty with his clients. 

In this episode…

Communication is vital when working on a construction project. Regardless of a project’s size, every department involved should be briefed on expectations to avoid misunderstandings. What is the most effective way to streamline communication when multiple departments are required for a project?

Construction projects utilize numerous departments to fulfill a contract. The more team members are involved in a project, the easier it is for miscommunication to occur. Handoff meetings are an asset, allowing all parties to be informed on the processes expected for the project’s completion. By implementing handoff meetings in his own business, Jerry Green has discovered his teams are better prepared to see the projects come to fruition. 

On this episode of This Is Concrete, Chad Gill welcomes Jerry Green, Founder, CEO, and President of Prestige Concrete, to discuss how to move a project from the estimation stage to the field. Jerry shares which questions to ask before bidding on a project, how to convey expectations across departments, how much time to allot to preparation, and why prioritizing processes is crucial for business and customer satisfaction.

Karen Vilas is President of FORTRESS Protective Buildings, a new market offering that provides balanced protection for a full range of hazards. With over 15 years of experience in technical process safety consulting within the petrochemical industry, Karen is passionate about hazard and risk management to protect people and critical infrastructure in high-hazard environments. Her career began as a Principal Consultant at BakerRisk (FORTRESS’ parent company), and she recently served as the company’s Director of Regional Business Development for North America. Karen is in charge of bringing FORTRESS’ patented modular precast building to the market, providing next-generation technology for protective structures.

In this episode…

Modern industrial facilities and workplaces are subject to a range of hazards. Toxic leaks, explosions, and industrial fires are just a few of the dangers that protective structures must guard against. How can corporations operating in high-hazard environments identify hazards, manage risks, and keep personnel safe?

Karen Vilas, President of FORTRESS Protective Buildings, shares insights on how to do just that using multi-hazard resistant buildings. Made with high-density precast concrete, they are more durable against acid attack, corrosion, explosions, and impact. Aiming to provide a turnkey building that provides balanced hazard protection, Karen and her team at FORTRESS created precast concrete blast-resistant buildings that identify potential threats and address site-specific risks in addition to hazard protection. Their gas detection and control panels, combined with their being extremely leak-tight, help prevent direct exposure to a toxic event. This allows personnel to buy themselves hours to safely shut down the unit and figure out the best way to evacuate. These blast-resistant buildings are excellent defensive solutions for personnel protection, peace of mind, and added security against a wide range of risks.

In this episode of Get the Intel, Chad Gill sits down with Karen Vilas, President of FORTRESS Protective Buildings, to delve into the world of multi-hazard resistant buildings (MRBs). Together, they discuss the inspiration behind FORTRESS’ patented modular design and the construction process of modular precast buildings. Karen shares her thoughts on the challenges of finding a niche market for MRBs and the intricacies of managing a product-based business versus a service-based organization.