Nick Savage is a Business Unit Leader for the Concrete Flooring Group at PROSOCO, a company that provides specialty construction chemicals to make buildings look better and last longer. Nick has been with PROSOCO for over 12 years, starting as a Concrete Products Groups Specialist and working his way up. He previously worked in sales and account management at SASE, Transwestern Publishing, and ADT. In this episode… With so many different sealers and protective treatments on the market, how can you determine what’s best for your project?  Nick Savage is here to break it all down for you. He describes the different varieties of guards, how penetrating sealers compare, and the benefits of each specific protective treatment. Nick says that ultimately, determining the right treatment for your job depends on your environment, contractor, spec writer, and regulations. However, it’s important to fully understand all of the options available to you.  In this episode of This is Concrete, Chad Gill talks with Nick Savage, Business Unit Leader for the Concrete Flooring Group at PROSOCO, about the best protective treatments. Nick shares the unique benefits of LSGuards, Polish Guards, and penetrants, when to use each treatment, and the importance of floor maintenance.

Nick Savage is a Business Unit Leader for the Concrete Flooring Group at PROSOCO, a company that provides specialty construction chemicals to make buildings look better and last longer. Nick has been with PROSOCO for over 12 years, starting as a Concrete Products Groups Specialist and working his way up. He previously worked in sales and account management at SASE, Transwestern Publishing, and ADT. In this episode… With so many different sealers and protective treatments on the market, how can you determine what’s best for your project? Nick Savage is here to break it all down for you. He describes the different varieties of guards, how penetrating sealers compare, and the benefits of each specific protective treatment. Nick says that ultimately, determining the right treatment for your job depends on your environment, contractor, spec writer, and regulations. However, it’s important to fully understand all of the options available to you. In this episode of This is Concrete, Chad Gill talks with Nick Savage, Business Unit Leader for the Concrete Flooring Group at PROSOCO, about the best protective treatments. Nick shares the unique benefits of LSGuards, Polish Guards, and penetrants, when to use each treatment, and the importance of floor maintenance.

Finding the Right Protective Treatments for Your Project

Sarah McInerney is a Senior Project Manager at Walter Parks Architects, a company dedicated to creating buildings that support the continued growth of cities. Sarah has been with the company since 2003, combining her passion for historic buildings with extensive federal and state historic tax credit experience. Her design work honors and responds to existing spaces and communities while imagining exciting opportunities for new uses. In this episode… In the construction industry, it can be cheaper, faster, and easier to build new. But when you opt for new development, you erase the history that lies within a landmark. So, how are renovators working to preserve the stories while putting old buildings to new use? Every building has its own unique story. That’s why Sarah McInerney is so passionate about historic renovations. While she preserves the best qualities of original buildings, she also explores new opportunities for these old spaces. Updates to make the buildings safer, energy-efficient, and habitable bring life back into them — without sacrificing their rich histories.  In this episode of This is Concrete, Chad Gill talks with Sarah McInerney, Senior Project Manager at Walter Parks Architects, about the process of preserving historic buildings. Sarah discusses the reasons behind historic preservation, how state and federal historic tax credit programs aid renovators, and the beauty of imperfect buildings.   

Sarah McInerney is a Senior Project Manager at Walter Parks Architects, a company dedicated to creating buildings that support the continued growth of cities. Sarah has been with the company since 2003, combining her passion for historic buildings with extensive federal and state historic tax credit experience. Her design work honors and responds to existing spaces and communities while imagining exciting opportunities for new uses. In this episode… In the construction industry, it can be cheaper, faster, and easier to build new. But when you opt for new development, you erase the history that lies within a landmark. So, how are renovators working to preserve the stories while putting old buildings to new use? Every building has its own unique story. That’s why Sarah McInerney is so passionate about historic renovations. While she preserves the best qualities of original buildings, she also explores new opportunities for these old spaces. Updates to make the buildings safer, energy-efficient, and habitable bring life back into them — without sacrificing their rich histories.  In this episode of This is Concrete, Chad Gill talks with Sarah McInerney, Senior Project Manager at Walter Parks Architects, about the process of preserving historic buildings. Sarah discusses the reasons behind historic preservation, how state and federal historic tax credit programs aid renovators, and the beauty of imperfect buildings.

Historic Renovations: Preserving the Stories of Extraordinary Buildings

Levi Smiley is the Product Marketing Manager for Blastrac and Diamatic brands at Husqvarna Construction Products. Previously, he was also an Equipment Application Specialist, Training Instructor, and Diamond Tooling Manager at Blastrac-Diamatic. Levi has almost 25 years of experience in the surface preparation industry and has a background in manufacturing, distribution, and contracting as a small business owner. In this episode… The more prepared you are for a surface prep job, the more you can put accurate expectations in place — which creates a better experience for you and your clients. But how can you ensure that you’re fully prepared for your specific surface prep job? This week, we’re talking with expert Levi Smiley to learn about the top strategies and insights into shot blasting. This method is great for quickly cleaning away tough debris and contaminants on a concrete floor, but not everyone knows how to shot blast the right way. That’s why Levi’s digging into the details and sharing best practices from method to machine to final product.  In this episode of This is Concrete, Chad Gill is joined by Levi Smiley, Product Marketing Manager for Blastrac and Diamatic brands at Husqvarna Construction Products. Levi talks about when to use the shot blasting method, the equipment and people needed to succeed on the job, and what not to do when shot blasting.

Levi Smiley is the Product Marketing Manager for Blastrac and Diamatic brands at Husqvarna Construction Products. Previously, he was also an Equipment Application Specialist, Training Instructor, and Diamond Tooling Manager at Blastrac-Diamatic. Levi has almost 25 years of experience in the surface preparation industry and has a background in manufacturing, distribution, and contracting as a small business owner. In this episode… The more prepared you are for a surface prep job, the more you can put accurate expectations in place — which creates a better experience for you and your clients. But how can you ensure that you’re fully prepared for your specific surface prep job? This week, we’re talking with expert Levi Smiley to learn about the top strategies and insights into shot blasting. This method is great for quickly cleaning away tough debris and contaminants on a concrete floor, but not everyone knows how to shot blast the right way. That’s why Levi’s digging into the details and sharing best practices from method to machine to final product.  In this episode of This is Concrete, Chad Gill is joined by Levi Smiley, Product Marketing Manager for Blastrac and Diamatic brands at Husqvarna Construction Products. Levi talks about when to use the shot blasting method, the equipment and people needed to succeed on the job, and what not to do when shot blasting.

The Fundamentals of Shot Blasting

Adi Klevit is the Founder and CEO of Business Success Consulting Group, an organization that provides businesses with the infrastructure, processes, and systems they need to thrive. Adi and her team help companies scale up, transfer knowledge, and prepare for succession. She has over 25 years of experience as a trained industrial engineer, management consultant, and business executive. Chad Gill is the Founder and CEO of Concreate, a custom concrete flooring company that delivers polishing, staining, and more for both commercial and residential projects. The team at Concreate helps designers, architects, tradesmen, business owners, and homeowners transform plain concrete surfaces into clean, distinctive, and enduring masterpieces. Before starting Concreate over a decade ago, Chad worked as a robotics and tooling design engineer. Outside of the office, he serves as the President of the Concrete Polishing Association of America and enjoys spending time with his wife and four children. In this episode… Are you worried about what would happen to your business if a specific employee left? If so, there’s a crucial task you need to start right now: process documentation.  Documenting your processes allows you to efficiently onboard new employees, work collaboratively as a team, and sleep better at night knowing that losing some employees is not the end of your business. Plus, improving existing processes can help you gain both immediate and long-term returns.  In this episode of This is Concrete, Dr. Jeremy Weisz speaks with Host, Chad Gill, and the Founder and CEO of Business Success Consulting Group, Adi Klevit. Together, they discuss the benefits of process documentation, tips for documenting and improving processes at any stage of your business, and how documentation can take your company to the next level.

Adi Klevit is the Founder and CEO of Business Success Consulting Group, an organization that provides businesses with the infrastructure, processes, and systems they need to thrive. Adi and her team help companies scale up, transfer knowledge, and prepare for succession. She has over 25 years of experience as a trained industrial engineer, management consultant, and business executive. Chad Gill is the Founder and CEO of Concreate, a custom concrete flooring company that delivers polishing, staining, and more for both commercial and residential projects. The team at Concreate helps designers, architects, tradesmen, business owners, and homeowners transform plain concrete surfaces into clean, distinctive, and enduring masterpieces. Before starting Concreate over a decade ago, Chad worked as a robotics and tooling design engineer. Outside of the office, he serves as the President of the Concrete Polishing Association of America and enjoys spending time with his wife and four children. In this episode… Are you worried about what would happen to your business if a specific employee left? If so, there’s a crucial task you need to start right now: process documentation.  Documenting your processes allows you to efficiently onboard new employees, work collaboratively as a team, and sleep better at night knowing that losing some employees is not the end of your business. Plus, improving existing processes can help you gain both immediate and long-term returns.  In this episode of This is Concrete, Dr. Jeremy Weisz speaks with Host, Chad Gill, and the Founder and CEO of Business Success Consulting Group, Adi Klevit. Together, they discuss the benefits of process documentation, tips for documenting and improving processes at any stage of your business, and how documentation can take your company to the next level.

Processing to the Next Level

Nick Savage is a Business Unit Leader for the Concrete Flooring Group at PROSOCO, a company that provides specialty construction chemicals to make buildings look better and last longer. Nick has been with PROSOCO for over 12 years, starting as a Concrete Products Groups Specialist and working his way up. He previously worked in sales and account management at SASE, Transwestern Publishing, and ADT.  In this episode… Concrete densifiers have been around for a long time, but there’s still some mystery around the product. What does the process look like? How can you use densifiers effectively? What’s the science behind them? Expert Nick Savage is here to explain. A concrete densifier is a liquid that fills the non-visible pores and gaps in a concrete slab. This densifier, typically made of silicates, reacts with the byproduct left over from the curing process and is ultimately what hardens the concrete during the curing process. So, what are the benefits of concrete densifiers, and what are the best ways to apply them? In this episode of This is Concrete, Chad Gill talks with Nick Savage, Business Unit Leader for the Concrete Flooring Group at PROSOCO, about the details behind concrete densifiers. Nick shares what densifiers are made from and what they’re used for, when to apply densifiers, common mistakes and misconceptions, and various benefits of the product.

Nick Savage is a Business Unit Leader for the Concrete Flooring Group at PROSOCO, a company that provides specialty construction chemicals to make buildings look better and last longer. Nick has been with PROSOCO for over 12 years, starting as a Concrete Products Groups Specialist and working his way up. He previously worked in sales and account management at SASE, Transwestern Publishing, and ADT.  In this episode… Concrete densifiers have been around for a long time, but there’s still some mystery around the product. What does the process look like? How can you use densifiers effectively? What’s the science behind them? Expert Nick Savage is here to explain. A concrete densifier is a liquid that fills the non-visible pores and gaps in a concrete slab. This densifier, typically made of silicates, reacts with the byproduct left over from the curing process and is ultimately what hardens the concrete during the curing process. So, what are the benefits of concrete densifiers, and what are the best ways to apply them? In this episode of This is Concrete, Chad Gill talks with Nick Savage, Business Unit Leader for the Concrete Flooring Group at PROSOCO, about the details behind concrete densifiers. Nick shares what densifiers are made from and what they’re used for, when to apply densifiers, common mistakes and misconceptions, and various benefits of the product.

The Chemistry of Concrete Densifiers

Lindsey Schmidt is a Video Sales and Marketing Consultant at IMPACT, an inbound marketing agency that helps businesses drive more sales. As a marketing professional, Lindsey prides herself on delivering clear, fair, and effective strategy recommendations. Before joining IMPACT, Lindsey was a Senior Marketing Manager at Next Level Digital Media and a Content Development Manager at USSSA Fast Pitch Softball. In this episode… Before re-roofing her house, Lindsey Schmidt sat down with a contractor to discuss the details. The contractor gave a three-hour-long presentation, overloading Lindsey with information and, ultimately, causing Lindsey to choose a different contractor. What could have helped this contractor educate the client and close the sale? The answer is video. You can produce videos to educate clients and create an effective sales strategy. Especially in the contracting space, video can help you bring clients up to speed, answer common questions, and give people a vision of your services. Before you even arrive at the client’s front door, videos can give them the information they need, help foster a better contractor-client conversation, and bring you closer to the sale. In this episode of This is Concrete, Chad Gill is joined by Lindsey Schmidt, Video Sales and Marketing Consultant at IMPACT, to talk about why video is so important for contractors. Lindsey shares the mistakes to avoid when creating videos, the various benefits of video creation, and tips for first-time video creators. If you want to boost outreach and shorten your sales cycle, don’t miss this episode!

Lindsey Schmidt is a Video Sales and Marketing Consultant at IMPACT, an inbound marketing agency that helps businesses drive more sales. As a marketing professional, Lindsey prides herself on delivering clear, fair, and effective strategy recommendations. Before joining IMPACT, Lindsey was a Senior Marketing Manager at Next Level Digital Media and a Content Development Manager at USSSA Fast Pitch Softball. In this episode… Before re-roofing her house, Lindsey Schmidt sat down with a contractor to discuss the details. The contractor gave a three-hour-long presentation, overloading Lindsey with information and, ultimately, causing Lindsey to choose a different contractor. What could have helped this contractor educate the client and close the sale? The answer is video. You can produce videos to educate clients and create an effective sales strategy. Especially in the contracting space, video can help you bring clients up to speed, answer common questions, and give people a vision of your services. Before you even arrive at the client’s front door, videos can give them the information they need, help foster a better contractor-client conversation, and bring you closer to the sale. In this episode of This is Concrete, Chad Gill is joined by Lindsey Schmidt, Video Sales and Marketing Consultant at IMPACT, to talk about why video is so important for contractors. Lindsey shares the mistakes to avoid when creating videos, the various benefits of video creation, and tips for first-time video creators. If you want to boost outreach and shorten your sales cycle, don’t miss this episode!

Applying Concrete Overlays the Right Way

Bob Harris is the Owner of the Decorative Concrete Institute (DCI), an industry leader in decorative concrete installation, consulting, education, and training. He’s also the Partner and Senior Director of Decorative Concrete Consulting for the SSI Team. Bob has been a speaker and presenter at various concrete industry events and has conducted training sessions across the globe for more than 20 years. He has produced instructional videos for notable organizations and is the author of several books, including Bob Harris’ Guide to Stained Concrete Interior Floors.  Before DCI, Bob was the Director of Product Training for a large manufacturer of decorative concrete products. He also worked as the Senior Superintendent in Disney’s theme parks, doing decorative, “themed” concrete work. Bob was among the first to be inducted into the Decorative Concrete Hall of Fame in 2010. In this episode… Every contractor wants to provide sustainable, high-end concrete surfaces for their clients. But as the industry changes, it can be difficult to keep up and ensure that you’re implementing the best practices to create an outstanding final product.  One common challenge is the mystery of concrete mix design. Because concrete is not a one-size-fits-all practice, people have started using mix design to fit the needs of their specific project. However, because mix design involves a concoction of ingredients, it can be difficult to predict the outcome and manage the concrete accordingly. Luckily, expert Bob Harris knows what contractors should look for and how to avoid mix design mistakes. In this episode of This is Concrete, Chad Gill sits down with Bob Harris, Owner of the Decorative Concrete Institute, to get his advice on working with concrete mix design. Bob explains what polishers should look for, why you should complete tests upfront, and how to avoid messy outcomes such as concrete pitting.

Bob Harris is the Owner of the Decorative Concrete Institute (DCI), an industry leader in decorative concrete installation, consulting, education, and training. He’s also the Partner and Senior Director of Decorative Concrete Consulting for the SSI Team. Bob has been a speaker and presenter at various concrete industry events and has conducted training sessions across the globe for more than 20 years. He has produced instructional videos for notable organizations and is the author of several books, including Bob Harris’ Guide to Stained Concrete Interior Floors.  Before DCI, Bob was the Director of Product Training for a large manufacturer of decorative concrete products. He also worked as the Senior Superintendent in Disney’s theme parks, doing decorative, “themed” concrete work. Bob was among the first to be inducted into the Decorative Concrete Hall of Fame in 2010. In this episode… Every contractor wants to provide sustainable, high-end concrete surfaces for their clients. But as the industry changes, it can be difficult to keep up and ensure that you’re implementing the best practices to create an outstanding final product.  One common challenge is the mystery of concrete mix design. Because concrete is not a one-size-fits-all practice, people have started using mix design to fit the needs of their specific project. However, because mix design involves a concoction of ingredients, it can be difficult to predict the outcome and manage the concrete accordingly. Luckily, expert Bob Harris knows what contractors should look for and how to avoid mix design mistakes. In this episode of This is Concrete, Chad Gill sits down with Bob Harris, Owner of the Decorative Concrete Institute, to get his advice on working with concrete mix design. Bob explains what polishers should look for, why you should complete tests upfront, and how to avoid messy outcomes such as concrete pitting.

Strategic Guidelines for Working Effectively With Concrete Mix Designs

Michael Fortinberry is the Co-founder and COO at Protiv, a company that helps link compensation to productivity. Protiv has proven that it’s possible to increase employee wages without increasing labor costs. After two years of testing that spanned nearly 8,000 projects, Protiv entered the market and powered the evolution of hourly compensation.  Michael is the Founder of Sciovia. He’s also the former Senior Vice President at Perennial Construction Solutions, the nation’s largest multi-family turnover and renovation company, and was previously the Vice President of PPG Industries.  In this episode… Contractors in the construction industry have seen this problem all too often: productivity lags behind, the team can’t stay on schedule, and you spend extra days — or weeks — at a job site. So what can you do to fix this problem? It comes down to employee compensation, productivity, and engagement. You can’t ask employees to go above and beyond without compensating them, or you’ll quickly lose your team. So what’s the solution? Create a partnership with your employees, motivate them, and make sure you’re reinforcing great work with rewards every single week. In this episode of This is Concrete, Chad Gill is joined by Michael Fortinberry, Co-founder and COO at Protiv, to talk about compensation strategies that work long-term. Michael breaks down Protiv’s compensation solution, discusses why it’s vital to link compensation with productivity, and explains why bonuses and raises don’t work as well as weekly rewards.

Michael Fortinberry is the Co-founder and COO at Protiv, a company that helps link compensation to productivity. Protiv has proven that it’s possible to increase employee wages without increasing labor costs. After two years of testing that spanned nearly 8,000 projects, Protiv entered the market and powered the evolution of hourly compensation.  Michael is the Founder of Sciovia. He’s also the former Senior Vice President at Perennial Construction Solutions, the nation’s largest multi-family turnover and renovation company, and was previously the Vice President of PPG Industries.  In this episode… Contractors in the construction industry have seen this problem all too often: productivity lags behind, the team can’t stay on schedule, and you spend extra days — or weeks — at a job site. So what can you do to fix this problem? It comes down to employee compensation, productivity, and engagement. You can’t ask employees to go above and beyond without compensating them, or you’ll quickly lose your team. So what’s the solution? Create a partnership with your employees, motivate them, and make sure you’re reinforcing great work with rewards every single week. In this episode of This is Concrete, Chad Gill is joined by Michael Fortinberry, Co-founder and COO at Protiv, to talk about compensation strategies that work long-term. Michael breaks down Protiv’s compensation solution, discusses why it’s vital to link compensation with productivity, and explains why bonuses and raises don’t work as well as weekly rewards.

The Best Compensation Strategies for Creating Efficient, Engaged Teams

Josh Jones is the President of Substrate Technology, a company that offers high-quality surface preparation and polishing equipment and supplies. Josh is also the Managing Director of IMPACTS Americas, Substrate’s division that sells shot blasting equipment and other surface prep tools. He has nearly 30 years of surface prep and polishing experience as both a service provider and manufacturer. He’s passionate about providing reliable equipment and helping contractors out of jams. In this episode… What are surface preparation best practices that will get you quality results every time? Surface prep and polishing expert, Josh Jones, is here to share his top tips from his 29 years of experience in the industry.  With the advancement of coating technologies and changes in the nature of materials, you want to make sure you’re staying educated. According to Josh, some coating products nowadays harden within 30 minutes of application — making the surface preparation step even more vital to the finished product. Bad surface prep can lead to many failures, and that’s why Josh is sharing his thoughts on everything from common mistakes to the best equipment. In this episode of This is Concrete, Chad Gill is joined by Josh Jones, President of Substrate Technology, to share everything you need to know about surface preparation. Josh talks about the different methods you can use, the equipment he’s found most helpful, and the factors that can affect your surface prep job. Stay tuned!

Josh Jones is the President of Substrate Technology, a company that offers high-quality surface preparation and polishing equipment and supplies. Josh is also the Managing Director of IMPACTS Americas, Substrate’s division that sells shot blasting equipment and other surface prep tools. He has nearly 30 years of surface prep and polishing experience as both a service provider and manufacturer. He’s passionate about providing reliable equipment and helping contractors out of jams. In this episode… What are surface preparation best practices that will get you quality results every time? Surface prep and polishing expert, Josh Jones, is here to share his top tips from his 29 years of experience in the industry.  With the advancement of coating technologies and changes in the nature of materials, you want to make sure you’re staying educated. According to Josh, some coating products nowadays harden within 30 minutes of application — making the surface preparation step even more vital to the finished product. Bad surface prep can lead to many failures, and that’s why Josh is sharing his thoughts on everything from common mistakes to the best equipment. In this episode of This is Concrete, Chad Gill is joined by Josh Jones, President of Substrate Technology, to share everything you need to know about surface preparation. Josh talks about the different methods you can use, the equipment he’s found most helpful, and the factors that can affect your surface prep job. Stay tuned!

Everything You Need to Know About Surface Preparation

This is Concrete, a podcast where we speak with the people whose work revolves around concrete and coatings.

Jesse Long is the Director of Finishing Group and Fleet at Procon, a commercial and industrial concrete contractor that provides high-quality, turnkey construction services. Jesse has been with the company for over 18 years, previously serving as a General Superintendent. He has received numerous certifications from Somero Enterprises, NRMCA, and the American Concrete Institute. In this episode… Are you losing or damaging tools on job sites? Or are you looking for a better way to keep your fleet in order? An equipment tracking system may be just what you need to keep costs down and increase productivity. As Procon’s fleet grew, safety was a big concern. After installing dash cams and GPS tracking systems, they were able to keep up with state inspections, registrations, and maintenance — all while lowering their fleet’s accident rate. Additionally, losing tools on job sites was a hefty (and common) expense. To incentivize better management of tools, Procon put a system in place to assign tools to each job site, have a superintendent sign off, and bill the site for any lost tools. So, how have these systems impacted the company, and how can you put similar processes in place at your organization? In this episode of This is Concrete, Chad Gill talks with Jesse Long, the Director of Finishing Group and Fleet at Procon, about improving your business by effectively tracking equipment and materials. Jesse shares how specific systems have enhanced the flow in his company, their steps for accurately billing tools, and the pros of renting versus buying equipment.

Jesse Long is the Director of Finishing Group and Fleet at Procon, a commercial and industrial concrete contractor that provides high-quality, turnkey construction services. Jesse has been with the company for over 18 years, previously serving as a General Superintendent. He has received numerous certifications from Somero Enterprises, NRMCA, and the American Concrete Institute. In this episode… Are you losing or damaging tools on job sites? Or are you looking for a better way to keep your fleet in order? An equipment tracking system may be just what you need to keep costs down and increase productivity. As Procon’s fleet grew, safety was a big concern. After installing dash cams and GPS tracking systems, they were able to keep up with state inspections, registrations, and maintenance — all while lowering their fleet’s accident rate. Additionally, losing tools on job sites was a hefty (and common) expense. To incentivize better management of tools, Procon put a system in place to assign tools to each job site, have a superintendent sign off, and bill the site for any lost tools. So, how have these systems impacted the company, and how can you put similar processes in place at your organization? In this episode of This is Concrete, Chad Gill talks with Jesse Long, the Director of Finishing Group and Fleet at Procon, about improving your business by effectively tracking equipment and materials. Jesse shares how specific systems have enhanced the flow in his company, their steps for accurately billing tools, and the pros of renting versus buying equipment.

The Benefits of Equipment Tracking Systems

Austin Windham is a Coatings Consultant at Tnemec Company, Inc., a leading manufacturer of high-performance architectural and industrial coatings. From water tanks and treatment plants to manufacturing plants, industrial facilities, and specialty architectural buildings, Tnemec coatings can protect nearly all types of structures and buildings. Austin received his bachelor’s degree from the University of South Carolina and was an Energy Consultant at Performance Point, LLC, before joining the Tnemec team. In this episode… What goes into concrete coating? How can you find the right type of coating for your project? Coatings expert, Austin Windham, is here to share his knowledge and uncover everything you need to know about concrete coating. From epoxy to urethane, slip-resistant to skid-resistant, and aesthetics to cost, Austin compares the pros and cons of different coatings. Plus, he gives tips on how to best communicate with your team and figure out what’s right for the customer!  In this episode of This is Concrete, Chad Gill sits down with Austin Windham, Coatings Consultant at Tnemec Company, Inc., to talk about concrete coating best practices. Austin explains the differences between the types of coatings, how to determine what’s best for your project, and the most efficient practices to make sure your client is happy every time.

Austin Windham is a Coatings Consultant at Tnemec Company, Inc., a leading manufacturer of high-performance architectural and industrial coatings. From water tanks and treatment plants to manufacturing plants, industrial facilities, and specialty architectural buildings, Tnemec coatings can protect nearly all types of structures and buildings. Austin received his bachelor’s degree from the University of South Carolina and was an Energy Consultant at Performance Point, LLC, before joining the Tnemec team. In this episode… What goes into concrete coating? How can you find the right type of coating for your project? Coatings expert, Austin Windham, is here to share his knowledge and uncover everything you need to know about concrete coating. From epoxy to urethane, slip-resistant to skid-resistant, and aesthetics to cost, Austin compares the pros and cons of different coatings. Plus, he gives tips on how to best communicate with your team and figure out what’s right for the customer!  In this episode of This is Concrete, Chad Gill sits down with Austin Windham, Coatings Consultant at Tnemec Company, Inc., to talk about concrete coating best practices. Austin explains the differences between the types of coatings, how to determine what’s best for your project, and the most efficient practices to make sure your client is happy every time.

Concrete Coating Practices Uncovered

Ashley Ingle is the Chief Executive Officer at Profit Matters, a company specializing in accounting and bookkeeping services. Using the powerful combination of skilled professionals and automated software tools, Profit Matters is on a mission to make a high-performing accounting department available to every business. Ashley is also a Partner at I Love Numbers, the President of Ashley Concrete, and a member of the Young Entrepreneur Council (YEC).  In this episode… How can you avoid financial risk while making sure your business is always on the winning side?  As a CPA with experience in the contracting space, Ashley Ingle has seen — and personally encountered — various financial mistakes. Now, she’s guiding owners to create more profitable, financially sound businesses. To avoid risk, Ashley says contractors need to look for jobs that are more profitable, bid the right margin, stop “buying work,” and document all procedures.  In this episode of This is Concrete, Chad Gill talks with Ashley Ingle, Chief Executive Officer at Profit Matters, about the best strategies to manage your business’ finances. Ashley explains the common mistakes companies make, how the smartest contractors make money, and the real cost of bad bookkeeping. Stay tuned!

Ashley Ingle is the Chief Executive Officer at Profit Matters, a company specializing in accounting and bookkeeping services. Using the powerful combination of skilled professionals and automated software tools, Profit Matters is on a mission to make a high-performing accounting department available to every business. Ashley is also a Partner at I Love Numbers, the President of Ashley Concrete, and a member of the Young Entrepreneur Council (YEC).  In this episode… How can you avoid financial risk while making sure your business is always on the winning side?  As a CPA with experience in the contracting space, Ashley Ingle has seen — and personally encountered — various financial mistakes. Now, she’s guiding owners to create more profitable, financially sound businesses. To avoid risk, Ashley says contractors need to look for jobs that are more profitable, bid the right margin, stop “buying work,” and document all procedures.  In this episode of This is Concrete, Chad Gill talks with Ashley Ingle, Chief Executive Officer at Profit Matters, about the best strategies to manage your business’ finances. Ashley explains the common mistakes companies make, how the smartest contractors make money, and the real cost of bad bookkeeping. Stay tuned!

Financial Management Tips for Greater Profits

Clif Rawlings is the Technical Director at SASE Company, a contractor’s one-stop-shop for concrete polishing and preparation equipment. Clif is active in the ACI 310-0J committee for decorative concrete and the CPC technical committee. He also conducts the SASE University training seminars across the US and Canada. Clif has been in the concrete polishing, natural stone, and terrazzo industry for over 25 years. Before joining SASE, he developed and instructed the HTC University training seminar for more than 10 years. Clif also held positions at Ameripolish and VIC International Corp. Additionally, he was a founding member and sat on the board of directors for the CPAA. In this episode… Clif Rawlings returns to dig into the specifics of diamond tooling best practices. This time, he’s tackling the big questions surrounding preparation and removal techniques.  So, what are the top tools for surface preparation and coating removal? It all depends on the type of project. Whether you need to remove a thin glue or you’re dealing with a much larger problem slab, Clif breaks down all of the tooling options. He shares the details on each tool and guides you through their best use cases so that you can get your prep and removal projects done right the first time. In this episode of This is Concrete, Chad Gill is joined by Clif Rawlings, Technical Director at SASE Company, to talk about the best prep and removal tools. Clif goes into detail on coating and glue removal, the specific tools you need for each project, and how to avoid damaging concrete floors. Plus, Clif shares how SASE Company is planning to expand its toolkits!

Clif Rawlings is the Technical Director at SASE Company, a contractor’s one-stop-shop for concrete polishing and preparation equipment. Clif is active in the ACI 310-0J committee for decorative concrete and the CPC technical committee. He also conducts the SASE University training seminars across the US and Canada. Clif has been in the concrete polishing, natural stone, and terrazzo industry for over 25 years. Before joining SASE, he developed and instructed the HTC University training seminar for more than 10 years. Clif also held positions at Ameripolish and VIC International Corp. Additionally, he was a founding member and sat on the board of directors for the CPAA. In this episode… Clif Rawlings returns to dig into the specifics of diamond tooling best practices. This time, he’s tackling the big questions surrounding preparation and removal techniques.  So, what are the top tools for surface preparation and coating removal? It all depends on the type of project. Whether you need to remove a thin glue or you’re dealing with a much larger problem slab, Clif breaks down all of the tooling options. He shares the details on each tool and guides you through their best use cases so that you can get your prep and removal projects done right the first time. In this episode of This is Concrete, Chad Gill is joined by Clif Rawlings, Technical Director at SASE Company, to talk about the best prep and removal tools. Clif goes into detail on coating and glue removal, the specific tools you need for each project, and how to avoid damaging concrete floors. Plus, Clif shares how SASE Company is planning to expand its toolkits!

Digging Deeper Into Diamond Tooling: Prep and Removal Tools

Matt Poppoff is the President of Poppoff Inc., a premier concrete contractor in the Pacific Northwest. Founded in 1977, Poppoff Inc. has served clients in Washington, Idaho, Oregon, and beyond, specializing in concrete flatwork and pumping, tilt-up construction, design, and consultation. As an expert in the concrete industry, Matt’s work has been published in Concrete Contractor and Concrete Construction magazines. He’s involved in organizations including Allen Face Companies, the American Concrete Institute, and the American Society of Concrete Contractors. In this episode… How can you stay up to date on the changing trends and regulations within the concrete industry? What can you do to fulfill customer expectations and provide top-notch concrete finishes? Matt Poppoff has been in the concrete industry for more than a decade, serving as a member of various associations and committees. He finds that involvement in these associations is an education on the latest tools and equipment — and it keeps him in the know. In addition to that, associations help leaders and foremen alike develop the knowledge necessary to bring accurate, consistent, and exceptional concrete work to customers. Want to learn more? Listen to this episode of This is Concrete, where Chad Gill is in conversation with Matt Poppoff, the President of Poppoff Inc. Together, they discuss the importance of industry associations, how to understand customer expectations better, and how the pandemic has improved communication between contractors and clients. Plus, Matt goes into detail on the tools his company uses to get a consistent floor color and a smooth, even aggregate.

Matt Poppoff is the President of Poppoff Inc., a premier concrete contractor in the Pacific Northwest. Founded in 1977, Poppoff Inc. has served clients in Washington, Idaho, Oregon, and beyond, specializing in concrete flatwork and pumping, tilt-up construction, design, and consultation. As an expert in the concrete industry, Matt’s work has been published in Concrete Contractor and Concrete Construction magazines. He’s involved in organizations including Allen Face Companies, the American Concrete Institute, and the American Society of Concrete Contractors. In this episode… How can you stay up to date on the changing trends and regulations within the concrete industry? What can you do to fulfill customer expectations and provide top-notch concrete finishes? Matt Poppoff has been in the concrete industry for more than a decade, serving as a member of various associations and committees. He finds that involvement in these associations is an education on the latest tools and equipment — and it keeps him in the know. In addition to that, associations help leaders and foremen alike develop the knowledge necessary to bring accurate, consistent, and exceptional concrete work to customers. Want to learn more? Listen to this episode of This is Concrete, where Chad Gill is in conversation with Matt Poppoff, the President of Poppoff Inc. Together, they discuss the importance of industry associations, how to understand customer expectations better, and how the pandemic has improved communication between contractors and clients. Plus, Matt goes into detail on the tools his company uses to get a consistent floor color and a smooth, even aggregate.

Navigating the Evolving Concrete Industry

Clif Rawlings is the Technical Director at SASE Company, a contractor’s one-stop-shop for concrete polishing and preparation equipment. Clif is currently active in the ACI 310-0J committee for decorative concrete as well as the CPC technical committee. He also conducts the SASE University training seminars across the US and Canada.  Clif has been in the concrete polishing, natural stone, and terrazzo industry for over 25 years. Before joining SASE, he developed and instructed the HTC University training seminar for over 10 years. Clif also held positions at Ameripolish and VIC International Corp. Additionally, he was a founding member and sat on the board of directors for the CPAA. In this episode… Many people are unaware of a growing movement in concrete polishing: diamond tooling. If done right, this process can cut or polish a concrete surface into a beautiful and durable finish. But what exactly is diamond tooling, and what are the best ways to go about this process? Clif Rawlings has the answers. According to Clif, many of your diamond tooling decisions should be made based on your unique project. From types of diamonds and bonds to tools and metals, Clif details the whole process to help you discover the best practices for diamond tooling.  In this episode of This is Concrete, Chad Gill sits down with Clif Rawlings, Technical Director at SASE Company, to get all of the details on diamond tooling. Clif shares how you can find the right bond for your project, choose the right metals, and use the Mohs test to help you along the way. He also discusses common misunderstandings of the process and how you can educate employees and clients on the diamond tooling method.

Clif Rawlings is the Technical Director at SASE Company, a contractor’s one-stop-shop for concrete polishing and preparation equipment. Clif is currently active in the ACI 310-0J committee for decorative concrete as well as the CPC technical committee. He also conducts the SASE University training seminars across the US and Canada.  Clif has been in the concrete polishing, natural stone, and terrazzo industry for over 25 years. Before joining SASE, he developed and instructed the HTC University training seminar for over 10 years. Clif also held positions at Ameripolish and VIC International Corp. Additionally, he was a founding member and sat on the board of directors for the CPAA. In this episode… Many people are unaware of a growing movement in concrete polishing: diamond tooling. If done right, this process can cut or polish a concrete surface into a beautiful and durable finish. But what exactly is diamond tooling, and what are the best ways to go about this process? Clif Rawlings has the answers. According to Clif, many of your diamond tooling decisions should be made based on your unique project. From types of diamonds and bonds to tools and metals, Clif details the whole process to help you discover the best practices for diamond tooling.  In this episode of This is Concrete, Chad Gill sits down with Clif Rawlings, Technical Director at SASE Company, to get all of the details on diamond tooling. Clif shares how you can find the right bond for your project, choose the right metals, and use the Mohs test to help you along the way. He also discusses common misunderstandings of the process and how you can educate employees and clients on the diamond tooling method.

Diamond Tooling Best Practices

Mike Tuccelli is the Southeast Regional Director for Metzger/McGuire, a company that has led the development of concrete floor joint protection systems for more than 45 years. In his role, Mike’s primary responsibilities include educating and training contractors and facility maintenance professionals on proper joint filling and repair methods, troubleshooting, and industrial floor inspections.  Before joining the team at Metzger/McGuire, Mike spent nearly 30 years working for S&amp;S Concrete, where he eventually took over the specialty contracting division. Mike is also a member of the American Society of Concrete Contractors (ASCC) and the American Concrete Institute (ACI). In this episode… Is your warehouse noticing concrete curling, shifting, or insufficient support in high traffic areas? If so, you need to find a solution fast so that you don’t lose materials or stock due to unstable floors. But where do you begin? Mike Tuccelli is here to share everything you need to know about slab stabilization. At his company, Mike receives countless calls about joints coming apart or not functioning correctly. When you notice the same thing on your property, what can you do about it? Mike and the team at Metzger/McGuire analyze and measure a specific situation, determine if a floor is stable, and bring in support using high-density foam. What else goes into their stabilization procedure? In this episode of This is Concrete, Chad Gill sits down with Mike Tuccelli, Southeast Regional Director for Metzger/McGuire, to talk about the process of slab stabilization. Mike breaks down the slab stabilization system, shares the #1 failures crews make in joint repair and stabilization, and talks about implementing solutions before any damage is done. Stay tuned!

Mike Tuccelli is the Southeast Regional Director for Metzger/McGuire, a company that has led the development of concrete floor joint protection systems for more than 45 years. In his role, Mike’s primary responsibilities include educating and training contractors and facility maintenance professionals on proper joint filling and repair methods, troubleshooting, and industrial floor inspections.  Before joining the team at Metzger/McGuire, Mike spent nearly 30 years working for S&amp;S Concrete, where he eventually took over the specialty contracting division. Mike is also a member of the American Society of Concrete Contractors (ASCC) and the American Concrete Institute (ACI). In this episode… Is your warehouse noticing concrete curling, shifting, or insufficient support in high traffic areas? If so, you need to find a solution fast so that you don’t lose materials or stock due to unstable floors. But where do you begin? Mike Tuccelli is here to share everything you need to know about slab stabilization. At his company, Mike receives countless calls about joints coming apart or not functioning correctly. When you notice the same thing on your property, what can you do about it? Mike and the team at Metzger/McGuire analyze and measure a specific situation, determine if a floor is stable, and bring in support using high-density foam. What else goes into their stabilization procedure? In this episode of This is Concrete, Chad Gill sits down with Mike Tuccelli, Southeast Regional Director for Metzger/McGuire, to talk about the process of slab stabilization. Mike breaks down the slab stabilization system, shares the #1 failures crews make in joint repair and stabilization, and talks about implementing solutions before any damage is done. Stay tuned!

An Expert’s Guide to Concrete Slab Stabilization

Chad Gill is the Founder and CEO of Concreate, a custom concrete flooring company that delivers polishing, staining, and more for both commercial and residential projects. The team at Concreate helps designers, architects, tradesmen, business owners, and homeowners transform plain concrete surfaces into clean, distinctive, and enduring masterpieces. Before starting Concreate over a decade ago, Chad worked as a robotics and tooling design engineer. Outside of the office, he serves as the President of the Concrete Polishing Association of America and enjoys spending time with his wife and four children. In this episode… From business owners and concrete experts to global speakers and EOS leaders, Chad Gill has connected with a diverse group of people throughout the past year. What did he learn from these influential guests? There are still aspects of his business that Chad is working on, but getting advice from the experts helped propel him forward. His main takeaway heading into 2022? If you can do the small things right, then big things happen. In this episode of This is Concrete, host Chad Gill sits down with Rise25 Co-founder, John Corcoran, to take a look back at the lessons learned from his guests throughout the year. Chad shares what each guest taught him, how the podcast helped him work on his business, and the launch of his new podcast, Get the Intel. You don’t want to miss this year in review!

Chad Gill is the Founder and CEO of Concreate, a custom concrete flooring company that delivers polishing, staining, and more for both commercial and residential projects. The team at Concreate helps designers, architects, tradesmen, business owners, and homeowners transform plain concrete surfaces into clean, distinctive, and enduring masterpieces. Before starting Concreate over a decade ago, Chad worked as a robotics and tooling design engineer. Outside of the office, he serves as the President of the Concrete Polishing Association of America and enjoys spending time with his wife and four children. In this episode… From business owners and concrete experts to global speakers and EOS leaders, Chad Gill has connected with a diverse group of people throughout the past year. What did he learn from these influential guests? There are still aspects of his business that Chad is working on, but getting advice from the experts helped propel him forward. His main takeaway heading into 2022? If you can do the small things right, then big things happen. In this episode of This is Concrete, host Chad Gill sits down with Rise25 Co-founder, John Corcoran, to take a look back at the lessons learned from his guests throughout the year. Chad shares what each guest taught him, how the podcast helped him work on his business, and the launch of his new podcast, Get the Intel. You don’t want to miss this year in review!

Year in Review: The Best of 2021

Billy Harper is the Senior Vice President and Regional Market Executive for Touchstone Bank. Previously, Billy was the Vice President of Middle Market Commercial Banking at SunTrust Bank, where he worked with company revenues ranging from $20 million to $250 million. He’s also held roles at BB&amp;T Capital Markets, Trinity Capital, and Stern’s Printing and Engraving Co. Billy earned his BA from Hampden-Sydney College and his MBA from William &amp; Mary. Matt Riffe is a certified public accountant and Chief Financial Officer at Eagle Fire, a company that offers fire protection inspection, testing, system design, and installation services. As the CFO, Matt is responsible for providing strategic leadership and establishing long-term goals, strategies, plans, and policies. Matt received his BS from Virginia Commonwealth University and his MA from Liberty University. He’s a Certified Organized Professional through Dale Carnegie Digital.  In this episode… There are certain relationships every business owner or manager needs to have — and this includes a partnership with a banker or financial officer. Why are these relationships so important, and how can you use them to your advantage? In a world where technology offers plenty of ease, it can be tempting to keep all of your transactions digital. But what if you find yourself in a tough financial situation and need some extra help? Forming a strong bond with a banker and bringing a financial expert to your team allows you to have the resources on hand when you need them most. Building these relationships early can also help you increase cash flow, improve the working capital, and navigate future growth. In this episode of This is Concrete, Chad Gill is joined by Billy Harper, Senior Vice President and Regional Market Executive for Touchstone Bank, and Matt Riffe, Chief Financial Officer of Eagle Fire, to talk about the benefits of forming financial relationships. Together, they discuss the information you should be sharing with a banker, how to negotiate with vendors, important KPIs, and the significance of building trust with your financial mentors.

Billy Harper is the Senior Vice President and Regional Market Executive for Touchstone Bank. Previously, Billy was the Vice President of Middle Market Commercial Banking at SunTrust Bank, where he worked with company revenues ranging from $20 million to $250 million. He’s also held roles at BB&amp;T Capital Markets, Trinity Capital, and Stern’s Printing and Engraving Co. Billy earned his BA from Hampden-Sydney College and his MBA from William &amp; Mary. Matt Riffe is a certified public accountant and Chief Financial Officer at Eagle Fire, a company that offers fire protection inspection, testing, system design, and installation services. As the CFO, Matt is responsible for providing strategic leadership and establishing long-term goals, strategies, plans, and policies. Matt received his BS from Virginia Commonwealth University and his MA from Liberty University. He’s a Certified Organized Professional through Dale Carnegie Digital.  In this episode… There are certain relationships every business owner or manager needs to have — and this includes a partnership with a banker or financial officer. Why are these relationships so important, and how can you use them to your advantage? In a world where technology offers plenty of ease, it can be tempting to keep all of your transactions digital. But what if you find yourself in a tough financial situation and need some extra help? Forming a strong bond with a banker and bringing a financial expert to your team allows you to have the resources on hand when you need them most. Building these relationships early can also help you increase cash flow, improve the working capital, and navigate future growth. In this episode of This is Concrete, Chad Gill is joined by Billy Harper, Senior Vice President and Regional Market Executive for Touchstone Bank, and Matt Riffe, Chief Financial Officer of Eagle Fire, to talk about the benefits of forming financial relationships. Together, they discuss the information you should be sharing with a banker, how to negotiate with vendors, important KPIs, and the significance of building trust with your financial mentors.

How to Form Financial Relationships for Business Growth

Ryan Henry is an entrepreneur, speaker, and Certified EOS Implementer with EOS Worldwide. As a Certified EOS Implementer, Ryan helps develop high-performance leadership teams for growth-oriented businesses. Before joining EOS, Ryan was the Owner of Kincaid Henry, a construction management and real estate development firm as well as a Sergeant in the US Marine Corps. Ryan received his bachelor’s degree in management and organizational development from Spring Arbor University and graduated from the Vineyard Leadership Institute, where he excelled in team building, vision and planning, theology, and leadership.  In this episode… Do you feel like a change is necessary for your business, but you’re not sure where to start?  It can be difficult for entrepreneurs and business owners to admit that something in their company needs to change. However, progress begins when you’re honest with yourself. If your business is hitting a ceiling, you don’t need to sit by and tolerate it; ask for help and start leading the company towards exponential growth.  In this episode of This is Concrete, Chad Gill talks with Ryan Henry, Certified EOS Implementer with EOS Worldwide, about how he’s guiding visionaries to develop and achieve their business goals. Ryan shares his backstory of discovering EOS and transforming his business, the recipe for a life-changing breakthrough, and how he’s helped business owners rekindle their passion for leading a team. You don’t want to miss it!

Ryan Henry is an entrepreneur, speaker, and Certified EOS Implementer with EOS Worldwide. As a Certified EOS Implementer, Ryan helps develop high-performance leadership teams for growth-oriented businesses. Before joining EOS, Ryan was the Owner of Kincaid Henry, a construction management and real estate development firm as well as a Sergeant in the US Marine Corps. Ryan received his bachelor’s degree in management and organizational development from Spring Arbor University and graduated from the Vineyard Leadership Institute, where he excelled in team building, vision and planning, theology, and leadership.  In this episode… Do you feel like a change is necessary for your business, but you’re not sure where to start?  It can be difficult for entrepreneurs and business owners to admit that something in their company needs to change. However, progress begins when you’re honest with yourself. If your business is hitting a ceiling, you don’t need to sit by and tolerate it; ask for help and start leading the company towards exponential growth.  In this episode of This is Concrete, Chad Gill talks with Ryan Henry, Certified EOS Implementer with EOS Worldwide, about how he’s guiding visionaries to develop and achieve their business goals. Ryan shares his backstory of discovering EOS and transforming his business, the recipe for a life-changing breakthrough, and how he’s helped business owners rekindle their passion for leading a team. You don’t want to miss it!

Driving Progress With Honesty and Grit

This Is Concrete

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