Each issue of Concrete Expressions Magazine provides insights from industry leaders. There is a lot to learn from the folks that have “been there, done that.”

Leaders such as Bruce Suprenant, who has covered floor-covering failures extensively. He wrote six articles for Concrete International about designing and specifying floors that are covered with tile, plastic sheet goods, wood or other flooring materials. He has also written articles on problems related to concrete construction tolerances.

What are future issues of concern for the concrete industry? Suprenant cites two areas that need to be addressed. First, he says there’s a need to better educate construction managers. “There are many specialists—structural engineers, architects, contractors—on the construction team, but communications are often handled by a construction manager,” he explains. “And their knowledge of concrete isn’t as good as it should be.

Alan Sparkman

Or how about Alan Sparkman, director of the Tennessee Concrete Association, who is tapping the pulse of the industry, and has his eye is on what’s hot—as well as the future. From a product standpoint, he cites decorative concrete as a hot ticket. “It’s arousing a lot of interest,” he says. “Generally, that’s a good thing. It can lead to more concrete being used for non-decorative applications.” As for broad issues, Sparkman says consolidation is impacting the way everyone operates. “I think there are a lot of things in this industry [that indicate] consolidation may only go so far,” Sparkman explains.

“Ready mix production is a local business, and although there are a number of folks doing industry rollups, it’s very difficult to run a concrete company from afar or with the typical corporate mentality.”

Each issue of Concrete Expression includes insights from industry leaders who can help shed light on important issues facing the concrete businessman.