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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.
Or
a leader such as David Shepherd, AIA, Director of
Sustainable Development for the Portland Cement Association
(PCA), likens himself to a translator. His current
role at PCA draws on his more than 20 years’ experience
in the industry, melding it with a passion for public
speaking and education to create a liaison-like role
disseminating information on sustainability to the
industry. “I get to use both my analytical
and creative skills and work with people.”
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David
Shepherd
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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.
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