In this final episode of ConcreteWorks 2025, the boys interview Billy Ripple from Command Alkon to discuss the significance of the event, innovative booth designs, product demonstrations, and audience engagement strategies. They explore how Command Alkon is enhancing the concrete industry through their Command Cloud platform and the importance of creating an inviting space for attendees.
Takeaways
In this episode, Bobby Dowdy from MMC Materials shares his journey in the concrete industry, highlighting the serendipitous encounters that shaped his career. He discusses the value of industry shows like NRMCA and the World of Concrete, and shares a fascinating story about acquiring a secret grout recipe.
Takeaways
In this episode from ConcreteWorks 2025, the boys interview Andrew Myers from Myers Testing Equipment, a family-owned business specializing in concrete testing equipment. They discuss the origins of Myers, the importance of family in the business, and Andrew's educational background in construction management. The conversation also highlights Andrew's experiences at the ConcreteWorks trade show, emphasizing the value of face-to-face interactions in the industry.
Takeaways
In this engaging conversation, Manny from Rocket Start discusses his innovative approach to driver retention in the concrete industry through gamification and technology. He emphasizes the importance of positive reinforcement and rewards to engage younger drivers, particularly millennials and Gen Z. The discussion also touches on Manny's personal interest in gaming and how it influences his professional vision.
Takeaways
In this episode of the Add 10 Gallons Concrete Podcast, Joey and Paul discuss the excitement and insights from the NRMCA ConcreteWorks Trade Show in Orlando, Florida. They reflect on the unique live demonstration they conducted, showcasing the practical applications of their product, Acti-Gel. The conversation highlights the importance of hands-on experiences in the concrete industry and the value of networking with industry professionals. They express their appreciation for the supportive community at the show and share their enthusiasm for future events.
Takeaways
In this episode of the Add 10 Gallons Concrete Podcast, Paul and Joey welcome Ben Lentine from Heidelberg Cement to discuss the recent demo at the NRMC ConcreteWorks, the latest advancements in concrete technology, and the importance of networking in the industry. They also touch on the challenges faced by professionals in the field and the role of technology in solving these issues.
Takeaways
In this episode of the Add 10 Gallons Concrete Podcast, Paul and Joey sit down with Clay Bowman to discuss the changing landscape of automation in the concrete industry. Clay shares his extensive background in ready-mix and technology, highlighting the need for a shift in how automation is integrated into operations. The conversation explores the importance of efficiency and positions technology as an enhancement rather than a replacement for human workers. They also address the challenges of effectively communicating these benefits to stakeholders. Additionally, they touch on critical issues such as cybersecurity, particularly the threat of ransomware, and share some entertaining stories from the jobsite.
Takeaways
In this episode, the hosts engage in a lively discussion with Lee Thrasher about the upcoming college football season, focusing on the competitive landscape of the SEC, coaching dynamics, and the implications of changes within the conference.
They also cover industry updates, including CRH's acquisition of Eco Materials and the resurgence of data center construction. The conversation highlights the significance of innovation in the concrete industry and the crucial role of younger generations in driving change.
Personal anecdotes about memorable meals add a relatable touch, highlighting the connection between food and travel within the industry.
Takeaways
In this episode of the Add 10 Gallons Concrete Podcast, Paul, Joey, and guest Justin Lazenby discuss the evolving landscape of the concrete industry. They explore innovations in concrete technology, the critical role of drivers in the delivery process, and the challenges of recruitment and retention. The conversation also delves into quality control in concrete testing, the importance of sustainability, and the potential impact of AI on the industry. Additionally, they highlight the significance of company culture, collaboration among industry sectors, and the need for knowledge transfer from experienced professionals to newcomers. The episode concludes with some entertaining stories from job sites and a positive outlook for the future of concrete.
Takeaways
Chapters
00:00 Introduction to the Concrete Podcast and Guest
01:06 Exploring Acti-Gel and Its Applications
05:48 The Role of Drivers in the Concrete Industry
10:41 Training and Retaining Concrete Truck Drivers
17:21 Company Culture and Its Impact on Retention
23:54 Building a Positive Company Culture
25:07 Leadership in Industry Committees
28:06 Addressing Industry Challenges
34:58 The Future of Recycled Aggregates
38:36 Embracing Technology and AI in Concrete
41:32 Passing the Torch: Knowledge Transfer in the Industry
50:14 The Importance of Testing Labs in Concrete Quality
52:20 Bridging the Gap: Collaboration Between Contractors and Testing Labs
56:22 Real-World Challenges: The Atlanta Bridge Collapse
01:03:10 Lessons Learned from Crisis Management
01:07:30 Traffic Tales: The Impact of Infrastructure on Daily Life
In this episode of the Add 10 Gallons Concrete Podcast, hosts Paul and Joey, along with guest Ben Rabchuk, discuss the challenges and opportunities within the concrete industry. They cover various topics, including the impact of Amazon on consumer behavior, the importance of data-driven decision-making, and the need for technological advancements.
The conversation highlights the industry's slow adaptation to change and emphasizes the significance of understanding customer needs. They also explore the potential for improving efficiency through better data management and IT solutions. Additionally, the hosts stress the importance of recruiting new talent and embracing innovation to ensure the future success of the concrete sector.
Takeaways
Chapters
00:00 Introduction and Amazon Experiences
10:48 Transitioning to Concrete Problems
23:56 Digital Transformation in the Concrete Industry
28:53 The Slow Pace of Change in Construction
30:59 Challenges in the Concrete Industry
36:48 The Growing Need for IT in Concrete
44:04 Addressing Industry-Wide Issues
48:57 Just-in-Time Delivery in Concrete
54:55 The Role of Government in Industry Change
In this episode of the Add 10 Gallons Concrete Podcast, Dr. Jon Belkowitz discusses the complexities of concrete repair, highlighting that cracking is inevitable and underscoring the importance of understanding the underlying causes of failure. He introduces various technologies for concrete repair, with a particular emphasis on colloidal silica as a promising solution.
The conversation delves into the mechanics of concrete cracks and the process of discovering effective repair methods, while also emphasizing the importance of accurately diagnosing concrete issues. The hosts share insights and anecdotes from their experiences in the concrete industry, shedding light on the challenges and innovations related to concrete repair.
Dr. Jon also discusses advanced concrete technologies, explicitly focusing on hydrogel applications that enhance load distribution and improve crack management. He provides real-world examples, including tunnel repairs and innovative solutions for concrete overlays, emphasizing the necessity of durability and long-term infrastructure maintenance.
Overall, the episode highlights the challenges faced in the concrete industry and the need for ongoing education and collaboration among professionals.
In this episode, Paul, Joey, and Ramy Sedra discuss the challenges and opportunities within the ready-mix concrete industry. They examine the significant knowledge drain occurring as experienced workers retire and highlight the importance of digital transformation. The conversation also focuses on how new generations bring fresh perspectives to the industry.
Ramy shares his journey into the ready-mix sector and emphasizes the need for innovative solutions to bridge the gaps in investment and knowledge. He discusses the potential for digital transformation in the industry, drawing parallels with successful strategies from other sectors, such as pizza delivery. Ramy highlights the importance of leveraging data to identify and address operational inefficiencies, particularly margin leakage.
Throughout the discussion, Ramy shares insights from his experiences, noting early successes in onboarding customers and the challenges faced in a traditionally conservative sector. The conversation underscores the critical need for innovation and technology adoption to enhance productivity and profitability in the ready-mix concrete industry.
In the Add 10 Gallons Concrete Podcast episode, Joey and Paul reconnect and share updates on their recent life events. Joey talks about his adventurous trip to Hawaii, where he hunted turkey. They then delve into the controversy surrounding the Tennessee Volunteers quarterback, Nico, and discuss the implications of NIL (Name, Image, Likeness) deals in college football. The conversation shifts to the concrete industry, where they address ongoing challenges and potential solutions. They conclude with an optimistic outlook for the industry's future.
In this episode of the Add 10 Gallons Concrete Podcast, Joey interviews Jennifer Manatt, assistant program director for the Concrete Industry Management Program at South Dakota State University. They discuss Jennifer's background and the growth of the CIM program, emphasizing the need to market the concrete industry to attract new talent.
Jennifer highlights the importance of changing public perceptions, engaging with the next generation, and showcasing diverse career opportunities within concrete management. They also explore recruitment strategies, the significance of education, and the need to upskill employees to retain talent.
The discussion touches on the interests of post-COVID students, the value of internships, and leveraging employee networks for recruitment. Finally, they encourage students to connect with the Concrete Management Program at South Dakota State University.
In this episode of the Add 10 Gallons Concrete Podcast, hosts Paul and Joey welcome guests Brent Pommerening and Patrick Dunbar, who share their extensive backgrounds in the concrete industry. They discuss the evolution of the fly ash business, the challenges faced in the ready-mix supply chain, and the innovative solutions they are developing to enhance efficiency and transparency. The conversation highlights the importance of digital proof of delivery and the potential for automation to transform the industry, especially as the workforce undergoes significant changes. In this conversation, the speakers discuss the evolution of batch plants and technology integration to enhance efficiency and accuracy in the concrete delivery process. They explore the challenges traditional batch plants face, the importance of eliminating human redundancies, and the role of RFID technology in ensuring the right mix delivers to the right truck. The conversation highlights the potential for automation to streamline operations and improve quality control, ultimately leading to increased production efficiency in the concrete industry.
This episode explores the history of concrete, tracing its origins from ancient civilizations to modern times. Paul Ramsburg discusses key archaeological findings, such as the oldest known concrete at Göbekli Tepe, and innovations by cultures like the Romans and Mesoamericans. The dialogue emphasizes the accidental discoveries that shaped concrete and its significant role in architecture and society.
The discussion highlights concrete's symbolic significance in American history, mainly through Plymouth Rock, as well as its evolution, innovations like Portland cement, and the development of reinforced concrete. Key projects such as the Hoover Dam and the impact of World War II on concrete technology are also addressed, alongside the craftsmanship involved in concrete construction and its future potential, including use in lunar bases.
In this episode, Clyde Calhoun from Root Idea AI discusses the transformative potential of artificial intelligence (AI) in business, particularly within the concrete construction industry. He highlights the importance of change management, employee engagement, and data readiness for the successful implementation of AI. Clyde shares insights on various applications of AI, the challenges associated with data collection, and the necessity for organizations to adapt to new technologies. The conversation also addresses how AI can enhance productivity and creativity and the varying return on investment (ROI) from AI projects.
In this episode of the Add 10 Gallons Concrete podcast, Billy Ripple discusses the current state of the concrete industry at the World of Concrete 2025. He shares insights into the optimism surrounding the industry, the evolution of Command Alkon's technology, and the importance of integrity in business relationships. Ripple also explores the impact of AI on various sectors, emphasizing its role as a tool for augmentation rather than replacement. The conversation concludes with personal anecdotes from his upbringing in Texas and Alabama, highlighting the cultural differences and experiences that have shaped him.
In this episode of the Add 10 Gallons Concrete Podcast, host Paul and co-host Sarah McGuire welcome special guest Ron Macken, who discusses his journey from a non-construction background to becoming a prominent figure in the concrete industry. The conversation delves into the challenges of working with concrete, covers innovative techniques such as skip panels, and compares traditional methods and 3D printing. The trio highlights the significance of community support within the concrete industry and talks about Giatec's latest innovations to enhance concrete quality and efficiency.
In this episode of the Add 10 Gallons Concrete podcast, Paul interviews three Texas State University students—Claire Puckett, Cole Thomas, and Ava Davies. They share their unique experiences in sports broadcasting and the Construction Industry Management (CIM) program. The conversation delves into their high school backgrounds, internships, and the importance of hands-on learning in their respective fields. The students discuss their aspirations, challenges, networking opportunities, and the significance of involvement in securing future job placements.