Message from Doug

Learning and Getting Better

It has been estimated that there are more than 150 concrete contractors in Metro Atlanta. Before the Great Recession, that number was well over 200 concrete contractors plying their trade in this metropolitan area.

That’s a lot of foundation contractors. In spite of that large number, our company was the only local contractor at the recent Concrete Foundations Association Convention – an event where concrete contractors go to learn how to be better contractors. (You can read more about that event on page 2.)

So, why is that? Why were we the only concrete contractor in all of Georgia to attend that important event? Are we the only foundation contractor in Metro Atlanta that cares about building better basements? Where were the other contractors?

If your concrete contractor isn’t interested in keeping up to date on codes, reducing jobsite injuries, and improving their business, then what are they interested in? Are they interested in doing the right thing? In ensuring that you are getting a straight, square, correct foundation?

If you have a problem with a foundation they put in for you, will they still be around in a year to fix it? Do they know how to prevent problems from occurring in the first place?

What kind of company have you chosen to construct your foundations – the most important part of your house?

They say that if you aren’t growing, then you are dying. I believe that. I think a similar truth can be said about business: If you aren’t getting better, then you are getting worse. Is your concrete contractor getting better or worse?

To Your Success,

While in Utah for the concrete convention (see article here...), my kids and I went to Moab, which was our home base for hiking in Arches National Park.

Recent Referrals -- Thank you!

It’s that time of year again…when the academic season gets cranked back up and into high gear! Yes, it is a shock to all of our systems, whether for the children, who have become accustomed to packing maximum fun and leisure into every moment, or for the adults, who relished the time with their families (not to mention the lighter morning commute)! While we are thankful for the terrific summer adventures, we also want to convey our gratitude for your continued support and referrals. Your kind words are the backbone of what helps our company grow and thrive. THANK YOU!!!

Rocky Devotie, White Oak Landscape – Landscaper   www.WhiteOakLandscapeCo.com

Kirk Boggs, Benchmark Homes – Builder   www.BenchmarkAtlanta.com

Bill Hale, Whale Ventures – Developer   www.WhaleCompanies.com

Charlotte Moorehead – Homeowner

Mike Henson, JR Industries – Construction Supplies   www.JRIndustries.net

Herbert Construction Co. Attends Concrete Conference

We recently attended the Concrete Foundations Association Convention in Midway, Utah.

The Concrete Foundations Association is comprised of concrete foundation contractors throughout North America who are industry leaders in their local markets. Herbert Construction Co. has been a member of this great association since 1991.

We attend the Convention every year because it helps us become better contractors. It also allows us to stay on the leading edge of what is going on in our industry. We meet with other concrete contractors from around the country to learn best practices.

Herbert Construction was recognized during the awards dinner for becoming the first
Certified Foundation Contractor in Georgia. More on that in next month’s newsletter.

During the Convention, we attended seminars on important issues affecting our business such as:

¨ Jobsite Safety

¨ Hiring Laborers

¨ Risk Management

¨ Crane Safety

¨ Finances

¨ Leadership

¨ Company Operations

¨ Concrete Testing

In addition to seeing a great lineup of educational seminars, we shared ideas and learned about solutions by networking with our peers. Often, we’ve solved problems we were having just by talking with a fellow contractor that went through the same issue.

Doug Herbert Becomes
Vice President

Herbert Construction Co. has been active in the Concrete Foundations Association at the Board of Directors level for many years. Barry Herbert served many years on the Board and is a Past President of the association. Amanda Morris also served many years on the Board. Doug Herbert currently sits on the Board of Directors and was elected as Vice President of the association at the Convention.

Barry Herbert Joins
Legacy Committee

The association created a new committee within the organization, called the Legacy Committee. It is comprised of a select group of people that have contributed in a substantial way to the advancement of the association and the industry. It was created so the association can benefit from the vast amount of knowledge and experience these members have. Barry Herbert was chosen as a charter member of this committee.

Barry Herbert  (left) was chosen as a  charter member of the CFA’s Legacy Committee.

Doug’s Presentation

Doug Herbert was a seminar presenter at the convention. He gave a presentation to the attendees titled, “Increase Profits by Creating Systems in Your Company.” During the presentation he outlined his six steps to creating effective systems within a business that produce consistent, reliable results. The presentation was similar to his popular seminar that he often does in Las Vegas at the World of Concrete convention.

Doug Herbert gave a presentation that showed attendees how to
implement systems in their businesses.

Having Problems With Your Basement Construction?

We are adding crews and purchasing equipment. We will be taking on more work and adding new clients. If you are having scheduling problems, have a tricky basement coming up, or are just tired of spending so much time on your foundations, then give us a call. We can chat to see if our two companies are a good fit.

Call Us Now
770-795-0103

Steel Tarriffs

As most of you know, the tariffs against steel products has affected many industries in the U.S., construction being one of them. Our company has felt the repercussions of the tariffs.  Our steel product purchase costs have increased 35% since December of 2017. In order to continue giving our customers the strongest value for their dollar, we have tried to absorb as much of the cost inflation as possible.

America's Dumbest Criminals

Palm Beach, FL - Frank Singleton, a 21-year-old resident of Palm Beach, had just been released from jail after he finished his sentence for a trespassing charge. Right after he was released, the Palm Beach County Sheriff’s Office stated that, “He was no further than the jail’s visitor parking lot when he attempted to carjack a 2006 Nissan 250z.” The vehicle’s driver had just parked in the visitor parking lot. That’s when Singleton ran towards her and told her to, “Get out of the way,” then pushed her aside and got inside the car. However, he could not escape, since the car had a manual transmission which Singleton could not operate.

Livingston County, MI - Heather Quigley showed up at the jail with a document ordering the release of her husband. He did get released (when the time was right), but Heather is now being held. It seems she didn't do a very professional job of forging the release document and so was charged with attempting to effect an escape.

Pennsylvania, PA - Christopher Allen Koch, aged 28 from Pennsylvania, decided to rob a bank. He arrived at the bank around 11:40 am and sat in his car in the parking lot of the bank for 20 minutes. The robber didn’t read the opening or closing hours of the bank and was not aware that it closed at noon. He was surprised when he tried to enter at 12:01 pm while wearing his ski mask, gloves and holding a gun. The bank employees spotted Koch and wrote down his license plate number, which was enough for the police to find him. Koch was later charged with an attempted robbery and possessing instruments of a crime.

Tuscon, AZ – 56-year-old Leighton Deming and 42-year-old Thomas Marciano tried to sell a headdress, which they claimed had been worn by Geronimo, over the internet. Their ad included the wording "only serious candidates must respond because it is illegal to sell eagle feathers in the United States." Apparently the FBI was a serious candidate...

El Paso, TX – The Times reported the arrest of 47-year-old Dale Smith, who became violent in a bar, even brandishing a pistol. The hand holding the gun was attached to his, well, prosthetic arm. It-the arm-fell off.

Fort Worth, TX – Reuters News Service reported that a 17-year-old held up a Taco Bell in Ft. Worth and then ordered a chalupa. The police were there before his order was, and his waving a toy gun at the officers bought him a shot in the arm and in the leg.