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.

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.