Are you a female that specializes in decorative concrete and concrete resurfacing field?
Back when I ... Lindy Ausburne, Lindy.Ausburne@gmail.com owner of High Definition Concrete Consulting www.highdefinitionconcreteconsulting.com entered into this industry in 1981, women were as rare as rain in Central Texas (region I call home) during this severe 2011 drought year. As time marched on, more females entered the world of concrete resurfacing; however, due to our gender we typically find ourselves working twice as hard as a man in the hardscapes industry in order to gain an equal degree of respect for our professional knowledge, creativity, and abilities. When attending trade shows (such as World of Concrete) over the past 30 years; I frequently get comments like .... from men: "I have been reading you posts for years and frequently heard your name mentioned in the trade;" or, from women: "my husband talks about you in reference to helping him resolve problems/concerns and for guidance ... both genders stating "I didn't know you were a woman" (of course, if I was a negative person which I am not, I could take this comment the wrong way, instead I just smile and say "last time I looked that was the plumbing and gender I was born with."
I'm wondering how many other women have scaled the male dominated decorative concrete mountain, gaining the respect we deserve? Please tell me, and other women in the industry, about yourself. Be sure to go to "my account" in left hand corner of all the forum pages, completing your profile, so the DCF networking community will know who you are. Thank you for the inspiring roles you are playing as you build a strong foundation of success. Can't wait to read your comments, insights, and opinions. On another note, if you are not currently "LinkedIn" go to www.linkedin.com ... it's a free pathway to increasing your recognition in the industry through networking with other professionals; you will want to join our Decorative Concrete Forums "Group" while there as well. We, as successful women, need to have our voices heard, as they are echoed on a National and International basis, in order serve as role models for other females that are entering into our field.
Lindy A (co-host)
Enjoyed your posts...This business has been brought to my attention recently by a friend..I have worked in the
construction field most of my life, more towards the painting side...had my own business..
Looking for a new venture and this has my attention..I am wanting to learn more about it, and checking into possibly classes on it...
Appreciate any feedback..
Thanks!
This is a rewarding business in many ways ... first, every job is different and no two surfaces, even if using the same materials, will ever be exactly the same ...second, it can be quite rewarding, fiancially and well as feeds your ego to go on and do even more creative work using concrete and/or other cementatious materials as your palette much like a artistic would use a canvas or a muralist a wall.
*
The secret to success in our world of concrete is ... aligning yourself with manufacturers suppliers of premium/time tested material who have a varifiable performance history and readily available/experienced technical staff that are availalbe if/when you need them (not some cash register driven supplier whose motivation is to simply get it out of the warehouse, leaving you on your own to sink or swim) ... start out with one or two decorative concrete options, attend training seminars that are hosted by those who have actual hands-on/field experience themselves ... seek to learn something new every day (days you don't you are idling in neutral gear instead of proceeding ahead in forward gear ... never be timid to ask when in doubt as to selection of the best material/system/coating/sealer based on the end use of the surface and environment it will be routinely subjected to "or" if you run across a problem/issue seek out the resourceful knowledge base of professional peers (ie: posting your questions/concerns/issues/needs here on the DCF for expert advise that is based on trade related/successful knowledge) ... subscribe to some of the leading trade magazines (free subscriptions for contractors) such as: Coatings Pro Magazine www.coatingspromag.com and Durability & Design www.durabilityanddesign.com both of which will expand your knowledge base and help you build a foundation for success.
*
Transforming dull gray nude new concrete or slabs that are aged/ugly (so long as they are deemed to be structurally sound), providing a valuable service that will increase the value of residential and commercial properties, is a rewarding career ... so, jump on in, the opportunities are endless and you will never have a dull day (but you will have vibrant, bedazzling, shiny ones). If I can ever be of assistance in any way feel free to give me a call 254-498-6635 (cell phone) or 254-212-5536 (number at top of every DCF forum page); or you can email me: Lindy.Ausburne@gmail.com ... I have over 30 years of hands-on/field experience in the decorative concrete, seamless industrial flooring (epoxy/colorquartz and vinyl chip/flake floors, protective coatings and high perfermance sealers, polymer modified cementitous overlayment & microtoppings, and other areas in the world of concrete and am always willing to shed some light on any subject or answer what can be perplexing questions.
*
Good luck and happy trails.
*
Lindy Ausburne (DCF co-host & moderator)
It appears I may qualify to post a reply here. So in following Lindy’s lead and as is typical for our gender, I too will write a book. Please enjoy…
Hi, I am Cori Sutton, President of Diamond Designer Concrete, Inc. diamonddesignerconcrete.com and I make plain, old, and worn concrete beautiful. I own and personally operate my polishing company out of Erie, Pennsylvania, but I am also involved in concrete construction and the ready mix business as well. These are important elements in the teamwork that shape a successful decorative concrete project.
I have a passion and excitement for polished concrete, my clients are happy, and I care about promoting excellence in workmanship in this craft. When people discover what I do or see that I actually operate a 900 pound grinder, they curiously ask how “someone like me” got into this kind of work. The specifics to THAT story are not widely known, but here I will leave it at once upon a time I subbed out a polishing project but finished it myself. It is fair to say that I reversed a situation that would have led to many individuals not taking a chance on polished concrete ever again. And you better believe it wasn’t easy, but in that decision I found something I love to do.
So what am I all about? And what are my insights and opinions? Probably the same as most polishers who take pride in their work. I am constantly exploring better ways to do things and solving unique problems that I run into. I encourage general contractors, architects, and owners to do their homework when considering polished concrete because it will be well worth the effort. You do not easily achieve the same beautiful floor you saw in the ad you were drooling over. It takes a lot of communication throughout the entire process and a double dose of effort. That is what I am all about.
My stance is indecision as to whether or not my gender presents me with certain disadvantages, but I don’t like to focus on it and I sure don’t let it stop me! If there are other women out there as Lindy suggested, post something here! Be encouraged in your endeavors, I’ll admit I require plenty. Or get in touch with me… it wouldn’t be a first! I welcome discussion from anyone interested in learning more about polished concrete, networking, etc. And whoever you may be, please visit my website… I will be adding updates real soon too! Thanks for taking a few minutes to read.
Oh, and Lindy… It took me a while to figure out you were a woman too…
Cori Sutton
ddcpolishing@gmail.com