SUCCESS STORIES
What People are Saying
INDUSTRY LEADERS
Industry leaders understand that investing in education, research, and workforce development strengthens the entire concrete industry. Their support helps create opportunities today while preparing the next generation of professionals for tomorrow.
"I personally experienced the Concrete Advancement Foundation's impact early in my career. The Foundation provided the seed funds for the first Concrete Industry Management (CIM) program at Middle Tennessee State University, and I was one of its early graduates. Their ongoing commitment to workforce development continues to make a difference, which is why Maschmeyer is proud to support CAF."
Steve Bishop, President Maschmeyer Concrete
"Irving Materials is proud to support the Concrete Advancement Foundation. Their development of targeted recruitment and training tools is essential to building a skilled, qualified workforce that sustains our industry's competitiveness and innovation."
"The Concrete Advancement Foundation’s research and tools enable us to demonstrate to specifiers and owners concrete’s cost-efficiency, durability, and sustainability advantages using rigorous data and science."
Calvin Kingery, President
Irving Materials
"As an early, major supporter of the Concrete Advancement Foundation, Cemex remains committed and aligned to its mission of advancing research and education across the building materials industry. We value the MIT Concrete Sustainability Hub’s leadership in accelerating decarbonization and providing rigorous metrics to measure our industry’s path to carbon neutrality. MIT’s platform helps us clearly demonstrate concrete’s measurable resilience and sustainability—empowering decision makers and accelerating industry innovation.”
Jesus Gonzalez, President CEMEX U.S.
LAUNCHING CAREERS
Through programs like Skate4Concrete and the Concrete Industry Management (CIM) program, students gain hands-on experience, discover new career opportunities, and develop skills that prepare them for long-term success in the concrete industry.
"When I first started my internship with Skate4Concrete, I thought it was going to only be about concrete and skating, but it turned out to be a lot more than that. I didn’t think I’d be using my photography and videography skills to help with a mini documentary for an upcoming skatepark in Spring Valley, and that honestly got me really excited because it showed me paths I hadn’t really thought about before. I’m really thankful to the Concrete Advancement Foundation for supporting Skate4Concrete and giving students like me the chance to grow and try new things."
Ivan Estrada
Mount Miguel High School's Matador Business Academy Skate4Concrete Intern
"Thanks to my CIM education and generous contributions from the Concrete Advancement Foundation's (CAF) grant, building a skatepark in Colorado has been one of the most fun and proud accomplishments in my life. The other skateboarders I worked with became my mentors and taught me so many lessons over the summer. Along with skatepark building I also got to tour Ready Mix plants and quarries. These visits allowed me to network with companies and ultimately secure another internship in Colorado, this time working at a Ready-Mix plant in Carbondale, Colorado for Casey’s Concrete and Ready Mix. Because of Skate4Concrete and the CIM program I have fallen in love with concrete and have cemented my future in the industry. I am so thankful to have Skate4Concrete, CAF, and CIM help me advance my concrete career."
Nicholas Guzman
Concrete Industry Management (CIM) | 2025 Skatepark Intern
"This internship with Skate4Concrete began as an exploration of college and career opportunities, but it quickly became so much more. Filming a documentary with Spring Valley Skate Park has been an amazing experience, enhancing my photography and videography skills, and allowing me to contribute my own knowledge and creativity. I'm so thankful for this opportunity and how it's shaping my career path."
Sam Vergara
Mount Miguel High School's Matador Business Academy Skate4Concrete Intern
Learning Through Experience
Educators play a critical role in preparing tomorrow's workforce. Through partnerships with the Concrete Advancement Foundation and programs like Skate4Concrete, teachers bring hands-on learning into their classrooms, helping students connect education with meaningful careers.
"This is an outstanding program, and I’m already looking forward to bringing a new group of students through it next year. My sincere thanks to Skate4Concrete and organizations like the Concrete Advancement Foundation for their vital support. Opportunities like this bring essential hands-on, real-world experience into the high school classroom. Beyond being a high-demand career path, masonry and concrete work are practical skills every homeowner should possess. The more we can bridge the gap between classroom theory and tangible industry projects, the more impactful the lifelong learning becomes for my students. While many students started the project thinking it would be easy, they quickly realized the skill and precision required. It was certainly fun, but there is no substitute for the experience of achieving the perfect mix in person versus simply watching a video. Thank you again to Skate4Concrete and all the sponsors who make these transformative experiences possible."
Gary Gillespie
Engineering and Manufacturing Teacher
Spokane Public Schools
"Integrating Skate4Concrete into my curriculum has transformed how my students engage with concrete training, turning it into a hands-on, high-energy experience. The program bridges the gap between traditional classroom learning and real-world application, allowing students to mix different batches and see the immediate impact of their work while mastering the science behind the material.
The feedback from my students has been overwhelmingly positive, with many expressing a newfound interest in the concrete industry. Several have shared that before this program, they had no idea how concrete is made or how many different jobs there are in the industry. Some are now actively pursuing career paths in concrete construction and engineering.
I am incredibly grateful for the Concrete Advancement Foundation’s (CAF) support and promotion of Skate4Concrete. Without their dedication, we would not have been able to impact the lives of over 150 students, providing them with the skills and confidence to succeed in the concrete industry."
Todd C. Myers
Building Trades and Construction Teacher
IDEA Center High School
Help Shape the Next Success Story
The Concrete Advancement Foundation funds research and projects that advance concrete innovation, decarbonization, and sustainable construction. By investing in education, workforce development, and industry collaboration, CAF is helping build stronger communities and preparing the next generation of concrete leaders.