The Concrete Podcast

How do you turn an ordinary concrete countertop, table, or slab into something extraordinary? Brandon and Jon explore the art of acid etching custom designs into concrete, sharing creative possibilities and insights from the workshop. Along the way, they pull back the curtain on the unpredictable, occasionally ridiculous reality of being a concrete artisan, where making beautiful things rarely goes according to plan. There's also some good news for makers: AR glass fiber is now available as an add-on in the Kodiak Pro store, giving craftspeople another essential material to add to their concrete-making toolkit. And because no conversation is complete without a little humility, the guys wander into the wonderfully undignified world of at-home medical tests. It's a conversation about craftsmanship, creative problem-solving, embracing the chaos, and learning to laugh at the things life throws your way. Build better. Keep learning. And never lose your sense of humor. #ConcretePodcast #AcidEtching #ConcreteCountertops #KodiakPro #ConcreteArt #Craftsmanship #CreativeEntrepreneurship

After a long hiatus, The Concrete Podcast is back. This week, Brandon and Jon get into the lessons that usually cost concrete makers time, money, or both. We talk through the nuances of sealer application and why seemingly small decisions can change the outcome of a finished piece. We also discuss commercial projects, the hidden risks buried inside commercial contracts, and why taking the biggest job in the room is not always the smartest move. Then we get into something every maker eventually has to learn: how to communicate value. When a customer can scroll through TikTok or Instagram and find someone making a concrete sink in 30 seconds, how do you explain why your work costs more? The answer is not just better marketing. It is better materials, better processes, experience, consistency, and knowing how to create something that will perform long after the video ends. That philosophy is at the heart of why we developed Kodiak Pro products for professional makers who want more control, reliability, and confidence in their concrete. If you make concrete for a living, or you are trying to build a business around your craft, this conversation is for you. #ConcretePodcast #ConcreteDesign #CreativeBusiness #MakerBusiness #Craftsmanship #Entrepreneurship #Storytelling #BusinessGrowth #PersonalGrowth #KodiakPro

Every great concrete piece begins long before the mix is poured. It begins with a form that can hold the pressure, protect the design, and give the maker the confidence to create something worth remembering. This week on The Concrete Podcast, Brandon Gore and Jon Schuler sit down with Gabriel Duckett, owner of Designer Concrete Supplies in the UK, experienced concrete artisan, and European distributor of Kodiak Pro products. Gabriel shares practical lessons on formwork bracing, including what to consider, what to watch for, and the common mistakes that can turn an ambitious project into an expensive lesson. For makers building complex concrete sinks, furniture, bathtubs, planters, and architectural pieces, this conversation offers the kind of hard-earned insight that can save time, reduce risk, and improve the finished result. The conversation also introduces Boost, the newest product from Kodiak Pro. Boost is a concentrated nanoparticle liquid designed to improve the performance, durability, and color development of concrete mixes. Better materials do not replace craftsmanship. They give skilled craftspeople more control over the outcome. Join us for an honest conversation with a phenomenal concrete artisan about stronger forms, better mixes, and the small decisions that separate ordinary concrete from exceptional work. #ConcretePodcast #ConcreteArtisan #ConcreteDesign #ConcreteFurniture #ConcreteSinks #MakerCommunity #CreativeBusiness #Storytelling #PersonalGrowth #KodiakPro

What makes one concrete mix safer than another? How soon should you trust a sealer? And what should "perfect" concrete actually look like? In this episode of The Concrete Podcast, Brandon Gore and Jon Schuler tackle three conversations every concrete countertop maker, GFRC fabricator, and decorative concrete artisan should hear. First, they separate fact from fiction around crystalline silica, explaining why respirable crystalline silica is the real hazard, why many manufacturers blur the conversation, and why reducing long-term exposure is one of the smartest investments you can make in your health and your business. Next, they break down proper concrete sealer application, highlighting practical techniques and common mistakes that can make or break the final result. Finally, they explore one of the most important lessons in craftsmanship: calibrating expectations. What separates authentic character from poor workmanship? When should you embrace a tiny pinhole, and when is it a sign that something went wrong? Understanding that difference can change the way you evaluate every countertop, sink, or furniture piece you create. Whether you're a DIY maker or an experienced fabricator, this episode is packed with practical advice to help you produce cleaner casts, make smarter material choices, and build better concrete with confidence. #ConcreteCountertops 
#GFRC
 #DecorativeConcrete
 #ConcreteFurniture
 #ConcreteSinks
 #ConcreteSealer
 #KodiakPro
 #ConcretePodcast

When does it make sense to invest in spray-up GFRC equipment? And when can smaller equipment get you the same result? In this episode of The Concrete Podcast, Joe Bates of SC Fabrication shares his experience with spray-up GFRC, production efficiency, equipment upgrades, business growth, and the realities of scaling a concrete fabrication shop. We talk about the differences between spray-up GFRC and SCC GFRC, when larger equipment becomes financially viable, how to get started with more modest equipment, and the production bottlenecks that often hold shops back from growth. Joe also shares practical insights on workflow, efficiency, and making equipment investments that actually improve profitability. We also discuss ICT Protect and ICT Fusion, when to use each sealer, how to select the right system for different applications, and the steps makers can take to reduce callbacks while improving long-term performance. Whether you're creating concrete sinks, countertops, furniture, architectural concrete, or decorative concrete products, this episode is packed with real-world lessons that can help you improve quality, increase efficiency, and build a stronger business. Follow The Concrete Podcast for more conversations about concrete fabrication, craftsmanship, entrepreneurship, personal growth, and creating a better life through making. #ConcretePodcast #GFRC #ConcreteCountertops #ConcreteFurniture #DecorativeConcrete #ConcreteArtisan #SmallBusinessGrowth #Craftsmanship #Entrepreneurship #MakerMovement