JOIN THE ACADEMY! VISIT CONCRETESCHOOL.CO TO START LEARNING TODAY.

ON THIS EPISODE OF THE CONCRETE LOGIC PODCAST
What if the fastest way to get ahead in concrete construction is to stop focusing so much on what you get?

Construction is competitive. Margins are tight, schedules matter, and when problems show up, everyone starts protecting their number. Seth is joined by Steve Eanes, a licensed Go-Giver coach, to ask whether putting other people first can actually make you more successful.

Using the Five Laws of Stratospheric Success from The Go-Giver, Steve explains why value, trust, authenticity, influence, and receptivity can change the way customers and partners see you.

The lesson is not to work for free or ignore profit. It is to create so much value that price becomes only one part of the decision.

WHAT YOU’LL LEARN
· Why creating value is different from simply lowering your price
· What customers may value beyond the product listed on an invoice
· Why Steve believes income grows by serving more people without sacrificing quality
· How trust and relationships can reduce the importance of being the cheapest option
· Why becoming a useful connector can create value outside your normal scope of work
· The difference between a go-giver, a go-getter, and a go-taker
· Why authenticity becomes most visible when a project is under pressure
· How keeping score can turn generosity into a transaction
· Why receiving payment, recognition, and help is part of effective giving
· What Steve calls the “law of left field” and how referrals can emerge years later
· One question you can ask before a meeting, project, or customer conversation to begin practicing these ideas

CHAPTERS
(00:00) Concrete Logic Academy and introduction
(01:05) Can putting other people first work in construction?
(04:20) Steve Eanes and the Five Laws of Stratospheric Success
(05:55) The story behind The Go-Giver
(07:06) Law of Value: creating more than what appears on the invoice
(10:38) Law of Compensation: serving more people without losing quality
(12:31) Law of Influence: putting other people’s interests first
(16:53) Law of Authenticity under pressure
(20:04) Law of Receptivity: learning to receive
(25:07) The law of left field and unexpected referrals
(27:56) How to start practicing the Go-Giver principles
(28:31) Steve’s master class, journal, and final takeaway

GUEST INFO
Steve Eanes
 Licensed Go-Giver Coach

Profile:
https://www.concretelogicpodcast.com/guests/steve-eanes/

Website:
https://www.steveeanes.com

The Go-Giver Way Free Masterclass:
https://www.gogivermasterclass.com

Walk in Your Value Journal based on The Go-Giver:
https://mybook.to/walkinyourvalue

The Go-Giver Book:
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0168Y6UO6

CONCRETE LOGIC ACADEMY
The people who understand how to create value are often the people others want involved when a project gets difficult.

That applies to concrete knowledge too.

The person who understands the “why” behind the concrete, asks better questions, and helps the rest of the project team make better decisions can bring value far beyond the material itself.

That is what Concrete Logic Academy is built for.

You get practical concrete education, professional-development courses, and real-world lessons connected to the topics covered on the Concrete Logic Podcast.

Start learning here:
 https://concreteschool.co

SUPPORT THE PODCAST
If the Concrete Logic Podcast gives you value, send a little value back.

You can support the show here:
https://www.concretelogicpodcast.com/support/

You can also support the show through the KUIU affiliate link:
https://www.concretelogicpodcast.com/kuiu

Interested in sponsoring the podcast or working with Concrete Logic Media?
Email Seth:
[email protected]

CREDITS
Producers: Tony Thomas, Jodi Tandett and Concrete Logic Media

Music by: Mike Dunton
 Instagram: @mduntonmusic

WHERE TO FIND SETH
Concrete Logic Podcast:
 https://www.concretelogicpodcast.com/

YouTube:
https://www.youtube.com/@concretelogicpodcast

LinkedIn:
https://www.linkedin.com/in/seth-tandett/

Concrete Logic Academy:
https://www.concretelogicacademy.com/

Until next time, let’s keep it concrete.

• Why Bob believes stacking admixtures can create cascading chemical effects in concrete
• How microbial growth may change the condition and performance of water-based admixtures
• Why biocides are used in some admixture formulations
• How high storage temperatures may affect microbial protection
• What odor, color, viscosity, sediment, or surface growth may indicate about an admixture
• Why transportation and warehouse conditions matter before an admixture reaches the batch plant
• Seth’s concern about admixtures traveling through unconditioned trucks and storage containers
• Why adding more of a damaged or altered admixture may create additional problems
• How cold temperatures may contribute to separation, crystallization, or inconsistent dosing in some formulations
• Why Bob recommends getting storage and handling requirements from manufacturers in writing
• What ready-mix producers should inspect before using an admixture that appears different than expected

• Why construction’s traditional tough-guy culture can discourage workers from asking for help
• Why Mike prefers framing the issue around “mental strength”
• How leaders can make vulnerability and asking for help more acceptable on the job
• Why relationships with crew members matter when identifying changes in behavior
• What supervisors should notice when a normally dependable coworker begins acting differently
• Why mental-health first-aid training can be valuable for frontline supervision
• How industry groups are addressing mental health and suicide prevention
• Why long hours, travel, layoffs, physical pain, family pressure, and substance use can compound stress
• Why simply offering an Employee Assistance Program is not enough if workers do not know how to use it
• Why contractors should include suicide response and postvention in crisis planning

JOIN THE ACADEMY! VISIT CONCRETESCHOOL.CO TO START LEARNING TODAY.

ON THIS EPISODE OF THE CONCRETE LOGIC PODCAST
Why would someone choose ready mix after growing up around the early mornings, equipment failures, staffing problems, and constant pressure of the business? Seth talks with Morgan and Scotch Nelson of SB Cox Ready Mix about why Scotch followed his father into the industry instead of running from it.

Morgan and Scotch explain how hands-on experience, responsibility, technology, and visible results can make concrete a rewarding career. They also discuss the industry’s larger challenge: showing younger workers that ready mix offers more than hard work. It offers ownership, opportunity, and a chance to point to something real and say, “I helped build that.”

WHAT YOU’LL LEARN
· How SB Cox Ready Mix grew from one plant and six used trucks
· Why relationships and industry mentors were important to Morgan’s career
· What convinced Scotch to follow his father into the ready mix business
· Why working in multiple positions gave Scotch a stronger understanding of the company
· How hands-on responsibility can create interest and confidence in younger workers
· Why producers are struggling to recruit CDL drivers and mechanics
· How changing expectations around work-life balance affect recruitment
· Why social media can help ready mix companies reach younger candidates
· How cloud-based batching and remote troubleshooting are changing plant operations
· Why visible results can make construction work rewarding
· How networking with other young professionals can support a long-term concrete career
 
CHAPTERS
(00:00) Why choose a career in ready mix?
(00:54) Supporting the podcast and Concrete Logic Academy
(03:50) How SB Cox Ready Mix started
(05:38) The mentors and relationships behind the company
(07:53) Growing up around the ready mix business
(09:24) Introducing the next generation to concrete
(11:49) Responsibility, ownership, and hands-on experience
(13:23) Learning the business from the ground up
(15:43) Can the industry create similar opportunities for young workers?
(16:38) CDL requirements, work-life balance, and recruitment challenges
(19:10) Technology and social media in ready mix
(20:49) Work ethic and finding meaningful work
(23:13) AI, automation, and the future of concrete careers
(24:55) Awareness, networking, and the next generation
 
GUEST INFO
Morgan Nelson
 SB Cox Ready Mix
Guest link:
 https://www.concretelogicpodcast.com/guests/morgan-nelson/

Scotch Nelson
SB Cox Ready Mix
Guest link:
https://www.concretelogicpodcast.com/guests/scotch-nelson/

CONCRETE LOGIC ACADEMY
The people who understand concrete are the people who get listened to.

Not the loudest person in the meeting.

Not the person repeating what they heard ten years ago.

The person who understands the plants, trucks, materials, people, and technology behind ready mix usually has the most valuable voice in the room.

That understanding is built through education and hands-on experience.

Concrete Logic Academy provides practical concrete education, professional-development courses, and real-world lessons connected to the topics covered on the Concrete Logic Podcast.

Start learning here:
https://concreteschool.co

SUPPORT THE PODCAST
If the Concrete Logic Podcast gives you value, send a little value back.

You can support the show here: https://www.concretelogicpodcast.com/support/

You can also support the show through the KUIU affiliate link: https://www.concretelogicpodcast.com/kuiu

Interested in sponsoring the podcast or working with Concrete Logic Media?
Email Seth: [email protected]

CREDITS
Producers: Jodi Tandett and Concrete Logic Media

Music by: Mike Dunton
https://www.mdunton.com/


WHERE TO FIND SETH
Concrete Logic Podcast:
https://www.concretelogicpodcast.com/

YouTube:
https://www.youtube.com/@concretelogicpodcast

LinkedIn:
https://www.linkedin.com/in/seth-tandett/

Concrete Logic Academy:
https://www.concretelogicacademy.com/

Until next time, let’s keep it concrete.

JOIN CONCRETE SCHOOL FOR FREE AT CONCRETESCHOOL.CO!

ON THIS EPISODE OF THE CONCRETE LOGIC PODCAST
What happens when a concrete maturity system is built on the wrong starting temperature? Seth is joined again by Dr. Jon Belkowitz, also known as Concrete Adamus, to explain why datum temperature is one of the most important and commonly overlooked parts of the maturity method.


Jon argues that assuming, ignoring, or defaulting the datum temperature can produce the wrong strength relationship. That can lead crews to strip forms too early and create a safety risk, or wait too long and hurt the project schedule. The takeaway is simple: maturity is not just a logger, an app, and a few cylinder breaks. The datum temperature must match the actual concrete mix.


WHAT YOU’LL LEARN
· How the maturity method approximates early-age concrete strength
· Why “approximate” may be a better word than “predict”
· What datum temperature represents in the time-temperature factor
· Why a default datum temperature may not match a modern concrete mix
· How cement type, cementitious materials, and admixtures affect maturity calculations
· Why an incorrect datum temperature can lead to premature form removal
· How an overly conservative datum temperature can delay the critical path
· Why datum temperature testing is separate from strength-maturity cylinder testing
· How mortar cubes and controlled curing temperatures are used to determine datum temperature
· Why winter and summer mixes may require different maturity calibrations
· Why additional cylinders are inexpensive compared with the consequences of poor data

CHAPTERS
(00:38) Concrete Logic Podcast Introduction
(02:05) What Is the Concrete Maturity Method?
(05:03) Why “Approximate” Is Better Than “Predict”
(05:51) The Time-Temperature Factor Explained
(07:08) The Datum Temperature Most People Ignore
(07:45) Datum Temperature vs. Activation Energy
(08:56) What ASTM C1074 Actually Says
(10:03) Why Cement Type Changes Datum Temperature
(11:49) The Wrong Datum Temperature Creates the Wrong Curve
(12:24) Using Maturity to Turn Forms Faster
(13:26) Why Stripping Forms Too Early Can Be Deadly
(14:10) What Happens When the Datum Temperature Is Wrong
(16:07) Safety vs. the Critical Path
(16:54) How Datum Temperature Is Actually Determined
(18:11) Why Proper Testing Can Cost $15,000 to $25,000
(19:11) The Problem With Maturity Software Defaults
(20:30) The Jump-Form Mistake That Changed Jon’s Thinking
(23:00) Stop Being Cheap With Test Cylinders
(23:54) The Old IntelliRock Maturity System
(24:53) Using Maturity for Fast-Track Highway Repairs
(26:34) Why Leaving the Datum Temperature at Zero Is Wrong
(27:39) Who Should Perform the Datum Temperature Testing


GUEST INFO
Dr. Jon Belkowitz
Intelligent Concrete
Guest link: https://www.concretelogicpodcast.com/guests/dr-jon-belkowitz/


CONCRETE LOGIC ACADEMY
A maturity reading can look precise and still be wrong.

Concrete Logic Academy helps you understand what sits behind the number, including datum temperature, mix changes, testing, and the field decisions that affect safety and schedule.

Learn how to question the default before the default creates a problem. Start learning here: https://concreteschool.co

SUPPORT THE PODCAST
If the Concrete Logic Podcast gives you value, send a little value back.

You can support the show here:
https://www.concretelogicpodcast.com/donate

You can also support the show through the KUIU affiliate link:
https://www.concretelogicpodcast.com/kuiu

Want to connect your company with concrete professionals who care about education, field performance, and better decision-making?

Become a Concrete Logic Industry Partner:
https://www.concretelogicpodcast.com/sponsor

Interested in sponsoring the podcast or working with Concrete Logic Media?
Email Seth: [email protected]


CREDITS
Producers: Jodi Tandett and Concrete Logic Media

Music by: Mike Dunton
https://www.mdunton.com/

WHERE TO FIND SETH

Concrete Logic Podcast:
https://www.concretelogicpodcast.com/

YouTube:
https://www.youtube.com/@concretelogicpodcast

LinkedIn:
https://www.linkedin.com/in/seth-tandett/

Concrete Logic Academy:
https://www.concretelogicacademy.com/

Until next time, let’s keep it concrete.

JOIN THE ACADEMY! VISIT CONCRETESCHOOL.CO TO START LEARNING TODAY.


ON THIS EPISODE OF THE CONCRETE LOGIC PODCAST
Are we specifying air entrainment in concrete that does not need it?


Seth is joined by Dr. Bruno Fong Martinez, Baker Construction’s concrete materials expert, to examine when air entrainment protects concrete and when it creates unnecessary problems.


Air entrainment improves durability where concrete experiences repeated freezing, thawing, and moisture saturation. But Bruno argues that the industry often requires it in climates where that exposure does not exist.


That decision can reduce compressive strength, complicate testing, change mix performance, and contribute to rejected trucks and wasted material.


The conversation challenges engineers and contractors to move beyond copied specifications and evaluate air requirements based on the actual environment, exposure, and project risk.


WHAT YOU’LL LEARN
· The difference between entrapped air and entrained air
· How air voids help protect saturated concrete during freezing
· Why freeze-thaw damage depends on repeated freezing and thawing cycles
· Why colder locations do not always experience the most freeze-thaw damage
· How air entrainment complicates concrete production and acceptance testing
· Why air content can change during transportation, mixing, and pumping
· How additional air can reduce compressive strength
· Why strength loss may lead to more cement and greater thermal concerns
· How freezing and precipitation maps could improve regional specifications
· Why copied specifications can require air in environments that do not need it
· How early specification reviews and RFIs can reduce waste and concrete problems


CHAPTERS
(00:00) Introduction and support for the show
(03:34) Why unnecessary air entrainment matters
(05:07) Where air may and may not be necessary
(06:27) Entrapped air versus entrained air
(09:21) How air protects concrete during freezing
(11:40) Why freeze-thaw cycles matter
(12:48) Testing, rejected trucks, and concrete waste
(14:41) Strength loss and contractor concerns
(16:05) What happens to air during pumping
(17:22) Mapping freezing and saturation risk
(19:24) Why copied specifications create problems
(22:15) Building industry agreement around air entrainment
(24:25) Guest information and final takeaways


GUEST INFO
Dr. Bruno Fong Martinez
Concrete Materials Expert
Baker Construction
Guest link:
https://www.concretelogicpodcast.com/guests/bruno-fong-martinez/


CONCRETE LOGIC ACADEMY
The people who understand concrete are the people who get listened to.
Not the loudest person in the meeting.
Not the person copying requirements from an old specification.
The person who understands why a material or testing requirement belongs in the concrete usually has the most valuable voice in the room.
That is what Concrete Logic Academy is built for.
You get practical concrete education, professional-development courses, and real-world lessons connected to the same materials, durability, and construction problems discussed on the Concrete Logic Podcast.
Start learning here: https://concreteschool.co


SUPPORT THE PODCAST
If the Concrete Logic Podcast gives you value, send a little value back.
You can support the show here:
https://www.concretelogicpodcast.com/support/
You can also support the show through the KUIU affiliate link:
https://www.concretelogicpodcast.com/kuiu
Interested in sponsoring the podcast or working with Concrete Logic Media?
Email Seth:
[email protected]


CREDITS
Producers: Zac Richardson, Jodi Tandett and Concrete Logic Media
Music by: Mike Dunton
https://www.mdunton.com/


WHERE TO FIND SETH
Concrete Logic Podcast:
https://www.concretelogicpodcast.com/
YouTube:
https://www.youtube.com/@concretelogicpodcast
LinkedIn:
https://www.linkedin.com/in/seth-tandett/
Concrete Logic Academy:
https://www.concretelogicacademy.com/


Until next time, let’s keep it concrete.

• What air entrainment is intended to do during freeze-thaw exposure
• The difference between entrained air and naturally entrapped air
• Why Jason believes entrained air can reduce concrete density
• How dense concrete may limit water and chloride intrusion
• Why removing air from a standard exterior mix is not enough
• How aggregate packing and optimized mix designs affect permeability
• Why air-entrained concrete should not be hard-trowel finished
• How entrained air can affect workability and finishing
• Why specifications and established practices may resist this approach
• What field performance Jason has observed in Midwestern pavements
• Why mix design, placement, finishing, curing, and fibers must work as a system

JOIN THE ACADEMY!! FOR A LIMITED TIME, VISIT CONCRETESCHOOL.CO FOR YOUR FREE ACCESS!! CONCRETESCHOOL.CO

ON THIS EPISODE OF THE CONCRETE LOGIC PODCAST

Should we really design concrete infrastructure for 75 to 100 years?

In this episode, Seth is joined by Dr. Jon Belkowitz to question one of civil engineering’s favorite ideas: the 100-year design life.

Using Hoboken, New Jersey as the example, Seth and Jon talk about what happens when old infrastructure has to serve a city that no longer looks, moves, or functions the way it did when that infrastructure was built.

The issue is not just whether the concrete lasts.

The bigger question is whether the original decision still makes sense.

Jon argues that the industry should stop designing only for age and start designing around use, performance, maintenance cycles, and accountability.

Maybe a 20-year design life with zero maintenance is harder, and more honest, than a 100-year design life nobody is around to answer for.


WHAT YOU’LL LEARN
· Why Dr. Jon Belkowitz questions the 100-year design life
· What Hoboken, New Jersey teaches us about old infrastructure
· Why designing for time may not be the same as designing for use
· The difference between design life and maintenance life
· Why a 20-year, zero-maintenance target may be harder than a 100-year target
· How infrastructure decisions made today can trap future generations
· Why compressive strength is not enough to define concrete performance
· How sensors, inspections, and data could change infrastructure maintenance
· What pavement condition index means and why timing matters
· Why Roman concrete is not always a fair comparison for modern infrastructure
· Why Jon says we should design for decision cycles instead of age

CHAPTERS
(0:00) Introduction and support for the show
(4:55) Rethinking 100-year design life
(7:39) Why designing for time may be the wrong approach
(9:57) Seth pushes back on whether we already design shorter than we admit
(11:11) Hoboken as a case study
(14:13) The 20-year, zero-maintenance idea
(15:00) Performance, sensors, and maintenance systems
(16:15) Pavement condition index and the cost of waiting
(17:45) Why Roman concrete is not the right comparison
(18:08) Bridge inspection and infrastructure careers
(22:56) Building on top of old Hoboken infrastructure
(26:14) Why predicting 100 years out is almost impossible
(28:59) Final takeaways: Design for decisions, not age

GUEST INFO
Dr. Jon Belkowitz
 Intelligent Concrete
Guest link:
 https://www.concretelogicpodcast.com/guests/jon-belkowitz/

CONCRETE LOGIC ACADEMY
The people who understand concrete are the people who get listened to.

Not the loudest person in the meeting.

Not the guy repeating what he heard ten years ago.

Not the person blaming every problem on the latest material change.

The person who understands the “why” behind the concrete usually has the most valuable voice in the room.

That is what Concrete Logic Academy is built for.

You get practical concrete education, PDH courses, and real-world lessons pulled from the same topics we cover on the Concrete Logic Podcast.

Design life changes. Materials change. Specs change. Owners change their minds. Infrastructure ages.

Your knowledge needs to keep up.
Start learning here:
 https://www.concretelogicpodcast.com/concreteschool

SUPPORT THE PODCAST
If the Concrete Logic Podcast gives you value, send a little value back.

You can support the show here:
 https://www.concretelogicpodcast.com/support/

You can also support the show through our KUIU affiliate link:
https://www.concretelogicpodcast.com/kuiu

Interested in sponsoring the podcast or working with Concrete Logic Media?

Email Seth: [email protected]

CREDITS
Producers: Tom Cummings, Jodi Tandett and Concrete Logic Media

Music by: Mike Dunton
 https://www.mdunton.com/

WHERE TO FIND SETH
Concrete Logic Podcast:
 https://www.concretelogicpodcast.com/
YouTube:
https://www.youtube.com/@concretelogicpodcast

LinkedIn:
https://www.linkedin.com/in/seth-tandett/

Concrete Logic Academy:
https://www.concretelogicacademy.com/

Until next time, let’s keep it concrete.