Most makers carry a quiet frustration - they want their work to be lighter, stronger, and more refined, but the materials and methods they’ve been handed keep them stuck in the old way of doing things. This week we pull back the curtain on GFRC, a material that changes the game for concrete countertops, sinks, and furniture.

You’ll hear how GFRC stands apart from traditional mixes, why it matters for strength and beauty, and how it frees you from the weight and limitations of standard pours. We’ll talk mixing, spraying, fiber, and the myths that keep many craftspeople from unlocking its full potential.

At the heart of it, this isn’t just about concrete - it’s about your story as a maker. When you learn to harness the right materials, you save time, reduce stress, and create pieces that set you apart. That’s what every artisan wants: the freedom to create without compromise.

And here’s the thing - tools like Kodiak Pro products exist to put that freedom in your hands. They’re engineered by makers, for makers. The result? Less time fixing problems, more time building the kind of work that carries your name forward.


#ConcreteCountertops #MakersMindset #GrowthThroughCraft #ConcreteArtisans #KodiakPro #GFRCConcrete #CraftsmanshipMatters #concretedesign #gfrc

On this episode of The Concrete Podcast, Brandon and Jon are joined by Joe Bates of SC Fabrication in Napa, California - an artisan whose work speaks louder than words and whose values run just as deep as his craftsmanship.

Together, they unpack the five biggest countertop trends of 2025, where concrete not only holds its ground but leads the charge in form, function, and feeling. If you’re a concrete artisan, architect, or designer trying to understand where the industry is heading - and how to position yourself in it - this episode is your roadmap.

But this isn’t just about countertops. It’s about legacy. About why we started casting in the first place. Joe shares how time with family helps him stay grounded, how stepping away can actually sharpen your edge, and why the best makers never stop refining their mix - both in life and in work.

If you're building something with your hands and your heart, this one’s for you.

Tune in to learn:

* The top five countertop trends you’ll see everywhere in 2025

* Why concrete continues to outperform other surface materials

* How to align your craft with what architects and designers are asking for

* What stepping back can teach you about stepping up

And if you're ready to cast cleaner, stronger, silica-free pieces with less hassle and more health? This is your nudge to take a closer look at Kodiak Pro - the only concrete system built for makers, by makers.

#ConcreteDesign #MakersPodcast #KodiakPro #ConcreteCountertops #CreativeEntrepreneur #ArtisanMindset #CraftsmanshipMatters #DesignTrends2025 #BuildWhatLasts

Most people think success is about strategy. But more often than not, it’s about character.

In this heartfelt episode of The Concrete Podcast, Brandon and Jon sit down for a raw, real conversation about the moments that test your integrity - and define your legacy. When a client comes to you after working with another maker, it’s easy to chase the win. But doing right by others, even when it costs you, is how you build a career that lasts.

They’ll unpack lessons from the early days - what they got wrong, what they made right, and how those pivotal choices shaped who they are today. You’ll hear stories that sting, moments that taught, and why showing up with honesty will always outlast the short-term hustle.

If you're a builder, artisan, or craftsman looking to grow a business and sleep well at night, this one's for you. And if you're tired of half-baked mixes and fly-by-night brands, they’ll share why tools like Kodiak Pro are made by makers who live what they sell.

Because in this game, character is the concrete.

#CraftWithCharacter

#ConcretePodcast

#MakersMindset

#KodiakPro

#DoTheRightThing

#BuildToLast

#StoryDrivenBusiness

#SelfDevelopmentPodcast

#EthicalEntrepreneurship

#GrowthThroughIntegrity

Most of us got into this line of work because we love making things with our hands. The process, the freedom, the satisfaction of seeing something real take shape. But there’s a quiet question that keeps tapping us on the shoulder - what’s it all for if we’re not present to enjoy the life we’re building?

In this episode of The Concrete Podcast, we pull over and take a hard look at the map. It’s not about changing direction. It’s about making sure the road we’re on still leads somewhere we want to go.

You’ll hear a story that may sound like your own - chasing deadlines, pushing orders, grinding late into the night - all while the moments that matter start slipping through your fingers. We’ll talk about how the tools you use, the systems you trust, and the materials you rely on can either steal your time or give it back.

If you’re a maker, artisan, or craftsman, this one’s for you. Because the goal isn’t just to work hard - it’s to work smart so you can live well.

Let’s get into it.


#ConcretePodcast #MakersMindset #CraftsmanCulture #ArtisanJourney #KodiakPro #BuildWithPurpose #SelfDevelopmentPodcast #TimeFreedom #DesignYourLife

You’ve seen them - the sleek concrete sinks with that elegant ramp, clean lines, and seamless drainage. But how do you actually build one that not only looks stunning but functions like a dream?

In this episode of The Concrete Podcast, we walk you through the entire process of making a concrete ramp sink - from building a precision form, creating a clean slot-drain, to making smart plumbing connections that don’t require post-cast heroics. Whether you’re building your first ramp sink or refining your technique, this one’s packed with real-world insight.

We also discuss the integration of 1L Portland Cement in Kodiak Pro materials.

If you’re a maker, craftsman, or design-minded builder looking to blend beauty with function - this episode gives you the tools to build boldly and with confidence.

#concretedesign #MakersMindset #concretecountertops #CreativeCraftsmanship #DesignBuild #DIYConcrete #BuilderPodcast #ModernDesign #RampSinkHowTo #KodiakPro

What if the only thing standing between your idea and a stunning concrete masterpiece was the mold? In this rich and reflective episode, we’re pulling back the curtain on one of the most-requested topics from makers, artisans, and dreamers alike—mold making for concrete sinks, countertops, furniture, and tile.

Guided by years of experience and a storyteller's heart, we walk you through the real stuff—from mastering rubber mold techniques that catch every curve, to sculpting durable, professional-grade fiberglass molds that hold the line under pressure. Whether you're stepping into the shop for the first time or looking to refine your craft, this Masterclass is packed with practical tools and transformative insights to help you shape your vision—literally.

Because here’s the thing: when you learn to build the mold, you learn to shape the outcome. And in business, like in life, that changes everything.

You’ll learn:

* Why mold making is the backbone of high-end concrete design

* When to use rubber versus fiberglass—and how to avoid costly mistakes

* How mastering your mold unlocks creative freedom and business growth

It’s time to stop guessing, start building, and own the process. Tune in, shape your path, and join the community of makers rewriting the rules of concrete craft.

#ConcreteDesign #CreativeEntrepreneur #MakerMovement #CraftsmanshipMatters #BusinessGrowthMindset #ConcreteCreations #SelfDevelopmentJourney #DesignWithPurpose #FiberglassAndRubber

Ever feel like you're meant to build something bigger—but don't know where to start? In this episode, we lay the foundation. From the tactile rhythm of polishing concrete to the mindset shifts that separate the hesitant from the bold, we guide you through the essentials every maker needs to grow their craft and their confidence.

We’ll walk you through dry diamond polishing pads—what they are, how they work, and how to use them to get that flawless finish. Then we open up about mindset: the kind that keeps you grounded through chaos, and the kind that lets you take the leap when fear’s whisperin’. You'll hear real stories of makers who bet on themselves—and what happened next. And finally, we break down how to choose the right AR glass fiber for your next project, so your work doesn’t just stand the test of time—it thrives.

If you’re ready to build with your hands and lead with your heart, this one’s for you.

🔑 Takeaways:

* How to polish concrete counters like a pro—dry

* Why positivity isn’t just a mindset, it’s a skill

* What it really means to bet on yourself

* How to choose the right AR glass fiber for strength and style


🧠 You’ll leave with:


Confidence. Clarity. And a few new tricks in your back pocket.

#concretecountertops #CreativeEntrepreneurship #MakersMindset #DryPolishing #CraftsmanshipMatters #BetOnYourself #concretedesign #PersonalGrowthJourney #ConcreteWorkshop #ConcreteArtisans

After a few weeks away, BG and Jon are back—reconnecting, reflecting, and laying it all out. They talk through the postponed Hero’s Quest Workshop, unexpected hiccups with ICT Fusion Sealer, and what happens when you hit concrete with a torch (spoiler: sometimes it’s useful, sometimes it’s chaos).

You’ll get practical torch tips, care advice for sealed surfaces, and real-world lessons from two guys still learning on the job. It’s not just about concrete—it’s about the journey craftsmanship takes you on.

Pull up a seat. There’s gold in the grit.

#ConcretePodcast #CreativeProcess #MakerMindset #ConcreteCraft #GrowthThroughFailure #SelfDevelopment #ArtisanLife #PurposeDrivenWork #BehindTheScenesBuilding

What if the road to success wasn’t about chasing more—but about creating better? This week on the show, Brandon and Jon sit down with Joren Smith of Elements Concrete, a craftsman rooted in Maine and inspired by an extraordinary neighbor from Cape Cod—Hiram Ball, a pioneering force in GFRC and a sculptor with soul.

In this introspective and inspiring conversation, Joren walks us through the early days of learning the craft next door to greatness and how that shaped not only his skills—but his values. We explore the tension between ambition and peace, the pursuit of quality over quantity, and why a “successful” concrete career might look a lot more human than you’d expect.

If you’re in the decorative concrete world—or simply someone trying to build a meaningful life through your work—this episode is your invitation to slow down, realign, and remember what you’re really building.

#ConcreteCraftsmanship #DecorativeConcrete #CreativeEntrepreneurs #SelfDevelopmentPodcast #ArtisanLife #GrowthMindset #PurposeDrivenWork #CraftsmanshipMatters #LegacyBuilders #concretefireplace

What if the material you choose could shape more than just your next concrete piece—but your entire outlook on the craft? In this episode of The Concrete Podcast, Joe Bates returns fresh off his trip to Japan, bringing with him a lens of precision, patience, and possibility. We unpack the heart of GFRC—what it is, which fibers are best, and why it’s become the go-to for serious makers who care about both beauty and strength.

BG shares a personal story about falling out of love with Festool and how that moment clarified something bigger: how tools—and the way we use them—reflect what we value. From the changing tides of the concrete industry to a surprising old product that gives Bondo a run for its money, this episode is a conversation about doing better work, with more intention.

Whether you’re a seasoned fabricator or just starting out, this one’s about choosing materials, methods, and mindsets that actually move the needle. Let’s make concrete healthy again.

MCHA.

#StoryDrivenSuccess #ConcreteCraftsmanship #MakerMindset #EntrepreneurJourney #DesignBetterBuildBetter #CreativeBusinessTips #SelfDevelopmentPodcast #GFRCExplained #BuildingWithPurpose #PodcastForMakers