The Maker & The Mix; The Craft Concrete Experience

**Episode 19 of The Maker & the Mix: Strength in Numbers: The Alpha Advantage & Beyond Welcome to an episode that is all about strength and speed. Join Jeff and Caleb as they unravel the game-changing capabilities of Alpha Polymer in Episode 19 of The Maker and the Mix. Imagine increasing the strength of your CTS Rapidset CementAll by 45% or doubling the flexural strength in your Portland...

Join hosts Caleb Lawson and Jeff Girard on a captivating journey in this episode of The Maker & The Mix, as we delve into the transition 'From Raw Materials to Revolutionary Products.' We explore the diverse world of concrete countertops, furniture, tile, and artwork, elucidating the core elements that lay the foundation of their creation. Our journey is akin to that of Caleb's gra...

Welcome to The Maker & The Mix Podcast, Episode 17! Exciting news - Caleb Lawson is now a co-owner of The Concrete Countertop Institute (CCI). Congratulations, Caleb! In this episode, we delve deep into outdoor concrete countertops, offering valuable insights to elevate your craftsmanship. Learn about Mix Design and Materials Selection, ensuring durable and stunning outdoor concrete projects....

Join Caleb and Jeff in Episode 16 of The Maker & The Mix podcast as they delve into the art of sealing concrete countertops quickly and effectively. In this episode, titled "How to Seal Concrete Countertops Quickly," Caleb demonstrates the application process of the renowned Omega Concrete Countertop Sealer (The Last Sealer You'll Ever Need!), providing valuable insights and tips...

The Maker & The Mix Podcast, Episode 15: Wave a Dead Chicken Over It! Troubleshooting Problems in the Concrete Countertop and Furniture Craft Join Caleb and Jeff as they dive into the world of troubleshooting in the concrete craft. In this episode, aptly titled "Wave a Dead Chicken Over it," we explore the importance of understanding the underlying reasons behind common issues and ho...

The Maker & The Mix, Episode 14: Seal the Deal...An Unintentional discussion on Concrete Countertop and Furniture Sealers In this captivating episode of Maker and Mix, join Jeff and Caleb as they dive deep into the fascinating world of concrete sealers. While their original plan was to explore mix designs, the conversation takes an unexpected turn as they uncover the hidden gems of sealers tha...

Welcome to episode 13 of the Maker and the Mix podcast, where Jeff and Caleb take on a fascinating topic that will challenge your understanding of concrete: "Is concrete really concrete?" In this eye-opening discussion, they tackle the mis/disinformation surrounding concrete in our field and embark on a mission to debunk commonly held thoughts, ensuring accurate knowledge prevails. Join...

In this thought-provoking episode, we delve into the significance of integrity in business and shed light on recent questionable actions we learned about through another podcast. We strongly denounce dishonesty and engage in a profound exploration of the principles of integrity, its implementation, and its crucial role in fostering a thriving business environment. Join us as we emphasize the core...

In this bonus episode of The Maker & The Mix, Caleb dives into into the extraordinary experience awaiting you at The Concrete Countertop Institute's Ultimate Creative Concrete Course. Join us as we unravel the transformative journey that awaits you in this immersive training program. Discover the art and science behind crafting stunning concrete creations that leave a lasting impression. O...

Join us as we take a deep dive into the world of pozzolans in concrete countertop mix designs. Discover the technical intricacies of how pozzolans work at a chemical level, their role in enhancing concrete properties, and the why and how of incorporating them into your mix designs. But don't worry, it's not all technical! In this episode, we also elaborate on our training philosophy, empha...

In this insightful episode, we uncover the power of lunch and learns as a strategic tool to grow your creative concrete business. Learn how to leverage these valuable sessions and other effective techniques to build relationships with top architects and interior designers, opening doors to new opportunities and expanding your client base. Are you ready to take your business to the next level? Our...

Are you team precast or cast in place? In this episode, we dive into the debate surrounding these two casting techniques for concrete countertops. We discuss the virtues and vices of each method, exploring when cast in place becomes necessary to avoid seams. Join us as we provide a balanced perspective, weighing the pros and cons and highlighting important considerations for your projects. For a m...

Join us for an inspiring episode of The Maker & The Mix as we reflect on the transformative Legends of Rock class from last week. Discover the immense value of community in the world of creative concrete professionals and the power it holds in fostering growth and innovation. We also delve into the engineering design behind the conference table, paying homage to the creative genius of Buddy Rh...

Join us for an exciting episode of The Maker & The Mix as we take you live to the captivating Legends of Rock class. Immerse yourself in the energy and creativity of this extraordinary event as we meet attendees from all around the world, including Switzerland, Australia, Texas, New Jersey, and Singapore. Experience the magic of the freestanding concrete bar project, expertly crafted using Bud...

Join us for an enlightening episode of The Maker & The Mix as we delve into the crucial topic of setting client expectations in the creative concrete industry. Discover why effectively managing expectations can be the key to success for your business, and gain valuable insights on how to establish clear expectations across all aspects of your operations, from pricing to quality and process. Fo...

In this episode of The Maker & The Mix, we explore the intriguing world of concrete cracks. Join us as we unravel the mysteries behind the various types of cracks that can occur in concrete, uncover the reasons behind their occurrence, and reveal effective strategies to prevent them. For comprehensive insights into the topic of cracking, we encourage you to dive into our informative article av...

Get ready to revolutionize your workspace with Episode 4 of The Maker & The Mix, as we delve into the art of 'Shop Organization.' Discover how decluttering and optimizing your studio can enhance productivity, reduce stress, and give you the freedom to focus on what matters - your concrete craftsmanship. In this episode, hosts Caleb Lawson and Jeff Girard guide you through invaluable in...

In an exhilarating new episode of The Maker & The Mix titled "Buddy Rhodes: Clay, gunpowder, concrete countertops...," we delve into the captivating journey of Buddy Rhodes, a potter turned industry pioneer. Join us as we hear firsthand from Buddy himself about his transformational journey, the inception of Buddy Rhodes Studio Inc in 1982, and his avant-garde and visionary approach t...

In the captivating second episode of The Maker & The Mix, titled "Polymer: Who needs it?", Caleb Lawson and Jeff Girard dive deep into the world of polymers and their role in the realm of concrete. Join us as we unravel the mysteries behind this essential ingredient and explore its significance in creating exceptional concrete masterpieces. Discover why polymers are used, how they wo...

Welcome to The Maker & The Mix, the weekly podcast by The Concrete Countertop Institute (CCI). Join Caleb Lawson and Jeff Girard as they dive into the fascinating world of concrete craftsmanship, mix design, and materials. Gain valuable insights and inspiration to take your concrete creations to the next level. Listen to us on Spotify every week as we explore innovative techniques, industry tr...