Concrete Logic

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:
seth@concretelogicpodcast.com

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.

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

ON THIS EPISODE OF THE CONCRETE LOGIC PODCAST

What happens when an admixture reaches the concrete producer in a different condition than when it left the manufacturer?

Seth is joined by Concrete Bob Higgins to discuss how heat, cold, microbial growth, separation, and poor storage or transportation can affect water-based admixtures before they enter the mix.

They examine how admixtures may change during shipping or storage, why producers should watch for unusual odors, color changes, solids, scum, or consistency changes, and why manufacturers should provide clear handling requirements.

Before blaming the cement, weather, batch plant, or contractor for a concrete problem, should we first ask what happened to the admixtures?

WHAT YOU’LL LEARN
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
CHAPTERS
(00:00) Why admixture handling matters
(03:00) Concrete Logic Academy and a new learning game
(04:16) Are we mishandling concrete admixtures?
(05:21) Cascading effects when admixtures are combined
(06:10) Biocides, heat, and microbial growth
(08:20) What a spoiled admixture may look and smell like
(10:26) Cold-weather storage and water-based products
(12:17) Why Bob wants better shipping quality control
(15:06) Storage temperature and the condition of the product
(17:12) Seth questions what happens during normal transportation
(18:21) Why simply increasing the dosage may not solve the problem
(20:20) Are admixtures tested under real jobsite conditions?
(21:28) Checking microbial-growth claims with AI
(24:06) Refrigerated shipping and controlled storage
(25:53) Separation, crystallization, and dosing consistency
(28:05) Get the manufacturer’s requirements in writing
(28:51) Smell it, inspect it, and do not ignore warning signs
(29:45) Bob’s practical advice for ready-mix producers

GUEST INFO
Robert "Concrete Bob" Higgins
Guest link:
https://www.concretelogicpodcast.com/guests/robert-higgins/

CONCRETE LOGIC ACADEMY
Concrete chemistry gets complicated quickly when one change affects everything else in the mix.

Understanding why an admixture works, how it should be handled, and what can interfere with its performance gives you a better foundation for solving concrete problems instead of guessing.

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

Join for free:
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/

Interested in sponsoring the podcast or working with Concrete Logic Media?
Email Seth: seth@concretelogicpodcast.com

Looking for workwear and hunting gear that can keep up with demanding conditions? KUIU delivers premium, purpose-built gear designed for serious performance. Get 15% off your first order:
https://www.concretelogicpodcast.com/kuiu

CREDITS
Producers: Joshua Huckeby, 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
Does concrete’s culture of toughness help people handle difficult work, or does it keep them from asking for help when they need it most?

Seth is joined by Mike Schneider, who spent 45 years with Baker and served as senior vice president and chief people officer. They discuss why construction workers may suffer in silence, how supervisors can recognize behavior changes, and why mental health needs the same attention the industry gives physical safety. Mike argues that changing the culture starts with stronger relationships, leaders willing to show vulnerability, and making resources such as mental-health first aid, EAPs, and 988 easier to access.

WHAT YOU’LL LEARN
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

CHAPTERS
(00:00) Construction toughness and the mental-health question
(04:01) Why construction workers suffer in silence
(09:09) Changing safety culture and redefining strength
(11:50) Relationships, behavior changes, and recognizing trouble
(15:46) Mental-health resources for the construction industry
(20:34) Opioids, overdoses, and Narcan on the jobsite
(21:59) Removing stigma and talking openly about mental health
(24:15) Why construction faces a difficult combination of risk factors
(27:51) EAPs, 988, and making help easier to reach
(29:44) Screening tools and starting the conversation
(30:37) Language, crisis planning, and postvention
(33:05) Mike’s closing challenge and contact information

GUEST INFO
Mike Schneider, Consultant
Guest link: https://www.concretelogicpodcast.com/guests/mike-schneider/
Email: schneider@bakersharedservices.com

RESOURCES MENTIONED
CIASP - Construction Industry Alliance for Suicide Prevention - preventconstructionsuicide.com
US - United Suicide Survivors International - unitedsurvivors.com
CMHA - Construction Mental Health Alliance - construction wellness.org
ANSW - Alliance for Naloxone Safety in the Workplace - answ.org
AFSP - American Foundation for Suicide Prevention - afsp.org

Books:
“The Anxious Generation - How the Great Rewiring of Children is Causing an Epidemic of Mental Illness” by Jonathan Haldt
“YES, You can Talk about Mental Health at Work” by Melissa Doman
“Empire of Pain - the Secret History of the Sackler Dynasty” by Patrick Radden Keefe
“Dreamland - The True Story of America’s Opiate Epidemic” by Sam Quinones

CONCRETE LOGIC ACADEMY
Concrete knowledge matters, but leadership also means understanding the people doing the work. Concrete Logic Academy provides practical concrete education, professional-development courses, and real-world lessons connected to the podcast.
Join for free: 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/

Interested in sponsoring the podcast or working with Concrete Logic Media?
Email Seth: seth@concretelogicpodcast.com

Special thanks to Andrew Johnson for supporting the podcast.

CREDITS
Producers: Andrew Johnson, 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

How can concrete be waterproofed from the inside instead of relying on a membrane attached to the surface?

Seth is joined by Nick Karam, PE, Business Development Manager at Xypex, to explain how crystalline waterproofing works, where it is commonly used, and how it compares with traditional membranes and coatings. Nick explains how the chemistry reacts inside concrete, how it can help seal hairline cracks when water is present, and what contractors and engineers should consider when comparing products, testing performance, scheduling leak tests, and weighing upfront cost against long-term maintenance.

WHAT YOU’LL LEARN

• Why hardened concrete can still allow water to move through pores and capillaries
• How crystalline waterproofing reacts with water and cement-hydration byproducts
• The difference between an integral crystalline admixture and a surface membrane or liner
• How crystalline products can also be applied as a slurry coating to existing concrete
• Why water exposure can reactivate crystalline chemistry around a new crack
• What Nick says contractors should expect during an initial leak test
• Why a two-to-two-and-a-half-week healing period may need to be considered in the project schedule
• Where crystalline waterproofing is commonly used, including tanks, foundations, elevator pits, tunnels, and wastewater structures
• What permeability and hydrostatic-pressure tests can reveal about product performance
• How loss-on-ignition testing can be used to compare the active material in crystalline products
• Why Nick recommends comparing long-term maintenance and labor costs, not only the admixture cost per cubic yard

CHAPTERS

(00:00) Introduction, podcast support, and Concrete Logic Academy
(04:20) Nick Karam’s background and role at Xypex
(05:43) What crystalline waterproofing actually does
(07:54) How the crystalline reaction works inside concrete
(09:50) Using crystalline coatings on existing concrete
(11:46) How to compare crystalline waterproofing products
(12:05) Permeability and hydrostatic-pressure testing
(15:02) Loss-on-ignition testing and active ingredients
(17:18) Where crystalline waterproofing is commonly used
(18:48) Mix design, dosage, workability, and admixture compatibility
(20:17) When does crystalline waterproofing become active?
(23:09) Leak testing and crack-healing time
(24:58) Scheduling around tank leak tests
(26:09) Cost versus membranes and traditional waterproofing
(26:52) Nick’s final takeaway on long-term performance
(27:49) How to contact Nick Karam

GUEST INFO

Nick Karam, PE
Business Development Manager
Xypex

Guest link:
https://www.concretelogicpodcast.com/guests/nick-karam-pe/

Email: nick.karam@xypex.com
Phone: 216-956-1105

CONCRETE LOGIC ACADEMY

Waterproofing concrete is not just about choosing a product. It is about understanding how water moves through concrete, how the system performs over time, and what the testing actually tells you.

Concrete Logic Academy helps you understand the “why” behind decisions like these so you can make better calls in the field and in the specifications.

Start learning here:
https://concreteschool.co

SUPPORT THE PODCAST

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

Support the show here:
https://www.concretelogicpodcast.com/support/

KUIU affiliate link:
https://www.concretelogicpodcast.com/kuiu

Interested in sponsoring the podcast or working with Concrete Logic Media?
Email Seth: seth@concretelogicpodcast.com

CREDITS

Producers: Ken Tiffany, 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
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: seth@concretelogicpodcast.com

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.