Behind the Mic

Season 3

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Episode 1 | Episode 2 | Episode 3 | Episode 4 | Episode 5 | Episode 6 | Episode 7 | Episode 8

Episode 1

From Family Legacy to Industry Leadership: Cole Beadin on CFA Certification

In this episode, we sit down with Cole Beaudin, a third-generation concrete contractor whose family has been shaping the residential concrete industry for decades. Cole shares the inspiring story of his family’s deep roots with the Concrete Foundations Association (CFA), from his grandfather being one of the seven original founders in 1975 to their family business thriving since 1965.

Cole dives into the impact of CFA certification on his career and team, explaining how it has opened doors for superintendents and foremen while setting a higher standard for the industry. He candidly discusses the initial challenges of navigating the certification process and how CFA’s resources, like the learning management system with recorded PowerPoints and slides, provided a clear roadmap to success.

Beyond personal growth, Cole emphasizes how certification elevates the entire residential concrete industry by promoting consistent standards and signaling a commitment to quality over shortcuts. His advice to hesitant contractors? Pursue certification, not just for your business’s long-term growth, but to contribute to a stronger, more aware industry.

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Episode 2

Navigating Employee Benefits for Foundation Contractors – A Conversation with Marsh McLennan Agency

In this episode, Trenton Baty, CFA’s Membership and Marketing Director, sits down with Devin Pickett and John Puetz from Marsh McLennan Agency. CFA’s trusted partner for employee benefits and retirement plans. Together, they address the unique challenges faced by foundation contractors, such as rising healthcare costs, limited HR infrastructure, labor shortages and navigating complex compliance across state lines.

John shares how offering competitive, customized benefits can enhance a contractor’s total rewards package, helping attract and retain top talent. Devin highlights the advantages of CFA’s aggregated risk pool, which gives smaller contractors access to stable, big-company-level benefits.

They also encourage contractors to evaluate their current plans for a better fit and invite CFA members to connect with them through the CFA staff or at CFACON26 in Milwaukee.

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Episode 3

Why Certification Matters

Industry certifications matter more than ever. They help ensure your crew is trained in the concrete testing procedures that uphold quality and reinforce industry standards. In this episode of Behind the Mic with the Concrete Foundations Association (CFA), host Trenton Baty talks with Katie Amelio, American Concrete Institute (ACI) Resource Center Manager, about the value of certification. She explains how this five-year credential can strengthen workforce capability, support project quality and enhance profitability.

The conversation also explores ACI’s 30+ certification programs, with a focus on essential field credentials such as field testing, strength testing and aggregate testing. Plus, find out how CFA is offering ACI certification at CFACON26 this July in Milwaukee.

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Episode 4

Unlock the Secrets of Freight and Logistics with Estes Express Lines

Join Trenton Baty, CFA’s Membership and Marketing Director, as he chats with Sundee Coin from Estes Express Lines about the journey of this fourth-generation, debt-free carrier. Learn how Estes grew from a one-truck operation to a nationwide logistics leader, offering LTL freight, flatbed solutions and more.

Explore key logistics challenges like packaging, fuel charges and the demand for faster delivery, plus tips to avoid costly mistakes. Discover the cost advantages of LTL shipping and exclusive CFA member benefits, including discounted rates and enhanced services.

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Episode 5

Elevating Construction: GFRP Applications and Advantages

In this episode of Behind the Mic with the Concrete Foundations Association (CFA), host Trenton Baty talks with Danielle Kleinhans of MateenBar, also a CFA board member, about GFRP (glass fiber reinforced polymer) rebar and its role in concrete construction.

Kleinhans traces MateenBar's journey from New Zealand pultrusion expertise to full North American production in Concord, North Carolina, then breaks down GFRP in plain terms: non-metallic glass fibers in a vinyl ester resin that is lighter than steel, stronger but less stiff and built to work within existing codes.

The conversation covers contractor benefits like easier handling, reduced corrosion concerns and MateenBar's proprietary lacquer coating, alongside key limitations—most notably, no field bending—and how compliance fits together through ASTM standards, ICC reports, ACI 440.11, IBC/IRC and the upcoming ACI 332 update. Durability testing, emerging EPDs and MateenBar's decision to partner with CFA round out the discussion.

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Episode 6

Beyond the Pour: Inside the Thompson Concrete Foundations Story

In this episode, host Trenton Baty sits down with Kirby Justesen, President, CEO, and Owner of SCW Footings and Foundations, and recipient of the CFA’s prestigious Robert D. Sawyer Award.

The Robert D. Sawyer Award is the highest honor presented by the CFA and recognizes individuals who have demonstrated an exceptional commitment to serving the concrete industry through their time, leadership, and resources.

Kirby shares the story of his lifelong connection to concrete, beginning with hands-on work at a young age and eventually leading to a successful career in residential concrete in Utah. He also discusses his journey as an industry leader, his involvement with the CFA, and his service on ACI committees, sharing lessons and experiences that have shaped his career and impact on the industry.

From building foundations to building a stronger industry, Kirby’s story is a great example of what dedicated leadership and service can accomplish. Tune in to hear Kirby’s story, his perspective on the industry, and what it means to give back to the profession.

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Episode 7

Building More Than Foundations: Kirby Justesen’s Journey to the Robert D. Sawyer Award

In this episode of Behind the Mic with the Concrete Foundations Association (CFA), host Trenton Baty speaks with Brad Thompson (Vice President), Nelson Brooke (Divisional Operations Leader) and Bill Patton (Director of Operations), of Thompson Concrete Foundations, the CFA’s 2026 Contractor of the Year winner.

They discuss the company’s roots in structural concrete, excavation and residential foundations, and explain why the award reflects the consistent daily decisions made by its employee-owners. The conversation explores Thompson Concrete’s evolution from simply building foundations to building people, with a strong emphasis on leadership development at every level and a definition of success that extends beyond financial performance.

The team also highlights its employee stock ownership plan (ESOP) bylaw commitment to donate 10% of profits to charity, including annual service trips to a Christian school in the Dominican Republic. In addition, they discuss the value of CFA involvement through relationship-building, best-practice sharing and industry collaboration. For younger professionals, they offer clear advice: stay curious, work collaboratively, remain coachable and focus on adding value by serving others.

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Episode 8

Built Different: The Story Behind Herbert Construction’s Award-Winning Projects

In this episode, host Trenton Baty sits down with Doug Herbert of Herbert Construction, the recipient of multiple CFA Project Awards, including the prestigious Overall Project of the Year award presented at CFACON26 this summer.

Doug takes us behind the scenes of the award-winning projects, sharing what made them unique, the challenges he and his team faced, and the lessons they learned along the way. From overcoming difficult conditions to executing the details that helped set these projects apart, Doug offers an inside look at what it takes to produce award-winning foundation work.

He also discusses what receiving these awards means to him, his team, and Herbert Construction—and why recognition from fellow industry professionals makes the achievement especially meaningful.

Tune in to hear the stories, challenges, and lessons behind CFA’s Project of the Year.

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