In 1998 I enlisted counsel from S.C.O.R.E. (Service Core of Retired Executives) and The S.B.A. (Small Business Administration) to obtain financing to purchase construction equipment to grow my business. Action Concrete has become a household name in the Storm Lake area and is still going strong to this day! If you think about it, that really says a lot, because you can’t stay in business for over 11 years in a town with less than 10,000 people unless you keep your word, have honest business dealings with both suppliers and customers and stand behind your work as much as possible. I’ve heard it said that 90% of all start-up businesses fail in the first 5 years, and 90% of the ones that made it to 5 years, fail before they have been in business for 10 years. That means that Action Concrete is in the 1% that actually made it past 10years!
Shane has personally held every position in this company. I’ve shoveled, raked, screeded, finished, formed, shot grade, operated every piece of equipment, bid jobs, made sales, collected, made payroll, lined up credit and paid suppliers, hired, fired and even did some book work. I always strive to do my best and to be constantly improving both the company and myself. I’ve taken the O.S.H.A. 10 Hr. safety course to help ensure a safer jobsite. I have laser level certification, and became certified to install Phoenix ICF wall forms by taking a 2 day training class. I have taken several classes at the Construction Expo in Des Moines, including George Headley’s live “Hard Hat Seminar” workshops and studied his -“How to Build a Profitable Construction Company” books and C.D.’s
David Gerstel- “Running a Successful Construction Company” Book
Paul W. Holley- “Surveying Layout” Fundamentals for Construction DVD’s
I have several instructional videos on doing colored, stamped concrete and have done a little of it. I also have many on individual pieces of equipment. I try to stay informed of the latest technology of each industry I’m involved in, as soon as it comes out.
I’ve also worked for other construction companies like T.I.C. of Wyoming, who constructed the windmill farm around Alta, Ia. I worked for Woodruff Construction on the Storm Lake D.O.T. building. I Have had several great mentors on jobsite's through the years. My company Action Concrete has partnered with several local companies to complete certain projects that required a combined effort to obtain the best results possible. I have invested time traveling to larger company’s jobsite's to observe how they do things and to watch certain pieces of equipment at work. I’ve toured the Gomaco Manufacturing facility and attended many demonstrations related to the construction industry. I also watch a lot of educational T.V. about Construction, House Flipping and Real Estate.
