What if your concrete mix could cut a data center’s power bill by 15%? In this episode of the Concrete Logic Podcast, host Seth Tandett talks with Frank Stankunas Sr., Frank Stankunas Jr., and James Cordeiro from Silverback Concrete about a concept most engineers haven’t thought about—thermal resistivity in concrete.…

Dan McCoy compares high-silica-fume concrete to nuclear testing—literally. In this clip, he explains how volatile some mixes can get when too much silica fume is added, referencing the “tickling the dragon’s tail” experiments from Los Alamos. Joined by Dr. Jon Belkowitz and host Seth Tandett, the group connects the dots…

Dan McCoy cuts through the noise with a simple point: before anything else, ask—what do we want the concrete to do? Joined by Dr. Jon Belkowitz and host Seth Tandett, the group breaks down why understanding the purpose of the concrete—structural, surface, or mass—is the key to performance and longevity.

Dr. Jon Belkowitz explains what happens when water gets trapped inside concrete at the micron scale—and why it can actually make the concrete stronger. Joined by Seth Tandett and Dan McCoy, the group discusses how confined water changes from a liability into a strength-producing material.

Dan McCoy explains why chasing compressive strength can backfire. In this clip, he breaks down the real goal: balancing performance, shrinkage, and durability for how the concrete will actually be used. Joined by Dr. Jon Belkowitz and host Seth Tandett, the conversation shifts from numbers to performance-based thinking.

Dan McCoy explains how silica fume became the go-to for bridge deck overlays—and why that might’ve been a mistake. In this clip, Seth Tandett, Dr. Jon Belkowitz, and Dan talk about how silica fume was treated as an addition instead of a true supplementary cementitious material, and what that means…

Dan McCoy says the problem isn’t the materials—it’s how we use them. In this clip, Seth Tandett, Dr. Jon Belkowitz, and Dan talk about the real issue holding back performance: complacency. The mix that worked 10 or 25 years ago might not cut it today. Materials change. Testing should too.

Dan McCoy compares colloidal silica to 5G—new, expensive, and not always better. In this clip from the Concrete Logic Podcast, Seth Tandett, Dr. Jon Belkowitz, and Dan unpack what colloidal silica actually is, how it’s made, and why cost alone doesn’t tell the full story.

What happens when the concrete industry’s “wonder dust” meets its high-tech rival? In this episode of the Concrete Logic Podcast, host Seth Tandett brings back Dan McCoy and Dr. Jon Belkowitz to challenge everything we thought we knew about silica fume. From bridge deck overlays that crack like eggshells to…

What happens when the concrete industry’s “wonder dust” meets its high-tech rival? In this episode of the Concrete Logic Podcast, host Seth Tandett brings back Dan McCoy and Dr. Jon Belkowitz to challenge everything we thought we knew about silica fume. From bridge deck overlays that crack like eggshells to…

Tamson Omps shares what it really takes to run a zero-waste concrete plant — and why it’s rarely practical unless you’re forced to do it. At one Seattle facility, the cost of disposal was higher than the concrete itself, pushing the team to reuse everything they could.

Tamson Omps explains one of the biggest challenges in ready-mix operations — managing the peaks and valleys in daily concrete schedules. Everyone wants their concrete at 7 a.m., but it’s how you handle the midday “dead zone” that separates efficient producers from the rest.

Tamson Omps clears up a common misunderstanding about wet-batch concrete. You don’t have to fully mix in the plant — shrink mixing lets you get material just fluid enough to transfer, and the truck finishes the job on the road. Faster load-outs mean better efficiency, as long as you meet…

Tamson Omps calls out one of the biggest challenges in ready-mix — driver turnover. With a third of concrete delivery pros leaving each year, companies that invest in their drivers gain the biggest return. Safe, skilled drivers are the face of your business and the key to profitability.

Tamson Omps breaks down one of the biggest mindset shifts in the ready-mix world — you’re not just selling concrete, you’re running a trucking operation. The faster you load, deliver, and turn those trucks, the more profitable you get.

Tamson Omps explains how “eco blocks” — those massive, stackable concrete Legos — are used for everything from retaining walls to tent counterweights. These blocks prove that when it comes to concrete, versatility and weight go hand in hand.

What if the problem isn’t your concrete, but how you run your business? In this episode of the Concrete Logic Podcast, Seth Tandett talks with Tamson Omps, Director of Operations at Thomas Concrete, about how ready-mix producers can finally take control of their margins. Tamson lays out the seven areas…

What if the problem isn’t your concrete, but how you run your business? In this episode of the Concrete Logic Podcast, Seth Tandett talks with Tamson Omps, Director of Operations at Thomas Concrete, about how ready-mix producers can finally take control of their margins. Tamson lays out the seven areas…

Great teams don’t “plug-and-play”—they develop people. Hire for strengths, give runway, and treat mistakes as reps that build judgment. If your culture can’t tolerate learning through failure, it won’t grow leaders. Full episode (EP #135): https://www.concretelogicpodcast.com/135

Relocation isn’t a sales pitch—it’s career math. Parker lays out the real trade: if a project means moving twice in three years, it should clearly accelerate your skills and trajectory. The right market move is about your future, not the company’s convenience. Full episode (EP #135): https://www.concretelogicpodcast.com/135

In construction, the market sets the pace. Parker’s rule: relocate only when the move will be pivotal for your next 18–24 months. Family and roots matter—but your career grows where the work is. Full episode (EP #135): https://www.concretelogicpodcast.com/135

Market fit matters. Some regions are largely union, have unique labor codes, seismic retrofit demands, and different insurance realities—so certain contractors simply don’t operate there. If you insist on staying put, be upfront about it. If you’re open to relocating, you’ll have more options. Full episode (EP #135): https://www.concretelogicpodcast.com/135

Parker explains why moving to a new region fast-tracked his training and career growth—and why “sacrifice” (grit by another name) often beats comfort if you want to stay competitive. Even if family and roots matter, at least hear the opportunity out. Full episode (EP #135): https://www.concretelogicpodcast.com/135

After a decade in executive search, Patrick says the middle ground is disappearing. Candidates aren’t “keeping in touch” anymore—they’re either locking in with their current company or ready to make a move immediately. Here’s what that polarization means for your next career decision. Full episode (EP #135): https://www.concretelogicpodcast.com/135