Ryan Olson

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Ryan Olson is the former editor and publisher of Concrete Contractor.

Pictured, an outdoor living space where acid stains were used to etch the concrete surface.

Understand the Differences Between Concrete Dyes, Stains and Pigments

When it comes to imparting color on a concrete surface, understanding the product options is critical in order to achieve the finished look your customer desires

Concrete FF Numbers

What Are FF & FL Numbers?

Since it was introduced in the 1970s, F-numbers have proven to be useful in measuring and improving concrete floor flatness and levelness. With modern finishing equipment, achieving overall floor flatness and levelness has made it easy for flatwork finish

PCA Spring Forecast Predicts 2.3% Cement Consumption Growth

The Portland Cement Association's annual Spring Forecast estimates strong to moderate growth for cement consumption through 2019 and into 2020.

World of Concrete 2019 A Success

This year’s edition of the World of Concrete exceeded expectations and according to organizers was the largest event in over a decade. The annual event registered over 60,000 attendees and more than 1,500 exhibiting companies. It was a smashing success.

Greetings and Happy New Year!

January is one of my favorite months of the year, not just because it indicates a start to a new year of opportunity, but also because the World of Concrete will commence in a week or so.

Stand the Test of Time | JLG®

Stand the Test of Time | JLG®

Your work is meant to weather through some of the toughest conditions. Your equipment should do the same. That's why the best contractors trust JLG®.

Presenting the 2019 Annual Product Review

This, the October/November issue of Concrete Contractor features over 170 products divided across 11 different product types.

In this example, of all the passes that have been recorded so far on this day, the left hand side reported an average of 429 while the right side reported an average of 415. This indicates that the operator and both sides of the machine are performing well with some room for improvement. The icon alerts at the bottom would indicate the specific areas to improvement.

How To Place a Better Floor

With the Somero Floor Levelness System, contractors now have a tool to help them perform their jobs better and make corrections along the way when using laser screed equipment.

Technology on Parade

A Summer to Celebrate

Summer is in full swing and with summer comes backyard BBQ’s, 4th of July celebrations and the lazy days of summer. It’s a great time of the year. In this, the June/July issue of Concrete Contractor there is lots to celebrate as well.

PCA Releases Annual Spring Forecast

The Portland Cement Association has released the annual spring forecast and it’s quite positive. According to a press release from the organization, it envisions modest growth for cement consumption over the next two years.

Functionality That Makes a Difference | JLG®

Functionality That Makes a Difference | JLG®

From Smart Load technology to self-leveling innovations, helping you and your crew return home safely is more than our job – it’s why we’re here.

The Moscone Center improvements, specifically with regard to the polished concrete scope, in San Francisco, California is a lesson to specifications that don’t always meet owner expectations and how a great general contractor, great architect, and an experienced concrete subcontractor can communicate and come together to drive the project in a successful direction for all parties.

The Gestation of a Polished Concrete Project

The Moscone Center improvements, specifically to the polished concrete scope, is a lesson to specifications that don’t always meet expectations but how communication between parties can drive the project in a successful direction for all parties.

In July, the DSSG held their first Summer Summit in Del Mar, Calif. at the world class L’Auberge Del Mar Resort. This was an opportunity to bring together the membership to discuss the latest trends and best in class products in the industry.

Leading the Way with the Best in Class

The Decorative Surface Solutions Group Leads the Way with their first Summer Summit.

Got Concrete Products?

Products, products, products – this is the theme of the October/November issue of Concrete Contractor. You are holding our Annual Product Guide which features over 135 products divided across 11 different product types.

OSHA Delays Silica Standard Enforcement

The U.S. Department of Labor’s Occupational Safety and Health Administration has announced a delay in enforcement of the crystalline silica standard that applies to the construction industry to conduct additional outreach and provide educational materials

Concrete Durability

Can we design and build structures we know will last 50 years, 75 years or 100 years?

Show Floor North Hall 589cb12f22488

World of Concrete was a Success

With the 2017 edition of the World of Concrete show now in the rear view mirror, I write this column thinking about how energized and upbeat both attendees and exhibitors were about the upward momentum of the industry.

Come See Us at the World of Concrete

The Future of Concrete

Gazing into the crystal ball to determine the future can be a risky way to prepare for what is to come. However, two organizations have partnered to discuss ways the concrete industry can remain viable and create a road map for future success.

The PolishedCrete team working with Jett Landscape Architecture + Design created a whimsical graphic that resembles a “swirl” effect within the polished concrete surface.

Creativity and Originality Transform the Zephyr Hotel

How collaboration created an architectural transformation to illustrate the power of concrete in design.

Are you Ready to Polish your Concrete Skills?

Earlier this year, we announced the launch of CP&S – the International Concrete Polishing and Staining Conference and Expo. Now, we’re excited to announce attendee registration is now open!

Brewing Concrete in Milwaukee

For the first time since 1979, the ACI Convention/Expo will be held in Milwaukee. At that time, the local Wisconsin ACI chapter had just been founded a few years prior

Pictured here is the Lewis and Clark Exploratory Center in Charlottesville, Virginia. The exposed concrete wall was board formed to appear like it had the texture of a boat. .

Innovation with People, Processes and Pricing Builds a Profitable Concrete Contractor