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“They think they can do it themselves, then they mess a couple of jobs up, get frustrated and get out,” he says. “We see a lot of people that come and go.”

Inferior work can reflect badly on the entire industry, which is why Jeff Girard and Lane Mangum founded the Concrete Countertop Institute.

“We wanted to raise the standards for concrete countertops — to make sure they remain a popular and viable option for the long term,” Mangum says. “Having concrete skills doesn’t necessarily prepare someone to be successful at countertops.”

Besides improving technical skills, being trained can also offer an edge in landing business, Bennett says.

“If you can show a homeowner you’re certified, it builds a relationship with the client,” he says. “You’ve got not only the skills, but also the backing of the people who certified you.”