The Kick-Starter Member Award recognizes a member of the association who is maximizing their networking presence within the first three years of joining the CFA. While there are many ways of participating and experiencing the benefits of the CFA, companies who vigorously use the benefit of networking are nominated to the Board of Directors for recognition. This year’s Kick-Starter company burst onto the scene with the association in 2019. Chapin Concrete became a new brand to the southeast region of the U.S. when the leadership of Ashmore Concrete Contractors made the decision to cease general concrete operations and to specialize in concrete pumping. The father and son duo, Charlie and Chris Marra, then stepped away to form their new company, and they immediately began growing, quickly expanding throughout the entire state of South Carolina.
As growth continued, Chris began seeking out resources that could aid them, principally looking for a network of colleagues who would challenge them to be the best company possible. In 2019, company leaders were introduced to the Concrete Foundations Association at the World of Concrete, and they made the decision to join. Immediately upon establishing connection with the CFA network, Chris and the staff at Chapin went to work on identifying the steps to becoming a CFA Certified Foundation Company. These steps included attaining an ACI Certified Foundation Technician credential during the 2020 World of Concrete and (later) completing the conditional steps for the company. Chapin Concrete Contractors has since participated in both the virtual
Concrete Foundations Convention and the virtual Foundations Academy, held online during the COVID pandemic.
“Receiving the Kick-Starter of the year award is flattering and an honor,” Chris Marra said. “We have been working diligently over the last two years to get involved with our industry and have a presence not only in our area, but with our peers around the country. This award is validation of our hard work.”
With the change of venue for #CFACON finalized to Charleston, SC, this year, Chapin Concrete offered to serve as the event’s host contractor and to use their local experience to help maximize attendees’ enjoyment of the area. “CFACON 21 was our very first convention. We really enjoyed the camaraderie with everyone in attendance. Our biggest takeaway was being able to sit in and hear how other professionals operate their businesses. We do not have many poured-wall contractors in our area, so having the chance to listen to our peers from different areas was extremely beneficial.”
Doug Herbert, president of Herbert Construction (of Marietta, Georgia) and the president of the CFA board of directors said, “The aggressiveness of Chapin Concrete to leverage membership and company certification as they step into the marketplace to make a name for their standalone presence speaks volumes to the type of leadership they have.” He added, “I can only imagine the challenge faced by the climb to elevate a new brand from the shadows of an existing recognized leader. The fact that Chapin recognized the impact to their brand offered by affiliation with the CFA honors the integrity of our members. Their immediate engagement with our programs and resources evidences the intentional advancement we offer.”
When asked what this award brings about for the company, Marra responded, “I feel that we have set the bar high after receiving this award. The challenge I see for our company is to use this award as a steppingstone to be a voice in our industry, not only in our local markets, but also regionally and nationally. The CFA provides the perfect avenue for us to achieve this.”
