Last of the Concrete Contractors

Well I just said it, bluntly too.  There aren't many of us left.  The new kids don't understand concrete and aren't interested.  A lot of the guys I came up with are retiring.  I haven't got a clue what people are going to do in 10 years when there is no one left who can work on concrete.  I can't always find good help and when I do, they are older guys like me.  Most people who work with concrete will tell you what a pleasure it is to work with.  I think young guys are turned off cement flatwork because its messy and labor intensive.  But we make a good living and we are in great shape.  Working as a concrete contractor for 35 years has kept me fit like a young man, just ask my wife!  I think another thing that turns off the new guys is the business side.  Quoting jobs, maintaining tools and equipment, finding good concrete suppliers - that is all hard work and takes away from the tradecraft.  Meeting homeowners in the city where I grew up is still fun to me.  I get calls from old friends who need help, I get referrals and I meet lots of new people who need concrete work, who are now finding my on the internet.  I am thinking out loud here, but maybe this is not a trade at all, maybe it's a craft, and you don't usually see training for craftsmanship, it is always passed down to an apprentice.  No matter where you live, find a concrete contractor and strike up a conversation.  You will learn something, you will make a new friend and you might even find a new job.  I'd love to teach the business to a new guy and pass on the skills and techniques to the right crew.