The Ultimate Creative Concrete Training

Start a business doing what you love: creating with concrete.

What does creating with concrete mean to you?

A way to expand your business while expressing your creativity?

The celebration of making beautiful objects by hand in a mass-produced world?

Staying closer to home to provide for your family?

The possibilities of concrete are endless. Concrete allows you to work with your hands making something beautiful that people will treasure. Seeing a beautiful creation that you crafted from raw materials in someone’s home is very gratifying.

But you need more:

Do you want to build a successful business crafting high-quality concrete products?

The Ultimate Concrete Countertop Training gives you:

The technical know-how to prevent problems

The business systems to prevent mistakes

The knowledge and confidence you need to succeed

If you want to be successful, you need to learn the fundamentals that will give you a solid foundation to build your business on. You need to truly understand concrete and master working with it.

But not just that – you also need to learn how to price concrete, how to sell concrete, and how to manage projects to avoid profit-killing problems and mistakes.

The Ultimate Concrete Countertop Training offers all that and more.

Since 2004, almost 2000 people from around the world have trained hands on with The Concrete Countertop Institute. People like the incredible artisans whose work is pictured below:

"After attending all the ‘Big Name’ training courses, this by far has been the best. Jeff not only taught & demonstrated how, but also providing engineering & education that support his theories on overall areas of concrete countertop manufacturing. I really enjoyed getting all the information from an independent source. The CCI does not sell proprietary mix, just needed information to be successful in this industry. I highly recommend this course & CCI to anyone making concrete countertops. Thanks for everything!"

"The class has given me the confidence in being able to do my work while resting assured that my process is a result of through studies and years of experience. CCI has a step-by-step approach that makes learning concrete easy and enjoyable. The class is as hands on as it is technical. Any serious student can appreciate the years worth of knowledge put into CCI’s classes."

"This was the best class by far I have ever taken. I recommend it to everyone who ever wants to start up doing concrete countertops. Everything was so detailed and spot on. Thank you, everyone from CCI for all your support and knowledge shared. Amazing job done once again for all."

"Thanks for offering this class. I do not think this level of expertise could possibly be offered elsewhere. I feel confident that my concrete business will be successful because of CCI. I loved the networking I received and I did not have to reinvent the wheel by making costly mistakes on my own. If you are a person that is serious about pursuing this as a business, don't miss this opportunity. CCI's level of professionalism and knowledge is top notch. Thanks!"

"I highly recommend the class for anyone starting in the concrete countertop business. The knowledge of Jeff’s civil engineering has helped me better understand the importance of proper reinforcing and quality mix design to influence the quality of your finished products."

"After coming to the training I have saved more time and money than imaginable. The training was priceless. Knowing the “how” and “why” gave me the confidence and reassurance that I could endeavor further into this great niche of concrete countertop making. Jeff was very informative and answered any questions you threw at him. They have a very personable work staff. I can’t wait to come back."

"The class was worth the money. All the knowledge provided will cut down on the future mistakes. The Sales and Marketing book is a great source on how to get the word out about your business by people who are a success in the concrete countertop industry."

The Ultimate class: 5 days intensive hands on training

This class is not intended for ‘weekend warriors’ or the Do-It-Yourselfers out there. We have other options if either of those terms apply to you. However, if you already have a business, or if you’re ready to start your own, let’s talk. It could be that this is the class you’ve been looking for.

What you learn: Everything that pertains to foundational knowledge of both Precast and GFRC fabrication methods, from mix design right up through sealers. And it’s not limited to countertops; you’ll learn a variety of other projects as well such as furniture and sinks. This class will give you everything you need in order to have a successful creative concrete business.

What we expect in our students: Dedication. Commitment to learning proven methods. Willingness to put preconceived ideas aside and absorb the truth from an experienced Engineer and Artisan. The gumption to get home and get to work.

Ideally, we accept students who have their shop spaces planned out (if not actually set up), already have most (if not all) of their tools and equipment, and are prepared to make a go of it. Interviews are required, and if you’re not ready to pack your bags and buy your tickets, you’re not ready to interview.

It’s about FREEDOM: freedom to choose your own mix, freedom to buy materials where you want to buy them, freedom to be creative on your own terms, freedom from mistakes made out of ignorance.

It may not be easy, but you won’t have to go it alone. We’ll be there to guide you every step of the way. FREE, unlimited, lifetime support directly from your instructors is included, plus membership in the community of successful CCI alumni worldwide.

What are you waiting for? Apply Now below.

Apply Now

Tuition: $4995 (monthly pre-payment plans available!)

Schedule: Feb 20-24, 2023

Where: Lawson Design in Canton, NC

Registration: Click here to apply

Do you want to be successful creating with concrete?

You can, with The Ultimate Creative Concrete Training!

Want proof? The real proof of a training program is the success of the alumni.

Look at the amazing creations that those alumni make:

CCI is dedicated to your success.

It takes more than showing up for a few days and playing with concrete with some cool people. The truly hard work starts when you go home, and that’s when CCI’s program really kicks in and your lifetime support begins.

As the great coach Vince Lombardi said, “Practice does not make perfect. Only perfect practice makes perfect.” Don’t waste your time practicing something unless you’re going to learn how to do it right in the first place.

Learn the right way, and then get unlimited support to guide you as you implement what you learned.

We are here to build your knowledge, your confidence, and your success. CCI’s focus is 100% on our alumni, not on ourselves.

It’s all we do, day in and day out, year in and year out. We have the perspective of the entire community of CCI alumni all over the world, and we know exactly what works and what doesn’t, proven over and over.

How do we do it? Hear from some alumni:

"Detailed, ground up training in process and techniques. Valuable insight from Jeff on tried and true methods and the reasons behind them."

"I can’t say enough great things about this class. This course gave me exactly what I wanted and then some. Totally professional. What’s needed to elevate this craft to the next level."

"If you are looking for the best education on concrete countertops, look no further. You will get much more than you expect. The Concrete Countertop Institute is it!"

"I know the product that I am creating is of high quality and something I can stand behind with confidence. The class looks at concrete countertops from the technical side and Jeff explains not only the what, but the why, which is very important to me."

"A bottom up, comprehensive approach that teaches about the entire process. You can take the information and go in your own direction, opposed to just learning a ‘style’. The emphasis on quality and strength is great."

"Jeff is very passionate about concrete countertops and teaching. He shared his knowledge on ANY question asked, in a detailed and comprehensive manner. His approach and method gave me the confidence to pursue this avenue of decorative concrete."

"I have taken lots of training classes over the years, this was by far the most well rounded class I have taken. They covered the entire circle of skills to be able to produce concrete countertops successfully. Thanks!!"

Click here for even more testimonials and videos.

Apply Now

Tuition: $4995 (monthly pre-payment plans available!)

Schedule: Feb 20-24, 2023

Where: Lawson Design in Canton, NC

Registration: Click here to apply

The CCI Difference:

Concrete countertop knowledge built on a solid foundation.

Why should you take this class rather than some other concrete countertop class?

– Learn not just how, but why.

You will truly understand, not just follow someone else’s technique blindly. There is a big difference between truly understanding concrete based on real, engineering-based technical knowledge and merely knowing how to work with concrete based on experience that came from making mistakes over and over and eventually finding solutions but not understanding why those solutions work. We can (and will) teach you why.

– Understand mix design, and be free to choose any mix.

We teach using from-scratch mixes, not a proprietary product that you’ll be forced to use because you don’t understand concrete countertop mix design. You get the freedom to choose whatever mix works for you, because you will be equipped to understand any mix.

– Get 100% dedicated, lifetime support post-class.

We are not too busy running our own creative concrete business to help you. We are here for your success. We focus 100% on helping our alumni, day in and day out. And our alumni help each other too.

– Get extensive documentation and turn-key systems for running your business.

You will leave class with hundreds of pages of both technical and business documentation and systems, including exactly how to market and sell creative concrete. You’ll get a contract, sales scripts, pricing worksheet, quality checklists, and much more.

– Take the class that WORKS, proven by our community of successful alumni.

Check out this incredible creation by a group of CCI Alumni:

Click here for more about the project featured in this video.

Click here for more about engineering.

Apply Now

Tuition: $4995 (monthly pre-payment plans available!)

Schedule: Feb 20-24, 2023

Where: Lawson Design in Canton, NC

Registration: Click here to apply

Meet your instructors:

Learn at the working shop of one of the preeminent concrete artisans today.

This course is co-taught by CCI president and founder Jeff Girard and our star alumnus Caleb Lawson of Lawson Design.

Jeff Girard

Hi. I’m Jeff Girard, founder and president of The Concrete Countertop Institute. My biggest hope, and my biggest source of joy, is that I can make your creative concrete journey a little easier.

My mission is to give you a solid technical foundation as well as business guidance to be successful in your endeavors, freeing you to focus on your creativity and the real meaning to you of creating with concrete.

I am honored and humbled that I’ve had the opportunity to teach and mentor so many people. Since 2004, I’ve trained over 1500 people from around the world.

I am proud to build a community of concrete professionals who pour hard work and pride into their businesses. People like Caleb. Caleb took this exact training in 2013, and has since built a successful and thriving creative concrete business.

That is what I hope for all of the students who show up at class with a dream to make a living creating with concrete. That is my raison d’etre, my purpose, my life’s calling. That is what makes it all worth it.

I’m here to help you master the fundamentals, to truly understand not just how, but why. That technical understanding will enable you to be successful without having problems. Then you can confidently create your own style and your own vision.

All of my teaching comes from an engineering standpoint, based on sound scientific principles. My approach is not based on experience that comes from making mistakes over and over and eventually finding solutions but not understanding why those solutions work. I will tell you why. I will give you a solid foundation. Let me help you create YOUR success story.

Caleb Lawson

Hi, I’m Caleb Lawson with Lawson Design in Canton, NC.

I got into concrete in 2012 after a chance conversation with a member of my church, Chuck, led me to start managing his concrete countertop business, Price Concrete, in 2012. After just a few months, I went all in: I purchased his business. I loved working with my hands, creating something beautiful that lasts. I was hooked on concrete.

But I was in over my head. Chuck wasn’t able to train or support me properly, and I needed help. I sought training from the best mind in this niche industry: Jeff Girard. That was October 2013.

Since then, I’ve had the privilege of working on incredible concrete projects, always knowing that Jeff had my back. I’ve grown as an artisan and a business person.

As I’ve developed my own style, it has reinforced my belief that success starts with substance. It is essential to have a solid foundation of technical knowledge on which to build your creativity. CCI gave me that foundation.

In 2021, I moved my shop from Orlando, FL, to my wife’s small hometown of Canton, NC, and changed the name to Lawson Design. It was time to focus on my family and to make my own mark on the concrete industry under my own family name.

I’ve come to consider Jeff a friend as well as a mentor. I’m honored to teach alongside him and to give others the opportunity to build their success, like I did, creating with concrete.

Come see my shop, and see exactly how I did it! Join me in the community of concrete artisans.

You can do it!

Do you want to do what Caleb did? You can.

In this class, he will teach you exactly how he does it, in his working shop.

You will join Caleb and the entire group of successful CCI alumni who are part of the most intensive creative concrete training and support program ever offered.

You will receive lifetime personal support from both Caleb and CCI founder Jeff Girard.

Register now and secure your spot in the preeminent training event of the year.

There is no risk to registering, but there are unlimited rewards and unlimited possibilities awaiting you.

Join us. Be a part of the community that cares about you and your success.

Apply Now

Tuition: $4995 (monthly pre-payment plans available!)

Schedule: Feb 20-24, 2023

Where: Lawson Design in Canton, NC

Registration: Click here to apply

What will I learn?

You will learn:

Professional templating methods
Professional forming methods
Mold making for countertops and integral sinks
Sink and faucet layout
How to construct a casting table
Reinforcing of both simple and complex shapes, including large sink holes, curves, and cantilevers
Principles of concrete countertop mix design
Engineered precast mix formula that achieves compressive strengths of over 4000 PSI in 1 day
The from-scratch formula and calculator for a simple, 100% successful, properly engineered, GFRC mix
How to use GFRC to create solid, variegated (hand-pressed), and exposed aggregate looks
How to spray mist coat correctly for the best finish
How to apply backer coat correctly for the strongest concrete
When to use scrim for extra strength
How to foam core GFRC to reduce weight and increase strength even more
Grinding and polishing GFRC
How to seal GFRC
Work with both CSA cement and portland cement
How to cast and cure, and what concrete is actually doing when it cures
How to grind, hone and polish
Grout formula
Detailed information about sealer chemistries, from acrylic to urethane, and how to apply professional-grade, stain-proof sealer
How to transport slabs to the job site
How to achieve the perfect installation, including undermount sinks
Use the professional-grade materials and tools you really need, in a model concrete countertop shop
Business topics: The most effective marketing techniques, how to price, systems to increase profitability, how to build a website and use social media, and more. You will receive a complete package of every business form you need, including a contract, brochure, specifications, estimating spreadsheet, quality checklists and more.

You will receive:

Precast and GFRC from-scratch mix calculators
Detailed instruction manual on precast concrete countertop manufacturing
Detailed instruction manual on GFRC concrete countertop manufacturing
Comprehensive guide to marketing and selling concrete countertops, plus a contract, estimating spreadsheet, brochure, architectural specifications and more
A project management course that includes quality checklists and procedures for managing multiple projects, resulting in fewer mistakes and higher profits
Over 400 pages in all of extensive reference materials, plus 2 hours of live action videos on GFRC and almost 8 hours of online seminars
A diploma
Lifetime, unlimited support from instructors via phone and email.
Lifetime membership in our community of creative concrete professionals

Will this really make me successful, with just 5 days of training?

Yes, if you go home and work hard and apply what you learned. And take advantage of our 100% dedicated, lifetime support.

But don’t take our word for it. Look at the CCI Alumni Success Stories. When you become a CCI Alumnus, you have far more than training – you have a life-long network of supportive colleagues.

Do I get to take anything home?

Yes! If you drive to class, take home one of the class projects! (We will draw names if we have more drivers than class projects.) We don’t sell our class projects, they become part of YOUR portfolio.

Apply Now

When, where, and cost?

What is your refund policy?

– If you need to cancel for any reason, the $1000 deposit becomes a credit towards a future hands-on class within 6 months of your original class date. Any additional tuition you paid is fully refundable.

– You can choose to apply your credit right away towards the self-study course “How to Start a Concrete Countertop Business”. That way you can use all of the textbooks, mix calculators, videos etc. as self-study materials until you can attend an in-person class.

– Please see our Class Policies form for details.

What is your COVID-19 policy?

We always take safety seriously. Here are some of the extra safety precautions we’re implementing:

– This class is limited to a small class size of 15 students.

– The spacious shop allows for ample social distancing.

– The weather at this time of year is typically in the mid 60s, which allows for open doors and good ventilation.

– Currently masks are not required in NC.

– Disclosure of vaccination status is not required.

When and where is this class offered?

The Ultimate Creative Concrete Training class is offered only 2-4 times per year. See above for the upcoming class dates.

How much does it cost?

$4995, by application only. If your application is accepted, space in the February 2023 class can be secured with a deposit of $1000, with the balance due 6 weeks before the class. Or, monthly pre-payment plans are available if registering far enough ahead. Click here to apply.

Breakfast, hot lunch and all class materials (textbook, mix calculator, videos and more) are included, plus all the benefits listed above.

What’s the class size?

This Ultimate class is limited to 15 students.

Who should take this class?

This class is for people serious about starting and succeeding in a business creating countertops, sinks, furniture, fire pits and more with concrete. You do not need prior concrete experience, but you do need to be very handy and capable of professional level projects such as carpentry, tile work, home building, etc. This class is not for do-it-yourselfers. Consider our DIY training instead.