Custom Design Concrete Resurfacing

Former airplane mechanic Michael Hamblins introduction to concrete resurfacing has taken off since changing careers and launching his own company two years ago. With the occasional bump here and there, overall it has been a smooth flight on a steady course.

Hamblin owns Custom Design Concrete Resurfacing, based in McDonough, Georgia, about 30 miles south of Atlanta. He ventured into the concrete resurfacing business by happenstance.

A friend had asked him if he knew anybody who resurfaces pool decks. Hamblin, whose career was steeped in the construction industry, asked around and couldn't find anyone to guide his friend to. So he dipped his toes into the concrete resurfacing industry, researching and learning the business. He ultimately decided to become a CTI distributor, giving up his 12 years at Delta. The huge change in his career came on Sept. 10, 2001 the day before America would change.

"It was kind of weird," Hamblin says. "I started researching and found CTI to be the best. I flew down for three days of training (in Florida) and came back right before September 11."

CTI is Concrete Technology Inc., a resurfacing system that is a color-integrated, modified acrylic cement product made of Portland cement, silica sand and uses a modified acrylic resin as its bonding agent.

"At Custom Design Concrete Resurfacing, we can turn your unsightly concrete into a beautiful work of art," Hamblin says.

CTI's systems achieve a look, texture and color of any type stone or look desired. But instead of starting with fresh concrete, a new layer is placed over existing concrete.

A base coat is applied that fixes any imperfections in the original concrete. A design is then laid over it and a hopper gun shoots on a textured layer over that. A final clear coat is put over the system that is nonporous and protects it and makes it easy to maintain. Mold, mildew, motor oil, etc. can be sprayed off with a regular garden hose. Common detergents can be used to remove tough or repetitive latencies.

"We do pool decks, patios any existing concrete," Hamblin says, saying he's also done interior jobs including kitchen floors and utility rooms.

Founded in 1991, CTI has grown by more than 700 percent since opening its doors in the Tampa Bay area in Florida. The company has been featured in the INC 500 list of the fastest growing, privately held companies in the country and has been listed in the Maddux report's Fast 50 and Deloitte and Touche's Technology 500.

CTI has a dealership network throughout the United States and 22 countries.

"The cost of the CTI system is normally 20 to 25 percent less than the cost of removing cement and pouring new and is easier to maintain than the original cement," the company says. And CTI offers a 10-year limited material warranty against check cracking, fading, delamination, and general product failure.

Hamblin says he opted to become a CTI dealer because the product offers variety.

"They have more to offer," he said. "There are so many ways to do it. It's not just one look or application."

Indeed, whether a client wants the look of tile, marble, PVA quartz or anything else CTI is up to the task. And customers have an array of color and texture options.

Renovations, as well as new applications, are done with a color integrated, sand, cement and acrylic mixture that is backed by a warranty. This amazing product has a resistance of 6,000 PSI, which is twice the strength of normal concrete.

Since he started his own business two years ago, Hamblin has had his fair share of challenges.

"The biggest thing has been dealing with the weather," he says "of the unpredictable and often rainy region. You have to always keep your eye on the sky."

But there have been other learning curves, too.

"Bouncing your schedule around all the time, trying to fill your time productively," he says, "it can be difficult to calculate drying times, especially when shade and trees are hovering over a resurfaced area."

Meanwhile, in addition to looking good, the CTI product is durable. It stands up to freeze and thaw cycles without cracking because the topping is flexible. And it also doesnt flinch in the vibrant sunny regions like Florida, Arizona, and California, where direct sunlight typically fades painted surfaces and coatings over time. CTI fades about 2 percent over seven years and is virtually undetected by the naked eye.

In addition to resisting light, the CTI System isn't affected by heat. Because it can be applied in a limitless number of colors and textures, the CTI System remains cool and comfortable even in the hotter climates around the world. It is 10 to 40 degrees cooler than concrete, 40 to 50 percent cooler than wood decks and tile, and 20 to 30 percent cooler than brick.

The CTI System is skid resistant; it can be as smooth or rough as the customer desires. If a homeowner needs a surface to ensure solid footing or if something smoother is needed indoors or around your pool, CTI can provide the proper amount of texture to fit your needs.

In addition, CTI resists salt and chemicals. Salt often causes pitting and scaling in concrete.

After two years in the business, most of Hamblins work comes through referrals. He does some advertising through local mailer publications and he tried one home show, but that wasn't for him.

"Personal referrals are always the best," he says.

And having his own business has proven to work out best for Hamblin.

"I enjoy it," Hamblin says. "I like being out on my own. Its fast-paced, which I like. Im a go-getter."

Custom Design Concrete Resurfacing
Michael Hamblin
205 Leigh's Trace
Mcdonough, GA 30253
(770) 898-8548
Send Mail Now - Click Here
www.customdesigncti.com

Michele Dawson writes each week on one of the contractor members of The Concrete Network (www.concretenetwork.com). She has written about the home building industry for several years and was on the public affairs staff of the California Building Industry Association.