< PreviousWRITTEN BY MEGHAN BARTON T he precast concrete industry stands as a cornerstone in modern construction, revolutionizing not only the way structures are built, but their very design. Positioned as a key player in the precast concrete industry, Precast Unlimited boasts a comprehensive range of capabilities, serving as a singular destination for an array of projects. From utility structures to intricate architectural components, its expertise spans the spectrum of precast. What distinguishes it is a steadfast commitment to customization, with an impressive 90% of its projects tailored to unique specifications. Beyond the conventional role of a pre- cast provider, Precast Unlimited emerges as a versatile organization adept at adapting its services to the distinctive requirements of each project. Whether designing for the robust functionality of utility structures or the nuanced aesthetics of architectural elements, the company thrives on the challenge of delivering exceptional precast solutions across diverse applications. 10More than 25 years ago, the founders embarked on a mis- sion to establish a company that would set new standards in customized and high-quality precast products. Originally incorporated as Universal Precast, today, Precast Unlimited stands as a leader in architectural, site furnishing, utility, and structural precast solutions. The company's impressive growth can be attributed to the successful completion of thousands of projects, collaborating with architects, general contractors, municipalities, counties, state and federal clients like the VA, and with institutes of higher education. As a growing business, the company's culture is deeply rooted in quality and craftsmanship. Paul D’Amico and Gary McCall are the visionaries behind the company's inception and have played a crucial role. After gaining knowledge and experience while working with another company, D’Amico identified a market opportunity. Starting with site furnishings and fiber- glass molds, the company evolved, incorporating rapid mod- eling and CNC capabilities for custom mold creation as the team expanded. Just over a year ago, the company divided in two with the original iteration continuing as UPC Parks which offers customizable play experiences. Precast Unlimited as the sister company still offers product design, 3D mod- eling, mold manufacturing, concrete mix designs, specialty finishes, and more. Since the early 2000s, the company’s growth has been consistent, a testament to its dedication to innovation, extraordinary customization capabilities, and customer satisfaction. 11The team today has evolved to support these pillars of Pre- cast Unlimited’s business model. Although the ownership is now more hands-off, the workforce of 50+ is led by Brody Bowman-Vice President/Civil Engineer, Chris Hess- Director of Product Design, Peter Goff, Chase Warner, and Blake Pewitt-Project Managers, Tricia Seylar-Office Manager, Bran- don Long- Plant Manager and Josh Weyand- Estimator. In the last year Precast Unlimited has completed projects across the lower 48 states as well as in Hawaii; while UPC Parks has shipped products as far as Europe and Dubai. Precast Unlimited continues to deliver custom precast concrete utility and architectural products with in-house capabilities for modeling, mold making, and engineering. The company prides itself on its ability to take a concept, convert it into a 3D model, create the molds, and tailor a mix design to meet its customer’s unique vision. Their extensive experience in custom design and production allows the team to be agile, informed, and innovative for every new project undertaking. “We take pride in our rapid molding process, as it enables us to create complex and interesting forms that go beyond the capabilities of traditional molding. This method sets us apart in terms of customization and quality within the pre- cast industry. The advantages of our rapid molding process contribute to our innovative approach and commitment to excellence, allowing us to deliver unique and high-quality precast products,” says Goff. The evolution of Precast Unlimited cannot be measured with the typical industry metrics due to the highly customized nature of their business. Instead of measuring its growth by an increasing product line or expanding service area, the evolution of Precast Unlimited is unmistakable in its ability to learn and augment its creativity and production, building off its past projects to execute progressively impressive, unique precast solutions. “Every job is full of new possibilities with opportunities to problem solve”, says Peter Goff, Project Manager. “90% of what we do is custom work, so we have a pretty good handle on what would work and what wouldn't work. And we are willing to test and experiment to achieve great results.” Precast Unlimited’s ability to deliver creative and elevated designs is apparent in its recently completed Fillmore Turk Mini Park project in San Francisco. Completed in collabora- tion with OBS Engineering, this project was a $2.6 million, community-led, reimagining of a park originally built in 1978. Intended to be a welcoming and inclusive gathering space for the community, the park features an artful, contempo- rary installation that seamlessly integrates tables, seating, and planters. 12“This was a unique project. We worked closely with the architect to ensure the shape and form of what he designed could be executed in concrete,” says Chase Warner, Project Manager. “The most challenging part of this project was the table. It is over 12 feet long with complex curves and angular features that had to be cast monolithically. It took four weeks to manufacture the mold for just this one part. It had to be assembled and disassembled in a specific pattern to ensure the integrity of the piece. It has since been installed and we are excited to see it at the grand opening of the park.” Another testament to its ground-breaking project work can be found on the I-40 at the Arizona/California border. Precast Unlimited was tasked with elevating the design of a state welcome feature wall with a precast 3D bear model standing upright at nearly 10 feet and 7-foot letters spelling out Califor- nia. For this project, Precast Unlimited leveraged a patented mix design that mitigates the weight of a sculpture of that scale and allows for a realistic and seamless finish. “This project was huge for us in many ways,” says Goff. “The scale of the project is notable in the opportunity to highlight our proprietary mix design, the time spent on design and col- laboration, the back and forth with the client, and the amount of concrete used. The letters spelling California, alone, used over 26,000 pounds of concrete.” The future of Precast Unlimited is continued innovation and growth, driven by a steadfast commitment to excellence and adaptability. Since its inception, the company has evolved from its origins as Universal Precast to become a leader in architectural, site furnishing, utility, and structural precast solutions. The division into two entities highlights a strategic approach to cater to a diverse clientele with custom precast needs. Led by a dedicated and experienced management team, the workforce of creative and skilled craftspeople is poised for the challenges of the future. The company's focus on professional development, continu- ous evolution, and a hands-on approach to quality enhance- ment indicates a proactive stance in an ever-evolving indus- try. Precast Unlimited's ability to transform concepts into 3D models, create molds, and tailor mix designs showcases a commitment to unparalleled customization capabilities. Underpinning each project is a personal investment in the work it does. The company's global reach underscores its potential for further expansion. As it ventures into the future, Precast Unlimited's dedication to pushing the boundaries of creativ- ity, innovation, and customer satisfaction positions it as a formidable force in the precast industry. “The letters spelling California, alone, used over 26,000 pounds of concrete.” 13WRITTEN BY MEGHAN BARTON Bobby Unser, iconic American car racing champion, once said, “Success is where preparation meets opportunity.” This sentiment can easily be illustrated in a study of the remark- able evolution of StructureCast from a company focused on ready-mix concrete to a California-based powerhouse in the precast concrete space. StructureCast specializes in the production of custom archi- tectural and structural precast concrete, serving the western US with project sites in California, Oregon, Washington, Nevada, Colorado and Arizona. Its product line spans both above ground and underground applications, with a focus on wall panels, building cladding, and architectural precast tailored for high-rise and multi-story buildings. Emphasizing structural integrity and load-bearing capacity, the company operates under a design-build model, combining manufac- turing and contracting services. Distinguished by its Cali- fornia and Nevada contractors licenses, the company has the unique ability to function as both a manufacturer and contractor. This dual role allows it to undertake the entire pro- cess, from design and engineering, through manufacturing to delivery and installation. StructureCast is committed to deliv- ering customized, high-quality precast concrete solutions for diverse construction projects. Under the leadership of Brent and Anna Dezember, the com- pany has always prioritized being at the leading edge of the industry to be prepared for whatever opportunities arise. The husband-and-wife team founded Golden Empire Concrete in the early 1980s. This ready-mix company maintained a non-union structure in a growing market making it a target firm, attractive for acquisition. Although the Dezembers weren’t listing Golden Empire Concrete for sale, when the opportunity arose, they decided it was an offer they couldn’t refuse. This opened the door to launch a new endeavor and take advantage of the prospect of creating new success in a different stream of the concrete market. They seized the opportunity and purchased a small precast company with an inventory of forms which manufactured utility products such as septic tanks and stormwater management struc- tures. Just as with the ready-mix concrete market, Brent and Anna found success in the precast industry. Seizing the opportunity, they took advantage of their foothold in the industry, reimaged the company’s structure and deliv- erables and diversified the company’s into four product lines: architectural cladding, underground utility structures, precast fencing systems, and sustainable prefab modular buildings. StructureCast was born. 1415PROVEN. PRECAST. SOLUTIONS. Euclid Chemical is a leading supplier to the precast concrete industry offering a full line of engineered concrete admixtures, fiber reinforcement, integral color, and construction products. We bring innovative and sustainable technologies to the marketplace with industry-leading service and support. The Euclid Chemical Company Cleveland, OH 800-321-7628 www.euclidchemical.com A Proud Partner of StructureCast • High Performance Admixtures • Macro & Micro Fiber Reinforcement • Integral Color • Form Liners • Form Release Agents • Waterproofing Products • Joint Sealants • Patching & Repair Mortars Today, StructureCast is a booming precast concrete heavy- weight dominating the market with a workforce of 85, a strong leadership team of 15, and in-house engineering capabilities; something that can be hard to find. “Having our own experienced engineering team is really a competitive advantage,” says Anna Dezember. “This helps us maintain a high degree of control in our projects and offer value-added, design-build experience to our customers.” The other distinctive asset that is a source of pride for the team at StructureCast are the qualifications and certifications of members at every tier of the organization. “We are commit- ted here at StructureCast to qualification and certification at the highest levels, from our engineers and project managers to our production team and quality control laboratory,” says Anna. “This is very important in our industry. This sets us apart from many of our competitors. We work hard to achieve these certi- fications, and even harder to maintain them. We have received accolades and national awards in safety, quality control, and design. We have the creativity to deliver a design-build project. We have the experienced in-house engineering team to back it up. We have PCI I, II & II Certified Production and QC/QA teams to back it up. Our production facility is also PCI, NPCA, Caltrans and ISNetworld certified. And we have the leadership to back it up with our key managers having an average of over 20 years of precast experience.” 16Thank you to our loyal client StructureCast. Our success is founded in yours! Strategic Solutions For Your Success 10561 Barkley St. • Suite 200 • Overland Park, KS 66212 (913) 378-1050 Commercial Insurance Risk Management Education & Training Loss Control Claims Management Surety Bonding Benefits & Wellness Personal Insurance Protection Wealth Management Business Perpetuation Planning StructureCast’s esteem within the industry comes not only from its ability to deliver, but also from its robust industry associations. The company is a forerunner in developing and championing UHPC (ultra-high-performance concrete) and is one of a select-few precast companies approved to manu- facture products with Ductal® in California. Although there are other companies offering prefabricated modular buildings in California, StructureCast takes a unique approach. Not only does it offer a turnkey, functional, and affordable end result building, but a completely customizable and customer-focused experience. “Our difference is that we engage from the beginning with design-build, with the owner, with the municipality, and general contractor to deliver a more project specific outcome,” says Anna. “We perform like a GC for the production of our units. We partner with the best sup- pliers for outfitting. We do our own installations. Our method allows for customer engagement from conceptualization to completion.” StructureCast is a regional licensee for Easi-Set, a nationally established company, whose offerings include sustainable, modular buildings. The modular building con- cept has been an important contributor to StructureCast’s success by bolstering its operations, diversifying its offerings with a shorter life cycle product, and preparing for market fluctuations by underpinning sustainability for the company. Preparation has also paved the way for some unique collab- orations for StructureCast. Most notably is the company’s commitment to community engagement by forming signifi- cant relationships with universities and other institutions of higher learning, for instance engaging with architects and engineers at the University of California Irvine (UCI) and the University of Southern California (USC). “We are always looking to the future. Because we perform design-build, we want to be at the leading edge of precast concrete con- struction and what is happening in design, and construc- tion, and building. And the best place to cultivate that is to collaborate with universities, to understand and contribute to what they are putting into their curriculum. We want to know how we can partner with them to connect with gradu- ate students. We want to learn from them and also to share our knowledge so that they come out of school excited to design with precast concrete,” says Anna. For StructureCast this looks like symposiums, lectures, and speaking engage- ments, participation in competitions and projects, and even coursework development. 17Contact Ken Warren —P: 951-396-0878 | E: ken@elitece.net www.eliteconstructionequipment.com Elite Equipment & Services LLCis dedicated to providing our customers one-stop solutions to their jobsite needs. Our staff is highly motivated to finding solutions and providing the highest level of customer satisfaction. We will continue to think ahead and outside the box to meet the ever-changing needs of developers, general contractors, subcontractors & owners. Meeting Your Job Needs Another way that StructureCast stays prepared to take on the challenges of an evolving precast market is through industry associations. Recognizing PCI West (a chapter of Precast/ Prestressed Concrete Institute) as the gold standard of pre- cast concrete certification, StructureCast wanted to be part of the membership. “We realized once we began to scale up and grow our business and product lines, that we wanted to adhere to the highest standards of our industry. We looked at the criteria and the requirements of PCI. We knew that we wanted to achieve that. We wanted to inspire confidence from our clients. Through continuous improvement, we wanted to be among the best in the precast industry and to be qualified to do our best work for our customers,” says Anna. Its unrivaled acclaim as a high-caliber provider of both pre- cast products and service has presented the opportunity to work on some very high-profile projects like the concrete stair systems of the SoFi Stadium in Inglewood, but also some more classified projects that are military and nuclear/ener- gy-focused, and forward-thinking projects with Tesla. As StructureCast prepares to find increased success in an ever-expanding market, it will remain focused on delivering a personalized customer experience and cultivating a team with extensive industry knowledge. Taking leadership roles in PCI and NPCA (The National Precast Concrete Associa- tion), as well as having been awarded Quality Awards by both organizations, fosters the opportunity for StructureCast to both learn more and influence the precast industry. Structu- “As StructureCast prepares to find increased success in an ever-expanding market, it will remain focused on delivering a personalized customer experience and cultivating a team with extensive industry knowledge.” 18As Brent and Anna Dezember lead StructureCast’s next steps for future success, their strategy is total scale up. The team will remain focused on its current service areas and prod- uct lines, with a continued emphasis on a custom, design build experience. This means leveraging an ever-growing knowledge and experience base and encouraging cus- tomers to envision bigger and better outcomes. Structu- reCast is a company that sees no limits and has a team prepared to meet every opportunity that comes its way – On Time, On Plan and On Budget. reCast is also very committed to earmarking a large portion of its annual operating budget for training. “We believe in this investment because it not only gives our team satisfaction in what they do, it also helps us grow the wealth of information we can bring to each project and to each customer.” And because it operates primarily in California, StructureCast emphasizes an environmental component to the growth plan. “We are always trying to be part of the cutting edge of what is happening environmentally in our industry. Through training and innovation, we can bring an insight and a thoughtfulness to our customers, so we are all ready to meet emerging regu- lations and best practices,” says Anna. 19Next >