Attention adventure seekers! Are you ready to embark on a hands-on journey and become a Concrete Hero?
Every great craftsman reaches a moment where they ask, What’s next? That’s where we come in.
Over 2 immersive days, the Concrete Hero’s Quest will take you beyond the ordinary, into the realm of Upright Casting Sinks and RammCrete—two groundbreaking techniques that will expand what you thought was possible with concrete.
You’ll get hands-on with Upright Casting Techniques (UCT), developed by Jon Schuler and Joe Bates, learning how to craft stunning sinks and forms perfect for cast-in-place projects or when you’re after that hand-hewn aesthetic—organic, raw, and real.
Then, we’ll pull back the curtain on RammCrete, a proprietary casting method pioneered by Brandon Gore. You won’t find this technique anywhere else. Developed in collaboration with materials visionary Jon Schuler, RammCrete reimagines what’s possible with Kodiak Pro products, blending the boldness of rammed earth with the precision of advanced concrete.
We won’t just show you how it’s done—we’ll work alongside you, ensuring your pieces are expertly finished, sealed, and ready to command attention.
This isn’t just another workshop. It’s an invitation to push boundaries, refine your skillset, and master techniques you won’t learn anywhere else.
Join us at the Concrete Hero’s Quest and take your craft to the next level.
This exciting workshop is not for the faint of heart – it requires teamwork, problem-solving, and creativity. But with the support and guidance of our experienced instructors, you'll have all the tools you need to succeed on your hero's journey.
Day One: Laying the Groundwork
Every great creation starts with a solid foundation. Day One is where we roll up our sleeves and get to work.
We’ll start by building the forms for both Upright Cast and RammCrete projects, setting the stage for what’s to come. Along the way, we’ll dig into the science of the mix—what works, what doesn’t, and why it all matters. Then, after lunch, it’s time to get our hands dirty, mixing and casting concrete with the precision and artistry that separates the pros from the amateurs.
Day Two: The Art and the Business
We kick off Day Two with an open conversation—no fluff, no secrets—just real talk about pricing, sales, and marketing. We’ll unpack the nuances of coloring concrete, collaborating with architects and designers, and building a business that lasts.
Then, we get back to the workbench. Together, we’ll de-mold, process, and seal your pieces using the gold standard in sealers, ICT Reactive Sealer. You’ll see firsthand how the finishing touches turn raw concrete into functional art.
And once the work is done? We celebrate.
We’ll raise a glass—beer, whiskey, whatever fuels your fire—to the journey we just took together. The hard work, the lessons learned, the breakthroughs made. There’ll be handshakes, high fives, and a few photos to mark the moment. Then, just like that, we part ways—carrying forward the skills, the stories, and the reminder that craftsmanship is more than just what we make. It’s who we become in the process.
Welcome to the Concrete Hero’s Quest. Let’s build something unforgettable.
WHY ATTEND A WORKSHOP AT CONCRETE DESIGN SCHOOL?
Because experience matters.
At Concrete Design School, you learn from working pros, not just instructors. Our team creates high-end custom concrete daily, refining the very techniques we teach. This isn’t about copying a method—it’s about developing your own style and building marketable skills.
Beyond technique, we give you the business tools to price, market, and sell your work successfully. With over two decades of innovation, we don’t follow trends—we set them.
Don’t settle for imitations. Train with the pioneers.
Join a Concrete Design School workshop and experience the difference.
DO I NEED TO BE EXPERIENCED IN CONCRETE TO ATTEND THIS WORKSHOP?
The Concrete Hero's Quest workshop is suitable for attendees of all skill levels, as long as they have a true desire to learn and are driven to create finely crafted concrete. While this workshop is not specifically geared towards beginners, our experienced instructors, Joe Bates (the Master Craftsman), Jon Schuler (The Materials Mastermind), and Brandon Gore (The Godfather of GFRC), will happily answer any questions you may have about the process. Whether you're new to concrete or have been working with it for years, this workshop is a great opportunity to take your skills to the next level and become a hero in the world of concrete. All you need is a passion for learning and a drive to create.
WHAT IS A HERO’S QUEST?
The hero's quest is often seen as a metaphor for the journey of self-discovery and personal growth that an individual may go through in their own life, and typically includes the following steps:
The call to adventure: The hero is faced with a challenge or opportunity that requires him or her to leave the familiar and venture into the unknown.
The departure: The hero sets out on his or her journey, leaving behind the familiar world and entering a new and unfamiliar environment.
The trials and challenges: The hero faces a series of challenges and tests that help him or her to grow and develop as a person.
The inner transformation: Through the challenges and trials of the journey, the hero undergoes an inner transformation and becomes a more complete or whole person.
The return: The hero returns home, often with a newfound sense of purpose and understanding.
We're excited to invite you to join us on the exciting journey of improving your decorative concrete skills and knowledge. This is a one-of-a-kind opportunity to be a part of a community of innovators who are passionate about pushing the boundaries of concrete design and fabrication, and helping you build a successful business. Enroll in this Concrete Design School workshop today and join us on the concrete adventure of a lifetime.
Workshop Dates
Concrete Hero’s Quest: May 6-7, 2025
SESSION TIME AND CAPACITY
2 days of training at Concrete Design School
These sessions are limited to 30 participants to ensure hands-on learning and class participation
Cost
First-time Students: $1,995*
Alumni: $1,395*
*We're thrilled to share that we've teamed up with Kodiak Pro to provide the materials for this workshop. As a bonus, each attendee will receive a $100 materials credit for Kodiak Pro Maker Mix, RADmix, or Kodiak Pro Diamond Pads compatible with many top brands of sanders, redeemable at a later date. With this credit, the workshop costs effectively decrease to $1,895 for First-Time attendees and just $1,295 for Alumni!
Not sure which ticket type to purchase? If this is your first Concrete Design School workshop, select the 'First Time Student' ticket. If you've attended a Concrete Design School class before, choose the 'Alumni' ticket for discounted pricing as a thank you for your continued support.
PURCHASE TICKETS NOW
WORKSHOP LOCATION
This workshop will be held at:
SC Fabrication
68 Coombs Street, Ste. N-3
Napa, California 94559
InstructorS
The Fine Print
Thank you for considering Concrete Design School for your workshop needs. We understand that sometimes unforeseen circumstances may arise and you may need to cancel your enrollment. If this is the case, we are happy to offer you the option to apply your course fee towards a future Concrete Design School workshop. Please note that we are unable to offer refunds for cancellations.
In order to protect the proprietary information taught during our workshops, all participants will be required to sign a Non-Disclosure Agreement. This agreement includes penalties for unauthorized disclosure of material, and prohibits the publication, broadcast, rewriting, or redistribution of any information learned during the workshop in any form.
We reserve the right to change, modify, or cancel the class schedule at any time. If a change or cancellation is necessary, we will do our best to notify you as soon as possible. Thank you for your understanding.
Glossary of Terms:
Advanced Mold Making: Advanced mold making in the context of precast concrete refers to a sophisticated and specialized process of creating intricate molds with precision and innovation. This technique goes beyond basic mold construction, involving the utilization of advanced materials, cutting-edge design considerations, and refined fabrication methods. The goal is to produce molds that enable the casting of complex and highly detailed precast concrete elements, pushing the boundaries of traditional craftsmanship. Advanced mold making contributes to the production of superior-quality precast concrete products, allowing craftsmen to achieve intricate designs, textures, and finishes in their creations.
AR Glass Fiber: AR (Alkali Resistant) glass fiber is a type of glass fiber that has been treated with a coating of aluminum oxide (Al2O3). This coating gives the fibers increased strength and durability, making them suitable for use in a variety of applications, including reinforcing concrete.
Concrete Hero: A concrete hero is someone who is skilled and dedicated to the art of working with concrete. They are able to create beautiful and functional concrete pieces, and are always looking for ways to improve their skills and push the boundaries of what is possible with concrete.
GFRC: Glass fiber reinforced concrete (GFRC) is a type of concrete that is reinforced with glass fibers. It is often used for decorative concrete projects because it is lighter and easier to work with than traditional concrete, and it can be molded into a variety of shapes and forms. GFRC is also very strong and durable, making it suitable for use in a wide range of applications.
PVA Fiber: PVA (polyvinyl alcohol) fiber is a type of synthetic fiber that is commonly used as a reinforcing material in concrete. It is known for its high tensile strength, low elongation, and good dimensional stability, making it an excellent choice for reinforcing concrete structures.
Post-Tensioned Concrete: Post-tensioned concrete uses high-strength steel to compress and reinforce the concrete. The steel is stretched and anchored at each end of the concrete structure, and then tightened to a specific tension once the concrete has cured. This process creates a much stronger and more durable structure, capable of withstanding heavy loads and large spans.
Ramm-Crete: A groundbreaking technique in concrete casting, Ramm-Crete captures the raw beauty of rammed earth walls with Kodiak Pro RadMix. Crafted by the masterful hands of concrete artisan and rammed earth builder, Brandon Gore, in partnership with the innovative mind of concrete materials pioneer, Jon Schuler, Ramm-Crete melds the strength and adaptability of concrete with the earthy allure of rammed earth. The process entails the meticulous use of Kodiak Pro RadMix, skillfully blending additives and aggregates to achieve the sought-after visual and tactile qualities. Ramm-Crete stands as a testament to the marriage of durability, style, and eco-consciousness, yielding architectural wonders that evoke both admiration and sustainability.
Reactive Sealer: A reactive sealer is a type of concrete sealer that forms a chemical bond with the surface of the concrete. This bond helps to strengthen and protect the concrete, and can also enhance its appearance. Reactive sealers are typically more durable and long-lasting than other types of sealers.
Upright Casting Technique (UCT): Upright Casting Techniques (UCT) is a pioneering approach to concrete craftsmanship, developed by Jon Schuler and Joe Bates, designed for casting high-end concrete projects in place. Unlike traditional methods, UCT allows for a hand-hewn aesthetic—a raw, organic texture that designers covet and can’t be replicated any other way.
Whether used for cast-in-place sinks, furniture, or architectural elements, UCT empowers craftsmen to shape concrete with precision while embracing its natural beauty. This technique isn’t just about making—it’s about creating one-of-a-kind pieces that tell a story through texture, form, and craftsmanship.
UHPC: Ultra-high performance concrete (UHPC) is a type of concrete that is characterized by its extreme strength and durability. It is made using a combination of fine-grained materials, such as cement, sand, and fine aggregates, as well as high-strength steel fibers or other reinforcing materials. UHPC is often used in the construction of bridges, buildings, and other large structures where strength and durability are critical.