Daily Pioneer News

PLATTEVILLE- Each quarter, the Southwest Wisconsin Small Business Development Center recognizes one of its clients as the Successful Small Business of the quarter. Businesses which have been SWSBDC clients for six months or longer, who are currently operating a successful business and meeting or exceeding business plan projections are eligible for this recognition. During the fourth quarter of 2008, Concrete Reality of Darlington was recognized.

Andy Carlson, owner of Concrete Reality, began as a marble mason 22 years ago, working with dimensional stone like marble, granite, slate and tile. As his experience and interest in stone grew, Carlson began experimenting with various media, pigmentation and designs in his basement. Approximately 13 years ago, Carlson moved the focus of his masonry business to building and installing concrete building products after interpreting trends within interior design, building materials and the growing popularity of green building practices.

In 2004, Carlson self-financed a new building and moved into his Darlington concrete studio, now Concrete Reality. Carlson continues his trade as a marble mason and stone contractor, along with his wife Jeanenne and three employees while offering a product based on concrete.

With concrete products and projects representing 30 to 40 percent of his business, Carlson has begun to take on projects requiring concrete structures of increasing complexity and creativity. The majority of the concrete projects consists of counter tops, sinks, tubs, shower surrounds and bathrooms. Concrete Reality ships these products throughout the United States. Concrete Reality has also been a contractor to custom residential and commercial builds throughout the region and as far away as Chicago, Eagle River, Milwaukee and DeSoto.

While similar in cost to exotic stones such as granite, concrete products provide the building owner more flexibility and options according to Carlson. Concrete can duplicate the color, texture and durability of stone, while using the form casting process as a means to develop design and application features.

Carlson continues to follow industry trends, always looking to expand the application and role of the concrete casting process into non-traditional product lines. It is this exploration that continues Carlson's relationship with the SWSBDC.

"Early in the business, the SWSBDC played a role helping me to develop my business plan. Now, I use the SWSBDC as a sounding board for product and market ideas." Said Carlson.

He has also used the SWSBDC as a gateway to the concrete testing laboratory at the UWP as potential commercial product application opportunities have arisen.

Concrete Reality was presented a certificate of recognition by the SWSBDC. The Southwest Wisconsin Small Business Development Center at the University of Wisconsin-Platteville is devoted to supporting business development and growth in Southwest Wisconsin. It offers free, confidential one-on-one counseling on topics such as preparing a business plan, financing a business, recruiting and hiring the right employees, marketing and international business. It also provides free or low-cost training seminars. SWSBDC's services are offered to those who are interested in starting a business or already own a business.

Existing or start-up businesses interested in SWSBDC assistance can contact Gary Smith, director of the SWSBDC, at (608) 342-1038 or smithga@uwplatt.edu. Office hours are held throughout the Southwest Wisconsin six county region.

Contact: Gary Smith, director, Southwest Wisconsin Small Business Development Center, (608) 342-1038, smithga@uwplatt.edu Formatted by: Krystle Kurdi, UWP Public Relations, (608) 342-1194, kurdik@uwplatt.edu