Joe & Sons Finds a Better Way to Deliver and Control Concrete
Kris Courtoreille, the owner and operator of Joe & Sons Concrete, prides himself on delivering exceptional service to his customers in the Okanagan region of British Columbia. With a booming local economy and increasing demand for high-quality concrete work, Kris wanted a solution that would improve his team’s efficiency, quality, and flexibility. When he learned about Cemen Tech volumetric mixers, he saw an opportunity to fully integrate his concrete business and take it to the next level.
First Impressions: Skepticism Meets Curiosity
Kris had heard of volumetric mixers before but didn’t have much experience with them. “It was maybe 10 or 15 years ago, and I didn’t know enough about them at the time. We were inexperienced, and so was the operator.” Despite this, Kris’s curiosity won out, and he decided to learn more.
When Jay, a Cemen Tech representative, approached Kris on-site in Kelowna, he caught his attention right away. “I usually dismiss most sales guys because I’m a busy guy. But for whatever reason, I kind of gravitated toward talking to him.,” Kris admitted. Jay’s personable approach and deep knowledge about volumetric mixers made the conversation stand out, sparking Kris’s interest and curiosity.
Choosing Cemen Tech: No Contest
After his conversations with Jay, Kris was convinced. “I was sold. I know enough about concrete
and he explained enough about Cemen Tech’s product and the competitors and that’s all I needed to know.” The decision was clear: Kris trusted the quality of Cemen Tech’s mixers and the support offered by their team.
Overcoming the Learning Curve
Integrating volumetric mixers into the business came with a learning curve, especially for a team used to traditional drum mixers. “It’s understanding concrete a lot more than we thought we knew,” Kris explained.
He highlighted how the hydration process differs with volumetric mixers. “When you see the slump change on the ground, it’s not the concrete setting up—it’s hydrating.” Adjusting to this and dialing in the right mix designs required some trial and error, but Kris and his team embraced the challenge.
The mixers also came equipped with advanced features like a color add-on, fiber chopper, and admixture capabilities. “Knowing your mix and knowing concrete is important,” Kris emphasized. Despite the complexities, the team quickly adapted, finding the mixers user-friendly and intuitive.
Streamlining Operations with ACCU-POUR™
One of the standout benefits for Kris was the ACCU-POUR™ software, which simplified scheduling, dispatching, and invoicing. “It’s punch in your concrete, the address, and you’re off to the races,” he said.
The software allowed Kris to manage his two volumetric mixers independently from his other construction operations. This separation gave him better control and streamlined his workflow, making it easier to deliver on time and meet customer demands.
Exceptional Support from the Start
Kris praised the start-up training and support provided by Cemen Tech and their partners. “Tyler was great. He came down and showed us the ropes,” Kris said. When issues arose, the team quickly resolved them.
“The support was awesome,” he continued. “If there was an issue, it was fixed on the fly.” The hands-on approach and quick follow-ups reassured Kris that he had made the right choice.
Controlling Concrete, Delivering Quality
Joe & Sons Concrete is leading the Okanagan with innovative, efficient concrete delivery solutions using Cemen Tech mixers.
The saying “control your concrete” that’s what we’re doing. We’re controlling it and we are able to offer our clients a really well-rounded service now on top of what we already do.
Improved Quality and Cost Savings
With the volumetric mixers, Joe & Sons Concrete has seen significant improvements in both quality and saving money.
“The quality is better,” Kris explained. “We’re not sending back hot loads or wasting concrete that’s been sitting too long.” The ability to batch on demand has reduced waste and allowed for greater flexibility.
Kris also highlighted the financial benefits. “We can switch mix designs on the fly,” he said. This adaptability has enabled the team to handle diverse projects, from exposed aggregate finishes to custom designs, without downtime or extra costs.
Delivering a Complete Service
One of the biggest advantages for Joe & Sons Concrete is the ability to offer a fully integrated service. “We form, place, finish, and supply concrete,” Kris said. This end-to-end approach gives them complete control over quality and eliminates the finger-pointing that can occur when multiple contractors are involved.
Kris summed it up perfectly: “The saying ‘control your concrete’—that’s what we’re doing. We’re controlling it and offering our clients a really well-rounded service.”
Embracing Innovation
The introduction of Cemen Tech volumetric mixers has generated excitement in the Okanagan community. “People are taking pictures and asking, ‘What is this thing?’” Kris said with a smile.
As the only company in the area with these trucks, Joe & Sons Concrete has positioned itself as a leader in innovation. “We haven’t even scratched the surface of what we’re going to be able to help people with,” Kris said.
A Smarter Way to Deliver Concrete
For Kris Courtoreille and his team, adding Cemen Tech volumetric mixers has been a significant advancement. From improving quality and reducing waste to streamlining operations and delivering exceptional service, the mixers have helped Joe & Sons Concrete stand out in a competitive market.
Kris’s advice to other contractors considering the switch? “Why wouldn’t you go with a company that offers all these services? There’s no finger-pointing, just quality work from start to finish.”
The future looks bright for Joe & Sons Concrete, and with the support of Cemen Tech, they’re ready to continue breaking new ground in the Okanagan concrete industry.
"*" indicates required fields
