Concrete is Permanent, Art & Engineering in One Material

Part of the For Construction Pros PACER Awards, the Lifetime Achievement award honors contractors, workers and owner/operators who’ve made outstanding contributions to the industry. 

Concrete Contractor is proud to announce Michael Campbell, vice president of Trademark Concrete Systems Inc. as a recipient for a Lifetime Achievement Award of the 2025 For Construction Pros PACER Awards.

Q. What can you tell us about Trademark Concrete Systems Inc.? 

Trademark Concrete Systems Inc. was founded in 1997 with a simple but ambitious goal, to elevate the standard of concrete craftsmanship.  Over the years, the company has grown from a small specialty contractor to one of the world’s leading decorative concrete contractors. 

We specialize in large commercial site work. Everything from high-end plazas, to mixed-use, and even stadiums (SoFi).  Our work can be seen throughout California; if it’s a “landmark” project chances are we’ve been involved in some way. 

Trademark Concrete Systems won first place in the 2025 American Concrete Institute Excellence in Concrete Construction Awards: Decorative Concrete for their work at the California Firefighters Memorial. Trademark Concrete Systems Inc.

The team from Trademark Concrete enjoying a day at Top Golf.Trademark Concrete Systems Inc.What sets Trademark apart is our focus on collaboration and quality. We work closely with architects, landscape architects, and general contractors to bring design visions to life, from custom colors and textures to intricate formwork and finishes. Our team thrives on complex, high-profile projects where craftsmanship and coordination truly matter. 

At the end of the day, our success has been built on relationships, consistency, and pride in our trade. Every project, whether it’s a civic space, university campus, or private development is an opportunity to showcase what concrete can be when it’s done right.

Q. What brought you to the concrete industry?

I’ve always been drawn to building things, watching ideas turn into something tangible. When I entered college, I was torn between architecture and engineering, not quite sure which path to follow. During my freshman year, a friend introduced me to the Concrete Industry Management (CIM) program at Middle Tennessee State University — the only CIM program in existence at the time, which is wild to think about now.  I enrolled and quickly realized it offered the perfect balance: a blend of technical knowledge, business principles, and hands-on application. It was dynamic but challenging, and opened my eyes to how diverse and creative the concrete world really is.

My senior year, I met my future boss (Lance Boyer), at a CIM function in Nashville. He described how his company, Trademark Concrete Systems, was collaborating with the design community and pushing the limits of decorative hardscape. The company’s resume and project brochure alone blew me away. I interviewed with Lance that fall in Tennessee, and by January 2009, I was living in Ventura, California, starting my career at Trademark. 

Trademark Concrete Systems Inc.

What ultimately kept me in the industry is the balance between creativity and precision. Concrete is permanent. It’s art and engineering in one material. I love that every day brings a new challenge, whether it’s solving a technical issue on-site or collaborating with designers to bring their concepts to life. 

More than anything, it’s the people, the craftsmanship, collaboration, and pride that come with creating something lasting. That’s kept me hooked ever since.

The Grand Amphitheater, Los Angeles (October 2021).Trademark Concrete Systems Inc.

Q. Your entry noted your passion for mentorship and workforce development, especially as the concrete world is undergoing generational shifts. What inspired you to hold mentorship as such a priority? How can fellow contractors be better mentors?

Mentorship became a priority for me because I was fortunate to have people early in my career who took the time to teach, challenge, and guide me; not just about concrete, but about leadership, communication, and how to think long term. Those relationships shaped how I view success.

One piece of advice that really stuck with me came from my boss and mentor, who once told me, “You need to be a 360-degree employee.” That mindset to truly understand every aspect of what you do, to think beyond your own role, and to see how your work impacts the bigger picture, truly helped shape my career. We owe that same kind of insight and knowledge to the next generation entering our industry. 

As our industry faces generational change, mentorship is no longer optional; it’s essential. Being a good mentor doesn’t mean having all the answers; it’s about being approachable, sharing real experiences (good and bad), and creating an environment where others feel comfortable asking questions. The best mentors listen more than they speak and help others see their own potential.

The Grand Amphitheater, Los Angeles (October 2021).Trademark Concrete Systems Inc.

Q. On the flip side of that, accepting guidance can be a challenge for many. What do you think contractors can do to be more open and find mentors within the concrete industry?

The key is humility and curiosity. None of us ever “arrive” in this business because there is always something to learn and every project teaches us something new. If you know me, you know I am not afraid to speak my mind or ask questions. That is how we learn. The more we engage, the more we grow.

I encourage contractors to get involved. Attend American Concrete Institute events. Events from the American Society of Concrete Contractors (ASCC). Attend Associated General Contractor meetings. Join committees. Visit other projects to see how different teams approach their work. Connect with people whose craftsmanship and leadership you admire. Mentorship does not have to be formal. Sometimes it’s as simple as a phone call. If you approach it with an open mind, you will find that most experienced professionals are happy to share what they know.

Trademark Concrete's work at 888 at Grand Hope Park won the 2019 Decorative Concrete Contractor Award for Cast-in-Place, special finishes over 5,000 sq.ft.Trademark Concrete Systems Inc.

Q. As the president of the Decorative Concrete Council within the ASCC, you’re likely talking about decorative concrete a lot. What are the top things decorative contractors can do to improve their work and business for 2026?

First, focus on fundamentals. Quality craftsmanship never goes out of style. You cannot build a reputation on inconsistent results.  

Second, invest in training your people. Decorative work is detail-oriented, and the best results come from teams that understand materials, timing, and the art behind the process.  

Third, communicate clearly with clients and design teams. Decorative concrete sits at the intersection of construction and design, and miscommunication can make or break a project.  

Lastly, stay curious. The market is evolving fast and those who adapt will lead.

Trademark Concrete Systems Inc.

Q. What new technologies are you excited about? What are you interested in learning more about?

I’m excited about the integration of digital tools in project management and design visualization, including 3D scanning and AI applications. These technologies hold the potential to help us streamline work, coordinate shop drawing revisions, and improve takeoff processes, allowing our teams to focus on what matters most, executing projects efficiently and accurately with minimal mistakes.

Q. What was the best piece of advice you’ve ever received? How has this affected you and your work?

The best piece of advice I’ve ever received was simply: “Just be yourself.” It took me some time to truly understand this, but as we go through our careers and our generations grow older together, people want to know you for you, not a persona or a front you put on at work. Embracing that mindset has shaped how I manage teams, build relationships, and approach projects. When you are genuine and transparent, trust grows naturally, collaboration improves, and the work itself benefits from the energy and creativity people bring when they feel comfortable being themselves.

Trademark Concrete Systems Inc.

Q. What would be your advice to concrete contractors out there? To the ones just starting? To the contractors with decades of experience?

For those just starting, don’t rush the process. Learn the craft, listen more than you talk, and focus on consistency over speed. Build your reputation one day at a time.

For seasoned contractors, don’t stop learning. The industry is evolving, and your experience is most valuable when it’s shared. Embrace new tools, support the next generation, and stay adaptable.

Over the OCULUS at Wilshire Boulevard Temple.Trademark Concrete Systems Inc.Q. Say you run into a magic genie, but the stipulation was that your wishes had to be directly relevant to your job or the concrete industry in general. What are your three wishes? (Note that you can’t wish for more money or more wishes.)

1. A stronger pipeline of young professionals eager to enter the concrete industry — from tradespeople to engineers.
2. Universal recognition of decorative concrete as both a craft and a design discipline.  Where the artistry is valued equally with the technical execution.
3. A unified culture of collaboration across the industry. Owners, designers, and contractors working together early to achieve better outcomes instead of reacting to challenges as they arise.

The official announcement of all recipients of the 2025 For Construction Pros PACER Awards can be found here.