Former Executive Director of the Tilt-Up Concrete Association (TCA) and the Concrete Foundations Association (CFA), Ed Sauter - leader, mentor, and visionary - is credited with revitalizing both organizations. Assuming both positions in the early 1990s, he stabilized their operations and led them to unprecedented growth, turning them into thriving professional networks that support the industry across North America and beyond. He retired in 2017.
Announced by the CFA, Sauter passed away on Feb. 21, at the age of 76.
About Ed Sauter
After earning his Bachelor of Architecture from Iowa State, Sauter embarked on a career defined by innovation, founding Design Collective and working on transformative projects like energy-efficient residential homes for Kirkwood Community College and bringing affordable senior housing to Eastern Iowa. His practical yet creative mindset left a tangible mark on communities, while his commitment to inclusion and sustainability redefined industry standards.
Under Sauter’s leadership, the TCA and CFA became pillars of innovation, education and professional development in their fields. He was instrumental in creating certifications, setting performance benchmarks and championing sustainable construction practices. His work helped shape a more efficient, responsible and forward-thinking concrete industry for generations to come.
His influence did not go unnoticed. Named one of Concrete Construction Online’s “10 Most Influential People in the Concrete Industry,” Sauter was deeply respected for his servant leadership, trustworthiness and ability to inspire those around him.
'A Quiet and Patient Leader Who Loved Working with Others'
Sauter’s friends, colleagues, and family remember him not just as a professional giant but as a warm, thoughtful and dedicated individual who loved his work, community and family. Scott Smith, longtime CFA board member, noted that he was a talented “cat herder – an essential quality in an executive director trying to manage an association full of head-strong concrete contractors!”
Buck Bartley, Charter member of CFA, and former Board member and President of the Association, praised Sauter's impact, stating that he was chosen as director when CFA was struggling “and enlivened the CFA to the strong organization it is today.”
Beyond his professional achievements, Sauter’s personal life reflected his values. His prairie-style home was the hub of laughter and love, a space where family, friends and even wandering animals always felt welcome. Whether coaching his daughters on life, perfecting banana cream pie or exploring the world from Europe to Machu Picchu, Sauter poured joy into every aspect of life, much like the strong foundations he built in his career.
Leaving a Legacy of Excellence & Humanity
“What a loving and dedicated man he was,” said James Baty, his business partner for more than 20 years. “He remains highly regarded throughout the domestic concrete industry as a passionate, trustworthy, and engaging, servant leader, friend, and mentor to a great many who were privileged to work alongside him or be educated by him.”
To that end, Sauter’s family encourages everyone to “be a little kinder and more accepting of all who are with us in this moment.”
“What a man!” Bartley added, “Through his vision, wit, and intellect,” Sauter will forever be considered “one of the giants of the CFA.”
