For more than sixty years, CMC Construction Services has supplied contractors with a superior line of construction-related products, technical support and innovative solutions. With twenty-three locations, their team of professionals has built a solid reputation by anticipating and understanding the objectives of their customers. “What sets us apart,” said Jimmie Ballard, Tilt-Up Product Manager for CMC Construction Services, “is our ability to provide contractors with the complete package of construction-related products.”

Formerly Shepler’s, the company got into the tilt-up industry in the 60’s as local developers began designing more warehouses and small retail buildings with tilt-up panels. “The challenges with any new system or process is getting past the learning curve,” said Ballard, “Once you complete a few projects, it becomes second nature on how a project goes together. We saw tilt-up as a product that was allowing buildings to be constructed faster compared to conventional systems and more durable which both appeal to an owner.”

CMC Construction Services has been an active member of the Tilt-Up Concrete Association for over seventeen years. Their unwavering support of the association through magazine advertising, annual convention sponsorships, committee participation and sustaining membership has been, and will continue to be, a huge asset to the industry. In particular, Ballard has been a strong voice and staunch supporter of the TCA.

Ballard was elected to serve on the TCA Board of Directors in 2003. His leadership during the development of the ACI/TCA Superintendent Certification Program, a very important TCA initiative, was critical in getting that program off the ground. Ballard currently serves as chair of ACI C-650 (Tilt-Up Constructor Certification) and has been very active throughout his region administering the certification exam building a large network of certified tilt-up individuals. Ballard has been active on multiple TCA committees and in 2010 he served as President of the TCA Board of Directors.

Ballard explained that CMC Construction Service’s relationship with TCA is a two-way street. “We often rely on TCA literature and data when dealing with our tilt-up contractors. It may be an issue with forming panels, lifting panels or the grades of finish, and I can usually find the answer in TCA manuals.” According to Ballard, their customers are taking note of their participation in the TCA and looking to them as an industry leader. “I often get calls from customers because they know CMC Construction Services has been actively involved in the TCA for many years and we are up to date on the latest products and trends in the industry.” Ballard makes a serious effort to spread the word by providing tilt-up training for sales staff and customers using the knowledge and tools he has gained by being involved with the TCA.