As winter loosens its grip and the pace of construction begins to shift, spring has always marked an important transition in our industry. Here in Canada, we know that construction doesn’t stop during the winter, but it certainly becomes more demanding. Cold temperatures, tighter logistics, and added planning all become part of the process.
That’s what makes the arrival of spring so meaningful.
The cold, demanding winter gives way to a more forgiving and productive season, bringing renewed energy to our job sites. Crews are able to move more efficiently, schedules begin to open up, and projects that required extra effort through the winter months begin to gain momentum.
This year, that sense of renewal feels especially meaningful.
As I step into my role as president of the Tilt-Up Concrete Association during its 40th year, I’ve been reflecting on where we’ve come from—and more importantly, on the strength of the foundation that was built over the past four decades. What started as a shared belief in the potential of tilt-up has grown into a proven, widely respected building system supported by a strong and engaged community.
The success we see today is no accident. It’s the result of years of collaboration, innovation, and a willingness to share knowledge across the industry. Many of the practices, standards, and design capabilities we rely on today exist because of the leadership and commitment of those who helped shape the TCA over the years.
That legacy is something we should be proud of.
At the same time, this past year has reminded us how important those contributions are. As we’ve lost respected people like Glen Stephens and Ed Sauter—individuals many of us had the privilege of learning from—we’re reminded that the strength of this Association has always come from its people: their leadership, their willingness to share, and their commitment to moving the industry forward. Their impact continues to be felt in the work we do every day.
And it’s also something we can continue to build on.
Across North America and beyond, tilt-up is being used in more ways than ever before. We’re seeing more advanced and architecturally ambitious designs, broader applications, and a growing emphasis on sustainability, performance, and efficiency. The industry hasn’t just grown—it has matured, and it continues to gain momentum.
Over the next several months, I plan to spend time sitting down with past presidents of the TCA to reflect on how the industry has evolved over the past 40 years. I’m looking forward to hearing their perspectives and learning from the experiences that helped guide the Association to where it is today.
Those conversations are an opportunity to better understand the path that’s been built—and to carry that knowledge forward as we continue to grow.
Looking ahead, one of my priorities is to help expand awareness of tilt-up construction around the globe. I believe we’ve only scratched the surface internationally, and I’d like to help change that. The strength of this method is well established, and there is an opportunity to share that success more broadly in regions where tilt-up is just beginning to gain traction.
This isn’t about changing direction—it’s about extending our reach.
And that’s where our members play a critical role.
The continued success of the TCA has always been driven by engagement—by individuals willing to share their experience, support others in the industry, and contribute to the advancement of tilt-up. Whether it’s mentoring new professionals, participating in events, or simply advocating for tilt-up in your own network, those efforts make a difference.
As we move into the busy construction season, the work happening across our industry will shape what comes next. The projects we start this spring will stand for decades, and the relationships we continue to build will define the strength of our community moving forward.
Spring reminds us that progress is ongoing. Each season builds on the last, and in many ways, that reflects exactly where we are as an industry today.
We’ve built a strong foundation—and we’re continuing to build on it.
I encourage each of you to find a way to stay engaged this year, whether that’s connecting with others in the Association, sharing your knowledge, supporting someone new to the industry, or helping introduce tilt-up to new audiences. That’s how we continue the momentum that has carried us through the first 40 years.
Here’s to a strong start to the season—and to the continued growth of tilt-up in the years ahead.
Sinceramente,
Len Overbeek
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