The Secret Behind Concrete Supply Co.’s Expansion in the Carolinas 

Recently, we had the privilege of sitting down with Keith Cates, our retiring Director of Fleet Services, who has dedicated over twenty-seven years to Concrete Supply Co. His reflections underscore an essential truth: our people are our core strength, making us the premier ready-mix concrete producer in the Carolinas. 

Think Out-of-the-Box  

Keith, coming from a logistics background, was initially unsure if his lack of direct experience in concrete was a fit for us. However, we deeply valued his unique perspective. “The President told me, ‘That’s exactly what we need—someone who can think outside the box,'” Keith recalled.  

This approach has enabled us to expand creatively and effectively, growing from 185 trucks to over 900 and spanning more than 100 locations.  

For our customers, this means partnering with a company that leverages diverse expertise to drive efficiency and tailor solutions to meet unique project demands. 

Commit to Mastery 

“As far as training goes, we make sure all our mechanics attend every available session,” says Keith, highlighting our culture of continuous learning at Concrete Supply Co.  

This dedication to training and professional development extends across the entire company. By investing in the advancement of our employees’ skills, we ensure that everyone, from technicians to project managers, upholds the highest standards of expertise and service and we believe this commitment places us at the industry’s forefront, offering our customers the most reliable and high-quality service. 

Take on Big Challenges 

Keith recounted one of our most ambitious projects—a continuous 24-hour pour of 8,200 yards of concrete for a hospital. “This job required meticulous coordination and flawless execution. Our management and drivers worked in shifts throughout the entire day and night,” he noted.  

This effort was not just about pouring concrete; it demonstrated our capacity to manage massive challenges and deliver exceptional outcomes under pressure. It underscores our commitment to fulfilling our customers’ needs, regardless of a project’s scale or complexity. 

Building the Future on a Foundation of Excellence 

As Keith prepares for retirement, his story is a powerful reminder of the values that drive us at Concrete Supply Co. Our commitment to harnessing the unique strengths of our employees, continuous professional development, and bold approach to industry challenges is designed not just to meet your expectations but to exceed them and we believe our customers value this dedication. 

Looking forward, we continue to invest in our people and our processes, ensuring that we remain industry leaders and champions of Safety, Quality and Service.