Paver Guide Author To Speak At Hardscape North America

The Interlocking Concrete Pavement Institute has scheduled construction management consultant Charles Vander Kooi to keynote Hardscape North America,

The Interlocking Concrete Pavement Institute has scheduled construction management consultant Charles Vander Kooi to keynote Hardscape North America, March 7-10, at the Gaylord Opryland Resort and Convention Center in Nashville. Vander Kooi will present Estimating Strategies, Bidding, Job Costing, Six Things Contractors Always Ask, and Balancing Estimating, Job Costing and Accounting. Jerry Gaeta of VanderKooi and Associates will address Managing and Scheduling Work Crews. The sessions will count towards ICPI’s advanced level certification.

Vander Kooi has been involved in the construction industry for over four decades, 15 years as an estimator and upper-level manager for various companies and 26 years as a leading consultant and speaker. During his career, he has reportedly bid over a billion dollars in work. As a private consultant, he has helped 1,200-plus companies in their estimating/bidding systems and has lectured to over 200,000 people worldwide. Vander Kooi has authored several publications, including The Complete Business Manual for Concrete Paver Contractors, a comprehensive guide on estimating, bidding, people and company management, while contributing to HardScape magazine and Distinctive Landscaping Journal. His contractor business manual is available at www.icpi.org/industry/publications.cfm.

Hardscape North America, produced by ICPI and endorsed by the Brick Industry Association, will offer products, technology and knowledge through educational seminars, exhibits and certification courses. The program will include seminars on people and business management, site efficiency and sales and marketing, as well as paver installer certification courses. The exhibit floor will have over 150 booths, displaying products and equipment across 45,000 square feet. An outdoor exhibit area will offer hands-on experience with tools and equipment showcased in typical site conditions. The event will also provide opportunities for contractors to network with key manufacturers and suppliers of hardscaping products, construction equipment, vehicles and services.

ICPI is offering several levels of Hardscape NA sponsorship. Platinum Sponsors include Belgard, an Oldcastle brand; Pathfinder Systems; Pavestone Co.; Pave Tech, Inc.; Pine Hall Brick; SRW Products; Techni-Seal; and, Unilock Ltd. Gold Sponsors are Brick Industry Association; Enhance Business Solutions, Inc.; Navastone Inc.; Oaks Concrete Products, Inc.; Paver Systems LLC; and, Teka North America. Among Silver Sponsors are Alliance Designer Products; Belden Brick Co.; Big Rock Building Products; Endicott Clay Products; Kobra Molds; Nitterhouse Masonry Products; Specialty Engravers LLC; and, Whitacre-Greer.

Additional information can be obtained by contacting Hardscape North America organizers at 888/580-9960 or online at www.hardscapenorthamerica.com.