Concrete Artisian, Furniture, Countertops, Fireplace Surrounds, Bathroom Vanitys
Through years and years of lessons that concrete has given us, we try and push it one step further each time. Whether it is using metal, wood, rubber, or fiberglass, we take your sketch or group of photos, and turn it into a custom piece for your home or office.
We create our pieces using a Glass Fiber Reinforced Concrete (GFRC). With using the glass fibers for reinforcement instead of the old steel rebar, we are able to create endless shapes and designs with superior strength. In our mix, we understand that using recycled products is important to our kids future. We limit the amount of portland we use, while using recycled supplements in its place. Never just content, we keep striving to use more recycled and by products in our mix all while not compromising the quality of our work.
Keywords: fireplace, furniture, concrete, artisan, design, fabricate, stain, solid surface, integrated sink, hearth, mantel, wall panels, custom, fabric formed, fiberglass, metal, trivets, fountains, signs,
Interview Q&A
How long have you been in business?
Concrete Innovations LLC has been serving the Chicago land area for the past couple of years.
What is your primary product or service?
Creating that one of a kind item for you out of concrete. Whether it is a vanity top, fireplace surround, indoor or outdoor countertop. We love that one of a kind project that makes us sit and think for a little while.
How did you first become interested in your line of business? (if owner) - What is your background? (If owner or store manager)
Always said as a kid I wanted to play in the sand box when I grew up. Before Concrete Innovations LLC was started, I was creating and installing precast fireplace surrounds for the Chicago land area since 1992.
How do you differentiate yourself from other businesses in your category and area?
We believe in change. There’s little that we don’t see within our reach. We love what we do. We know we can do more, and we will. We start working with you in the design phase all the way to installation, which allows you to work with the same person all the way through.
How many locations do you have and do you have plans to expand?
Presently we work out of a 10,000 sq ft shop. Part is designated showroom, storage, wood shop, and work space.
Provide detailed directions to your location
We are located west of Aurora, 5 miles west of Rt 47, on Galena Rd. In Sugar Grove there is a Galena Blvd., which is not the same road. If you are by Galena Blvd. you need to go South on 47 till you go past Jericho Rd. ( golf driving range on left), next stop light is bypass 30, then next stop light is Galena Rd. Go west on Galena Rd. 5 miles and we are located on the left or South side of Galena Rd. When on rt 47, if you pass a water park coming from Sugar Grove, you just missed Galena Rd.
What type of payments do you accept?
We do not accept credit cards.
Which areas do you service?
The earth. We have shipped all over the states and worked with designers all over the world.
Who owns your company or runs daily operations?
Eric Maier is the vice-president and runs the daily operations. He will meet with you in the showroom whenever you are available and talk with you about your project. He creates the molds for your project and will be on site for installation to make sure the whole project goes smooth from the start. Shari Maier is the president and nothing leaves the shop that would not go into her own home.
What are your hours of operation?
Generally we are working in the shop daily, but if wanting to come out to the showroom, it is best to call just to make sure someone is going to be there. We do our own installations, and measuring, so there are times we are out of the shop.
What is the best compliment anyone can give you?
Just the smile on their face when they see the completed project or piece. Words are not needed.
What is your favorite quote or Bible verse?
“Here’s to the crazy ones, the misfits, the rebels, the troublemakers, the round pegs in the square holes,
the ones who see things differently – they’re not fond of rules, and they have no respect for the status quo.
You can praise them, disagree with them, quote them, disbelieve them, glorify or vilify them.
About the only thing you can’t do is ignore them because they change things.
They invent, they imagine, they heal, they explore, they create, they inspire.
They push the human race forward. While some see them as the crazy ones, we see genius.
Because the people who are crazy enough to think they can change the world are the ones who do.”
– Steve Jobs*