Today we’d like to introduce you to Carlos Scantlebury.
Hi Carlos, it’s an honor to have you on the platform. Thanks for taking the time to share your story with us – to start maybe you can share some of your backstory with our readers?
More than 10 years ago, when I was working for a company delivering concrete, the owner and the contractors had a language barrier so I acted as their translator. After a few years, someone suggested that I should start working in concrete since I was learning the business and am bilingual. I decided to take the opportunity and was an apprentice for about 2 years. I learned the trade before I branched off on my own, so I thank my mentor for apprenticing me.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
My family moved here from Panama 20 years ago to give me opportunities they did not have. My mother was a beautiful soul and light that brought joy to everyone she met. I always wanted to make her proud and cared for her until her last living day. She had fallen ill and for about 7 years, we were blessed to financially provide and be her caregiver. With business growing, it was hard to balance, but my son, father and partner continue to support, love and encourage me.
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know?
The business of concrete is an artistry. There isn’t a course or certification for what we do. It is a hands on profession, where you are literally getting your hands dirty. At Shield Concrete, we’ve worked on projects from pool decks to full community outdoor living spaces for more than a decade. We specialize in decorative concrete, that is an art, from textures to color selections. However, our services include all custom outdoor living that range from driveways, patios, pool decks to grand community pools and lagoons.
What most may not be aware of is concrete is the foundation for everything in the construction industry. You cannot begin a project without a solid foundation and that is concrete. There are many things to consider from the type of concrete, how it is finished, climate and other structural factors determines the projects success.
We are a small family business but mighty. Our team takes pride in every project we pour into. The name Shield Concrete came about when thinking about an item to ‘shield’ the elements with concrete. Later, the name formed more meaning to me for ‘The Lord is my strength and my shield; my heart trusts in Him, and He helps me, as it says in Psalm 28:7. It hasn’t been the easiest journey but the challenges grow me in my faith, relationship with God and others.
Do you any memories from childhood that you can share with us?
My favorite childhood memory was building toy cars with my dad in Panama. Before moving to the U.S. I had a collection of toy cars we built that were displayed and filled my childhood bedroom. It is now a real life hobby of ours, fixing cars together and restoring classic vehicles.
Pricing:
- Each custom project is priced to the client’s need and design.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://shieldconcretedfw.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/shieldconcretedfw/
- LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/shieldconcretedfw
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@ShieldConcreteDFW
Image Credits
ZQP Consultants, LLC
https://mymarketing101.com/
