Hands-On Concrete Countertop Training

Knowledge is Power.

Knowledge gives you an edge over the competition. Knowledge ensures your customers will return to you again and again.

Get that knowledge from CCI's unbiased teaching, non-proprietary from-scratch mixes and detailed step-by-step instruction that tells you not just how, but why.

Register early, classes fill fast.

• You'll get solid information from an engineer.
• We don't sell proprietary products.
• Learn not just how, but why.

5-Day Precast & GFRC: Ultimate

(Complete Precast and GFRC for those starting a concrete countertop business)

2-Day Class: GFRC 101

(For beginners and those who just want to learn GFRC)

Water, Light & Fire: Advanced 3-Dimensional Molds

(Water features, fire pits, fiber optics and other advanced 3-dimensional techniques for that wow effect)

Class Schedule

Testimonials

Why train with CCI? Click here to find out. Self-study training also available.

2-day, hands-on training that gets you started quickly:

GFRC 101

Glass Fiber Reinforced Concrete is the latest technology for creating larger, lighter, seamless concrete countertops or conference tables and intricate three dimensional objects such as lounge chairs and fireplace surrounds.

Compared to traditional precast techniques (which require steel reinforcement), the GFRC method is faster and simpler, requires fewer pieces of equipment, and allows you to express your creativity in ways you never before thought possible - while making money doing it! 

Results of this class:

• Learn how to change an expensive hobby into a healthy source of income -- in just TWO days.
• Don't waste time by trial and error, and don't put your future into the hands of anyone who does not have a solid track record of success.
  
• Express your creativity in ways you never before thought possible - while making money doing it.

When and where is this class offered?

This class is held approximately every other month in various locations around the U.S. Click here for the class schedule.

How much does it cost?

$895. Breakfast, lunch and all class materials are included. We have a great hotel deal just a mile away for only $69 per night.

What's the class size?

Limited to 16 students. 

Who should take this class?

If you're a beginner, this class will get you started quickly and inexpensively.

• If you're just making your first concrete countertop, this class is an inexpensive way to get valuable hands-on guidance.

If you're a stone or solid surface fabricator, this class is ideal.

• Learn just what you need: the concrete part, not templating and installation.

If you already make concrete countertops, this class will fill in your knowledge gaps.

• Learn Jeff Girard's trouble-free, from-scratch mix techniques.
• Learn GFRC and CSA cements.

How do I sign up?

Register online or call 888-386-7711.

What you'll learn:

• No experience required. There are no pre-requisites to take this class.
• You get our 100% successful, from-scratch GFRC mix
• Do every step of how to create a countertop (including integral sink) from start to finish
• Learn solid principles that you can apply to any sort of concrete fabrication, such as tables, benches and fireplace mantles
• Take home a true understanding of GFRC mixes using rapid-curing CSA cements
• Get everything you need (including supply checklists and reliable vendors) to get started producing GFRC projects right away

5-day, hands-on training that covers absolutely everything:

The Ultimate Concrete Countertop Training

In this 5-day class, you'll learn every single step of precast and GFRC concrete countertop making 100% hands-on, plus in-depth sales and marketing and project management techniques. Hands-on, you'll create a precast L-shaped kitchen with undermount in groups of 2-4 students. Each student also makes his or her own GFRC integral sink vanity, and the class makes a complex, three-dimensional GFRC project such as a fireplace hearth. Jeff Girard personally conducts every class, so you'll spend 5 days working side by side with Jeff.

Results of this class:

• Learn every step of both precast and GFRC concrete countertops, 100% hands on, from templating to installation, using from-scratch mixes.
• Get a solid technical foundation that will give you the freedom to be creative without problems.
• Completely understand mix design, reinforcement and sealing, enabling you to have total confidence in your concrete countertops and sinks.
• Get in-depth training in sales, marketing and project management, that will allow you to run your business profitably.
• Result: You'll have the technical know-how to run a problem-free, profitable concrete countertop business, and confidently exercise your creativity without limits.

It's about FREEDOM: freedom from problems, freedom to choose your own mix, freedom to buy materials where you want to buy them, freedom to be creative on your own terms. It won't be easy, but it will be your own.

And we'll be there to guide you every step of the way. Lifetime membership in the Guided Technical and Business Success Programs with unlimited access to Jeff Girard and Lane Mangum is included.

When and where is this class offered?

This class is held approximately 2-3 times yearly at the CCI training center in the Chicago area. Click here for the class schedule.

How much does it cost?

$3895 includes the class, all textbooks and lifetime Guided Success membership. Hotel, breakfast and lunch are included. All you need to do is get yourself there and decide what you want to have for dinner each night.

What's the class size?

Limited to 12 students.

Who should take this class?

This class is only for those who are most dedicated to creating a serious, profitable concrete countertop business, whether standalone or in addition to an existing business. No experience with concrete is required, as the training is extremely thorough. You do need basic carpentry and handyman skills, along with creativity and enthusiasm. You will work side by side with Jeff Girard for a full 5 days, and Jeff will take the time to answer every single question.

How do I sign up?

You must interview to be accepted into this program. Contact us to schedule an interview. Serious inquiries only, please.

What you'll learn hands-on and in the classroom:

• Professional templating methods
• Professional forming methods
• How to construct a casting table
• Reinforcing of both simple and complex shapes, including large sink holes, curves, and cantilevers
• Principles of concrete countertop mix design
• Two from-scratch precast mix formulas, one all-sand and one aggregate-based, that achieve compressive strengths of over 4000 PSI in 1 day 
• From-scratch GFRC mix formula
• How to cast and cure, and what concrete is actually doing when it cures
• How to grind, hone and polish
• Grout formula
• Detailed information about sealer chemistries, from acrylic to urethane, and how to apply professional-grade, stain-proof sealers
• How to transport slabs to the job site
• How to achieve the perfect installation, including undermount sinks
• Use the professional-grade materials and tools you really need, in an actual concrete countertop shop
• CSA cement versus portland cement
• UV-cured sealers
• Integral sinks and drainboards
• Complex, three-dimensional shapes such as fireplace hearths

Class materials you will receive:

• Detailed instruction manual on precast concrete countertop manufacturing
• Detailed instruction manual on GFRC concrete countertop manufacturing
• Precast and GFRC mix calculators
• List of materials, tools and equipment you need and where to buy them for the best prices from the best sources
• Comprehensive guide to marketing and selling concrete countertops, plus a contract, estimating spreadsheet, brochure, architectural specifications and more
• A project management course that includes quality checklists and procedures for managing multiple projects, resulting in fewer mistakes and higher profits
• Lifetime membership in the Guided Technical and Business Success Programs with unlimited access to Jeff Girard and Lane Mangum