The Family-run Company Proves

decorative concrete Today
Coughlin Concrete
Puts a New Spin on
a Traditional Material
The family-run company proves
that quality is all in the details
If yawn-inducing curbs and sidewalks
come to mind when you hear “concrete,”
it’s time to rethink those old-school
ideas. More than just a functional tool
for creating strong building components,
concrete is now an in-demand material
that’s revolutionizing home design and
decoration. And leading the charge
in this scorching hot movement is
Coughlin Concrete, LLC.
The father-son team of Mike Coughlin,
Sr. and Michael Coughlin II has
introduced West Central Ohio to a whole
new world of possibilities when it comes
to concrete: stamped surfaces, creative
patios, artistic steps, and much more.
If there’s an area of your home that’s
begging for revitalization, they’ve got a
concrete answer for you.
It’s always been the answer for Mike, a
Columbus native who started working
for concrete contractors in the area after
high school. A job at Honda prompted a
relocation to Bellefontaine, but in 2004,
he went back to his concrete roots and
decided to launch Coughlin Concrete.
As it turns out, those roots extend
back multiple generations. Mike’s
father worked for Anderson Concrete
6
in Columbus for 41 years, and he
encouraged his son to get his feet
wet in the industry by hiring on with
contractor friends of his during summer
breaks. “That’s where my love for
concrete was established,” Mike says.
“And it’s just grown from there.”
Step 1 - Preparing poured
concrete for stamping
Michael followed in his father’s and
grandfather’s footsteps by shadowing
his dad from a young age. When Mike
went to a job site, so did little Michael.
He helped with age-appropriate jobs
Step 2 - Adding secondary color
at every stage, all the while absorbing
family values like hard work, patience,
and attention to detail. He officially
came on board as a summer worker
when he started high school, nudging
his dad in the direction of innovation
and staying on top of advancements in
the many uses of concrete. “The ability
to turn concrete into a work of art truly
prompted Michael to fall in love with the Step 3 - Stamping concrete
trade,” his dad says.
This combination of talents has resulted
in a company that boasts decades
of experience—plus fresh ideas and
progressive techniques that ensure
clients get the best of both worlds.
They’ve kept pace with changing
technologies, harnessing tools like
decorative concrete Today
Step 4 - Power washed and sealed
Ashlar tile pattern overlays are one example of decorative concrete work
art of decorative concrete is driving
the entire building industry.”
Facebook and a web presence
to keep current and potential
customers informed of their concrete
options. And although theirs is a
traditional trade, Mike appreciates
that his son is always on the lookout
for the latest and greatest concrete
processes to benefit their clients.
As a custom flatwork concrete
company, Coughlin Concrete
specializes in patios, driveways, and
concrete overlays. Other services
include sidewalks, steps, garage
and basement floors, and anything
else that requires expert flatwork
concrete. Mike characterizes his
business as more than a concrete
company, however. “We offer
complete backyard entertainment,”
he explains. “That means stacked
stone walls, stone face resurfacing,
patio fireplaces—whatever helps you
maximize the enjoyment of your yard,
we can do.”
Their expertise in decorative
concrete puts them on the building
and remodeling industry’s cutting
edge. “Concrete is being used more
than any other building product,”
Mike says. “Concrete countertops,
furniture, micro-topping floors—the
Whatever services clients are in
the market for, first-timers who
stick around to watch the work
And thanks to Coughlin Concrete,
of Coughlin Concrete are blown
West Central Ohio has premiere
away every time by the level of
access to the
detail required. “They’re
industry’s best.
always surprised at how
Among the
much of an art this truly
company’s most
is,” Mike says, “and how
hatever much detail goes into
popular services is
stamped concrete,
doing it right. Making a
services
which gives
project look good is not
clients are in as easy as showing up
customers the look
and feel of high-end,
and pouring concrete.
the market
natural materials
There’s an artistic side
for,
firstwithout the hassle
to presenting a quality
timers who
of vegetation
project.”
control and yearly
stick around
maintenance. (See
The company’s focus
to watch
the sidebar for
on detail-oriented work
Coughlin
more on stamped
means that private
concrete.) Patios—
Concrete work homeowners are their
in a wide array
primary customer base.
are
blown
of shapes, colors,
And because Mike is an
and patterns—are
admitted perfectionist,
away every
another popular
Coughlin Concrete
time by the
service because they
employs a small crew—
level of detail rather than a swarm
transform a yard
into another living
of workers—so the
required in
space. Even better,
Coughlins can monitor
concrete.
that living space is
every aspect of the job.
durable, versatile, and
That means plenty of
low-maintenance.
on-site time for both
Mike and Michael.
Of course, there’s also plenty of
“We’re on every project,” Mike
demand for practical yet beautiful
insists. “We don’t bid projects
steps, walkways, driveways, and
we don’t physically work on, and
sidewalks—all of which increase
that element is a huge part of
curb appeal, as well as add value to
what separates us from other
your home.
contractors.”
W
decorative concrete Today
7
The Creative Side
of Concrete
Never heard of stamped concrete? This innovative method is gaining legions of fans
thanks to its ability to transform plain old
concrete into something spectacular—and
is one of the services that Coughlin Concrete is best known for. Stamped concrete,
which is designed to resemble brick, slate,
flagstone, tile, or wood, offers a virtually
endless selection of colors and patterns and
often is chosen to blend with other stone,
tile, or natural elements. It takes a skilled
team to put all of the pieces together, and
none is better than the Coughlin team.
The Coughlin Family - Mike, Alayna,
Teresa, Alexa, Mitch & Michael
They’re obviously doing something
right. Coughlin Concrete has
earned an A+ rating with the
Better Business Bureau while
regularly bidding projects in the
$30,000-plus range. Not that the
company dismisses smaller jobs.
Mike explains their goal is always
to dazzle clients with quality and
craftsmanship—not to make as
much money as possible. “The best
part of our job, hands down, is the
outcome,” he says. “Being able to sit
back after everything is finished and
see a piece of work that’s not only
designed and executed to perfection,
but also loved by the customer, is
priceless. There’s no better feeling
than leaving a job with a happy
customer and a referral.”
To help get things started on the
right foot, Coughlin Concrete has
implemented something called
the 7-Point Project Concept
Consultation process. This
course of action, used during the
bidding process, has been a real
game changer for the company,
according to Mike. The idea behind
the 7-Point process is to lay out in
front of potential customers all of
the details and prices associated
with their project, allowing them
to make a decision without going
through the time- and energy-
8
Mike & Teresa Coughlin
Returning From Vacation
sucking process of “shopping a
price.” The consultation includes
gathering every detail about a
project over the phone and then
using that information to bracket
the project within an estimated price
range. “Because they already have
a good feel for what’s going to take
place, we can then meet face to face
with the customer and not blow
them away with details and prices,”
Mike says.
This approach puts the focus
where it should be: on the
exceptional product Coughlin
Concrete creates for every client.
“We’re the best—not the cheapest,
but the best,” Mike promises. “We
deliver superior value for every
dollar you invest.”
For a 7-point project concept
consultation to install decorative
concrete in your outdoor area,
contact Coughlin Concrete at
937-844-3139 or visit them online
at www.coughlinconcrete.com.
decorative concrete Today
Mike says the difference between his company and the competitors can be found in
the process that produces these durable
works of art. First, to give their stamps a
more natural look, Coughlin Concrete uses
multiple variations of color, giving each
project its own unique look. Before they
stamp, a basket roller tool separates the aggregate and cream from the concrete mix.
“Doing so makes the finished texture look
much cleaner,” Mike says.
But it’s the post-stamping period where the
company really shines. Mike explains that
during stamping, areas of the concrete will
“squish,” leaving uneven joints and edges.
The crew takes care of that by cleaning
those joints and edges, getting on hands
and knees to make sure each line looks
natural and clean. They do the same for all
of the little cracks created by the violent
stamping action. “While concrete is still in
a plastic state, we use hammers to pound
those cracks back in, sealing and hiding
them forever,” Mike states.
When they’re satisfied, the team applies
two or three coats of sealer on every stamp.
The reason? Multiple coats produce an
even shine and make the secondary colors
stand out. It’s a lot of work, but it’s worth
it, Mike says. “Most other contractors don’t
do these things, but our clients are worth
the extra effort.”