May 2008

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HNA Hands-On
Training Classes

It was a very exciting time at this year’s Hardscape North America show in Nashville, Tennesse, February 28, 29, & March 1st. SASP held three successful “Hands–On Best Practices for Segmental Paver Installation” classes. We were very fortunate to have extremely knowledgeable and experienced guest instructors with us as well. Mark Schmitt of Schmitt’s Landscape Company, Ross Yantzi of Ross Yantzi’s Pavestone Plus, and Bryan Light of the Brick Industry Association all helped make the classes a success.

Several changes were implemented from last year’s classes. This year SASP worked together with BIA as well as ICPI and introduced a clay component to the class. Students were instructed in the use of modules to install clay pavers as well as given background in the manufacturing process and how that can affect installation. SASP and BIA are looking forward to working together again in the future, possibly implementing a clay section to the Foundations Skills class here at the school.

Students also had the opportunity to be the first to use the school’s new Weber compaction equipment. Overall 48 students went away from our classes newly educated in the industry’s best practices. Thanks to all of you who helped make this year’s show a success! Each student we educate makes the industry stronger.

Founders Meeting

It was great to see all of you again at this year’s annual Founder’s Meeting in Nashville. Several new developments arose from the meeting. The founder’s decided to move forward with production of a Foundation Skills training video in both English and Spanish. This is a very exciting development, as SASP again moves to the forefront in providing additional training resources to the contractor. We will keep you all abreast with further updates as they happen. Many of you shared your ideas to increase enrollment in the upcoming year. As a result SASP is moving forward with several new plans.

ICPI Pilot Course

Another exciting development at the school since January has been the school’s work with ICPI in forming pilot hands-on training programs. SASP was happy to have two ICPI instructors attend its April 1-3rd Foundations Skills class. Greg Ambrose and Ross Causey both were trained as SASP instructors and will instruct ICPI’s first ever “Hands-On” class held at SASP May 13-15th. This will be the first in a two part “pilot” program put in place to evaluate the effectiveness of ICPI classes conducted here at the school versus regionally. The regional class will be held in Dallas, TX, July 10-12th.

The ICPI version of our Foundations Skills for Paver Construction course will be shortened to two days and will feature an assistant instructor to facilitate the shortened time frame. Good news, however; the curriculum that all of us worked so hard to establish will remain true and unchanged.

During this year’s annual ICPI meeting in Denver, SASP received special recognition for training Charlie McGrath and helping him on his way to one day starting his own hardscape contracting company. We were happy to help, Charlie!

In an additional note, there is more good news to report. Four of the school’s courses have been approved for ICPI CEU credits. This means that now students who attend the school can use their SASP experience toward obtaining ICPI level II certification. We all look forward to working more closely with ICPI to further “Hands-On” instruction in the industry.

Inaugural Steps, Landings and Elevations Class

On April 15-17, the school held its first Steps, Landings, and Elevations course. Students came from as far away as New Brunswick, Canada to attend. The students took part in hands-on segmental retaining wall step construction, concrete from building and pouring, mortar set veneer applications, and adhesive veneer applications. The class successfully constructed four distinct step models over two and a half days.

Over the past year we were fortunate enough to get valuable curriculum contributions for this class from many across several industries. Thanks to all of the founders who responded with curriculum revisions and ideas. As we expand into more specialized curriculum, it becomes increasingly more important that all of our Founder’s contribute, so that what SASP teaches continues to truly reflect the best practices of the industry.

Old Castle Sponsored Permeable Class

On March 31st 2008, Ken O’Neill of Oldcastle and 29 other Oldcastle employees were here for the third sponsored class at SASP! The class began with a SASP hosted reception Sunday evening and continued with a one day seminar the next day. Chuck Taylor of Advanced Pavement Technologies came to the school to share his vast knowledge of permeable systems with the group. The group was then given a mechanical installation demonstration courtesy of Bill Schneider and LPS later that day. Monday night, after certificates were handed out, Oldcastle ended the class by treating everyone to an evening to remember at a local Racine steakhouse.

SASP still has plenty of room for more sponsored classes. We would appreciate any and all promotions for the school.

2008 Classes

We are about to finish the spring 2008 school year, and look forward to an even more successful fall 2008. With the continued help and assistance of all of our founders we can continue to educate more and more of those who represent us in the hardscape industry.

Since the last Founder’s Update, we have had 6 classes:
• One Permeable Paving Systems
• Two Foundation Skills Classes
• Two Hardscape Chemical Certification Classes
• One Steps, Landings, & Elevations Class

As usual, if there is anything I can assist you with, please do not hesitate in contacting me at the school or feel free to email me at Kevin@paverschool.com.

Kevin Roessger
Instructor

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