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Potomac Surfaces

What is the biggest misconception about the industry?

Polished Concrete has become a very popular finish that we see specified more often than ever. The final finish can vary depending upon the hardness and integrity of the existing slab. The final finish will also vary depending upon the pre-existing conditions. There can be ghost lines that appear if there was ceramic tile installed previously. There can also be cracks and pot marks that need to be repaired. Depending on the original pour, you may see aggregate variances as well. So to summarize, sometimes there is a misconception that the finish will be constant. It can be, but typically it's not. In my opinion, that's the beauty of polished concrete.  

 

What keeps you up at night?

It is very important to us that our clients are getting the service that they deserve. When we run into problems on the job-site it makes it very difficult to rest. There have been many times that Ryan or myself have been in the field working with our crew to ensure the completion of the project to meet or exceed our clients’ expectations.

 

How does your ABC membership help your company?

We have really enjoyed the information that ABC has passed along to us. The networking events have been fantastic. It has created another way for us to get in front of other business professionals so that we can learn and expand upon the great foundation we have. We stay informed and continue to be educated through the weekly enewsletter, Building Metro Washington Weekly.

 

What did you want to be when you grew up?

I wanted to be a Hockey player.

 

Tell us something no one in the industry knows about you.

Family friends with Coach John and Ellen Calipari. We are obviously HUGE UK fans! I love the 2018 - 2019 team. Looks like a promising year if everyone stays healthy!

 

What do you look forward to each day?

Seeing my son after work, hearing about his day at school and watching him play basketball.

 

What are you like to work for?

Well, you would probably get a more accurate answer from the guys in the field. I try to hold the guys to the same standards that I operate under. Be on time, be where you are supposed to be and communication is key.

 

What is your favorite metro Washington hangout/restaurant?

Dutch's Daughter in Frederick Maryland has the best seafood in the world. By far, my favorite restaurant.

 

Who would you trade places with for a day?

Tom Brady or Kobe Bryant.

 

What do you do for fun?

Anything that has to do with basketball. I love to travel and meet new people.

What business/career advice do you wish you had when you began?

Do what you love and chase your dreams.

 

What book are you currently reading?

I just started reading "Falling Upward" by Richard Rohr.

 

What was your first job?

I was a dishwasher/waiter at my mom's diner in Winchester New Hampshire.

Potomac Surfaces specializes in self-leveling concrete, polished concrete, floor prep and epoxy flooring systems. We also provide services such as adhesive removal, shot blasting, floor grinding and moisture mitigation. We offer many different flooring systems that include sealed concrete, polishable topping concrete (we can add aggregate or glass), concrete staining and concrete stamping. A large portion of our leveling work is at glass partitions. We pour a 6" wide curb and float the floor to provide a non-noticeable slope to the partition. We have outstanding installers in the field that make all of this possible. Ryan and I are always available by phone or email. We look forward to hearing from you!

In business since 2016.



Karl Otto
Account Executive
Potomac Surfaces