The Concrete Hero’s Quest
3 Days of Concrete Training, Craft, and Community
Napa, California | June 8-10, 2026
You started working with concrete for a reason.
Maybe it was the freedom.
Maybe it was the challenge.
Maybe it was the idea that you could shape something permanent with your hands.
But somewhere along the way, it got lonely.
Too much trial and error.
Too much guessing.
Too many late nights solving problems by yourself.
The Concrete Hero’s Quest is where craft meets community again.
This is a 3-day, hands on concrete workshop in Napa, California, hosted at SC Fabrication. It is built for makers, fabricators, contractors, and serious DIY concrete builders who want to master concrete countertops, concrete sinks, and high performance decorative concrete techniques, while standing shoulder to shoulder with others who care about the craft.
You are the hero in this story.
The challenge is clear.
Inconsistent mixes.
Unreliable systems.
Callbacks.
Isolation.
We are the guides.
Over 3 full days, we walk with you through:
Mold making techniques
Concrete mix design
GFRC spray setup and technique
Direct cast concrete techniques
Professional finishing
Durable, professional concrete sealing
You will not just watch.
You will spray.
You will cast.
You will finish.
You will seal.
You will learn when to use different application methods for GFRC.
When spraying makes sense.
When direct cast is the right move.
You will leave with clarity, not confusion.
And just as important, you will leave with connection.
Concrete is learned in person.
You cannot feel mix consistency through a screen.
You cannot build a real network alone in your shop.
For 3 days in Napa, you step into community.
You solve problems together.
You push through challenges together.
You share ideas, meals, and momentum.
This is more than a concrete training.
It is a return to the table.
The investment is real.
An investment in skill.
An investment in relationships.
An investment in the future of the decorative concrete industry.
When you go home, you do not just bring notes.
You bring systems.
You bring confidence.
You bring a network.
And you bring a stronger version of yourself back to your shop.
The Concrete Hero’s Quest
June 8-10, 2026
SC Fabrication
Napa, California
Answer the call.
WHY ATTEND A WORKSHOP AT CONCRETE DESIGN SCHOOL?
Because this craft was never meant to be learned alone.
At Concrete Design School, you do not sit in the back of a room taking notes. You step into a working shop and train shoulder to shoulder with professionals who build high end concrete countertops and concrete sinks every day.
We teach what we use.
We share what works.
We are honest about what does not.
This is not about copying someone else’s style. It is about understanding the material deeply enough to develop your own voice and build real, marketable skills in decorative concrete.
And just as important, it is about community.
You will meet other makers, contractors, and DIY concrete builders who are walking the same road. You will solve problems together. You will build relationships that extend beyond the workshop floor.
Experience matters.
Proximity matters.
Community matters.
With more than two decades of hands on innovation in concrete training, GFRC systems, direct cast methods, and professional sealing, we do not chase trends. We build foundations that last.
Join a Concrete Design School workshop.
Build better concrete.
Build stronger relationships.
Build a business that works for you.
DO I NEED TO BE EXPERIENCED IN CONCRETE TO ATTEND THIS WORKSHOP?
You do not need to be a master.
You need to be hungry.
The Concrete Hero’s Quest is built for driven beginners, seasoned fabricators, serious DIY concrete builders, and professionals who want sharper systems for concrete countertops and concrete sinks.
If you are brand new, you will gain a clear foundation in mold making, mix design, GFRC spray systems, direct cast methods, finishing, and professional sealing.
If you have been doing this for years, you will refine your process, eliminate inefficiencies, and deepen your understanding of why concrete behaves the way it does.
No ego.
No gatekeeping.
Just real training in a real shop.
Joe Bates, Jon Schuler, and Brandon Gore bring decades of hands on experience in decorative concrete, concrete training, and high performance fabrication. They are there to guide you, answer your questions, and walk with you through the process.
You do not need to have it all figured out.
You need a desire to grow, a willingness to work, and the courage to step into the room.
That is where the transformation begins.
WHAT IS A HERO’S QUEST?
A hero's quest is not about fantasy. It is about growth.
It is the moment you realize you cannot stay where you are.
The Call to Adventure
You feel it first as frustration. Inconsistent results. Missed details. A sense that your work could be better. The call is simple. Step forward or stay stuck.
The Departure
You leave the comfort of your routine and step into a new environment. A real shop. Real tools. Real makers. You trade isolation for immersion.
The Trials
You spray. You cast. You finish. You seal. You face the challenges of mold making, mix design, GFRC systems, and direct cast methods. You make adjustments. You ask better questions. You grow.
The Transformation
Somewhere in the process, clarity replaces confusion. You begin to understand concrete at a deeper level. Your systems tighten. Your confidence rises. You stop reacting and start leading your projects.
The Return
You go home different. Not just with new techniques for concrete countertops and concrete sinks, but with stronger instincts, stronger relationships, and a stronger sense of direction in your business.
The Concrete Hero’s Quest is your opportunity to walk that path in community. To train with serious makers who believe this craft deserves mastery. To build skill that lasts and relationships that matter.
This is more than a decorative concrete workshop. It is a turning point.
Workshop Dates
Concrete Hero’s Quest: June 8-10, 2026
SESSION TIME AND CAPACITY
3 days of training at Concrete Design School
These sessions are limited to 30 participants to ensure hands-on learning and class participation
Cost
1,500 USD
PURCHASE TICKETS NOW
WORKSHOP LOCATION
This workshop will be held at:
SC Fabrication
68 Coombs Street, Ste. N-3
Napa, California 94559
InstructorS
The Fine Print
Thank you for considering Concrete Design School for your workshop needs. We understand that sometimes unforeseen circumstances may arise and you may need to cancel your enrollment. If this is the case, we are happy to offer you the option to apply your course fee towards a future Concrete Design School workshop. Please note that we are unable to offer refunds for cancellations.
In order to protect the proprietary information taught during our workshops, all participants will be required to sign a Non-Disclosure Agreement. This agreement includes penalties for unauthorized disclosure of material, and prohibits the publication, broadcast, rewriting, or redistribution of any information learned during the workshop in any form.
We reserve the right to change, modify, or cancel the class schedule at any time. If a change or cancellation is necessary, we will do our best to notify you as soon as possible. Thank you for your understanding.
Glossary of Terms:
Advanced Mold Making: Advanced mold making in the context of precast concrete refers to a sophisticated and specialized process of creating intricate molds with precision and innovation. This technique goes beyond basic mold construction, involving the utilization of advanced materials, cutting-edge design considerations, and refined fabrication methods. The goal is to produce molds that enable the casting of complex and highly detailed precast concrete elements, pushing the boundaries of traditional craftsmanship. Advanced mold making contributes to the production of superior-quality precast concrete products, allowing craftsmen to achieve intricate designs, textures, and finishes in their creations.
AR Glass Fiber: AR (Alkali Resistant) glass fiber is a type of glass fiber that has been treated with a coating of aluminum oxide (Al2O3). This coating gives the fibers increased strength and durability, making them suitable for use in a variety of applications, including reinforcing concrete.
Concrete Hero: A concrete hero is someone who is skilled and dedicated to the art of working with concrete. They are able to create beautiful and functional concrete pieces, and are always looking for ways to improve their skills and push the boundaries of what is possible with concrete.
GFRC: Glass fiber reinforced concrete (GFRC) is a type of concrete that is reinforced with glass fibers. It is often used for decorative concrete projects because it is lighter and easier to work with than traditional concrete, and it can be molded into a variety of shapes and forms. GFRC is also very strong and durable, making it suitable for use in a wide range of applications.
PVA Fiber: PVA (polyvinyl alcohol) fiber is a type of synthetic fiber that is commonly used as a reinforcing material in concrete. It is known for its high tensile strength, low elongation, and good dimensional stability, making it an excellent choice for reinforcing concrete structures.
Post-Tensioned Concrete: Post-tensioned concrete uses high-strength steel to compress and reinforce the concrete. The steel is stretched and anchored at each end of the concrete structure, and then tightened to a specific tension once the concrete has cured. This process creates a much stronger and more durable structure, capable of withstanding heavy loads and large spans.
Ramm-Crete: A groundbreaking technique in concrete casting, Ramm-Crete captures the raw beauty of rammed earth walls with Kodiak Pro RadMix. Crafted by the masterful hands of concrete artisan and rammed earth builder, Brandon Gore, in partnership with the innovative mind of concrete materials pioneer, Jon Schuler, Ramm-Crete melds the strength and adaptability of concrete with the earthy allure of rammed earth. The process entails the meticulous use of Kodiak Pro RadMix, skillfully blending additives and aggregates to achieve the sought-after visual and tactile qualities. Ramm-Crete stands as a testament to the marriage of durability, style, and eco-consciousness, yielding architectural wonders that evoke both admiration and sustainability.
Reactive Sealer: A reactive sealer is a type of concrete sealer that forms a chemical bond with the surface of the concrete. This bond helps to strengthen and protect the concrete, and can also enhance its appearance. Reactive sealers are typically more durable and long-lasting than other types of sealers.
Upright Casting Technique (UCT): Upright Casting Techniques (UCT) is a pioneering approach to concrete craftsmanship, developed by Jon Schuler and Joe Bates, designed for casting high-end concrete projects in place. Unlike traditional methods, UCT allows for a hand-hewn aesthetic—a raw, organic texture that designers covet and can’t be replicated any other way.
Whether used for cast-in-place sinks, furniture, or architectural elements, UCT empowers craftsmen to shape concrete with precision while embracing its natural beauty. This technique isn’t just about making—it’s about creating one-of-a-kind pieces that tell a story through texture, form, and craftsmanship.
UHPC: Ultra-high performance concrete (UHPC) is a type of concrete that is characterized by its extreme strength and durability. It is made using a combination of fine-grained materials, such as cement, sand, and fine aggregates, as well as high-strength steel fibers or other reinforcing materials. UHPC is often used in the construction of bridges, buildings, and other large structures where strength and durability are critical.