Meet Carlos Scantlebury | Concrete Designer in Dallas-Fort Worth

We had the good fortune of connecting with Carlos Scantlebury and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Carlos, we’d love for you to start things off by telling us something about your industry that we and others not in the industry might be unaware of?
The business of concrete is an artistry. There isn’t a course or certification for what we do. It is a hands on profession, where you are literally getting your hands dirty. At Shield Concrete, we’ve built pool decks for more than a decade and specialize in decorative decks, that is an art, from textures to color selections. I was an apprentice for two years before expanding my own business. What most outsiders may not be aware of is concrete is the foundation for everything in construction. You cannot begin a project without a solid foundation and that is concrete. There are many things to consider from the type of concrete, how it is finished, climate and other natural factors determine how the concrete is laid and turns out.

Alright, so for those in our community who might not be familiar with your business, can you tell us more?
More than 10 years ago, I was working for a company delivering concrete. The owner and the contractors had a language barrier so I acted as their translator. After a few years, someone suggested that I start working in concrete since I was learning the business and I am also bilingual. I decided to take the opportunity and was an apprentice for about 2 years, learning the trade before I branched off on my own.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
If my best friend was visiting, I would plan a little bit of everything. Top on the list would be to attend a sporting event depending on the season. Then a nice restaurant is always on the itinerary, something that only Texas has, maybe Perry’s, Nick & Sam’s or Brass Ram. I would take them to local sites and neighbors, like Bishop Arts, AT&T District, Trinity Groves and if we had time to The Star or PGA in Frisco. During the summer, rooftops are a must and a pool party. After building pool decks, I like to enjoy some throughout the city as well. Some of my favorites are Canva, The Canopy and Lee Harvey’s Dive-In.

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
My shoutout is to God first. He is my provider, strength and sustainer. Shield Concrete was named after wanting to create a name to ‘shield’ the elements with concrete. Later, the name had more meaning to me for ‘The Lord is my strength and my shield; my heart trusts in Him, and He helps me, as it says in Psalm 28:7. It hasn’t been the easiest journey but the challenges grow me in my faith, relationship with God and others.

My strength comes from God, but my motivation is my family. My family moved here from Panama 20 years ago to give me opportunities they did not have. My mother was a beautiful soul and light that brought joy to everyone she met. I always wanted to make her proud and cared for her until her last living day. My son, father and partner continue to support, love and encourage me. They drive my success on a daily basis to always provide.

I would like to thank my mentor for apprenticeship and introducing me to the trade.

Website: https://shieldconcretedfw.com/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/shieldconcretedfw/

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/shieldconcretedfw/?viewAsMember=true

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@ShieldConcreteDFW

Image Credits
ZQP Consultants, LLC
https://mymarketing101.com/