Self-Taught Slipformer

Again, Williams faced challenges. With very little existing slipforming in southern Maine, there were no experienced laborers to hire. Tie-in work, hand forming, and finishing had to be taught fresh to new employees. Concrete was another obstacle. Developing a mix design that worked for Williams Brothers was complicated by a green crew that couldn’t pour at full speed, causing trucks to set up on them. Between concrete, a short working season, and an ever-changing schedule, time was the enemy. Williams finally gained momentum after finessing her mix design and getting through the initial learning curve with their slipform equipment. Commenting on their struggle, she explains, “Power Curbers has been so wonderful to help us work through technical difficulties. I’ve met and talked to so many kind individuals who truly were so supportive and helpful in sharing knowledge. Everyone was truly invested in our success.”

Based in Saco, Maine, the fourteen employees of what is now, Williams Brothers Construction, Inc. perform asphalt and concrete slipform work throughout New England. Now through her third slipforming season, Williams is excited. “We’ve finally opened some doors this year with lead contractors – huge general contracting companies in our state that have been so impressed and happy with our work.” Reflecting on her decision to get into slipforming, she declared, “I’m so glad I went with Power Curbers. I love the small business feeling that I have working with them. I’ve never once felt like I couldn’t reach who I needed to. It feels so intimate. From ordering my molds to everything in between, everyone had always made me feel like I was a part of that business, which in some of my hardest times when I wanted to give up, it was that call that made me think. OK, we are going to keep going. We can do this.”