Material innovation and market shifts at World of Concrete

By Jesse Sanchez. 

Manufacturers assess new applications and evolving market dynamics across the industry. 

At industry events the size and scale of World of Concrete (WOC), product displays are only part of the story. For many manufacturers, the show serves as a real-time assessment of where the market is heading and how their strategies must evolve. In this CoatingsCoffeeShop® interview sponsored by Tremco, Eric Pearman and Greg Wilkerson of Roof Saver (Blocksom Co) explained how that evaluation is shaping their presence on the show floor. 

Eric noted how companies are using the event to balance short-term priorities with long-term planning. “We have a presence in both industries,” Eric said, adding that the team is evaluating future product opportunities while maintaining relationships with customers across multiple sectors. That dual focus reflects a broader effort to stay aligned with shifting demand while continuing to serve existing markets. 

That strategy is anchored in their current product offering. At the show, the companies are emphasizing sediment and erosion control, particularly an inlet filtration system designed to sit above storm drain grates and prevent debris from entering drainage systems. Beyond that core solution, their work spans building envelope moisture management, floor care and acoustic applications, often delivered through partnerships or white-label production. 

Flexibility in manufacturing remains a key differentiator. By producing nonwoven textiles and fabricating them into a range of forms, the companies can adapt materials to meet specific application requirements. As Greg explained, “We've been known historically for our customization of our products.” He added, “The shows have also provided us avenues of customization that we can do based on the application or the use of the material.” 

While erosion control is the immediate focus, both leaders pointed to continued development in adjacent areas, including acoustics and moisture management. Products are actively being developed, with a potential curb inlet solution among those in progress, though no formal announcements have been made. 

At the same time, broader market forces are influencing how those decisions are made. Eric pointed to ongoing consolidation across contractors, manufacturers and distribution channels, much of it driven by private equity investment. As companies merge and scale, traditional roles within the industry are becoming less defined, with businesses increasingly operating as both partners and competitors depending on the context. This shift is reshaping relationships throughout the supply chain, creating both operational challenges and new opportunities. 

For Greg, those changes reinforce the importance of adaptability. As consolidation alters the competitive landscape, gaps can emerge in underserved markets. Greg noted, “Because of the consolidation, it gives us opportunities that we didn't perceive before because in that consolidation, sometimes the reorganization that goes on leaves on the table applications or markets that were not served as well.” By tracking those shifts and refining how their materials are applied, the companies are positioning themselves to respond to an industry that continues to change in both structure and demand. 

Watch the full interview to learn more about how material innovation, customization and industry consolidation are shaping product development and market strategy across the construction industry!