Chris Mirabal is a problem solver. As Senior Tech Advisor for Engrave-A-Crete, he is no stranger to the issues that come up with decorative concrete every day. He always has a listening ear and good advice for those with tech questions.
Chris gained his expertise in staining, engraving and sealing concrete through experience, with more than half a million square feet of decorative concrete to his credit. And since experience is the best teacher, that puts Chris at the top of the game when it comes to teaching others the skills and techniques he's learned.
“College wasn't for me,” Chris says. “I thought decorative concrete was a good concept, so I went out and worked. I saved every ounce of money and bought an Engrave-A-Crete business package. I worked my ass off learning the trade because I wanted to be the best at it. I've done little jobs and I've done big jobs, and having been out there really doing it means I understand what the guy who's on the other end of the phone with a tech question is going through. Because I've been there and done that, I understand his headache, his nightmare, and I can actually help him through the problems he's having with concrete.”
Others agree. Customer A. Helm says, “When I first contacted your company [Engrave-A-Crete], I had the opportunity to talk to Chris. In just a few minutes I knew this man knew what he was talking about. He knows his stuff and was very courteous and took time to explain to me what I needed and what would work best for me.”
His association with concrete and building began early in life for Chris.
“My dad was a general contractor in the construction industry, and I come from a construction family,” Chris says. “I've been reading blueprints since I was nine. My first job was sweeping at a construction sight. My dad gave me a broom and told me to sweep until the bristles wore out!”
How does Chris inspire trust in those who call him for advice?
“My experience says a lot,” Chris says, “but to give good advice you also have to know your product. I ask a lot of questions when there's a problem, then based on what I'm told and what I know about our products, I can explain to the customer what's happening and give them a fix for it. There's no magic eight-ball to make them trust me, but after what I tell them works, the trust is there.”
Chris is also instrumental in Engrave-A-Crete's training seminars, where his easy manner makes participants feel at home. Customer T. Sousa recently said of a one-day seminar presented by Chris, “His demeanor was professional yet relaxed and playful enough to make us all feel comfortable. He demonstrated how knowledgeable he is in this field, and reassured us of his willingness to assist us in the future. “
Chris believes personal assistance to customers is a must. “You can't just go online and find an answer,” Chris says. “I think that's what makes Engrave-A-Crete a little more unique—having me here to help customers. You can't have the answer in a book with someone flipping through the pages and finding an answer. You just can't. You have to have someone with knowledge. There's just no other good way.”
Although he dabbles with Karate and four-wheelers, Chris prefers spending his time away from Engrave-A-Crete with his wife and children. His son and two daughters range in age from 20 months to ten years and are ready and willing to plan the family's fun. Chris likes that.