http://www.chiefconcrete.com

Concrete Decor - Index

Concrete Decor - CDNLSeptember08 - Index

Chief Concrete Inc.
Las Vegas, Nev.
by David Searls
Who quits a stable job with a government
pension for the insecurity of selfemployment
in a field where you have no formal
training or experience? To put it another way,
who in his right mind would give up a career in
electronic engineering in a weapons program at
the Nevada Test Site for … concrete work?
That’s what Monte Walker did, and he doesn’t
believe a sound mind has anything to do with the
decision. “Middle-age menopause and temporary
insanity,” he says with a chuckle.
In 1979, Walker went into partnership with a
rebar contractor who specialized in swimming
pool decks.
6 · ALL ACCESS · SEPTEMBER 2008
Photos courtesy of Chief Concrete Inc.
That company, now known as Chief Concrete
Inc., has gone on to handle showcase project
work for such signature Vegas clients as MGM
Mirage properties, the Silverton Casino Lodge,
Allegiant Travel Co., The Milton I. Schwartz
Hebrew Academy and many of the city’s most
exclusive residential developments, not to
mention some of its ritziest country clubs.
Jack Finnan, the company’s general
superintendent, has worked for Monte Walker
since 1980, and is one of several employees of
the Las Vegas-based company who have devoted
many years to the family business. “It’s like
working for family,” he says. “To Monte, you’re