Welcome to the first edition of our live coverage from World of Concrete 2025, the premier event for the concrete and masonry industries. Held at the Las Vegas Convention Center, the event is buzzing with cutting-edge innovations, expert sessions, and incredible networking opportunities. Let’s dive into the top highlights from Day 1, along with an exclusive interview from the event floor.

Disclaimer: Unofficially World of Concrete is an independent publication not affiliated with or endorsed by World of Concrete.

Exclusive Interview: Transforming Heavy Building Materials with Benjamin Rabchuk

Earlier today, we spoke with Benjamin Rabchuk, Vice President of Sales for the western half of North America at Command Alkon, to explore how the company is driving transformation in the heavy building materials industry. From cloud-based solutions to AI-driven insights, Command Alkon is redefining how businesses operate in this sector.

Can you start by introducing yourself and your role? Then, tell us about Command Alkon—what does the company do, and who does it serve?

Benjamin Rabchuk: I’m Benjamin Rabchuk, VP of Regional Sales for the western half of North America at Command Alkon. I’ve been with the company since 2010, after my family’s business was acquired. Command Alkon itself has a rich history, dating back to 1976.

We’re a software company focused on serving the heavy building materials sector—ready mix, aggregates, asphalt, and more. We help these businesses streamline their operations by providing solutions that integrate everything from batching and dispatching to GPS tracking and accounting. Our mission is to simplify and connect these complex processes to make the industry more efficient.

What are the key products and solutions Command Alkon offers? Could you also share who your typical customers are and how they benefit from your offerings?

Benjamin Rabchuk: Our core products cover the entire vertical of heavy building materials. We design batching systems to manage plants, GPS systems to track trucks, dispatch systems to streamline orders, and accounting systems to manage payments.

Our customers are global suppliers of ready mix, aggregate, and asphalt. They rely on us to reduce inefficiencies and ensure smooth operations across their supply chains. By offering an integrated platform, we enable them to focus on delivering value to their customers without being bogged down by operational complexity.

Looking at this year, are there any exciting product launches or innovations you’re particularly proud of?

Benjamin Rabchuk: Absolutely! Over the past few years, we’ve focused on transitioning everything to the cloud. This year, we’re particularly excited about launching our aggregate solutions in the cloud. This complements our ready-mix and asphalt solutions, which are already there.

One of the standout features we’re introducing is material supply management. Customers can now see real-time inventory levels, predict when more materials are needed, and automate deliveries. We’re also going fully paperless—drivers can use tablets to sign tickets, append notes, and even take job site pictures, streamlining the entire process.

With the vast amount of data you’re creating and capturing, how are you leveraging it to help your customers run their businesses more efficiently? What excites you most about the potential of this data?

Benjamin Rabchuk: That’s a great point. Businesses in our sector generate a huge amount of data, but the challenge is turning it into actionable insights. For example, our systems now allow customers to see historical performance during order entry—whether a client has been paying on time, their ordering trends, or if they tend to cancel orders.

We also empower sales teams with these insights to improve quoting and bidding processes. And with AI, we’re analyzing data thousands of times faster than before, helping businesses make better decisions without relying on institutional knowledge that leaves when key people retire.

Is AI already integrated into your products? If so, how is it being used to support your customers, and what future opportunities do you see for AI in your solutions?

Benjamin Rabchuk: Yes, we’re incorporating AI in several ways. For instance, our dispatch systems can recommend optimal decisions—like which plant to ship from based on costs, traffic, and delivery times. While the final decision still rests with people, AI makes the process more efficient by offering data-backed suggestions.

We’re also exploring AI in pricing. Similar to airline pricing models, we can use AI to dynamically prioritize high-value customers or those willing to pay premium prices during peak times. The goal is to help businesses maximize profitability while maintaining operational efficiency.

Looking ahead, what trends or developments do you find most exciting for this industry? How do you see your company playing a central role in shaping that future?

Benjamin Rabchuk: The future is about efficiency and sustainability. For example, AI can help optimize driver schedules to reduce idle times and overtime, saving both time and money. Inventory management will also play a critical role, especially as businesses focus on controlling overhead and minimizing waste.

We’re also looking at how we can contribute to sustainability. Whether it’s reducing carbon emissions during manufacturing and delivery or helping businesses track and meet eco-friendly goals, we see a huge opportunity to make a positive impact. It’s an exciting time to be at the intersection of technology and heavy building materials.

🎧 Want to hear more? Listen to the full conversation with Benjamin Rabchuk here:

Top 5 Product Launches to Watch

Here are the standout product launches shaping the future of construction:

• Caterpillar Telehandlers: Advanced lifting solutions with enhanced telematics and fuel efficiency.

• Bosch Cordless Tools: Improved battery life and on-site productivity through hands-on demonstrations.

• Terex Challenger Mixer: Compact, eco-friendly mixer with an automated wash system.

• Wirtgen SP 33 Slipform Paver: Precision-driven ECO mode technology for slabs and profiles.

• Bobcat’s Versatile Lineup: Including backhoe loaders and compact track loaders with cutting-edge attachment compatibility.

These innovations promise significant improvements in efficiency and safety on job sites.

Day 1 Takeaways: Innovation on Full Display

Day 1 at World of Concrete 2025 showcased cutting-edge technologies, including AI-powered safety solutions by Brigade Electronics and Vanguard’s sustainable engines and batteries, which enhance efficiency and reduce environmental impact. Signature events like the SPEC MIX BRICKLAYER 500 World Championship captivated attendees, while the Concrete Industry Management Auction supported future industry leaders. With over 1,400 exhibitors and thousands of professionals in attendance, the event proved to be a hub for innovation and collaboration.

Stay Connected

Stay tuned for more live updates, interviews, and expert insights as World of Concrete 2025 continues to shape the future of construction. Let us know your favorite moments from Day 1 in the comments below!

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