BUCYRUS — The popularity of concrete has propelled the Wentz family into yet another generation of “pouring.”

Wentz Concrete, founded in 1970 by Burt Wentz Sr., is a mainstay in Crawford County. Three generations of Wentzes with a fourth on the way, all mixing and pouring driveways and sidewalks at homes and businesses throughout the area.

It’s a skill. A craft. And nowadays, more of an artform.

 

“I think it’s more of the decorative aspect, the things we can do with concrete nowadays with color and design,” said owner Nick Wentz, grandson of the founder. “Even in countertops, it’s an alternative to granites and other materials.”

Wentz said the company, which operated in Galion for the first few years, specializes in any job that requires concrete – patios, retaining walls, outdoor kitchens and basement foundations. One-of-a-kind step designs and even metallic epoxy floors are possible if a Wentz does the work.

“When people think of concrete, they immediately think of a driveway or a sidewalk, and it’s so much more than that,” Wentz explained. “The decorative concrete especially has really exploded in the last couple years now that a lot of people know what’s possible.”

Its popularity, he said, has been fueled in part by home and garden shows featured on HGTV. White patios and pathways are passé, given way to rich textures and stains. Stamped designs, for example, in a variety of patterns and complementary colors.

Wentz, who started helping his grandfather as a 10-year-old boy during the summer months, also worked alongside his father and mentor, Burt Wentz Jr., and uncle Brent Wentz, who are still on the company payroll. The elder Wentz retired in 2014.

“It’s all I’ve known and done for almost 40 years,” said Nick Wentz, a Bucyrus native and 2001 Colonel Crawford High School graduate. Now he’s guiding his 13-year-old son, Benjamin, who’s learning the concrete trade in the hopes of carrying on the family tradition.

Wentz, who officially acquired the company about five years ago, credits his father and grandfather for giving him the opportunity – and foundation – for “forming” a profitable business.

“If it wasn’t for my dad showing me a strong work ethic and my grandfather for teaching me everything he knows and how to treat customers the right way and do a job the right way, I probably wouldn’t be where I am today,” he said. “I’ve had a lot of teachers over the years, but those two are the most important to me.”