Operations Manager Aaron Saucedo (right) and Outside Sales Specialist Mike Peralez represent the Hutto branch of Barnsco Texas at Rodeo Austin.

The Hutto branch of Barnsco Texas can custom order items, like this Minnich concrete barrier single gang wall drill for Ames Construction. The special order design was needed for a wall that wasn’t the average barrier wall size.

Built on the solid foundation of concrete, Barnsco Texas’ Hutto branch has been serving Pflugerville, Round Rock and Hutto since 2013. This concrete construction and decorative supply store is growing with assistance from its corporate headquarters in Dallas, which opened in 1984.

With other branches in Fort Worth, Farmers Branch and Austin, the eight-year-old Hutto location has steadily grown since Operations Manager Aaron Saucedo took over the branch in 2015. “When I started, we were at $1.2 million in sales and service; now we’re projected to be at $7.3 million for 2021,” he says.

Aaron wants customers to depend on the Hutto branch as a one-stop source for concrete materials, products and accessories. It also provides clients with rebar fabrication, tilt-up wall panel detail services and products, and concrete form drawings. “We sell everything that goes in or on a foundation, driveway, road, bridge or sidewalk. You name it, we have it,” he says.

As a full-service concrete equipment rental, sales and repair shop, the Hutto location offers a variety of machines used to form, spread or crush solid material, such as skid steer loaders, mini-excavators, compressors, ride-on trowels, trowel machines and jackhammers. “We have a wide range of equipment available. Having the five branches around Texas allows us to share equipment and shift it around to where it’s needed,” says Aaron. He says that the large inventory of approximately $3 million dollars’ worth of machinery is paramount to helping win clients.

Aaron wants clients to know that if they partner with the Hutto branch, “you will have everything you need for a successful concrete project at your fingertips,” he says. Some of its biggest customers are homebuilders in the area, supplying contractors with materials like concrete maximizer and trowel machines to smooth the cement in the house foundation.

Bringing Artistic Design to Cement

Swimming pools are big business in the Hutto area and provide one of this Barnsco Texas branch’s largest revenue sources. “One of my biggest construction clients has a swimming pool division,” Aaron explains. “A lot of times, they need us for a different type of rebar. It’s called 40 grade rebar and is easier for the pool guys to bend.”

Besides having the supplies to lay concrete, the company dives into the decorative side of the hard surface. “We supply materials to make a concrete pool look however the customer wants. For instance, a pool can appear purple, red or have a stamped or brick-like appearance.”

Expanding the decorative supply side of the business, Aaron hopes, will increase market share for the Hutto branch. “The concrete stampers are very talented at what they do; it’s an art form,” he says. While currently in separate buildings, the supply and decorative areas work in unison to make the client successful. “To support the customer, we sell and rent equipment to grind, polish or replace existing colored or stained concrete."

Employees Eager to Excel

With a full-time staff of 16 at the Hutto branch, Aaron applauds the team. “What makes them special is everyone is willing to help, whether its customer-based or stepping up to help someone from another branch,” says Aaron. Eleven people work in the materials and service side, while four employees work in the decorative area. “I have good people who are eager to do their jobs and are open to learning. I am learning just as much as they are. I came from Dell Technologies, so this was all new to me,” he says.

Aaron explains that one of the shop’s outside salespeople, Mike Peralez, has been invaluable in teaching him a lot over the last six years. “It’s a blessing having him on staff with his 20-plus years’ experience in concrete, especially with myself not having the expertise.”

Learning trade jargon and receiving industry instruction is important. “We have sales and specific industry training,” Aaron says, which helps the team give informative answers to the client. The mechanics receive specialized education from the equipment manufacturers.

Aaron believes this company is a great place to work, saying, “You have room to grow here. Barnsco Texas supports you in whatever you want to do.”

Employees readily assist customers by connecting them with the correct gear and tools for their job, whether that is new equipment or a rental. The team also services equipment bought at the store or brought into the shop. Some of the equipment brands it carries are Wacker Neuson, STIHL, GEHL, Husqvarna and Mi-T-M.

Besides equipment, a client can also purchase tools, lumber for framing and rebar. The branch sells 20-foot #3 rebar, two-by-two corner bars and 12-inch circles. “We support the concrete guys in all aspects of the industry. If it goes in or on concrete, we sell it or rent it,” says Aaron.

Raising the Bar for the Customer

Aaron says that customer service is a top priority at Barnsco Texas, and he provides one example of how the team assists clients. A client had rented four of its ride-on trowels, which flatten the floor, to put in a 24,000-square-foot slab at an Austin Tesla plant when they ran into an issue with one of the trowels. The Hutto branch instantly sent a mechanic to investigate.

Aaron says, “This was a new piece of equipment that had never been used, so we called the manufacturer, which diagnosed it as a broken steering joystick. We had the parts overnighted and quickly repaired the equipment on site. Customers notice this type of dedication.” Aaron affirms that approximately 90 percent of the shop’s business is from repeat customers.

Employees Reap Rewards

Employees are recognized with awards and incentives. The main office of Barnsco Texas has an Employee of the Month program to recognize a staff member who exceeds expectations. In addition, a monthly bonus is offered if the team hits their revenue goals. Aaron says, “We get quite a few incentives, no matter what your job title.”

Aaron looks forward to many years at the Hutto branch of Barnsco Texas, saying, “I love it! We are a big business, but with a family feel. I’ll be here until they tell me I have to retire.”

Dedicated to customer and community, this altruistic team gives back to local causes. From participating in food drives to assisting local youth organizations, the group supports many causes. The Hutto division has also donated lumber and tools to Austin Habitat for Humanity.

Hoping to build brand recognition this year, Aaron is ready to move into the future with hopes that the branch will soon merge with the decorative side and construct one big service department, shop and showroom.

Aaron is excited about what the shop has to offer clients. “We have a lot more inventory than we have in years past,” he says. “That one-stop-shop philosophy is what we want to convey to contractors and the public. We want them to know that we’ll go above and beyond for our customers.”