Today we’d like to introduce you to Erik McClure.
Hi Erik, thanks for sharing your story with us. To start, maybe you can tell our readers some of your backstory.
It all began when I was just a kid, running around job sites with a dirt-streaked face and hands that always seemed to find their way into a bucket of concrete. Most of my family, uncles and cousins mostly, have their own concrete businesses, so concrete is as familiar to me as the sound of my family’s voices around the dinner table. Having a concrete business isn’t just a job for us, it’s a legacy, a tradition passed down like an heirloom.
In my early twenties, after working for each of my family’s businesses, the idea of starting my own business didn’t feel like a leap of faith, it felt like the most natural thing in the world. With the guidance of my family, I learned how to run a business, how to talk to clients, how to bid projects, and how to make sure my business was as reliable as the concrete I pour.
It didn’t take long for the word to spread about my values of hard work, quality, and dedication to the craft of concrete. Slowly, my business grew, but I always stayed true to my roots. Each project is more than just a job, it’s a chance to honor the work my family had done for generations.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
Moving my concrete business from Pennsylvania to Colorado was difficult. On one hand, it felt like a fresh start, an opportunity to grow, reach new clients, and expand the business. On the other hand, I was leaving behind everything I’d worked for, the solid foundation (pun intended) I’d built over the years in Pittsburgh.
The first major challenge was figuring out how to establish myself in a new market. Pennsylvania was home; everyone knew my family and the reputation we had built over decades. But Colorado? I was starting from scratch. I remember showing up in Colorado with a truck full of equipment, no solid connections, and barely any leads. It was a little intimidating, to say the least.
Another challenge I faced was the difference in the work environment. The terrain in Colorado was nothing like Pennsylvania—rockier, more mountainous. The weather, too, was a huge adjustment. Pennsylvania had its winters, but the snow in Colorado came with altitude and cold temps that I wasn’t used to. Concrete doesn’t always cooperate in the extreme cold, and it was tough to learn how to work around those changes, especially when it came to curing times and mixing.
But little by little, things started to fall into place. I found my footing, built relationships, and started seeing the results of my hard work. The more I got involved in the community, the more people began to trust me. It was tough, but I kept reminding myself of why I made the move in the first place: the chance to grow, to challenge myself, and to build something that could stand strong for years to come.
Great, so let’s talk business. Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
Clean Concrete Design, LLC specializes in creating stunning, high-end concrete features that transform outdoor and indoor spaces into works of art. We focus on luxury stamped concrete, firepits, and decorative walls, combining artistry with durability to elevate any landscape or architectural project. Whether it’s a custom-designed patio with intricate stamped patterns, a cozy, yet striking firepit to gather around, or a unique decorative wall that adds both beauty and function to a property, we bring precision and creativity to every job. Our goal is to deliver concrete designs that not only stand the test of time but also make a lasting impression on anyone who experiences them.
What sets Clean Concrete Design apart from others, is my reliability, transparency, and deeply rooted beliefs in hard work. Customers can always trust my knowledge, passion, and care into my business and work.
What do you like best about our city? What do you like least?
I love Denver’s sunshine. I come from Pittsburgh where it’s cloudy most days, so coming to Denver, I’ve felt a deep appreciation for the views, the clear blue skies, and the weather. The city is vibrant, the food is fantastic, and being close to nature (especially working outdoors) certainly makes me feel lucky to be here.
What I like least about Denver is probably the traffic… but I counter that with the benefits of rapid growth and how it can positively impact my business.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.cleanconcretedesign.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/clean_concrete_design/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/cleanconcretedesign/

Image Credits
Photo by Christa Paustenbaugh
