Inspiring Conversations with Kevin Gerstner of Curated Concrete

Today we’d like to introduce you to Kevin Gerstner

Hi kevin, thanks for joining us today. We’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
By career began in the zoo industry, where I trained big cats and monkeys for nearly 10 years. During that time, I began to build exhibits for the animals, learning to sculpt concrete and create realistic rocks, trees, and water features for the exhibits—which is where my love for concrete began. My dad owns a granite countertop company here in Kansas City, too, and I worked alongside him to hone my skills in home finishing. I combined what I learned from the countertop industry, my knowledge of concrete, and my passion for art to start my own concrete countertop company— Curated Concrete.

We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
Nothing about being a small business owner is easy! During the early stages of Curated Concrete, I maintained a full-time job, worked out of our family’s garage, and took on jobs with tiny profit margins just to build my skills and portfolio. Trying to keep the business afloat during COVID times was especially challenging, and learning how to safely ship large concrete tables across the country was tough. I’m also a husband and father to a little girl, and like all business owners know, it’s a delicate balance between work and home life.

Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know?
Curated Concrete takes a handmade, artisanal approach to concrete furniture. We build countertops, sinks, furniture, vanities, fire pits and other home furnishings to fit any home style and need. Our team specializes in creating unique, custom pieces that double as functional pieces of art— and no two pieces are the same.

How do you think about happiness?
My family is the driving force behind what brings me the most joy. Owning a business comes with lots of stress and long hours, but my wife, Hannah, and my 5-year-old daughter, Sutton are what brings the real happiness. Their support makes it all worth. I remember finally getting a new, proper shop space for my business and my daughter roller skating in the empty shop, talking about how cool it was. (Much bigger than our garage!)

I also truly love coming up with new designs for sinks and furniture and then bringing them to reality. Working through all the design challenges, overcoming the failures, then shipping pieces of art to clients who appreciate them as much as I do is so rewarding. This industry is small—probably only a few hundred people doing this worldwide—and everyone knows each other and are willing to help each other out with challenges. It’s a community I’m proud to be a part of.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://curatedconcreteco.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/curatedconcretellc/
• Email: [email protected]
• Other: https://www.etsy.com/shop/CuratedConcreteco