The Contractor's Journey: From Skyscrapers to Innovative Solutions

In the world of concrete and polymers, experience is everything. It's the foundation upon which great innovations are built, the catalyst for game-changing solutions, and the driving force behind industry evolution. At Ideal Polymers, we embody this principle through our founder, Greg Mata, whose journey from a young apprentice to an industry innovator encapsulates our core values of Proven Processes, Solid Solutions, and Quality Materials.

The Early Years: Building a Foundation

Greg's story begins in the bustling construction sites of Cleveland, where as a nine-year-old boy, he first got his hands dirty in the family cement contracting business. While most children his age were playing in sandboxes, Greg was learning the intricacies of cement work on major projects – from towering skyscrapers that would define the Cleveland skyline to sprawling industrial complexes that would power the city's economy.

These early experiences were more than just a child helping out in the family business; they were the building blocks of a career that would span decades and revolutionize the industry. Working alongside seasoned professionals, Greg absorbed invaluable knowledge about the properties of concrete, the importance of precision in mixing and application, and the art of problem-solving on the job site.

As Greg progressed through his school years, he continued to balance his formal education with hands-on experience in the field. This unique combination of theoretical knowledge and practical skills would prove instrumental in shaping his approach to the industry. It taught him to see beyond the immediate task at hand and understand the broader implications of each project.

The College Years: Bridging Theory and Practice

Greg's pursuit of an Electrical Engineering degree at Cleveland State University might seem, at first glance, a departure from his roots in concrete work. However, this academic journey proved to be a crucial component in his holistic understanding of construction and materials science.

The rigorous problem-solving skills honed during his engineering studies complemented his practical experience, allowing Greg to approach concrete work from a unique perspective. He began to see connections between electrical systems and the structural integrity of buildings, understanding how different materials interact and how to optimize their performance.

This period of Greg's life also coincided with significant advancements in concrete technology. As he studied cutting-edge engineering concepts, he was also witnessing and participating in the evolution of concrete mixtures, application techniques, and project management approaches. This dual education – in the classroom and on the job site – laid the groundwork for the innovations he would later introduce to the industry.

The Birth of Cutting Edge: Necessity Breeds Innovation

Life has a way of pushing us towards our true calling, often through unexpected circumstances. For Greg, the catalyst for his entrepreneurial journey came with the news that he and his wife were expecting twins. Faced with the responsibility of providing for a growing family, Greg made the bold decision to strike out on his own, founding Cutting Edge company.

Starting with nothing more than a pickup truck and basic tools, Greg exemplified the spirit of determined entrepreneurship. He took on the fieldwork himself, applying the skills he'd honed since childhood, while his wife managed the office operations. This lean, hands-on approach allowed Greg to stay connected to the practical aspects of the business while also learning the intricacies of running a company.

Initially, Cutting Edge focused on traditional concrete and masonry work, building a reputation for reliability and quality. However, it was the company's gradual shift towards historical preservation and restoration that truly set the stage for Greg's innovative approach to concrete work.

These specialized projects demanded a level of precision and attention to detail far beyond standard concrete jobs. Greg found himself working on centuries-old structures, tasked with preserving their integrity while updating them for modern use. This experience forced him to think creatively, developing new techniques and adapting materials to meet the unique challenges of each project.

The Decorative Revolution: A Creative Awakening

The early 2000s marked a turning point not just for Greg and Cutting Edge, but for the entire concrete industry. The introduction of decorative concrete opened up a world of possibilities, transforming concrete from a purely functional material to a medium for artistic expression.

For Greg, this was more than just a new trend – it was an opportunity to unleash his innate creativity. Cutting Edge quickly became one of Ohio's pioneers in decorative concrete services, offering clients options they had never before imagined. From intricate stamped patterns that mimicked expensive materials like stone or brick to vibrant stained concrete that added color and life to dull surfaces, Greg and his team were at the forefront of this decorative revolution.

This period of innovation and experimentation laid the groundwork for what would eventually become Ideal Polymers. As Greg pushed the boundaries of what was possible with concrete, he began to see the need for more specialized products and tools. The transition from Cutting Edge to Ideal Polymers wasn't just a name change – it represented a fundamental shift in focus from service provision to product innovation.

Expanding Horizons: The Birth of Ideal Polymers

As Cutting Edge's reputation for innovative concrete solutions grew, so did the demand for Greg's expertise in other areas of construction and renovation. This led to an expansion into new product lines and services, including advanced repair products, epoxy solutions, and indoor applications like concrete countertops and flooring.

The last decade has seen a particular emphasis on epoxy floor coatings, with Ideal Polymers becoming known as the go-to source for both products and expertise in this specialized field. This evolution reflects Greg's ability to identify emerging trends and position his company at the forefront of industry advancements.

But Ideal Polymers is more than just a product supplier. Drawing on Greg's decades of hands-on experience, the company has positioned itself as a valuable resource for contractors of all levels. Whether you're a seasoned professional looking to expand your service offerings or a newcomer seeking guidance on your first major project, Ideal Polymers offers not just quality materials, but the knowledge and support to use them effectively.

The CRM Revolution: Addressing the Industry's Hidden Challenge

Throughout his journey from basic concrete builds to massive decorative design pieces, Greg encountered numerous challenges. While many of these were technical in nature, solved through innovation in materials and techniques, one persistent issue stood out: the struggle to efficiently manage the behind-the-scenes aspects of an expanding business while maintaining a hands-on approach in the field.

This challenge led to one of Greg's most significant innovations yet – a comprehensive CRM system tailored specifically for contractors. Recognizing that existing business management tools didn't adequately address the unique needs of the contracting world, Greg set out to create a solution that would revolutionize how contractors operate.

The development of this CRM system was a labor of love, with Greg personally overseeing the customization of each aspect to ensure it addressed the daily challenges contractors face. From job scheduling and client management to inventory tracking and financial reporting, every feature was designed with the contractor in mind.

This innovation represents more than just a new product offering; it embodies Ideal Polymers' commitment to empowering contractors and elevating industry standards. By providing tools that streamline operations and improve efficiency, we're helping contractors focus on what they do best – delivering exceptional work in the field.

A Mission to Transform the Industry

Today, Ideal Polymers stands as a testament to Greg's vision of transforming the concrete and polymer industry. With over three decades of experience informing our approach, we've evolved from a service provider to a comprehensive resource for contractors at every level.

Our mission goes beyond simply selling products or offering services. We aim to empower the next generation of contractors, sharing the knowledge and innovative approaches that have been hard-won through years of experience. From our pioneering CRM system to our cutting-edge polymer products, every offering is designed to save contractors time, money, and frustration.

This approach is encapsulated in our motto: "by contractors, for contractors." We understand the challenges you face because we've faced them ourselves. Our solutions are born out of real-world experience, tested and refined in the field before they ever reach your hands.

Whether you're looking for advanced epoxy solutions, decorative concrete techniques, or tools to streamline your business operations, Ideal Polymers is your partner in success. We offer easy, accessible resources – from instructional videos to personalized product recommendations – all designed to help you grow your business and elevate your craft.

Building the Future, One Contractor at a Time

As we look to the future, Ideal Polymers remains committed to innovation, quality, and contractor empowerment. We believe that by equipping contractors with the best tools, materials, and knowledge, we can drive the entire industry forward.

Our journey from a small family business to an industry leader mirrors the potential we see in every contractor we serve. Whether you're just starting out with a pickup truck and a dream, or you're looking to take your established business to the next level, Ideal Polymers is here to support your growth.

We invite you to explore our range of products, learn from our extensive knowledge base, and experience the difference that comes from working with a company that truly understands your needs. Because at Ideal Polymers, we're not just building better concrete solutions – we're building a better future for contractors everywhere.