AB Contractor News

Exclusively for Allan Block Contractors

August 2024

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In This Issue


What's New: Personalize Resource

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In the weeks to come, Allan Block will be sending out a personalized link to you. This link will direct you to a dedicated page that showcases their current progress in the AB Contractor Certification Program. Additionally, this page will feature an all-new Resume Builder and have a quick and easy way to submit projects you have built, progressing your certification level.

The dedicated page will also be a hub of valuable resources. You will have easy access to the new AB Retaining Wall Estimating Tool, which simplifies the process of project planning and cost estimation for retaining walls. The Residential Submittal Builder allows for the efficient creation of professional project proposals, ensuring that all necessary documentation is in place. The Custom Catalog Builder provides a way to create personalized catalogs showcasing specific products and services, making it easier to communicate options to clients.

Furthermore, you will benefit from the latest educational videos from the AB Workshop, which offer insights and training on various aspects of wall building and installation. These resources are designed to support you in improving your skills and staying updated with the latest industry standards and technique.

Be on the lookout for a text message from Allan Block soon with a link to your personalized page. This link will serve as your gateway to a wealth of resources designed to enhance your professional journey. This page will streamline your workflow and help you achieve your certification goals. Stay tuned for this exciting update that will take your contractor experience to the next level.

Contractor Text Program

ABU Online
Allan Block Contractor Resources

Find Everything you need - all in one place!

We have compiled all the information and resources you need, in a portal specifically made for you. Here you can find online training webinars, AB Contractor Certification Classes, estimating tools, rewards program information and much more!!

Enter the AB Contractor Portal

Tools


Application Highlight: Inside Corners & Outside Corners

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Corners typically require custom cutting of blocks, so whenever possible we recommend using curves instead of corners for easier installation, giving a smoother flowing look to your retaining walls. If curves are not an option, 90-degree corners are recommended.

Discover how easy and efficient building inside corners can. Our simple process lets you quickly modify blocks, ensuring a perfect fit with minimal effort. Save time and achieve results effortlessly with AB Blocks! Using standard units and no extra blocks, inside corners stack together quickly.

An Outside Corner can simply be created using the AB Corner Block. To learn more about building an outside corner select the corresponding video below.

Inside Corners

Outside Corners

More information on retaining wall corners can be found on the retaining wall corners page of our website or give us a call us at 800-899-5309 x3.


Featured Collection: AB®Fence

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The AB Fence is a mortarless concrete fence system that uses maintenance free interlocking blocks to create an attractive and effective solution for sound abatement, security, privacy and aesthetics. The best part, we have everything you need to be successful. The AB Fence system has been around for over 20 years, which means we have the tools and programs to support your efforts. These include:

AB Fence and Railing
AB Sound Barrier

From small trash enclosures to privacy fences and even larger sound barriers, the AB Fence can help you provide additional offerings to your customers. So, the next time you are talking with a customer or looking at a grading plan and a fence is required, do not hesitate - give them the option of the AB Fence and let us help you take the next step.

Contact your local AB sales representative today for more information on the AB Fence.


Contractor Talk: When Do You Need Engineering?

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Every project is different and unique. At Allan Block, we frequently receive inquiries about whether wall projects are required to have engineering or can be “just built”. Unfortunately, there is no direct answer to this question and factors are on a project-by-project basis… but there are some common ways to determine if a wall needs to be designed by an engineer.Below are some reasons where engineering is required.

  • Terraced applications
  • Commercial/government projects
  • Local municipalities require it for building permits
  • Steep slopes above or below the wall
  • Taller walls (4 feet and over) and unusual site conditions (water, site limitations)

Allan Block has design charts and tables to provide generalized engineering solutions, but seeking out that local engineer that can give a specific evaluation and site analysis will provide the most accurate result.

Contact your local Allan Block Sales Representative for engineering assistance or to get a recommendation for an engineer.

Commercial Wall

Contractor Program: Residential Submittal Builder

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Allan Block’s quest for the “Always Better Experience” has resulted in the creation of a multitude of tools and resources that provide stress free, time saving solutions to Allan Block users, giving you an upper hand in their market. One such tool is the Residential Submittal Builder. This tool allows you to create a professional and organized document that you can present to a client or include in the final package for the approval phase of a project.

What is it? This tool helps you create one document of Allan Block information the way you want it. Select from various Allan Block products with local color options, geogrid, and even wall drain pro, to create a custom PDF for your project.

What does it do? This tool is available to provide you with a professional document that you can use to differentiate yourself from competitors. The document can be presented to customers and/or used to improve the permitting/approval phase of your next project.

Where to start? To access the Residential Submittal Builder, visit our website allanblock.com. Selecting “Custom Catalog & Submittal Builder” on the landing page will take you to the submittal builder page. Follow the directions on this page to create your PDF document.

AB Rewards Program

If you have any questions or need help, send us an email at info@allanblock.com or give us a call at (800) 899-5309 x3.


Hot Topic: Project Resume - Now to Include Photos!

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If you did not already know, being a part of Allan Block’s Contractor Certification Program comes with many resources to help you stand out from your competition. One of these resources is the Project Resume. This resource is a digital PDF document with the details of your training, certification progress and projects built that were submitted for your certification and rewards.

Every project submitted for the Certification and Rewards program gets automatically added to your project resume. We are now including the ability to add project photos to the project description on the resume through the Contractor Certification and Reward Tracking page (What's New).

If you would like to see your current Resume reach out to your local Allan Block Sales Rep or email us at engineering@allanblock.com to request an electronic version.

Project Resume

Project Photos Needed

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Want to get your hard work noticed?

Send us pictures of your projects from all over the world!

It’s a great way to show off what you do and attract new clients, all at no cost to you. Share your photos today and let your hard work shine or inspire other contractors and designers. It’s a great way to show off what you do and attract new clients directly from Allan Block promoting you! Don’t miss out on this chance to send us any AB projects you have done so we can add it to our library or update our manuals while you get to enhance your reputation and grow your business—send in those project photos today and let your work speak for itself! Plus it could get you some more AB swag.

AB Classic Terrace

AB Scenic

Send us your project photos for an option to be featured in our materials. Share them with us via email, Dropbox or wetransfer.com to gerri@allanblock.com.


Allan Block Corporation
7424 W. 78th Street, Bloomington, MN 55439
Help & Support Center: (800) 899-5309
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