Founded on innovation and built on decades of expertise, A-1 Concrete Leveling has become America’s largest and most trusted name in concrete repair.
From early equipment inventions to national expansion and a modern-day commitment to education, A-1’s story reflects a legacy of problem-solving and leadership in the industry.
TL;DR
A-1 Concrete Leveling started in 1993, built on Grover Miller’s groundbreaking pumping technology. Over three decades, it grew into the largest concrete leveling company in the U.S., introduced foundation repair, launched Concrete Academy, and continues its legacy under new leadership.
In This Article
A-1 Concrete Leveling co-founder, Grover Miller, on Segway next to stone slurry grout leveling pump truck.
The Origins of A-1 Concrete Leveling
The A-1 story began in the 1980s with Grover Miller, a prolific inventor in the construction industry. Miller’s adjustable piston and screener became the foundation for A-1’s signature stone slurry grout leveling system, which allows technicians to raise concrete slabs with unmatched precision.
His innovations helped make concrete leveling practical and affordable for homeowners, something that, until then, was only used in large-scale commercial projects.
On January 13, 1993, Miller teamed up with Jim Creed and John Rasnick to officially launch A-1 Concrete Leveling. With a shared vision for excellence, they set out to transform the industry.
1997
2000
2004
Current A-1 Concrete Leveling logo,
created in 2018
A-1 Concrete Leveling Timeline of Key Milestones
- 1982 – An Idea Is Born
Grover Miller begins developing pumping technologies that would revolutionize the industry. - 1993 – A-1 Concrete Leveling Founded
Miller, Creed, and Rasnick establish A-1 Concrete Leveling. - 1997 – The Jack Slab Logo
A-1 unveils an official logo featuring mascot Jack Slab with the slogan “We Pump It Up.” Jack Slab became an iconic teaching tool for how concrete leveling works. - 2005 – America’s Largest Concrete Leveler®
With 53 franchises in 19 states, A-1 becomes America’s Largest Concrete Leveler®. - 2006 – Expansion into Foundation Repair
A-1 invents the Quad Power Piering System, tackling not just uneven slabs but also structural foundation issues. - 2018 – A Fresh Look
A modernized logo is introduced, reflecting a new era of professionalism and growth. - 2022 – Concrete Academy Launches
A-1 debuts its Concrete Academy, an online learning hub designed to educate homeowners and businesses about concrete care, not just sell services. - 2023 – New Leadership
After the passing of Miller and Rasnick and the retirement of Creed, Robert Rasnick (John’s son) becomes President, continuing the company’s legacy with a renewed global vision. - 2024 – The Concrete Channel Launches
A-1 expands its educational mission by launching The Concrete Channel on YouTube to empower homeowners and businesses with practical, unbiased advice about concrete repair and maintenance.
Earlier Jack Slab illustration depicts how concrete leveling works.
The History of Concrete Leveling
Concrete leveling as an industry dates back to the early 1900s. Here’s how it evolved:
Mudjacking: The Original Method
The earliest leveling method, mudjacking, uses a slurry of soil, water, and cement to lift sunken slabs. While effective, it was originally messy (using fly ash), labor-intensive, and impractical for small residential jobs.
Stone Slurry Grout Leveling: A-1’s Innovation
In the 1980s, Grover Miller pioneered stone slurry grout leveling, replacing fly ash used in mudjacking with clean limestone and inventing a more portable pumping system. This innovation made concrete leveling affordable for everyday homeowners and became A-1’s flagship method.
Polyurethane Foam Leveling: A Modern Option
By 2012, polyurethane foam leveling entered the market. This two-part expanding foam could lift slabs quickly and has since become another option alongside A-1’s trusted stone slurry grout process.
Related Resource: Types of Concrete Leveling Compared Side-by-Side
A-1 Concrete Leveling truck outside the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in Cleveland, Ohio.
How A-1 Shaped the Concrete Repair Industry
From Miller’s pioneering equipment to the nationwide franchise network, A-1 has consistently driven innovation:
- Set the standard as America’s largest concrete leveling franchise.
- Expanded services to include sealing, caulking, cleaning, and foundation repair.
- Educated the public with Concrete Academy and The Concrete Channel, making A-1 not only a service provider but also an educational resource.
This commitment to innovation and education keeps A-1 at the forefront of concrete care today.
A-1 Concrete Leveling founders John Rasnick, Grover Miller, and Jim Creed (left to right) at Miller’s 80th birthday party, circa 2010.
FAQs
Who founded A-1 Concrete Leveling?
A-1 Concrete Leveling was founded in 1993 by Grover Miller, Jim Creed, and John Rasnick.
What makes A-1 different from other concrete leveling companies?
A-1 uses its specialized stone slurry grout leveling system, a franchise network spanning the U.S., and over 30 years of proven experience.
Does A-1 only do concrete leveling?
No. A-1 also offers concrete cleaning, sealing, and caulking to extend the life of concrete surfaces. Some A-1 Concrete Leveling locations also offer foundation repair services.
What is Jack Slab?
Jack Slab is A-1’s original mascot. He’s been featured in logos, on trucks, and throughout educational materials over the years to explain how concrete leveling works.
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