Why the Future of Infrastructure Starts Today

As the President & CEO of ProTech Coatings and Infrastructure, I’ve spent the last three decades working with bridges, highways, parking decks, and waterproofing systems. And if there’s one thing I’ve learned, it’s this: what we build today shapes the world we leave behind.

Sustainability isn’t just a buzzword—it’s a responsibility. As cities grow and our infrastructure ages, we’re facing new challenges: extreme weather, environmental wear, rising costs, and increasing public scrutiny. At ProTech, we believe it’s not just about making things last longer—it’s about making them better for the planet and the people who depend on them.

The Problem with “Old School” Infrastructure

Let’s be honest: traditional construction hasn’t always prioritized the environment. For decades, waterproofing and coating solutions were focused almost entirely on performance and cost. And while performance still matters (a lot), the environmental cost is just as important now.

Many old systems relied on materials with high VOCs (volatile organic compounds), toxic runoff, and processes that were energy-intensive or waste-heavy. Over time, these products added to pollution, contributed to poor air quality, and left infrastructure harder to repair and more expensive to maintain.

We can—and must—do better.

What Sustainable Coatings Actually Mean

When we talk about sustainable coatings at ProTech, we’re talking about solutions that:

• Protect infrastructure for longer periods, reducing the need for frequent repairs or replacements.
  
• Minimize environmental harm, using low-VOC and non-toxic materials whenever possible.
  
• Require less energy to apply and maintain, leading to lower carbon footprints for projects.
  
• Adapt to the climate, resisting heat, UV, moisture, freeze-thaw cycles, and harsh chemicals.
  

It’s not about choosing between performance and sustainability. It’s about finding the smart balance that serves both.

Innovations We’re Proud Of

At ProTech, we’ve invested heavily in new technology, training, and materials that help us lead the way in eco-friendly infrastructure work. Here are a few practices and products we’re especially proud of:

• Cold-applied waterproofing membranes that reduce energy use and eliminate harmful fumes.
  
• Silane- and siloxane-based sealers that penetrate deeply and last longer with lower toxicity.
  
• Recycled and repurposed materials in deck coatings and concrete overlays.
  
• Surface preparation techniques that reduce waste and dust while improving bonding.
  
• Smart scheduling systems that minimize traffic disruption, fuel usage, and labor fatigue.
  

Our crews are trained to think about more than just the finish—they think about lifecycle, footprint, and future impact.

The Role of Leadership in Sustainability

One thing I’ve learned running a company like ProTech is that change starts from the top. If leadership isn’t committed to sustainable practices, the rest of the organization won’t be either.

That means saying no to cheaper but more harmful products. It means educating clients and municipalities on why eco-conscious coatings might cost a bit more upfront but save far more in the long run. And it means creating a company culture where doing the right thing isn’t optional—it’s expected.

I’m proud that our project managers and crews have embraced this mindset fully. Whether we’re working on a local bridge or a major highway deck, sustainability is part of the conversation from day one.

Building Resilient Cities for Our Kids

My daughter Claire is growing up in a world that’s very different from the one I knew at her age. Climate change, resource shortages, and rapid urban expansion are not abstract threats—they’re real, and they’re here.

But I’m hopeful. Because I see cities beginning to rethink how they build. I see engineers, architects, and contractors asking better questions. And I see companies like ours stepping up to offer better answers.

We’re not just fixing cracks in the pavement. We’re laying the groundwork for cities that can stand up to the future—and thrive in it.

Every Project Is a Chance to Do Better

At ProTech, we treat every project as an opportunity to improve—not just for the client, but for the community. A parking garage coating system isn’t just about sealing concrete. It’s about protecting the vehicles and people inside it, reducing maintenance cycles, and limiting runoff into nearby drains.

When we waterproof a bridge, we’re not just extending its lifespan—we’re preserving a critical connection that people rely on every day, and we’re doing it in a way that respects the environment it spans.

It may sound idealistic, but I believe every square foot we protect is a chance to protect something greater.

Looking Ahead

Sustainability in construction isn’t a trend—it’s the future of our industry. Clients are asking smarter questions. Regulators are raising the bar. And the next generation is watching how we respond.

My goal with ProTech has never been to do things the way they’ve always been done. It’s to do them better. And I believe with the right tools, the right mindset, and the right people, we can build infrastructure that supports our communities—and protects our planet—for decades to come.

If you’re in the business of building, maintaining, or designing infrastructure, I encourage you to join this movement. Your projects matter. Your choices matter. And together, we can build something that lasts—in every sense of the word.