About The Concrete Service

The story of The Concrete Service is the story of its founder, Ralph Samuelson. While we are certainly proud of our current incarnation, our pride in our innovative beginnings with Ralph is paramount.

When Ralph started a gravel and concrete block company in 1932, he entered a block manufacturing “arms race” of sorts that was taking place during that era. Ralph quickly became obsessed with invention and efficiency. A Pit and Quarry magazine editor wrote in 1946, “Seldom does one encounter an operation in which original and practical ideas abound.” He continued, “All stem from the inventive genius of Ralph Samuelson.” These words were not mere flattery to enhance the article; Ralph’s mechanical ingenuity led him to design and sell some of his own original block plants, despite the presence of the largest block plant manufacturer in the world just up the road in Alpena. In a 1953 article, William Avery wrote about Ralph’s design, “A feature of the block plant is a continuous mixer designed and built by Mr. Samuelson, which serves both to mix the concrete and elevate it to the feed hopper over the block machine.”

The company remained Ralph’s creation until the gradual handover to his two sons during the 1960s, 70s, and 80s. Today, the sons are still involved but are in the process of passing the reins to a third generation of the family. Still primarily a manufacturing company, The Concrete Service Inc. has also been diversifying in recent years. It now hosts the area’s greatest selection of natural stone, pavers, brick, and landscape products. However, it remains loyal to its manufacturing roots and has recently added to its menu of blocks. Among them are retaining wall blocks and pavers that were aptly named “Old Town Pavers and Wallstones” to honor the long-standing bond with downtown Traverse City.

A showroom is located at 3743 West Front Street, directly across the street from our plant. One of Ralph’s originally designed block plants stands mounted in front as a testament to and reminder of the company’s pioneering roots.