In the Methow Valley, there is simply no one with more experience in concrete than Larry Surface. His genuine artistry with a float and trowel is evidence that he is a working professional in the truest sense of the term.

Larry’s career in construction began immediately after his graduation from Twisp High School, whereupon he entered the carpenter apprentice program at Renton Vocational Technical Institute. Attending classes at night, and learning the trade on-the-job during the day, Larry’s gained experience in all phases of carpentry. By his fourth year as an apprentice, he had formed and poured the fountain at the entrance to the Seattle P.I., built the concessions at the Seattle Arena, and worked on a wide range of commercial projects. After his apprenticeship, Larry returned to the valley in 1973, and worked as a carpenter for Crown Zellerbach in Twisp for seven years, established a reputation as a concrete specialist, and eventually partnered with Scott Edson in Kodiak Construction for 12 years.

Today, Larry is mentoring and developing younger workers to be skillful concrete men. There is a genuine pride in being able to cut the mustard on Larry’s crew. It is tough work, and not everyone can do it. But it is readily apparent that his crews have a focus on quality and productivity. Their work is first class. And everyone hustles, always thinking ahead to whatever needs to be done next.

He has a genuine desire to serve others. He volunteers as an Emergency Medical Technician for the local ambulance service. And when a mountain rescue is necessary, Larry is often the leader of a rescue team, heading up into the hills on horseback. He and his wife, Janie both enjoy the great outdoors. Perhaps that’s why they choose to live in the Methow Valley, where they raised their daughter and two sons, Janelle, Ryan and Chad.