HMI Discovery Training Review: A Real Look at the 2-Day Concrete Lifting Seminar
By: Josh Fulfer
Estimated Read Time: 7 Minutes
I’ve been in the concrete lifting industry for over a decade.
But earlier this year, I packed a notebook, hopped in the truck, and made the 90-minute drive up to Manitowoc, Wisconsin to attend the HMI Discovery & Training Seminar — something I’d meant to do for years.
Why would a guy with 10+ years in the business take time away from work to attend a so-called “beginner” seminar?
Simple: I wanted to see for myself.
You can read about HMI all over the internet. They’ve got a strong reputation, industry roots, and a big footprint in the concrete lifting space. But I didn’t want marketing—I wanted to experience the training first-hand and find out if it was the real deal.
Now that I’ve gone, here’s my honest review of the HMI training experience.
This Isn’t Just for Beginners
Despite what the title suggests, this isn’t just a starter course. Yes, you’ll find people brand new to the industry. But when I attended, there were also:
- Veterans with 20+ years in construction
- Guys looking to add concrete lifting to existing businesses
- Company owners bringing new team members to get trained
- And folks like me—just wanting to sharpen their edge and pick up fresh ideas
There’s something powerful about putting yourself back in “learning mode.” The minute I walked in, I could feel that buzz again. That early business energy. That hunger. And that alone was worth the trip.
Field Work Comes First — And It’s Real
One of the best parts of the seminar is how it starts. You’re not in a hotel ballroom or stuck behind a PowerPoint. You hit the field.
On day one, we watched the HMI team lift a couple of real driveways in an actual neighborhood—not a staged setup. There were challenges: drainage issues, tricky slab joints, problem-solving on the fly. (This field day was actually an optional day… and well worth it.)
It was exactly the kind of work you deal with in the real world. And that’s the point.
You’re learning by watching seasoned pros navigate tough situations, answering questions live, and explaining why they’re doing what they’re doing.
Classroom Time That Doesn’t Drag
After the site visit, the next two days are spent in HMI’s training facility covering a wide range of topics:
- Estimating and bidding
- Startup costs and business models
- Marketing to residential, commercial, and government
- Equipment maintenance and repair
- Foam vs. mudjacking techniques
Every attendee gets a printed binder of slides to follow along (super helpful for notes), and we were also given a cool flash drive shaped like a Raise Rite van loaded with marketing materials.
But what surprised me most? The energy in the room.
These weren’t monotone speakers rattling off checklists. The presenters were sharp, funny, direct, and full of real-world experience. We laughed, asked questions, and stayed engaged the whole way through.
And No — It’s Not a Sales Pitch
Let’s be real: when a company offers training and also sells equipment, most people assume there’s a catch.
But here’s the truth:
At no point during the HMI Discovery Seminar did it feel like I was being pitched.
Yes, HMI sells foam, pumps, rigs, and everything else. But this seminar isn’t about pushing products. There’s no pressure. No sales script. No awkward moments.
It’s a genuinely valuable, educational experience — and if you do decide to buy equipment, your training cost can be applied toward that. But there’s no expectation or push. Just information and support.
Hands-On Lifting with Foam and Mudjacking
Later in the seminar, we got hands-on with both polyurethane injection and mudjacking at their indoor lifting station.
For new lifters, this is gold. You get to feel the pressure of the pump, see how foam expands, and understand how materials behave under real slab conditions.
For guys who’ve done it before, it’s a great refresher and a solid chance to compare methods, ask detailed questions, and explore options.
What Surprised Me Most? The Culture.
I expected good information. I expected tools and techniques.
What I didn’t expect was the people.
Throughout the seminar, we got to tour HMI’s facilities and meet the people behind the company. From the warehouse to the front office, everyone was warm, helpful, and happy to share. The owners, Jeff & Brian, also taught portions of the classes. You could tell their culture feeds from the top.
This is a third-generation family business, and you can feel that. Their staff isn’t just punching the clock — they believe in the work and take pride in being part of something that helps other people build their own companies and futures.
It’s More Than a Class — It’s a Catalyst
Each night, I went back to my hotel (Holiday Inn Express just down the road), sat in the hot tub with my notebook, and wrote out ideas.
…Ideas for my own business. Ideas for our partners. Ideas for our teams and our customers.
Things I’d forgotten. Things I could streamline. Things I could build. I ended each day buzzing with energy, eager to get back and apply what I’d seen and learned.
And the best part? Other guys were doing the same. We were networking, trading stories, helping each other troubleshoot. The hotel lobby and pool became unofficial “after hours” breakout sessions. It was one of the best parts of the whole experience.
Is It Worth It?
If you’re on the fence about attending the HMI Discovery & Training Seminar, here’s my take:
- If you’re brand new to concrete lifting, this is one of the smartest ways to get started.
- If you’re an existing business owner looking to grow, train your team, or sharpen your operations, it’s time well spent.
- If you’re just curious about the industry and want to see if it’s right for you—this gives you a clear, honest look without pressure.
The cost of entry is minor compared to the value you walk away with.
This seminar isn’t about hype. It’s about clarity, momentum, and connection. And for me, it reignited the same spark that got me into this business over a decade ago.
To learn more about HMI’s Discovery courses, visit their website here:
https://hmicompany.com/training-support/2-day-beginner-seminar/
More Resources for Concrete Lifters
If you found this helpful, check out a few other resources we put together for guys in the industry:
