HMI Soil Improvement & Grouting Workshop Review | Advanced Training for Concrete Lifters
By: Josh FulferRead Time: 5 minutes
Training Review
A few weeks ago, I made the drive up to Manitowoc, Wisconsin for their 2-Day Soil Improvement & Grouting Workshop—an advanced, hands-on class that digs into the science behind soil and how it impacts the way we lift, stabilize, and repair concrete.
This wasn’t the basic Concrete Lifting Discovery Seminar I’d attended before at HMI. This was next-level stuff—designed for contractors ready to deepen their understanding of soil stabilization, grouting techniques, and larger-scale applications.
And let me tell you—it was worth every mile and the night away from the family.
Why We Went Back
At LevelRight, we’ve been helping concrete lifting companies grow for over a decade. But growth doesn’t come from sitting still—it comes from staying curious.
That’s why I attended this workshop. I wanted to see how far the technology has evolved and what’s next for lifters looking to expand into bigger, higher-value work.
What I found was a training that goes well beyond residential driveways. It’s built for the future—for contractors who want to understand what’s happening beneath the slab, not just above it.
What the Training Covers
Led by HMI’s geotechnical engineer, Will, the workshop blends theory and practice. You learn how to think like an engineer while still working like a contractor.
The focus is on soil behavior—how different soil types affect lifting performance and how modern foams and grouts can stabilize, seal, or strengthen those problem areas.
- Deep Foamjection
- Permeation Grouting
- Crack Repair
- Soil Nailing
- FillFoam Applications
The agenda mixed classroom sessions, live demonstrations, and hands-on work—so you weren’t just sitting and listening. You were seeing, mixing, and learning by doing.
By the end of the two days, every attendee walked away with a better grasp of how soil interacts with pressure, moisture, and foam—and how to choose the right solution for each scenario.
Led by Experts Who Live It
Will, HMI’s lead engineer, ran point for much of the workshop—and he was excellent.
He broke down complex soil science in a way that made sense, mixing humor with hard data and answering every question that came his way. You could tell he’s spent years not only studying this stuff, but also applying it in real-world projects.
The HMI chemists also joined in, explaining the chemistry behind each product—how different foams react under various conditions and what makes one formula better for deep injection versus permeation or sealing.
That’s what makes these workshops special. You’re not just hearing from sales reps; you’re hearing from the people who design, test, and refine the materials you use every day.
Hands-On Learning That Sticks
One of the highlights of the workshop was the interactive, hands-on portion.
We mixed materials, observed live demos, and saw how different injection techniques behave in real time. Watching a foam expand underground or seeing the difference between a permeation grout and a structural foam hit home how precise and powerful these systems can be when used correctly.
These aren’t classroom-only concepts—they’re real tools you can take straight into the field.
The People and the Culture
Another thing that stood out? The people.
From the engineers and chemists to the leadership team—Ernie, Jeff, and Brian—everyone at HMI is genuinely invested in the success of the contractors they train. You feel it the moment you walk through the door.
They make time to answer questions, connect personally, and make sure everyone feels included. It’s not some big corporate event—it’s a family-run operation built on decades of experience and a culture of kindness and pride.
And of course, it wouldn’t be Wisconsin without cheese curds and whips at lunch—a fun touch that made everyone smile and sparked more good conversation around the tables.
The Energy in the Room
There were around 35 attendees, many of them long-time HMI customers and business owners from across the country.
The energy was incredible—a room full of people who care about getting better, pushing the industry forward, and learning how to expand their service offerings.
We saw familiar faces, including a few of our own clients, which made it even more special. There’s something powerful about sitting side by side with other professionals—comparing notes, swapping ideas, and realizing that everyone, no matter how experienced, still has room to grow.
From Driveways to DOT Projects
This training isn’t just about lifting slabs. It’s about expanding your vision for what’s possible.
We talked about large-scale applications like:
- DOT work
- Seawall and bulkhead repair
- Building stabilization
- Deep soil reinforcement
These are all projects that use the same basic tools and technology as traditional polyjacking—but on a bigger stage, with higher rewards.
For any contractor looking to diversify or go after commercial and municipal work, this class lays the technical foundation you need.
The Science Behind the Solutions
One thing that really impressed me was how much time the instructors spent on the why behind each material.
Foam isn’t one-size-fits-all. Different soils react differently to moisture, pressure, and expansion rates—and understanding those differences is what separates a good contractor from a great one.
The HMI team walked us through real examples of how adjusting your approach based on soil conditions can improve results and reduce callbacks. That’s the kind of knowledge that directly impacts your bottom line.
Why Engineering Matters
Having an engineer lead the discussion added tremendous value.
Will didn’t just talk about theory—he showed how data and testing translate into smarter field decisions. Things like DCP testing, proper injection depths, and soil classification all came to life through examples and demonstrations.
If you’ve ever wondered why a job didn’t lift quite right or why certain areas keep settling, this workshop helps you connect the dots. It’s practical engineering—simplified for real-world use.
Final Thoughts
After more than ten years in this space, I still believe the best thing you can do for your business is to keep learning.
The Soil Improvement & Grouting Workshop reminded me how much potential lies beneath our feet—literally and figuratively.
It’s not just about the foam or the pump. It’s about understanding the ground you’re working on, the materials you’re injecting, and the people you’re learning from.
And with HMI, you’re learning from the best.
