As soon as he was out of high school, Drew Briese knew what he wanted to do.

"The first time I picked up a trowel I knew I was meant to do this work," said Briese who owns Briese Custom Concrete.

It is perhaps not too surprising. Briese is a third-generation concrete finisher. He said he has been fascinated with concrete work since he first discovered something so messy could end up looking so good.

"I started working in concrete as soon as I was out of high school," said Briese, 30.

Up until a little over two years ago, Briese worked for someone else, laying concrete for foundations and building retaining walls. It was another part of the industry that intrigued him.

"Flatwork is what I enjoy. It's the other side of concrete. It incorporates customer projects and design. I love that," he said.

Briese figured he had a lot to give. He started working on the decorative side about six years ago and decided in 2006 that it was time to be on his own.

"I had a lot of ideas and creativity to offer. I felt like I could put those to work if I started my own business," he said.

Taking the lead from clients, Briese develops their ideas into a pool deck, patio, wall, or even a driveway.

"Some come with no concept at all and others have specific things in mind," said Briese, who does only residential work. "I try to work with everyone and give them ideas to improve their plan."

He also says he is sometimes brutally honest and even though they may love their idea he will tell them if it isn't going to work.

"I think you have to deal with customers that way. Most don't know a lot about what can and can't be done with concrete," said Briese.

The business has been growing steadily. He has a crew of three, all he says, possessing the same passion for the work.

"It's really important that the people you have on the crew care. It translates to good jobs and customer satisfaction," he said.

It's that customer satisfaction and ultimately customer reaction to a completed project that makes the work worthwhile.

"That's where you get a sense of excitement. The look on faces when it's done is the best part of the job."

Briese says the company is open to all types of jobs. The project size doesn't matter.

"We cater to everyone. It gets our name out. When people like the work they show others," said Briese.

Jobs vary in degree of difficulty and length. An average job is about two weeks but some last longer and some are finished sooner.

Briese has taken his expertise as far away as Bend but he is usually in the Willamette Valley, primarily Linn and Benton counties. Often there is more than one project at a time.

"Two of us may be working on starting a project in one place and others will be setting up with new pours at another spot," he said.

The company can be reached at (541) 501-3386 and Briese says he has a website coming soon.

Born and raised in Lebanon, Briese and his wife are expecting their first child soon. His wish is to pass his business along.

"My first boy is coming and I hope he loves being outside like I do. This is the best place to live," he said. "And working outdoors, well, you can't beat it."