Blayde Penza
Founder / President
ACE Founder Blayde Penza brings an artistic sensibility, as well as more than 30 years experience in construction to small and large-scale commercial and residential projects. His passion for quality design and execution, and his knowledge of the versatile applications for concrete has been the impetus behind his pioneering company.
Blayde honed his expertise in construction with projects for venues and public works, including, The Staples Center, Seven Oaks Dam, Badger Bridge, and several of Southern California’s Metro Rail tunnels and stations. His extensive involvement with structural concrete applications has complimented his understanding of not only the many uses for concrete, but also how concrete performs in varied applications.
Seeing a niche for beautiful, handcrafted concrete forms suited to a range of tastes and styles, Blayde founded Advanced Concrete Enhancement®, in 1997. With Blayde steering, ACE continues to expand its market area throughout Southern California, offering custom design services to celebrity clientele and a wide range of discerning customers who want to make a unique statement in their homes or businesses.
Blayde rates creative collaboration with his clients as a professional priority. Supported by a handpicked team of artisans, he envisions each new project as a welcome challenge, a chance to turn a client’s unique vision into a lasting treasure.
Tom Niemerow
Vice President / Production
Tom brings a 25 year business-related background to ACE.
In 2002, he founded Concrete FX enjoying a nationally respected reputation for specializing in concrete decorative coatings and color staining. Tom has been quoted in concrete reference books and trade publications and served on the boards of various pivotal industry organizations.
Through his own firm and those he has worked for, Tom has touched on virtually every aspect of the construction business. Today, Tom is V.P. of Production and Division Manager of New Concrete at ACE.
"ACE has a stellar reputation for quality and creativity! I’m excited to be part of this progressive team."
Todd Mazer
Manager / Flatwork Division
Todd’s background includes landscaping, construction and a wide range of building projects throughout Southern California. His competitive edge and drive for excellence was evident from a young age, when Todd was seeded #40 in U.S. professional tennis.
After meeting Blayde through mutual friends, Todd joined ACE in 1999. Blayde was quick to recognize Todd's drive and unsurpassed work ethic. The two principals have focused on growing the business while blending their skills and areas of expertise.
As lead designer for the Existing Concrete Division, his expertise in flatwork and flooring has allowed the company to offer innovative techniques and concrete applications. Todd refined ACE’s micro finish veneer method to create a deep, hand finished look second to none in the industry today. Todd envisions opportunities for growth in all areas of decorative concrete as the medium continues to grow in popularity.
Layton Penza
Manager / Precast Division
For 15 years prior to working with ACE, Layton pursued general construction which proved to be an invaluable foundation for the more specialized area of decorative concrete. While at ACE, he has dealt with all areas of the company from project layout, through final installation. His broad scope experience has given Layton a depth of knowledge that serves ACE well as Precast Division Manager.
"I take my responsibilities seriously as we continue to grow and I am proud that ACE shares it’s success by giving back to the community. It isn’t enough to prosper – true success is demonstrated by supporting those that helped you get there!"
Aracely Cardenas
Office Manager
Aracely has extensive experience in business administration. Aside from the pragmatic tasks she carries out Aracely brings an up beat energy to the office everyday. She has a great work ethic and always gets the job done. In her words, “I see great things in the future for ACE and I'm excited to play a part in its growth!”
We are greatful for Aracely - when it’s about payables, receivables or contracts, Aracely has the answers.
Bret Hartung
Plant Manager / Precast Division
When Bret studied Architecture in San Luis Obispo – along with a BA degree in Sculpture – he may not have realized how well his skills would fit with ACE. The precast department at ACE is particularly challenging and artistic - and requires many of the skills he has developed over the years.
"From a creative position I love the workability of concrete – from a position of practicality, its usefulness is boundless."
"We are so glad he found us and enjoy his enthusiasm everyday." -Blayde