Gardnersville, NV, is close to Lake Tahoe and not too far from Reno, which carries the civic slogan "The Biggest Little City." Most pavements in the market are asphalt, but not anymore, reports Senior National Resource Director Vance Pool. The new Walmart being built there recently began placement of the concrete parking lot in the wee hours of the morning in no small part because concrete won on first cost competing against asphalt.

"This is a great example of how the market is changing on a national basis," Pool said. "This is the first Walmart we are aware of with concrete parking in Nevada and illustrates how our geographic penetration at Walmart continues to grow."

The concrete was produced by NRMCA member company American Ready Mix for the 1 a.m. placement starting time. "We see many members that have tried to get a Walmart parking lot in a dark market like Gardnersville and are not doing everything they can to raise their odds of winning," Pool said. "Once again the winning sub used a laser screed, which is required for the interior floor by Walmart specs. The vast majority of projects won have been won with laser screeds. Even if you have bid a Walmart in your market in the past and have not won, keep trying. Partner with a good subcontractor. Watch out for grading subs who have relationships with the asphalt bidders. Bid turnkey like the asphalt guys do and be prepared to win some and lose some."

"If we can win in Nevada, we can win anywhere," he added. "Keep trying and eventually you will win one of these large projects."