MD Workshop Report - May 2004
I'm back from the Monolithic Dome Dome Builders Workshop, and
I learned a lot. While part of what I learned was how much I already
knew, the seemingly inconsequential little bits were what made
the workshop so valuable to me.
Touring the facility and seeing all the various domes was excellent.
There's nothing quite like hands on, first person to bring things
into clarity. Meeting people I'd only dealt with via email was
instructional. You don't really know who someone is until you
sit across the table from them one on one. If you want to meet
"im the Tool Man" with ethics and religion, you must
meet Gary Clark, the principal instructor for the workshop.
I got the opportunity to meet with Larry Byrne (onstaff MD dome
architect) and go over our house plans (not the room layouts but
the grosser aspects, the barrel vault, the arc of the barrel vault,
stem walls, earth sheltering) and it was time well spent....
If you are considering a Monolithic dome, I sincerely recommend
you attend a Monolithic Dome Builders Workshop. The Monolithic
Staff are sincere in their desire for attendees to be successful
in either starting a business or building a home. The instructors
go to great lengths to give you as much information as possible
in the amount of time available. An instructor is there before
class starts and until 7 at night to discuss, answer questions,
share successes and failures. The workshop was time and money
well spent.
Tips if you plan to attend an MD Workshop
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"I thought I had patience and teaching talents until I sat in
on the Monolithic Dome clases. Now I feel I have experienced people
with REAL patience and teaching talents. Our heads are still spinning
- even after a week - with all the knowledge and wisdom given
to us. The classes were far more valuable to us than the mere
$750.00 you charge. We look forward to and anticipate an on going
relationship with Monolithic. We can't even begin to convey the
true gratitude we feel after having attended the workshop. We
thank all of those on the Team at Monolithic."
Tom and Linda Summer, Conway, AR
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Monolithic,
Just
wanted to take a minute to reaffirm what a personally rewarding
experience your workshop was to me. I thought you might appreciate
some feedback and to know that everyone I had any contact with
(other workshop attendees) and many others too, thought the training
was invaluable. I can tell you that in my line of business I attend
way too many seminars...most of which are a complete waste of
time, but...I can't remember EVER attending anything more satisfying
than yours. You are to be complimented on the work you do and
for the great people you obviously have working with/for you...both
family members and others too. It is blindingly apparent that
whatever you are doing...WORKS! Thanks again and regards to all.
Russ
Augsburger -- San Antonio, Texas
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Dear
Monolithic,
Someone
once said, "You are part of all you meet." With that thought in
mind, it makes me feel proud inside to be part of a dream shared
with us by Mr. South. The operation, the food, the politeness,
the smiling faces made me feel like enrolling in the course every
year - just for the refreshing "shot in the arm" I got
from the Monolithic staff.
I
really liked the attitude -if anything can go wrong, it
will. Also, the common sense approach to prevent problems
from happening before you begin working. Your team has given us
much more than concrete dome structures. Their insight, direction,
right way to do things, purpose in life, commitment, understanding
and lots of patience were all shown not just talked about in your
dealings with us.
Gary
Clark-Can't forget the humor and extra motivation brought out
in us through Gary's way. Gary's attitude of working reminds me
of this quote, "The difficult we do right now - the impossible
just takes a little longer."
Larry
Byrne-Has been a real pleasure meeting a professional-in every
aspect of the word. Thank you for making the time available to
speak and consider us "common folk." Your inspiration and easy
manner has restored and strengthened my faith in my fellow man.
The whole workshop far exceeded my expectations. I left being
friends with all.
Few people have made an impact on my life as all the people at
Monolithic have. Your common sense, keep it simple, easy manner,
went far beyond just constructing domes.
As
a teacher for the past 30 years, I have attended many workshops.
This one rates as one of the best. Keep up the inspiring work.
Again,
thank you so much for allowing us to share in your dream. May
God bless you and your staff - giving you the courage and strength
to continue on the path that you are on. Now the ball is in our
court.
Paul.
J. Dubenski, Ontario, Canada --reprinted from the Spring
2000 Roundup
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"As
recent workshop participants, we would like to thank you for an
enjoyable and informative workshop. Everyone at Monolithic was
extra friendly and helpful. The format of the workshop worked
out very well. The class-time provided an opportunity for discussion
and questions, and the hands-on part of the workshop provided
the opportunity to become familiar with the equipment and to get
a good feel for the actual construction process. We had viewed
the training tapes prior to the workshop, but only through the
workshop did we develop a solid confidence in our ability to build
domes. The notebooks you provided are very helpful and the certification
certificates are lasting, positive reminders of the knowledge
we gained in your workshop. Certainly the construction of Monolithic
Domes will be a continuing learning process, but your workshop
provides a solid foundation and the necessary knowledge with which
to begin.
Sincerely, Scott McAnulty & David Ratchford."
(Scott
and David helped build a Monolithic Dome home in North Carolina.)
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"This
is one of the best formatted and functional training courses I've
attended. The classroom and workshop mix works tremendously well."
James
Alvord, Locke, New York
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"The
class met my needs for hands-on entry into the dome construction
process. I felt my personal questions were answered with clarity."
John
Marshall, Scottville, Michigan
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Thank
you for the many practical tips during the course as well as your
hospitality and that of your staff....I also appreciated the photos
and illustrations of your large dome success. However, your willingness
to share the stories about your trials and tribulations may have
an even more lasting effect and help me to focus and face anticipated
'Murphy gremlins' large and small,
Sincerely, Roland Paegle
(Roland
built his own dome in Indiana and owns a Monolithic Dome family
history center in Maine.)
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Howdy
from Kentucky.... thanks for the great workshop, the well organized
and prepared food and especially the warm southern hospitality.
Keep up the good work. "A mind once stretched by a new idea,
never regains its original dimensions.
Tommy Rector
(Tommy
has built an Io-24 in Winchester, KY.)
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