FARMINGTON HILLS, Mich. – The concrete industry mourns the passing of Ed Sauter, a passionate leader, mentor and visionary who passed away on Feb. 21 at the age of 76.
Sauter served as the executive directors of both the Tilt-Up Concrete Association and the Concrete Foundations Association before his retirement in 2017. He assumed both positions in the early 1990s and is credited with revitalizing both of them. Sauter not only stabilized their operations but also led them to unprecedented growth, turning them into thriving professional networks that support the industry across North America and beyond.
After earning his Bachelor of Architecture from Iowa State, Sauter embarked on a career defined by innovation, founding Design Collective and working on transformative projects like energy-efficient residential homes for Kirkwood Community College and bringing affordable senior housing to Eastern Iowa. His practical yet creative mindset left a tangible mark on communities, while his commitment to inclusion and sustainability redefined industry standards.
Under Sauter’s leadership, the TCA and CFA became pillars of innovation, education and professional development in their fields. He was instrumental in creating certifications, setting performance benchmarks and championing sustainable construction practices. His work helped shape a more efficient, responsible and forward-thinking concrete industry for generations to come.
His influence did not go unnoticed. Named one of Concrete Construction Online’s “10 Most Influential People in the Concrete Industry,” Sauter was deeply respected for his servant leadership, trustworthiness and ability to inspire those around him.