CMHA has a strong roster of experienced and knowledgeable instructors who lead our certified courses throughout the year. Dan Hughes is the owner of Segmental Systems, Inc., and has over 25 years of experience in the hardscaping industry. Having installed over 3 million square feet of pavers, slabs, porcelain pavers, and 750,000 square feet of segmental retaining walls (SRWs) in both residential and commercial markets, Dan brings immense experience to each class he teaches.
Over the years Dan has received various accolades including recognition at the Pacific Northwest HNA Paver Qualifier (2016, 2017, and 2019) followed by earning the title of National HNA Installer Champion for three years (2018, 2019, and 2021). His commitment to hardscapes and education furthers as he’s served on various CMHA committees including the Hardscape Construction Committee, Education Committee, and the new Certification Committee. Dan’s wealth of knowledge and experience in the field provided valuable insight as he also took part in the task group that developed the 10th version of the CPI manual and is currently developing the SRW manual.
Dan’s commitment to the industry and helping others grow in the trade is a passion he holds firm to. Check out this Q&A with Dan to learn more about his background, his experience as an instructor, and advice to others considering becoming an instructor.
Q: What courses do you teach?
A: I teach several CMHA courses including the Concrete Paver Installer course, Residential Specialist, Permeable Interlocking Concrete Pavers Course, and the Segmental Retaining Wall Installer Course. I also teach one-day “hands-on builds” for Belgard University. The “hands-on builds” are designed to teach people the tips and tricks I’ve learned throughout my career.
Q: What is your favorite memory from teaching?
A: My very first class. I co-taught with Gale Schroeder, whom I had met a few times before. He asked me to help him with the class to gain experience and confidence in teaching. I was initially nervous, but I quickly found my rhythm and the class went well.
Over the years, I have returned to certain cities to teach courses and I was delighted to see familiar faces, such as five guys in Montana whom I have taught three or four different courses. It’s truly rewarding to witness your students’ passion for learning and to see their progress over time.
Q: What made you interested in becoming an instructor? Why have you continued to instruct over the years?
A: Initially, I became interested in teaching as a way to earn extra income and expand my skills beyond just being an installer. However, after teaching my first class, I realized that my 25 years of experience in the industry gave me valuable knowledge to share with students. Now, my focus is on helping others become skilled installers and avoid the costly mistakes I’ve made in the past.
Q: What takeaway do you have from being an instructor?
A: Teaching has been an incredibly rewarding experience for me. I’ve found that relating the course material to real-life situations is an effective way to engage students and make the content more relatable. It’s fulfilling to see students actively participating in discussions and eager to learn. One of the biggest takeaways from teaching is that everyone in the room has something to contribute, whether it’s a question or a personal experience. This mindset creates a collaborative learning environment where everyone, including myself, can learn and grow.
Q: What would you say to someone considering becoming an instructor?
A: If someone is considering becoming an instructor, I would advise them to have a genuine passion for helping others grow in the industry. Being an instructor provides the opportunity to meet great people and help them improve their construction and sales skills, which can be very rewarding. It’s fulfilling to see students develop and build upon their foundation, becoming more efficient installers. One of the most rewarding aspects of being an instructor is receiving positive feedback from students who said they have learned more than they expected to.
Experienced instructors like Dan play a vital role in helping new talents in the industry develop solid construction foundations through CMHA education courses. Learn more about our courses and register for one near you!