BJH: For those who may not know you, tell us a little about yourself.
Shmuel Leshnoff: I’m Shmuel Leshnoff, born and raised right here in Baltimore, and I really feel deeply connected to this community. I’m a TA alumnus, an active Hatzalah responder, and for a number of years I served as Program Director at Ahavas Chaim. Depending on where people know me from, some might remember me from community events, others from Hatzalah calls, and some probably just recognize the red truck driving around town. For a while I was even on the Park Heights Roofing billboard, which definitely made for some interesting conversations. A few years ago, I also started my construction company, Reno Co., which gave me the opportunity to work closely with homeowners all across Baltimore.
BJH: You seem very involved in the community. Has Baltimore always been home for you?
SL: Absolutely. Baltimore is home in every sense of the word. It’s where I grew up, where I built friendships, and where I’ve had opportunities to grow personally and professionally. One of the things I appreciate most about Baltimore is how interconnected the community is. People genuinely care about each other here. Whether it’s through volunteering, responding with Hatzalah, or helping homeowners improve their spaces, I’ve always tried to contribute through action.
There’s also something special about working in your own city. You’re not just serving customers. You’re helping neighbors, friends, and people you’ll continue seeing in shul, at simchos, or around town. That creates a level of accountability and pride in the work.
BJH: What led you into the construction world?
SL: I’ve always enjoyed building things and solving problems. Construction combines both. There’s something very satisfying about taking a space that’s outdated, damaged, or underutilized and turning it into something functional and beautiful.
Through Reno Co., I spent years remodeling homes and managing projects, and one thing I learned quickly is that no two houses are ever the same. Every project comes with its own challenges, personality, and goals. That keeps the work interesting and forces you to constantly learn and improve.
Over time, I also started noticing certain areas of construction where homeowners were frustrated with the experience itself. Communication was lacking. Scheduling was inconsistent. People felt overwhelmed or left in the dark. I realized there was a real opportunity to create something more streamlined and customer-friendly.
BJH: Is that what led to Conkretely?
SL: Exactly. Conkretely was built to simplify concrete work for homeowners. We focus on the essentials that almost every homeowner eventually deals with: driveways, sidewalks, patios, and steps.
Concrete is one of those things people don’t think about until there’s a problem. Maybe the driveway is cracking, the sidewalk becomes uneven, or they want to create a more usable outdoor space.
Over the past several months, I invested into building systems and processes that make the experience easier from beginning to end. We wanted fast estimates, dependable scheduling, clear communication, and quality workmanship to be the standard, not the exception.
A lot of my background in project management and organizing teams helped shape the way we built the company. I’m excited to bring that level of professionalism to Baltimore’s blue-collar industry.
BJH: You mentioned outdoor spaces. A lot of homeowners automatically think “deck.” Why are you encouraging people to consider patios instead?
SL: Decks absolutely have their place, especially when you need elevated access from a second story. But what I noticed over the years is that many homeowners were looking for a simple ground-level entertaining space directly off the back of the house. In many of those situations, concrete patios simply make more sense.
When you compare the long-term cost and maintenance of a wood or composite deck versus a concrete patio, the difference can be significant. Concrete is durable, clean, and low maintenance. You don’t have to worry about carpenter bees, rotting wood, splinters, or constantly re-staining and repairing it every few years.
A patio can provide the same practical outdoor living space while often costing substantially less. And I always tell people that the savings can be used to make the area even more enjoyable. Instead of putting every dollar into decking materials, maybe add a pergola, outdoor lighting, comfortable seating, or upgrades that really transform how the family uses the space.
I’ve even suggested Costco-style pergolas for families looking to improve their sukkah area in a practical but beautiful way.
BJH: What do homeowners appreciate most about working with you?
SL: I think people appreciate honesty and guidance. Sometimes homeowners know exactly what they want, and other times they just need someone to walk them through the possibilities.
Every family uses their home differently. Every budget is different too. I genuinely enjoy sitting down with people, understanding how they live, and helping them figure out what makes the most sense for their project.
At the end of the day, this business is really about relationships and trust. We’re entering people’s homes and helping improve spaces where families spend time together. That’s something I don’t take lightly.
BJH: Any final message for the community?
SL: First of all, I’m incredibly grateful to Baltimore for the support over the years, both personally and professionally. This community has given me so much.
If someone is considering concrete work, whether it’s replacing a driveway, fixing sidewalks, adding a patio, or simply exploring ideas, I’m always happy to have a conversation. Estimates are free, and even if someone just wants guidance or wants to understand their options better, we’re happy to help.
You can check out our ad in this week’s issue to learn more about Conkretely and some of the services we provide. And of course, feel free to call or text me anytime at 443-320-6773. I’m always happy to connect.
