Women & Business Profile: Melanie Raymond

Melanie Raymond
Concrete Queen, Owner

Melanie Raymond knows she can outwork anyone—and that she needs to in order to thrive in the male-dominated fields of concrete and masonry. “I show up, I work hard, and I never give up because success in this industry is earned, and I earn it with every project I complete,” she says.

In 2021, Raymond founded Concrete Queen in New Sewickley Township. It specializes in durable and precise residential and commercial concrete work from planning to finishing. She says the company is “built on hard work, hands-on expertise, and the drive to break barriers in a male-dominated industry.”

The transition from skilled concrete worker to successful business owner is one of Raymond’s proudest achievements. “Growing a business while staying active in the field has been both demanding and rewarding,” she says. She has seen, too, the respect she’s earned within the industry as she continues to work on sites in addition to managing daily operations.

Since its founding, Raymond has seen sales double each year, which she attributes to a reputation for quality work, reliability and personal dedication. She recently relocated its headquarters to Youngstown, Ohio, where they can expand both equipment capacity and their customer base. The company has already caught the attention of Ohio Governor Mike DeWine, who recognized Concrete Queen as one of the top 12 businesses in Youngstown in 2025.

As part of the larger Youngstown community, Raymond says her company sponsors bookbag and school supply drives “to help ensure students start the school year prepared and confident.” They also support local sports teams, among other things. “Giving back is an important part of what we do, and we’re committed to making a positive impact in the community we serve,” she says.

Raymond’s goal is to continue expanding Concrete Queen into additional states and take on larger, more complex projects. Her dad once told her, “With hard work and determination, I can go anywhere my dreams take me.” She offers similar advice to fellow businesswomen: “Believe in your capability, trust your work ethic, and never let the industry define your limits. You don’t have to fit the mold to succeed.”