Remembering Jack Cowan
A Visionary Leader in the Precast/Prestressed Concrete Industry
It is with deep respect and sorrow that we announce the passing of Jack Cowan. Born in Cleveland, Ohio, Jack exemplified a life of service and innovation. In 1950, he enlisted in the U.S. Navy, serving aboard an antisubmarine destroyer. After his honorable discharge, Jack joined the Ohio State Highway Patrol, where he served as a state trooper and later as a pilot. In 1960, he transitioned to what became a long and distinguished career dedicated to serving manufacturers of concrete products.
Jack was a true pioneer in the Precast/Prestressed Concrete Industry, leaving an indelible mark through his remarkable contributions. His innovative spirit and steadfast dedication to advancing construction methods addressed many of the pressing challenges faced by the young prestress industry in its formative years. Jack represented Florida Wire and Cable, a trailblazing company in the manufacturing of prestress strand in America, and his efforts were instrumental in shaping the industry's growth and success.
Jack Cowan’s career was defined by his passion for problem-solving and his commitment to serving his customer’s needs. In 1962, he founded Conasco Plastics after patenting an innovative device designed to drain water and methane gas from prestressed concrete bridge girders. Building on this success, he launched John D. Cowan & Associates, an umbrella sales rep organization focused on supplying products to the concrete construction industry. In 1974, Jack partnered with “Patt” Patterson to form Patterson/Cowan Associates, a company that represented the industry’s leading manufacturers of products for the Prestressed Concrete Industry.
Alongside "Patt" Patterson, Jack played a pivotal role in shaping the foundation of the Prestressed Concrete Industry, laying the groundwork for many of the standards that we continue to uphold today. He chaired many national committees within the Prestressed Concrete Institute and was named a Fellow of PCI in 2010.
Always driven to find better ways to support his customers, Jack founded Poly-Void Systems, Inc. in the early 1980s. This venture led to the development of several innovative solutions, including a patented flexible highway delineator, a radiant heat barrier concrete curing system, and debonding sheathing for prestress strand. In 1983, Jack further demonstrated his visionary approach by launching The Concrete Trader, the first trade publication dedicated to plant manufacturers of concrete products throughout North America. His legacy of innovation and service continues to resonate across the industry.
We are honored to carry forward Jack's vision through the continued stewardship of Conasco Plastics' products at ALP Supply. His contributions to our industry will be remembered not only for their technical innovation and ability to solve complex challenges but also for the integrity and dedication that defined his life's work. Jack Cowan's passing is a profound loss for our industry, but his legacy will endure as a source of inspiration and progress for generations to those who were blessed to have known him.