SURPstone
Jill Layton, Founder
A passion for upcycling leads to a concrete industry innovation.
SURPstone has a rare and earth-friendly business model. It takes materials that would otherwise end up in landfills and turns them into concrete pavers and landscape elements. Founded by Jill Layton, the business transforms discarded plastic into functional, durable products sold through locally owned retailers and directly to landscapers and contractors across Western Colorado.
What began as a project for her AAS degree in Business Marketing and Communication at Colorado Mesa University has grown into a manufacturing business with expanding regional reach. While completing her degree, Layton was challenged to design a company that combined what she was good at, what she cared about, and what she would pursue if money were no object. SURPstone emerged from that process and quickly became the focus of her coursework, her internship, and ultimately her career.
Today, SURPstone products are sold through independent retailers such as Ace Hardware franchises, True Value, and local garden centers, with new partnerships developing in Delta and Montrose counties and plans to expand along the I-70 corridor. Layton is increasingly focused on serving landscapers and contractors who can place larger, long-term orders allowing the business to increase production volume while maximizing its environmental impact.
Through the Business Incubator Center, SURPstone operates within incentivized manufacturing space while accessing business coaching, prototyping tools, and innovation resources that support continued growth. Layton also participates in tours and community events hosted by the Incubator, connecting her work to advisors, educators and fellow innovators across the region.
“The biggest thing the Incubator has given me is exposure,” Layton says. “I’ve met advisors, hosted business classes, participated in tours, and connected with opportunities that simply wouldn’t happen if I were operating alone.”
That exposure has already translated into tangible momentum. In 2025, SURPstone won the Audience Choice Award at the NextCycle Colorado Pitch Competition, a statewide program supporting circular-economy businesses. The experience connected Layton to peer companies, technical mentors, and grant-writing support as she prepares for SURPstone’s next phase.
Looking ahead, Layton is developing plans for SURPstone pre-bagged concrete mix, which would allow customers to use plastic-enhanced concrete in DIY and commercial applications. Before bringing the product to market, she plans extensive engineering and materials testing to ensure performance, durability, and safety, an approach that reflects both her technical background and her long-term vision for the business.
By embedding sustainability directly into construction materials, SURPstone demonstrates how circular-economy innovation can scale locally while addressing global challenges. With support from the Business Incubator Center, the company is turning discarded plastic into a small business with huge potential and proving that environmental responsibility and economic viability can grow together.