About - Specialized Testing

About Specialized Testing

Welcome to Specialized Testing. Founded in 1989, for over 30 years, Specialized Testing has been a leader in Product Qualification Testing, Material Testing, and Structural investigations throughout California. Based in Santa Fe Springs, CA, we specialize in concrete testing, ground-penetrating radar (GPR) scanning, and product qualification services for the construction industry.

We serve engineers, inspectors, and construction professionals. Our services ensure the integrity of job sites, structures, and prevent structural damage, accidents and injuries on construction projects. We operate a laboratory that conducts product qualification and material tests according to ISO/IEC 17025:2017 standards. Our priorities include accuracy, timely service, and delivering reliable results that meet industry standards and our clients’ needs.

Our Focus

Product Certifications Group

Our Product Certifications team collaborates closely with manufacturers to certify a range of new products, including nails, anchors, and other fastening systems designed for use in concrete. We ensure each product meets rigorous industry standards, providing reliable, certified solutions for concrete applications.

Materials Testing Group

Our Materials Testing team delivers Quality Assurance testing for concrete and concrete-related samples from construction sites of new structures and buildings. We ensure that materials meet industry standards, providing reliable data to support safe and durable construction.

Field Testing Group

Our Field Testing team conducts comprehensive testing of concrete from existing structures and buildings, ensuring that materials continue to meet safety and durability standards over time.

Meet The Specialized Testing Team

Vince Benitez

President

30+ years of experience in research & development, material testing laboratory manager & technical manager. Mr. Benitez is responsible for business & financial activities.

Tom Kolden, P.E.

Director of Engineering

Bachelor of Science Civil Engineering
Licensed Professional (Civil ) Engineer (P.E.)

(California, Minnesota, Florida, Iowa, Wisconsin, Missouri, Illinois, South Dakota)

Thirty years of experience in the field of post installed anchorage, earthquake hazard reduction testing, laboratory testing, inspection, and quality control.
Formally trained in ISO/IEC 17025.

Mojtaba Afzali, PhD

Senior Engineering Manager

Doctor of Philosophy in Civil Engineering Master of Science in Geotechnical Engineering Bachelor of Science in Civil Engineering

Fourteen years of experience in materials testing, project management, business development and has authored 12 peer‐reviewed articles and reports.

Jackson McCoy

Project Manager – Field Testing

Bachelor’s of Science Degree, Mechanical Engineering.

Jackson manages Field Testing Projects such as GPR Scanning, Pull Testing, Non-Destructive Concrete Testing, Concrete Coring, URM Testing, and Structural Investigations of concrete structures and buildings.

Rachelle Guarneri

Office Manager

Bachelor’s of Science Degree in Psychology

Rachelle is responsible for bookkeeping, AP/AR, HR and special projects. Over 15 years of experience in management, Human Resources and Accounting.

Liza Palacios

Customer Service Representative

Manages communications and customer relationships and is the main point of contact for many of our scheduling, dispatching, and customer inquiries.

562-351-3900

ISO/IEC 17025:2017