Masonry Magazine June 2001 Page. 3
Volume 40, Number 6
JUNE 2001
MASONRY
THE OFFICIAL PUBLICATION OF THE MASON CONTRACTORS ASSOCIATION OF AMERICA
features
COVER STORY
# Building Blocks of Creative Masonry Landscapes............12
Concrete masonry block has been used for centuries to shape and mold landscapes. However, during the past decade, segmental retaining walls (SRWs) have exploded in popularity - leading to new and advanced methods in masonry construction. With today's technological advantages of SRW units, masonry landscapes can be constructed with more creativity than ever before.
# Estimating Software: Factors to Consider Before Buying... 20
As the construction industry gets more and more competitive, many contractors have discovered that estimating software is a cost-effective method of increasing productivity without driving up overhead. By knowing what to look for before you talk to a sales representative, you can make sure you get the right estimating software for your company.
# 50 Ways You Can Thrill Your Customers. ........................ 23
Whoever your customers may be, whatever product or service lines you offer them, opportunities to delight your customers are all around you. And delighted customers are the key to your future success.
# Attending Your First Blood ... I Mean Bid Letting. .........25
So you say you're about to attend your first bid letting? Well, no use being ill-prepared! Let Steve Saucerman give you a little preview of what you'll be witnessing.
# Employees: Partners in Profits. ........................28
To motivate their employees, many companies offer a number of nonmonetary fringe benefits ranging from pension plans, health and life insurance, sick-leave pay, credit unions to health and safety programs. One way that many masonry contractors have discovered to compete with the fringe benefits offered by larger employers is to share the wealth or the profits which can take many forms.
# Designing with Colored Masonry............34
Choosing a mortar color to compliment the wide range of colors found in clay brick, colored block, and stone is a sure way to enhance the appeal of a masonry structure. However, there are many factors that directly impact the appearance of a colored mortar, which can dramatically change the overall appearance of the structure.
# Keeping Workers Cool in Hot Weather. ........................40
Strenuous physical activity in high temperatures can bring on serious injuries due to heat stress. Author Joe O'Connor helps you to understand heat stress and ways to avoid it.
MASONRY-JUNE, 2001; 3