Masonry Magazine August 2002 Page. 11
Q: What do you think will be the masonry industry's biggest competitor in 10 years?
Swindal: As I was talking about in the last question, I think the masonry industry's biggest competitor will be any of the unitized, panel-type wall systems that you can take off the truck and erect on the building right then and there. For an old, artistic, gothic church or similar project, we're always going to need good, qualified artisans who can actually put the brick up piece by piece. However, that type of work will get more and more expensive because fewer and fewer people will have that skill. This work will become a real priority for only the most exclusive work-and for only the people who can afford it. I hate that, but I'm afraid that's where our industry is headed.
Q: What do you feel are the most critical issues you'll face with future government regulations?
Swindal: No question: Ergonomics. If some of the ergonomic policies that the government is discussing come to pass, they can double the cost of our work. [The fact is] repetitive work can hurt you if you don't handle yourself right. All kinds of things can hurt you, but who doesn't have injuries? Look at football players. They don't last but 15 years, and by then they have made millions. We have many people who have been working for us as bricklayers for 45 years.
Q: Which group do you feel has the bigger impact on masonry's future, architects, engineers, or general contractors?
Swindal: General contractors have the number one impact on masonry's future because they are in charge. Next are the architects. They are the ones who need to stand up for masonry products when the general contractor says let's replace brick with EIFS or something else. Actually, owners have probably the biggest impact because they hire the design/build people. However, they have to understand what the materials are and how they work. And they have to want to build a 50-year building instead of a 10-year building that they'll sell in five years. The Voice of the Mason Contractor
Q: What do you like most about being a member of Mason Contractors Association of America?
Swindal: First, it comforts me to know that I'm not the only contractor in the country having the problems I'm having. Second, the MCAA gives me the opportunity to listen to ideas from other companies and leaders in the masonry industry. It's good to sit down, discuss all of the problems we have, and work through solutions. Such activity spurs new ideas in me and other people. It also helps eliminate facing a 10-year learning curve in masonry!
www.kennisonforest.com
Kennison FOREST PRODUCTS, INC. Dense Industrial 65 SYP Scaffold Plank CUSTOMER 8-or Laminated Scaffold Plank also available! Clipping Services Steel Rodding OSHA Approved SPIB Certification Customer Name Branding Sizes Available: Lengths 2x8" 2x10" 4'-20' 2x12" Call today for delivered prices to your area! Services Available: Toll Free: 888-697-5585 Rod-Clip-Brand End Painting • Precision End Trimming • Paper Wrapping FAX: 337-527-0412 Dick Kennison Joe Kennison Jared Kennison MEMBER INDUSTRY ASSOCIATION Meets and/or exceeds all OSHA/ANSI standards! August 2002 Masonry