Masonry Magazine January 2007 Page. 26
Contractor
That's not to say that 70 to 80 years from now, you're not going to have to do some restoration work to insure that it's weather tight and structurally sound. I look at it as: You get what you pay for.
Today's consumers are very educated and they want the most bang for their buck; but what they fail to do is look at the big picture, long term. As a mason contractor, you need to explain and prove the benefits that they will realize from having a masonry building built. Yes, it may cost more money upfront, but long term it will lead to less repair, less maintenance and less money invested.
Masonry: What would you do to change that misconception?
Lockwood: I guess it just lies in educating the consumer. I'm not going to say that there are not a lot of owners out there that don't know what they're getting, but it really boils down to explaining the benefits of masonry construction. The NCMA [National Concrete Masonry Association] and IMI [International Masonry Institute] have several publications that can be used as reference tools to explain the benefits of masonry construction.
Masonry: What are your biggest concerns in keeping your company successful?
Lockwood: Obviously, it starts with your employees in the field. They are your company's front line, and they are the ones that will have the biggest impact on how successful your company will become. So it is very important to keep your employees happy and working. They also need to be supported on a daily basis with competent people that will help make them better at their job.
In addition, you need to be willing to change and be adaptive as technology changes how we perform our work. There is a reason this equipment is out there and you need to take advantage of it not only to be more productive and competitive, but also to be smarter and safer in your daily activities.
Masonry: What do you feel is the industry's biggest challenge in the near future?
Lockwood: I would definitely say it's concrete tilt-up panels. Recently, we completed a new Wal-Mart store, which I think is one of the first in the nation that was built with concrete tilt-up panels. Unfortunately for the masonry industry, I think Wal-Mart may realize that there is an economical and time-savings advantage to using concrete tilt-up panels.
Masonry: Where do you think the masonry industry is going to be 10 years from now?
Lockwood: I think the masonry industry is still going to be strong, especially in the institutional market. As far as retail and commercial, I think it's going to fall off a little bit. But as far as your schools, industrial and hospitals, I think it will be pretty strong.
Masonry: What do you think will be the masonry industry's biggest competitor in 10 years?
Lockwood: Concrete tilt-up. They've just got so many options that they didn't have previously. Now they can actually simulate brick veneer when they cast these panels. So, someone that likes the look of a brick building can get that out of the tilt-up panel now. Masonry has, and will continue to be, a very difficult and competitive business.
Masonry: What do you feel are the most critical issues you'll face with future government regulations?
Lockwood: Probably the ever-increasing amount of regulatory requirements and paperwork, particularly on public projects.
Masonry: Which group do you feel has a bigger impact on masonry's future: architects, engineers or general contractors?
Lockwood: I believe architects do. They're the ones that are out there selling these projects to the owners. Most projects begin with an architect; therefore the architect is the client's first contact. I think they have the most influence on what type of construction is going to be used.
Masonry: What do you like most about being a member of the MCAA?
Lockwood: I like all of the advantages you receive from being part of it. You're kept up-to-date on the latest technology and techniques used around the country. It gives you a lot of good advice about how to retain people and what's going on around you. It really keeps you in the loop.