A time for family

Words: Jennifer MorrellWho do you consider to be your “family?” Does your family consist of your blood relatives only, or does it extend to friends and other loved ones? Do you have a second family that is your “masonry family,” made up of those with whom you work, day in and day out, to make our industry stronger? My guess is that you do.

I think that’s what makes the masonry industry different from many other construction industries and lines of work, in general. A great number of masonry companies are family owned, with many being generational. A sense of pride is woven through the business and the beautiful buildings that masonry produces.

We have a niched area of the construction market, and we value the art and strength of masonry.
As I write this editorial, Paris has only five days ago been attacked. Thanksgiving is around the corner, and the holiday season will soon be upon us. We could easily enter the holidays with a heavy heart and solemn disposition. And, though I know our thoughts and prayers remain with the victims of terrorist violence, I hope we can take this time to turn to our families, friends and loved ones to be reminded of the peace, love and hope surrounding us all. From Masonry Magazine to you and yours, Happy Holidays.
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Anyone who’s spending time around CMU jobs today can see the shift. Concrete masonry isn’t just the backup wall; it is the finish on more projects. Thanks in part to the CMU check-off program and a broader focus on design and education, architects and own

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MAP Partner
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Case Study: Kyle Field at Texas A&M
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The $450 million redevelopment of Texas A&M’s football stadium, Kyle Field, was one of the most high-profile projects in Echelon and Amerimix history. With the renovation, Kyle Field’s capacity increased to 102,733, making it the biggest college stadium i

Case Study
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2026 Masonry Foundation Grants Now Open
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The Masonry Foundation is dedicated to advancing the masonry industry and is accepting grant applications for 2026. Proposals should have national reach and aim to generate substantial progress within the masonry industry. To explore examples of past gra

Justin Stengel
Industry News
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