Outreach Outlook: Momentum in Motion

Words: Conner Birdsong


As we move into the heart of summer, the masonry industry continues to thrive—fueled by innovation, partnership, and a growing commitment to excellence in education and workforce advancement. June has been a remarkable month, marked by events that not only celebrated the achievements of today’s leaders but also illuminated the path forward for the next generation.

The MCAA Outreach and Education Division was proud to participate in the Florida Masonry Annual Convention, where contractors, instructors, and industry leaders came together to celebrate the craft and discuss the future of masonry in Florida and beyond. The event featured exciting updates on new statewide initiatives aimed at expanding training access, streamlining credentialing, and strengthening high school-to-career pathways. One of the convention’s highlights was the Florida State Apprentice Masonry Competition, where emerging talent from across the state demonstrated their skills and passion for the trade. The convention concluded with the highly anticipated Awards Banquet, where Pyramid Masonry Contractors were honored with the 2024 Masonry Excellence Project of the Year—a testament to the enduring quality and craftsmanship that defines our profession.

Our commitment to leadership development also extended beyond the jobsite. This month, our team had the unique opportunity to attend the Truist Leadership Institute Conscious Leadership Retreat in Greensboro, North Carolina. The retreat brought together finalists from the Truist Foundation Inspire Awards to explore leadership principles rooted in self-awareness, trust-building, and collaborative impact. It provided an invaluable space for learning, reflection, and connection with other changemakers across industries—all committed to strengthening communities through innovative workforce strategies.

Meanwhile, the MCAA proudly participated in the 2025 SkillsUSA National Leadership and Skills Conference in Atlanta, Georgia, where masonry competitors from across the country took center stage. The competition floor was a powerful showcase of talent, precision, and dedication. Our booth featured cutting-edge tools and technologies, including a 3D wall scanner demonstration, which captivated both students and instructors alike. This hands-on experience emphasized the evolving role of technology in the skilled trades and reinforced the need to blend traditional craftsmanship with forward-thinking innovation.

As we reflect on a month full of progress, recognition, and collaboration, one thing is clear: masonry’s future is in good hands. Whether through competition, leadership, or innovation, the energy surrounding the industry continues to grow—and the MCAA remains committed to leading the way.

Stay tuned for more updates as we continue building connections, expanding opportunities, and laying the foundation for long-term success in the masonry field.



About: Outreach Outlook
Masonry Veneers: Designing for Flexibility, Versatility and Structural Integrity
August 2025

Masonry veneers have become a popular choice among residential and commercial builders alike. These versatile materials offer the authentic look and feel of quarried stone while delivering enhanced durability. By minimizing the risk of cracking and reduci

John Cicciarelli
Technical Talks
Read More
Advancing Skill-Based Assessment in Masonry Education with 3D Wall Scanning
August 2025

Over the past year, we’ve had the opportunity to demonstrate a cutting-edge 3D wall scanner at a variety of masonry competitions and career exploration events across the region, and the response has been overwhelmingly positive. Students, instructors, and

Conner Birdsong
Industry News
Read More
How It’s Made: Clay Brick
August 2025

Going back to around 7000 B.C., when the first bricks were made from a combination of mud and straw (highlighted because mud and straw are not part of the defined parameters of masonry) and then dried in the desert sun, the general process of how brick is

Mat Tramel
Technical Talks
Read More
Achieving Realistic Looks with Manufactured Materials: Elevating Aesthetics in Modern Masonry Projects
August 2025

In the evolving landscape of masonry design and construction, contractors are increasingly called upon to marry tradition with innovation. Homeowners, architects, and developers demand materials that not only perform well but also look indistinguishably a

Rob McKay
Technical Talks
Read More