MCAA Regional Report, Region C

Words: John JacobMichigan - Ed Davenport
Ohio - Greg Schuerman
West Virginia - No State Chairman

Workforce Development

Ohio: There are currently 12 dedicated Masonry Programs for Juniors and Seniors for High Schools. The total number of Juniors (115) and Seniors (113). Two schools have less than 12 total students, Five schools have less than 18 total students. These programs are hard enough to keep in the vocational schools, but several are close to being closed if the number of students do not increase. Ohio has lost 10 dedicated masonry programs in the last seven years.

The Ohio Vocational Schools can participate in two masonry competitions as well as the VICA State Competition. Two of the competitions are supported by the masonry industry. One is hosted by a Union training center, the other is hosted at one of the Vocational Training Centers.

Ohio is changing their programs from a State Standard to Units thereby allowing students to get experience in multiple trades. During the 2015-2016 school year, juniors will be in a “TRADES” class for carpentry, plumbing, electrical, HVAC, and masonry. Their senior year, the students can choose to dedicate their training to a specific trade. Some fell this is a benefit to the masonry program as all juniors will be exposed to the trade and the teacher can pull from the entire class for their senior year.

There are some adult education programs throughout Ohio, but these are “Multiple Trades” classes, no numbers are available to report at this time.

Masonry Marketing Activities

Ohio: Ohio is blessed to have multiple masonry associations. Between the International Masonry Institute, Brick Industry Association, Ohio Masonry Association and Tri-State Masonry Institute, Ohio covers contractor education, design education, owner and municipality education. There are two smaller associations, Mason Contractors Association of Northeast Ohio and the Cincinnati Brick Council.

The Ohio Masonry Association, Brick Industry Association and the International Masonry Institute present accredited programs to designers, end users and installers throughout the year.

Josh Naragon, Executive Director of the Ohio Masonry Association serves as a Captain for the CMU Check-Off bill. Ohio Masonry Association supports the Check-Off and Josh travels the state educating the industry on the program.

The Ohio Masonry Association and Tri-State Masonry Institute host awards programs. Tri-State Masonry Institute holds one each year and the Ohio Masonry Association holds one every other year.

Due to the education and Marketing Efforts of the Ohio masonry groups, ICF has been taken out of the Ohio Schools Facilities Commission design book. If there is state money from the OSFC involved in a school project, ICF cannot be used.

As many know the PCA is putting most of its resources in pavement. PCA helps fund the Ohio efforts in masonry promotion as well as other cementitious materials, but in recent years has reduced its funding to masonry by over 60% in Ohio. This dramatically affects the ability to promote and market until other sources can replace what has been lost.

College and Universities

Colleges and Universities are involved in masonry programs both in architecture and engineering. The National Concrete Masonry Association’s Foundation helps funds some of these programs hosted by local CMU producers or the Ohio Masonry Association.

Currently The Ohio State University, Bowling Green State University, The University of Dayton, and Kent State, all have programs currently running. The University of Toledo, Sinclair, University of Cincinnati, have had programs in the last two to three years.

Economic Conditions Forecast

There has been an increase in construction for Ohio, but to determine wall share, there is no formula to determine the increase or decrease in masonry wall share at this time. Contractors, CMU producers, and masonry suppliers are busier than past years. Schools still are being designed and in some pockets, there are still schools being designed for 2015-2016. The big school boom for the most-part is over.

Problems with material quality / installation issues, and design problems have made a negative impact on masonry. “Low Bid” scenario, materials provided by manufacturers out of state no longer in business, cutting corners in the field and poor design all play a part.

As our industry pushes the envelope of new design and materials and upcoming energy code changes, masonry will start taking more share back. Steel Stud will be heavily affected by the new energy code, putting masonry and other material systems back on top.

South of 40

In Cincinnati, there are at a minimum 16 people working within the masonry contractor management teams / principals.
Stop Juggling: The Best Way to Master Your Masonry Job Sites
January 2026

You’re in the business of building structures that will stand for generations. Yet, too often, the process of managing the job site feels built on quicksand. Every construction project manager knows the feeling: the constant, fra

Erin Koets
Technical Talks
Read More
Brick Jointers: Purpose, Patterns, & Practical Applications
January 2026

After leads have been built and bricks have been laid, it’s crucial to tool the joints before the mortar sets. The tool of choice for this task is a brick jointer, but it can be tricky to decide which one to use. This guide will walk through the purpose o

Mackenzie Claassen
Technical Talks
Read More
Laying It Straight: Line-Holding Accessories for Masons Who Demand Precision
January 2026

When it comes to laying brick, block, or stone, nothing replaces a good line. A tight, true mason’s line is the backbone of straight courses and clean elevations, and the hardware holding that line is every bit as critical. Bon Tool’s lineup of Line & Lin

Paul Bender
Technical Talks
Read More
The Importance of Eye Protection in Masonry
January 2026

There are few stereotypes more iconic than the image of a construction worker wearing a hard hat and safety glasses. Protective glasses are among the most common items worn by workers in the masonry field, second only to the hard hat. According to OSHA, w

Justus Everett
Safety Library
Read More