Chairman’s Message: Past, Present and Future

2023 is just about wrapped up and will soon be in the past. If you haven’t already evaluated your performance for the year, it’s not too late to start. Figure out what worked well for you and what did not. This evaluation exercise should be performed each year. Expecting to grow or achieve better results without knowing what worked and what did not will be difficult. You should know where improvements are needed. 

A plan will only be successful if it’s closely monitored. Monitor the daily performance of each project to make sure you hit your goals. You should have a good understanding of how it compares to your daily plan and job estimate. If things are not going as planned, make the necessary adjustments immediately. The sooner adjustments are made, the better off your result will be. Recognize where errors were made, make the necessary changes and be sure they’re not repeated in the future.  

Perfection is hard to come by. If you’ve experienced a major blunder, it’s necessary to identify the reasons why it happened. You cannot change what happened in the past, but there is a lesson to be learned.

Dwelling or living in the past is not healthy for anyone. Learn from the past, deal with the present but stay focused on the future. Monitor your day-to-day activity so it lines up with your 5-year and 10-year plan. This shouldn’t only be business-related.  

Fixating on the past will hinder you from moving forward. Being consumed in the past will not allow you to recognize what’s happening in the present, and that could affect your future. Much like driving a car with your eyes focused only on the rear-view mirror. How do you think that will work out? Most likely, you will crash. For a successful road trip, we’re told to keep our eyes on the road ahead, pay attention to the signs around us, maneuver our way through any obstacles or hazards and this should get you safely to your destination. The rear-view mirror has a purpose. Don’t forget where you came from.

Put together a plan (a road map) for next year and present it to your team. If you don’t put a plan in place, expect the same results. There is always room for improvement. If you’ve experienced your best year ever, figure out how to repeat or improve it. We should never stop trying to improve. Always have a plan and goals for the future of the entire team.

Last month, Jeff Buczkiewicz and I traveled to Marco Island, Florida. Joining our industry partners, BIA (Brick Industry Association), in their fall meetings. The meetings we attended were very informative. It’s essential to support our industry partners and work together for a strong future. We’re hopeful to work together promoting our industry with marketing, education, workforce development, and legislative issues affecting us all. 

While in Florida, Jeff and I had lunch with one of our past MCAA Chairman, Mark Kemp. Mark says he now prefers bird watching on the Florida Beaches during the winter months. As always, it’s educational speaking with an MCAA Hall of Fame member and former Chairman. We discussed the past, present and future of the MCAA. Mark commented that he’s very pleased with the current state of the association. 

Our association has learned a great deal from our past chairmen. Many continue to participate and share their thoughts for a strong future. MCAA has experienced some tough times in the past, but we learned from them, made the necessary changes, and presently, we are in a great position for a bright future. 

Personally, I learned a lot from our past Chairmen, and I thank them for their wisdom. They had a vision for the future, and we’ve stayed the course. I don’t want to forget about the vision and fantastic job of Jeff Buczkiewicz. Without a doubt, Jeff is the visionary for the future of this association, and he is the glue that keeps it together.   

Speaking of past, present and future, soon I’ll be a past chairman. I’ll be writing my final chairman article next month. The future of the MCAA will be in great hands! My wingman Dick Dentinger will be taking over as Chairman. Dick will be a great chairman along with our great executive board with Kent Huntley, & Paul Cantarella. This has been a phenomenal team, and the growth will continue. I want to thank them for all they’ve done to help improve the MCAA.

Don’t forget to sign up for our Convention coming up January 21 – 25. Resorts World is the host hotel. Many of our meetings will take place there. It’s only a short ride from the Convention Center through the Tesla tunnel. Hope to see you there.

Wishing you all the happiest of Holidays and a very Merry Christmas!  

Stay Safe, Stay Strong!
Larry Vacala