Getting Creative

Words: Bronzella Cleveland

Bronzella Cleveland, Editor - bcleveland@masonrymagazine.com

  It is official, it is barbecue season, and so how many have you hosted or been to? I have to say, I’m guilty of getting out of the house and grilling as much as I can because there is something about the smell of the grill, the fruit salads, and all the trimmings. Plus, the weather can’t be any better, who doesn’t love a cool breeze?  Dan and I always compare cooking notes, as I’m sure we have said once before. It is all about trying new things and getting creative with the dishes. The same can be said about the masonry industry, every day I see something new that pertains to masonry, the creativity and options are endless. We have about two months or so to get creative and try something new, be it on the grill or cooking or in your everyday life. But that’s enough talk from me about food and getting creative.   Let's jump into what you will find in this month’s issue. Following my note, you will find a contractor Q&A focusing on employee onboarding. Since that is such an essential part of the hiring process, we decided to talk with three contractors to get their opinions and experiences on the topic. Be sure to stop and read this informative article and if you have any topics or questions you would like answered, feel free to send them our way.   Our cover story focuses on historic mortar restoration while providing a look at an example case study featuring a historic building in Chicago, IL. Discover more about this process, it may all begin with a camera. You will also find our recap from this year’s Legislative Fly-In, so if you didn’t get to come out this year, be sure to check out the talking points and the tours that were taken while in Washington D.C.   There is a Technical Talk on brick efflorescence, a case study highlighting the restoration of Cincinnati’s Music Hall, an update on anchor bolt provisions in masonry code, a look at innovations in work wear, and a workforce development article focusing on the next steps to growing this industry’s workforce.   This issue is packed with tons of good stories for you to check out. As always, if there is something you would like to see in the magazine or if you have any questions feel free to reach out to me or Dan.   Until next time, get out there and be creative!  
How I plan to live to 130
November 2026

While talking with one of our mechanics about the importance of changing the oil and keeping equipment greased, a thought occurred to me. These simple maintenance habits keep equipment running smoothly and help prevent breakdowns when you can least afford

Damian Lang
Contractor Tip of the Month
Read More
The Frustration Of Firefighting
November 2026

I find it fascinating what happens when an owner or executive leader walks into a struggling project. Morale picks up. Production improves. People communicate better. Meetings get sharper. Problems that have been sitting around for two weeks suddenly get

Corey Adams
Building More
Read More
Motivate With Money!
November 2026

I get asked about employee incentive and profit-sharing programs with every contractor I coach. Construction business owners seem to be looking for the magic bullet that will motivate their people to work harder and produce more. Some hope that providing

George Hedley
Business Building
Read More
Manufacturer Relationships
November 2026

As a contractor, the last person I wanted to see in my office was a salesman or a sales representative. Now that I better understand being a manufacturer, I see it in a different light. As a contractor, you can control the purchasing of material, understa

Steve Fechino
Fechino Files
Read More