With Data on our side, The Sky’s the Limit

Words: David Biggs

Bronzella Cleveland, Editor - bcleveland@masonrymagazine.com

Happy June! Who can believe it is summer now? I know I go on and on about how fast time flies, but it does fly! Here we are in our very first special edition of MASONRY x DESIGN. Combining the best of MASONRY and MASONRY DESIGN for our readers. As Dan mentioned in his note, we wanted to provide both sides of our publications for you to get insight into the construction from the design stage through to the build.   But I’m sure you already know all of this after reading Dan’s message. In this special edition of MASONRY, you’ll find detailed articles to read, from a molded brick case study to David Biggs’ Q&A column from MASONRY DESIGN. Be sure to check out pieces that relate both to architects and the design community as well as the ones that relate more to you, the mason contractor.   In addition to the articles, Dan and I have mentioned, you will find a detailed whitepaper that focuses on the data from our first survey. As Dan said in the May issue, our new data-mining project for the MCAA and MASONRY is to help the masonry industry continue to grow in numbers and revenue. This whitepaper covers our findings from our initial survey.  The first survey focused on creating a general baseline for everyone who associates with the MCAA. It led the participants to a series of specific questions based on the answers they provided from the first set of initial questions. The results were sorted into three distinct groups, owner/managers, career masons, and suppliers.    This whitepaper outlines in detail the demographics of those who have participated in the survey, providing insight into the age, income, company size and revenue, equipment used, and much more. It gives the state of the masonry industry as of June of this year.    Following our initial survey, there will be five more throughout the year that will have an array of focuses and topics. They will take a few minutes of your time and will help strengthen the position of the industry, MASONRY, and the MCAA.   So, please be sure to take a few minutes and answer our future surveys that come your way. We hope you enjoy this special edition of the magazine and as always, feel free to reach out to Dan or me with any ideas, questions, and comments for the magazine. We’d love to hear from you.   Don’t let the year pass you by, get out there and enjoy it!  
Westlake Royal Building Products™ Expands Partnership with Boise Cascade® for Cedar Renditions™ and Versetta Stone® Distribution

Westlake Royal Building Products™ (“Westlake Royal”), a Westlake company (NYSE:WLK), today announced an expanded partnership with Boise Cascade®, a leading manufacturer and distributor of building materials throughout North America. Strengthening Westl

By: Kriss SwintSophia Possidente
Read More
Four Different Types of Natural Stone Used For Masonry

Natural stone has been a staple in masonry for centuries. Before it was used to transform home and landscape designs on residential properties, it was used for historical buildings and some of the most iconic destinations in the world.

By: Noah Dempsey
Read More
Advice to the Beginners

The best advice I could give anyone that is starting a career in masonry is that first and foremost, you must "know" yourself. What do you like to do? What would you like in a working environment? Do you like to be outside? Do you enjoy physical activity

By: Dan Hiltebeitel
About: Featured
Read More
Masonry Safety Inspections

The look of confusion and utter loss on people’s faces when I tell them that I’m a safety inspector for a masonry company is often hilarious.

By: Justus Everett
About: Safety
Read More