Masonry Magazine June 1986 Page. 9
Meet MCAA's Officers...
# DONALD C. GRANT
Vice President, Region E
Don Grant is president of Grant Contracting Co., Inc., St. Louis, Mo., specializing in commercial, industrial and institutional masonry work. He also is president of Grant Construction & Engineering Co., which participates in building design and development.
Don earned his B.A. degree in business management and B.S. degree in civil engineering from Washington University in 1955. He is a registered professional engineer in the state of Missouri.
After graduating from college he served in the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers where he achieved the rank of captain. Prior to his election as MCAA Regional Vice President he served in various offices of the Association and is past president of the St. Louis Chapter.
He is chairman of the Masonry Institute of St. Louis, is a trustee on the bricklayers' welfare and pension trusts, and is chairman of the MCAA Safety Committee. He is a member of IMI's Research & Development Program Board and MCAA's liaison between the National Association of Brick Distributors and the Brick Institute of America on recommended brick practices.
Don and his wife, Marlene, reside in suburban Concord Village with their five sons, Brian, 26, a civil engineer; Bradley, 20, a student at the University of Tulsa; Brett, 19, a student at Quincy College; Barry, 16, and Bill, 14, both high school students.
Don's mason contracting firm has received numerous awards for its excellence in masonry. The company, which is celebrating its 40th year in business, was started by his father, Harry E. Grant, who was an active MCAA member.
# JERRY VERNON
Vice President, Region F
In this fast-paced world, it is rare to find a man who believes in "family tradition," but the masonry industry is fortunate to have a man like this--his name is Jerry Vernon of Houston, Texas.
Jerry, along with his brother, Donald, bought their father's (Virgil) business from him and began what is known as the Vernon Family Tradition. Jerry's wife, Nancy, also participates in the business. "Nancy is secretary/treasurer of the company and also is in charge of public relations and keeping me in tow," he says.
Jerry also has his son, Dwayne, at the helm with him working as a field supervisor. Donald, Jerry's brother, adds additional ties to the family business where his son, Donald, Jr., works as an estimator.
Jerry is no newcomer to the masonry business. He started out in 1947 as an apprentice, became a journeyman in 1950 and shortly thereafter a foreman. He admits he is a bit of a gambler at heart, and that is why he felt he could make it on his own in business.
Looking back over the years, he has this advice for anyone who is thinking about becoming a contractor: "The first thing is to choose the type work you're best at and stick with it. Go slowly, build a foundation, and don't do any work you're not proficient in because this can only create problems."
Jerry is currently a trustee on the Masonry Promotional Committee and is Labor Relations Committee chairman for the Associated Masonry Contractors of Houston (AMCH). He also serves on the Joint Apprenticeship Committee, and as secretary of the Health & Welfare Fund and chairman of the Pension Fund.
# RENNIE TEJEDA
Vice President, Region 1
Rennie Tejeda is owner and president of R & R Masonry, Inc., in North Hollywood, California. His firm has always been innovative in the masonry industry and is credited with developing and installing the first prefabricated masonry panels in Southern California, in addition to completing many major projects in that area.
Rennie started in the masonry industry from the bottom up: as an apprentice, journeyman, foreman, and general field superintendent. During this time he attended college at Pierce Junior College, Los Angeles City College, and Northridge. In 1963, he and his brother, Rich, founded R & R Masonry. Rich retired in 1976 and Rennie now runs the corporation with his son, Stephen.
Rennie has been involved in all aspects of the masonry industry in California for many years. He is active in the California Conference of Mason Contractors Associations and was twice chairman of the Executive Council of the Mason Contractor's Exchange of Southern California. He additionally is chairman of the Arbitration Board for Management and has negotiated labor contracts with both labor unions since 1974.
Rennie and his wife, Judy, have four children, all of whom have graduated from college. Lynda, the eldest, is a teacher and the mother of three children. Stephen is a partner with R & R Masonry, and has three children, also. Ken is married, is a public accountant, and is planning, too, to join the firm. The youngest, Susan, works as a television reporter in El Paso, Texas.
Rennie is an avid sports fan and has been active in sports since his youth.