The Future’s Getting Brighter

Words: Bronzella Cleveland

The Future's Getting Brighter

Dan Kamys, Editorial Director - dkamys@staging1.masonrymagazine.com

I wish I could say it was all planned, but a lot of things fell into place to make this month a heavy Workforce Development issue. As you know, Workforce Development is one of the cornerstones of the MASONRY mission since Bronzella and I have been handling the editorial side. We’re particularly excited to highlight the young workforce in our GEN NXT featuring SkillsUSA Masonry Post-Secondary winner Ashton White, our SkillsUSA Recap, and the Workforce Development Program created by the MCAA’s Treasurer Larry Vacala and former NFL Linebacker Otis Wilson. Additionally, you’ll find an exciting announcement about a partnership between the MCAA/MASONRY Publications and consulting firm XYZ University. Since 2002, they’ve focused on generational shifts in the marketplace alongside economic, workforce, and social change. Not only are they developing a program for the 2019 World of Concrete, but you’re going to be hearing from them in the upcoming issues of the magazine. Being the father of a young son, I am truly grateful at how my role here has opened my eyes to the variety of educational opportunities outside of a four-year university degree. A traditional college is a respectable career path, but so is a vocational education. I’m still learning as a parent, but I think our fundamental role is to expose our children to all the opportunities and paths that are out there. On a larger scale, I truly hope that’s what we’re able to do with the magazine. A tremendous thank you to Ashton White for agreeing to be interviewed on such short notice for GEN NXT and to Brandon Hartsell for working so quickly to set it up. We are incredibly grateful to Larry Vacala, Otis Wilson, IMI and Kenny Davis for facilitating the program for young students and talking to us about the program for this issue. I’d like to also write a quick note to all of the SkillsUSA competitors. Not only are you on the path to starting an incredible career and the next generation of the masonry industry, but you’re setting an example for all young people out there that there is more than one path to a fulfilled life. I hope you enjoy reading our Notre Dame American Treasure. This series has been an absolute pleasure, and we’re incredibly grateful to everyone at Notre Dame who facilitated the tour and helped us with the article. As a final note, please make sure to read about our upcoming Mid-Year in Austin. I look forward to seeing you out there!   dsig
Outreach Outlook: Celebrating CTE Month and the Madness of Masonry
February 2026

As we settle into February, the masonry industry turns its focus to a celebration that lies at the very heart of our mission: National Career and Technical Education (CTE) Month. For the Outreach & Education Division, this isn't just a date on the calen

Robert Melgaard
Outreach Outlook
Read More
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