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
The Importance of Instructor Support
April 2026

Whether you are a new or veteran masonry instructor, we all need support throughout our careers. We can never stop learning, and keeping up with ever-changing technology, materials, and installation techniques can be overwhelming alongside the everyday pr

Curtis Hoover
Resources
Read More
Vibing Masonry #11: Innovative Concrete Masonry Technologies in Healthcare Design
April 2026

In the high-stakes environment of healthcare design, every material choice is a clinical decision. Architects, engineers, and facility administrators are tasked with creating spaces that are not only resilient and code-compliant but also conducive to heal

Steve Blye
Technical Talks
Read More
Why Termination Bars Still Matter: A Practical Look at Long‑Term Flashing Performance
April 2026

In recent discussions across the masonry industry, I have heard termination bars described as “old school.” The implication is that with modern materials, primerless peel-and-stick flashings, advanced sealants, and structural insulated sheathing, mechanic

Linda Potter
Technical Talks
Read More
Building Solutions: The Critical Role of Cavity Space in Masonry Moisture Control
April 2026

Long before “rainscreen” became a popular term in building science, masonry cavity walls were functioning on that very principle. A brick veneer cavity wall is designed with the expectation that water will penetrate the exterior

Linda Potter
MAP Partner
Read More