Well-Oiled Takes Work

Words: Bronzella Cleveland

Well-Oiled Takes Work

Dan Kamys, Editor - dkamys@staging1.masonrymagazine.com

One thing that has been drilled into my psyche since I was young is that nothing is ever perfect. Perhaps it comes from having an immigrant mother who’s had to work for everything she’s had for the past 40 years. It could also be from my father, who I’ve talked about before. One thing that I’ve continued to realize, especially since agreeing to serve as Editor of this magazine, is that there’s really no such thing as a well-oiled machine. In life, it seems like when one side of things is going well, another component starts to need work. Like owning a car, it’s all about the maintenance. There’s no time to get comfortable, or God-forbid, complacent when it comes to how things are going. Even if work seems like it’s going smoothly, there is always something that can be tweaked or improved. That concept applies whether it’s a magazine, a masonry company, or even running the country. The hard work has to continue and there’s really no time for a break. With the recent delay in the implementation of the upcoming OSHA silica rule, many contractors may think that it’s a good time to try and maintain their respective “well-oiled machines” and worry about the rule as it comes closer. Though I’m not a mason contractor myself, I can say that the attitude is probably one that will have some companies headed for the cliff edge. Pretend the rule is here now, and use the magazine (and MCAA’s) insight to help prepare your company. We can’t control very much in life, but one of the things we can is how we react. That’s an approach I’ve taken recently, and I’ve had a much more proactive outlook on my work and personal life. There will always be curveballs in life, but the only thing we can control is whether we choose to swing at something in the strike zone or let it go because it’s outside. Enough of me philosophizing, I got my only C in college in a Philosophy class. I’m about what happens in the real world in people’s lives. So please enjoy this issue of Masonry. The entire team here has worked hard to put it together. As always, please don’t hesitate to reach out to me or Bronzella with any suggestions or questions that you might have. All the best, dsig
Is Contact with Wet Mortar or Grout Dangerous?
April 2026

In the world of masonry, few materials are as common as mortar and grout. Whether you are laying brick, concrete masonry units (CMU), or pouring grout into masonry walls, wet cement and mortar are constant companions. However, beneath their utility lies a

Zach Everett
Technical Talks
Read More
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