Masonry Magazine October 2002 Page. 15
Masonry: Where do you think the masonry industry is going to be 10 years from now?
Spilker: I think the masonry industry will continue to stay strong. I believe there is a perception that masonry equates to durability, strength, aesthetics, ease of maintenance and quality. We should promote these strengths along with a quality workforce and new technologies to ensure that masonry continues to be a viable wall system 50 years from now, not just ten years in the future.
Masonry: What do you think will be the masonry industry's biggest competitor in 10 years?
Spilker: Our biggest competition will be from new, lighter weight, less labor-intensive wall systems-from composite panels to Styrofoam sandwich systems. We need to be proactive and meet the challenges these systems will be dealing us. Therefore, I go back to the belief that we need to sell the strengths of masonry wall systems, not just the bottom line, to short-term thinkers.
Masonry: What do you feel are the most critical issues you'll face with future government regulations?
Spilker: Ergonomics would have to top that list. This has the potential of being a devastating regulation. Taxes and over-regulation would be others. I had the pleasure to be on the legislative committee that selected Marian Marshall as the new Director of Government Affairs. I believe that we need an active presence on Capitol Hill to address the issues that impact our business and our industry. I also believe that this position will allow us access and provide us clout targeted to the laws and legislators that will be critical to us all. This has been long overdue and should provide us with dividends in the future.
Masonry: Which group do you feel has the bigger impact on masonry's future-architects, engineers or general contractors?
Spilker: The architect. As I mentioned earlier, we have had success contacting an architect early in the game on a potential project to help in budget costing, detailing and selling the strengths of masonry construction. The architect has a lot of influence and makes recommendations to the owner as far as materials incorporated into a project. I think it is money well spent to be active with your local AIA (American Institute of Architects).
Masonry: What do you like most about being a member of MCAA?
Spilker: Being as active as possible on a national platform that is important to our industry. I like the sharing of information on a national level. It is important to share the strengths and weaknesses of our industry with contractors from many parts of the country.
WIRE-BOND's new Core-Clear hook-and-eye ladder eliminates all the problems with grouting and vertical reinforcing, and keeps the cores clear
Kyle Lochonic Project Manager Davenport Masonry Holt, Michigan
Kyle Lochonic visits major job sites all over Michigan - schools, airport facitlities, government buildings, and more. He's always looking for products and techniques which save time and money.
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The 14" end length easily adjusts the cross rods into the web of the block, leaving the cores clear for grouting. The easy sidelapping provides a stronger splice for maximum strength. Both side wires are active when there is tension on the brick veneer. The eyelets are 16" on center and provide for 1/16" tolerance to meet the AC1530 Code.
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WIRE-BOND Innovation In Masonry Construction