February 2016: From the Editor

Words: Dan KamysFebruary 2016

From the Editor

New Directions

Jennifer MorrellJennifer Morrell , Editor - jmorrell@lionhrtpub.com

Brian Estill is a brick and stone mason from Louisville, Ky. Like many in the profession, Estill was laid off from his masonry company in the winter of 2008. “America’s biggest economic meltdown had finally reached the Ohio River shores of my beautiful city,” Estill says. “Since it was wintertime, I didn’t mind so much. I thought I would just collect my unemployment check until the spring, when work would pick back up. Only, it didn’t.” In summer 2009, Estill tried desperately to find a job. But with a skillset honed for masonry and a deep passion for the artistic trade, it proved difficult. His marriage ended in divorce, and he found himself sleeping on the sofa of one relative after another. [caption id="attachment_12010" align="alignright" width="270"]Rocks of Fort Knox Shown is “Rocks of Fort Knox,” created by Brian Estill.[/caption] “It was at my cousin’s house that I decided to use some of my unemployment money and buy some wood, tile adhesive, marble and granite tile, and a painter’s trowel, and get to work building the things I have always wanted to create, but rarely did in all my years in masonry,” Estill says. Today, Brian Estill is working as a “masonry mosaic artist,” enjoying the exploration of masonry as a literal art form. The above image of Estill’s work of art is entitled “Rocks of Fort Knox.” The mosaic is built from rocks he collected while working at Fort Knox in 2010. If you look closely at the piece, you’ll see a car in the center. Estill has an interesting story behind the car, which you can learn by contacting him directly at brian.estill@gmail.com. You can see more examples of his work on YouTube by searching Estill Masonry Artworks. On a different note, this is my last issue of Masonry Magazine. I have enjoyed my more than eight years as editor of this publication. The masonry industry is full of smart, talented people whom I am privileged to have met. I wish all in the masonry world the very best!
High-Performance Masonry Units: Elevating Structural Integrity and Aesthetics
September 2025

Manufactured concrete masonry units have been present in the construction marketplace for over 120 years. They are ubiquitous and are made in virtually every country on earth. The development of high-performance masonry units currently available across th

Peter Roberts
Technical Talks
Read More
Building Tomorrow, Digitally: How Tech is Revolutionizing Masonry
September 2025

The rhythmic tap of the trowel, the satisfying click of brick on mortar – masonry, in its essence, is a craft steeped in tradition. For centuries, it has shaped our skylines, built our homes, and stood as a testament to human ingenuity and skill. But just

Erin Koets
MAP Partner
Read More
MASONRY STRONG Podcast, Episode 28 Recap: Kendall Anderegg, President and CEO at Mutual Materials Company
September 2025

Kendall Anderg's journey in the masonry industry is a remarkable tale of legacy, innovation, and community impact. Hailing from the Pacific Northwest, Kendall's family business has been a staple in the industry since its founding in 1900. Now celebrating

Justin Stengel
The MASONRY STRONG Podcast
Read More
Ensuring Safety in Scaffold Access and Transference
September 2025

One of the most relevant issues currently affecting the industry is scaffold plans and safety. You are probably aware of new scaffold regulations required by general contractors and owners. IT IS VITAL THAT YOU ARE AWARE OF THESE REQUIREMENTS WHEN BIDDING

Clint Bridges
MAP Partner
Read More