January 2016: From The Editor

Words: Dan KamysJanuary 2016

Yes, I Write About Bricks

Jennifer MorrellJennifer Morrell , Editor - jmorrell@lionhrtpub.com

It’s interesting: Although most of my friends and family are well aware that I am a writer and editor – and have been since 1994 – not everyone knows exactly what I do. So here’s a conversation that might ensue between me and, say, a friend I run into in my hometown during the holidays: Friend: “So, what are you doing now? Me: “I’m a magazine editor.” Friend: “Oh, really? What magazine?” Me: “It’s called ‘Masonry.’” Friend: “Oh, so you write about bricks?” Me: “Something like that…” Well, there’s a little more to it than writing about bricks, as we all know. “Masonry,” as a term, seems narrow: brick, block and stone, adhered with mortar to make a sturdy, beautiful structure. But we all know that our industry entails so much more. From lobbying on The Hill in D.C. for – and against – bills that greatly impact the masonry industry, to focusing largely on workforce development, certifications and education – it’s an industry with a broad range of issues to tackle daily. And, as we address concerns and needs in the masonry industry, mason contractors continue striving to work smarter and more efficiently, producing quality buildings that will withstand time and the elements (wind, for example). That being said, this issue of Masonry does have articles about bricks…and blocks, telehandlers and the sizzling-hot topic of BIM-M. You’ll also want to check out the MCAA Annual Convention Preview on pp. 80-81 of this issue. If you are able to attend the convention and, especially, MASONRY MADNESS day on Feb. 3, you’ll be so glad you did. Happy New Year from the team at Masonry Magazine! We wish you a prosperous and joyful 2016.
Britt Stokes, Acme Brick’s Director of Marketing, Retires.
August 2026

Fort Worth, Texas – After faithfully serving Acme Brick Company for 40 years, Britt has chosen to retire – although he will still be involved with Acme on various projects. Britt began his career with Acme as staff photographer and through dedicati

Industry News
Read More
Sainte-Cécile Cathedral
August 2026

Imagine being handed a set of plans calling for the largest brick cathedral in the world. Now imagine building it without modern cranes, engineered scaffolding, forklifts, power tools, or structural analysis software. That was the challenge facing medie

Cass Stern
Marvelous Masonry
Read More
Why SkillsUSA is the Keystone to MCAA’s Outreach
August 2026

When I stepped into the role of the MCAA’s first Director of Youth Outreach and Education, I knew we had a massive job ahead of us. I am a fourth-generation brick mason, and I have spent over two decades teaching the trade, from working with apprentices a

Robert Melgaard
Outreach Outlook
Read More
The First Paycheck
August 2026

Several years ago, Huntley Brothers hired a young apprentice. It was his first real job, and he had never had a paycheck before. Friday rolled around, and he got paid just like everyone else. Later that day, one of the guys told me something I have never

Kent Huntley
Chairman’s Message
Read More