February 2008: President's Message

Words: Dan KamysFebruary 2008 President's Message

New Horizons

Tom DanielTom Daniel President, Mason Contractors Association of America

It was a great honor for me to be installed as the new president of the MCAA in January at the annual convention in Las Vegas. There have been so many respected individuals who have done a superb job in this position. I will endeavor to work hard and maintain the integrity and leadership that the MCAA has built over the years. I also want to thank the immediate past presidents, especially President Frank Campitelli, for their mentorship in my preparation for this esteemed position. Having served many years as a senior board member and regional VP, I was involved with developing long-term goals for the association.

For my two years in office I would like to focus on the following.

Convention

During the last year, we have made many exciting changes in the organization. We are no longer in the "show business." We have a stable schedule and have agreed to have our annual convention in conjunction with the World of Masonry for the next five years in Las Vegas. We will strive to improve the Mason Contractor show and seminar attendance.

Membership Growth

Our focus is changing to help our members, mason contractors, which, in essence, is our customer. MCAA is committed to providing programs with regards to training, education, codes and standards, legislation, OSHA, etc., to help your business prosper.

Certification

Our goal will be to help all mason contractors who want to become certified to do so. MCAA has developed this program by contractors, for contractors. It was developed not be a detriment to contractors but as an added asset for their businesses. Being certified is a recognition to show that you, as mason contractors, have taken the extra steps to be quality contractors. In many respects, it is like continuing education to show that you are keeping up with the changes in the industry.

Legislation

The MCAA will continue to have an industry presence in Washington to insure we have a voice in protecting our businesses, employees and family from legislation adverse to our needs.

I look forward to the next two years and am excited about working with the MCAA staff and our board members to accomplish these goals.

I would like to ask for your support in making the entire industry a more effective and profitable environment for all of us. Feel free to contact me with your input and suggestions through our national office.

     
About: President's Message
Outreach Outlook: Celebrating CTE Month and the Madness of Masonry
February 2026

As we settle into February, the masonry industry turns its focus to a celebration that lies at the very heart of our mission: National Career and Technical Education (CTE) Month. For the Outreach & Education Division, this isn't just a date on the calen

Robert Melgaard
Outreach Outlook
Read More
Stop Juggling: The Best Way to Master Your Masonry Job Sites
January 2026

You’re in the business of building structures that will stand for generations. Yet, too often, the process of managing the job site feels built on quicksand. Every construction project manager knows the feeling: the constant, fra

Erin Koets
Technical Talks
Read More
Brick Jointers: Purpose, Patterns, & Practical Applications
January 2026

After leads have been built and bricks have been laid, it’s crucial to tool the joints before the mortar sets. The tool of choice for this task is a brick jointer, but it can be tricky to decide which one to use. This guide will walk through the purpose o

Mackenzie Claassen
Technical Talks
Read More
Laying It Straight: Line-Holding Accessories for Masons Who Demand Precision
January 2026

When it comes to laying brick, block, or stone, nothing replaces a good line. A tight, true mason’s line is the backbone of straight courses and clean elevations, and the hardware holding that line is every bit as critical. Bon Tool’s lineup of Line & Lin

Paul Bender
Technical Talks
Read More