May 2015: From The Editor

Words: Dan Kamys

Circling Back

Jennifer MorrellJennifer Morrell Editor jmorrell@lionhrtpub.com

As an editor, I enjoy planning, coordinating, writing and editing content for each issue of Masonry Magazine. I always feel happy that I am not only working in communications, but also using my journalism degree exactly as it was intended, which was for the area of magazines. But here’s where I am really lucky: In addition to loving my job, I appreciate and admire the people I have met through the masonry industry. Two of those people include Justin Breithaupt, owner of Non-Stop Scaffolding, and Bill Dintenger, a veteran mason contractor who was recently inducted into the Masonry Hall of Fame. As it turns out, Masonry was able to provide an article profiling the history of Non-Stop Scaffolding that hit home with Mr. Dintenger. Following is a wonderful letter he sent to me.

Letter to the Editor:

Dear Jennifer, The “Non-Stop Progress” article/interview in the April (2015) issue of Masonry sure brought back lots of warm memories for me. This is mostly because I had heard all of these quotes first hand, directly from Justin Breithaupt Sr., in the 1960s and early-1970s. Shirley and I were still in our late-20s when we first met Justin Sr., and we quickly became very close friends. His German last name would have fit right in back in Milwaukee (our hometown), but his Southeastern accent and country-boy style was foreign and fascinating to us. A self-described “North Louisiana Coon Ass,” he was a fooler – because, in fact, he was sophisticated and sharp as a tack. At the time, we were still in our 20s – immature, socially uneducated and far more likely to order a well-done steak versus elegant cuisine when dining out. One time, Justin Sr. exposed us to French (Creole, really) cooking at a restaurant in Texas. He said, "Let me order for you." I forget what he ordered for me, but I remember it was delicious. He ordered fish en papilla for Shirley. We were quickly “hooked” on fine dining and began to experiment thereafter. Justin Sr.'s masonry innovations – scaffolding, speed poles, etc. – are all part of history now, and, of course, Justin Jr., has taken the company to grand, new heights. When still active, Bill Dentinger Inc. was one of the early Non-Stop national customers, and our son's company, B&D Associates Inc., continues that relationship. Like I say, the article sure brings back many warm memories. Bill Dentinger Bill Dentinger was recently inducted into the Masonry Hall of Fame.

Correction

Kennison Forest Products Inc.’s advertisement was inadvertently omitted from the April 2015 of Masonry. You can see Kennison Forest’s advertisement on p. 31 of this issue. We regret the error.
Making Old Brickwork Look New Again
September 2026

Brickwork is built to last, but mortar isn’t. Over time, exposure to moisture, freeze-thaw cycles, and everyday wear causes joints to crack, crumble, and even recede. What starts as a cosmetic issue can quickly turn into a structural concern if left unadd

Mackenzie Claassen
MAP Partner
Sponsored
Read More
Why Joint Profiles Matter In Masonry Restoration
September 2026

For generations, masonry structures have been defined not only by the brick, block, or stone used in construction, but also by the mortar joints that tie everything together. Whether restoring a historic brick facade, repairing natural stone veneer, or re

Paul Bender
Technical Talks
Joint Reinforcement Jointers Restoration
Read More
Designed for the Way Contractors Work Today
September 2026

Every piece of equipment tells a story about the challenges contractors face. For more than 30 years, the EZG Manufacturing team has listened to those stories—through customer relationships, job site visits, dealer feedback, a

Abigail Spung
Manufacturing Efficiency
Read More
Chemicals In Masonry
September 2026

Mason contractors must deal with chemicals on the job site. One of the main ones comes in the form of dust. Another is acid. From high-rise commercial structures to residential facades, masonry work involves handling raw materials that require careful man

Zach Everett
Safety Library
Safety
Read More