April 2015: From The Editor

Words: Dan Kamys

Leave Your Mark in Washington

Headshot-Editor-J-MorrellJennifer Morrell Editor jmorrell@lionhrtpub.com

It’s right around the corner: The MCAA Legislative Conference in Washington, D.C., will happen May 12 – 14. I have attended this conference for many years, and I have seen firsthand the difference that an in-office visit to your Member of Congress can make. I have greatly enjoyed not only gaining a better understanding of how Washington works, but also doing it alongside my fellow industry members and leaders, whom I admire so much. Events will include a full day of activities coordinated by the MCAA South of 40 group, visits on The Hill, reception, networking and meals with our industry’s true difference makers. If you haven’t registered, do so today at www.masoncontractors.org/governmentaffairs/legislativeconference. pine-memorial-parkWe’d like to applaud Sanford, Fla.-based mason Jim “Stoneman” Doane on a job not only well done, but also quickly done. Jim was asked to build a memorial within a very tight two-week window for Deputy Sheriff Jonathan Scott Pine, who was shot and killed while responding to reports of car break-ins. A memorial was presented during an End of Watch ceremony for Deputy Pine’s family. Jim created a form, poured the concrete and installed all tile as well as a medallion. The tile was water-jet cut. We think he did a wonderful job for a wonderful cause. Return to Table of Contents
The Science of a Straight Line: Why Masonry’s Smallest Decisions Make the Biggest Differences
September 2026

There is a unique phenomenon in construction: the human eye can spot an out-of-plumb wall from 50 yards away across a crowded job site. We might not always be able to explain the exact mathematical deviation without a laser level, but our brains instantly

Shayne Sanders
Technical Talks
Read More
The Utah Masonry Council's Masonry Education Day
September 2026

The 2026 Masonry Education Day at Interstate Brick in West Jordan is bringing together members of Utah’s architecture, engineering, and construction community for a day focused on education, technical understanding, and workforce development. The event r

Cassie Mejia
Industry News
Read More
MCAA Upstate New York: Regaining Market Share Through Education
September 2026

The Upstate New York chapter of the MCAA was established in 2014 by a dedicated group of both union and non-union masonry contractors, producers, and suppliers who shared concerns about the declining use of masonry. T

Brett Sherman
Resources
Read More
GEN NXT: Luis Sontay
September 2026

For this month, the MCAA got to sit down with aspiring mason Luis Sontay. From taking an interest in masonry as a kid to placing 1st in a postsecondary competition, Luis’ dedication and passion for the trade is clear. Luis describes his early passion fo

Justin Stengel
GEN NXT
Read More