February 2015: From the Editor

Words: Dan KamysFebruary 2015

Modern Thinking

Jennifer Morrell

Jennifer Morrell Editor jmorrell@lionhrtpub.co

You think you know someone…

When Big River Industries and the MCAA conducted a survey in September 2014 for mason contractors, no one really knew what their attitudes would be toward lightweight block. We were a little surprised by the overall acceptance of the use of lightweight block to save on labor and physical demands.

Big River collaborated with the MCAA to execute and distribute the multi-question survey to MCAA member mason contractors based in the Northeast, Midwest, Southeast, South, Southwest, West and Northwest.

Among the findings, 50 percent of participants said they perceive that there are cost savings with lightweight block, and 58 percent said they would not recommend normal-weight block over lightweight block.

Eighty-five percent of respondents named safety as an advantage of lightweight block, while 81 percent of respondents said reduced labor cost is an advantage. Sixty-five percent said lightweight block is worth a premium price, compared to normal-weight block.

You can see the full survey graphics and results at www.qliteblock.com/survey.

Below, I am including a letter from a reader who also is open to what may be new and feasible in the masonry industry. Thanks for your comments; please keep them coming.

Letter to the Editor:
Dear Jennifer,
Thank you for introducing us to the possibility of robots performing the task of brick laying (Masonry, January 2015). I have been teaching masonry in an introductory class to juniors and seniors for five years. I have found that most of my students find the process tedious and hard to do. I try to instill within them that the skill in masonry is a very rewarding feeling. It is instant gratification of a job well done that will be recognized for many years. With that being said, I am like you – technology is a good thing, if you can show me the benefits over traditional ways of doing something. I feel that, in order to be competitive in the construction market, contractors will have to embrace new ways of construction. I can see a system that will be able to lay brick without a trowel – a system similar to how 3D printing is done. Always enjoy reading Masonry Magazine, Scot P. Thompson, J. Harley Bonds Career Center Greer, SC 29650  |  864-355-8375 Return to Table of Contents
Contractor Tip of the Month: Get Used to the Pain
April 2026

Pain isn’t just negative; it’s a natural part of growing and improving. Instead of seeing pain as a reason to quit, recognize it as a sign you’re making progress. What sets successful people apart is their ability to stay calm and keep going when things g

Damian Lang
Contractor Tip of the Month
Read More
Fechino Files: Diesels Below 32 Degrees
April 2026

I am guessing that if you are reading this, then you experienced the cold, late-January spell that took over most of the country. The cold weather has many effects on the operations of a masonry contractor, from job shutdowns to equipment starting issues,

Steven Fechino
Fechino Files
Read More
Outreach Outlook: Building Momentum Across the Southern Region
April 2026

As April arrives, the pace of our outreach and workforce efforts across the Southern Region reaches a new level of intensity. This is the time of year when our programs, partners, and state collaborators all accelerate at once. SkillsUSA competitions are

Conner Birdsong
Outreach Outlook
Read More
Marvelous Masonry: Elbphilharmonie
April 2026

Most people know the Elbphilharmonie for its glass façade and dramatic roofline. From a distance, that’s what defines the skyline in Hamburg’s HafenCity district. But for masonry contractors and suppliers, the real story starts at the base.

Cass Stern
Marvelous Masonry
Read More