MASONRY STRONG Podcast, Episode 20 Recap: Mark Kemp, Superior Masonry

Words: Justin Stengel

On this episode of the MASONRY STRONG Podcast, Mark Kemp joins the set to talk about his esteemed career in masonry, how his passion stayed strong throughout the years, and how retirement has been treating him.

Mark started his journey into masonry through familial ties. His father was a mason, which meant summers were spent working alongside him, even as a young boy. In the early days, Mark served as a "water boy," tasked with filling up glass jugs and keeping the job site clean. As he shares, these formative experiences taught him the value of hard work from a very young age.

Path to Business Success

Despite initially starting in grade school, Mark quickly learned the ropes, climbing through the ranks by laboring. Rather than taking an apprenticeship, he honed his skills by picking up a trowel and learning on the job. This hands-on approach didn't end at high school; even when attending college, Mark found ways to keep up with the masonry work.

From College Graduate to Industry Innovator

After obtaining a degree in business, real estate, and urban development, Mark joined Superior Masonry as secretary-treasurer. His career progressed rapidly, as industry mentors left opportunities for him to step into leadership roles.

Mark’s journey led him to buying out his partners and taking full control over a business, eventually focusing more on office management by hiring superintendents to oversee masonry and concrete operations.

When Passion Meets Opportunity

Mark’s son now joins him in the industry, taking over Superior Masonry and propelling it into a new era. Mark shares the story of his son's unexpected interest in the business, despite a background in finance, highlighting the generational transition in masonry careers.

Building the Future
Mark’s involvement with the Mason Contractors Association of America (MCAA) spans decades. He has served as regional VP, officer, and chairman, witnessing and contributing to significant changes within the organization.

One pivotal moment was when MCAA committed a half million dollars to BIM, leading to the creation of the Masonry Foundation for grants and funding initiatives. His cousin, Dick, played a crucial role during this transformation.

Leadership in Challenging Times

Navigating union debates and broadening MCAA’s scope to include union and non-union perspectives marked a challenging time during Mark’s chairmanship, something he handled with deft leadership.

Personal Pursuits

Outside the masonry realm, Mark is dedicated to martial arts, teaching multiple classes a week. He even trained police departments on self-defense, revealing a side to his character imbued with discipline and focus.

Starting in his 40s, Mark embraced martial arts as a lifelong pursuit, connecting it to broader themes of self-discipline and community engagement.

Reflecting on Masonry and the Industry's Evolution

For Mark, seeing MCAA grow is akin to watching a child mature. He's observed technological advancements and industry changes, including shifts in market share and workforce development.

As Mark explains, the masonry industry has faced competition from other building materials, but initiatives like CHECKO aim to reclaim its place in the market by emphasizing masonry’s benefits—strength, durability, and public safety.

Workforce Development

Mark emphasizes the importance of workforce development, highlighting the need to grow both market share and a skilled workforce to support industry demands. His optimism for continued growth reflects his lifelong commitment to advancing the masonry sector.

MASONRY STRONG Podcast, Episode 20 Recap: Mark Kemp, Superior Masonry

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