MASONRY STRONG Podcast, Episode 22 Recap: GEN NXT Committee

Words: Justin Stengel

On this episode of the MASONRY STRONG Podcast, the MCAA's GEN NXT Committee, made up of Mason Hill and Liz Graves, joins the set to talk about the importance of inspiring the next generation of masons, and what tactics seem to work best in recruiting new apprentices.

Getting to Know Mason Hill and Liz Graves
Before we jump into the meat of our conversation, let's get to know Mason and Liz a bit better. Both of them have deep roots in masonry, having grown up surrounded by the trade and community. Mason shared, "I was born into it. My dad was a college dropout turned laborer, turned mason contractor." Liz brought a similar narrative, highlighting her familial ties and long history with the industry: "Dad and Mom brought us to these, so I’ve been coming since I can remember."

The Journey Into Masonry
Mason's introduction to masonry was practically inherited, being born into the trade. Similarly, Liz was introduced to the world of masonry through her parents, who were deeply involved in the Mason Contractors Association of America. Liz mentioned her mother's love for the travel opportunities and shared how her parents’ continued involvement, even in retirement, underscores the passion and commitment many have towards masonry.

Involvement in the MCAA and GEN NXT Committee
Mason and Liz have taken on significant leadership roles within the MCAA, particularly with the GEN NXT Committee—a platform for nurturing the next generation of masonry professionals. Mason explained that his involvement began in 2017 when he was invited to co-chair the committee with Brandon Hartzel. Eventually, Mason invited Liz to join him, noting her deep connection to masonry and her innovative ideas.

What is GEN NXT?
So, what’s the purpose of Gen NXT? Liz detailed the committee’s mission: "The whole idea is about being the next generation in masonry. It's about furthering masonry." This is not limited by age; rather, it's about innovation and ensuring the industry progresses.

From "South 40" to "GEN NXT"
Initially known as South 40, the committee aimed to address generational transitions within masonry. "People were confused," Mason recalled. "It's not about being south of 40. It's being the next generation in masonry." The name change to GEN NXT was part of their effort to broaden inclusivity within the trade community.

Networking and Sharing Experiences
One essential aspect of the GEN NXT Committee is the opportunity for networking. Mason emphasized the importance of connecting with like-minded individuals who share similar challenges and opportunities: "Getting to come together with people that are going through the same things as you are, struggles, opportunities in different markets."

Committee Activities and Workforce Development
The GEN NXT Committee engages in several activities, including annual golf events and roundtable discussions. These events serve as a platform for sharing ideas and best practices, especially concerning workforce development. Liz stressed how the progress within committees can overlap, enhancing collaboration across various groups.

Overcoming Industry Challenges
The workforce challenge is prevalent in the masonry industry, and the committee works closely with MCAA to strategize solutions. "Workforce continues to be a thing," Liz stressed, highlighting the importance of sharing ideas and resources among members.

The Future of Masonry Leadership
While there's talk of a new leader program, Liz shared that it’s still evolving. The committee aims to learn from other associations and partner up where beneficial. "We're big believers in partnership and not reinventing the wheel," Liz explained, showing their commitment to collaboration and learning.

Understanding the Generational Work Ethic
The conversation transitioned to generational differences within the workforce. Mason pointed out that each generation brings diverse capabilities: "In any generation, there are good workers and not good workers." Liz added that labeling generations can be limiting, advocating for an understanding that evolves with time.

Communication Styles Across Generations
Communicating effectively with different generations requires adaptation. Liz and Mason agreed that understanding individual preferences is crucial, whether through text, email, or face-to-face interactions. "It's all about the individual or the project," Mason stated, emphasizing tailored communication approaches.

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