May 2014: From the Editor

Words: Steven Fechino, Jennifer Morrell, Mark KimbellMay 2014

From the Editor

Steeped in History

Jennifer Morrell

Jennifer Morrell Editor jmorrell@lionhrtpub.com

We all know that masonry, as a material, has a long, sturdy history. The points for using masonry are many: Brick, block and stone provide buildings with a life cycle that kicks the lumber industry’s butt. The aesthetic beauty is unrivaled, and green, sustainable qualities are plentiful, to boot. But I want to write about the human factor of our robust industry. Masons, as a group, have woven quite a history as well. Working day after day as a mason is gritty, hard work – this we know. It’s hard to imagine, but for seemingly an eternity, the work was even more physical and back breaking. Many of you masons who still make a living laying brick or block today can well remember when things were tougher. The industry has come a long way through innovation, education and a desire to work smarter. A few years ago, I was introduced to a book written by Mark Kimbell entitled “The Hod Carrier: Leadership Lessons Learned on a Ladder” (available at Amazon.com). Mark did a fantastic job relating lessons learned from yesterday’s masonry industry to any decision you’d make today. “It’s all relative.” For the longest time, this phrase was lost on me. But now, I get it. We work in an industry to makes a difference, not only through long-lasting, well-crafted structures, but also through its people. And the lessons learned in the work you do really can transfer into everyday life. Steven Fechino covers flashing in this issue (p. 14), and he and his crew from Mortar Net dug around for a few interesting old images. These really speak to me and highlight the enormity of masonry’s history. I would love to see your “old school” images. You can email me at jmorrell@lionhrtpub.com, or mail to: Jennifer Morrell, c/o Masonry, 506 Roswell Str., Ste. 220, Marietta, GA 30060. Return to Table of Contents
Youth Outreach and Education Arm Attends the Leon Works Career Fair
May 2025

On Friday, April 25, the Mason Contractors Association of America (MCAA) participated in the Leon Works Expo in Tallahassee, FL, reaching over 1,000 high school students from Leon County and surrounding areas. In collaboration with local contractor Masonr

Conner Birdsong
Read More
Work Trucks Need Hard-working Tires
May 2025

Whatever you’re hauling, whatever job site you’re headed to, your work truck needs to be dependable. It’s a vital part of your livelihood. That’s why it’s important to check what holds your work truck up, namely the tires. Simply put, the right tires (alo

Eric Johnson William Groak
Featured
Block General Education Natural Stone Residential Restoration
Read More
Youth Outreach and Education Arm Attends the 2025 Florida SkillsUSA Competition
May 2025

The Mason Contractors Association of America (MCAA), in partnership with Florida Masonry Inc., proudly participated in the 2025 Florida SkillsUSA competition. This year’s masonry contest featured seven skilled student competitors and drew significant atte

Conner Birdsong
Featured
Read More
Business Building: Top Field Systems To Achieve Results!
May 2025

To be successful in the construction business, you must achieve the field results you want to achieve. Therefore, what systems and standards do you have, maintain, train, and enforce which will almost certainly guarantee you will finish your jobs on time,

George Hedley
Read More