November 2013: From the Editor

Words: Dan Kamys From the Editor

A ‘Magical’ Time

Jennifer Morrell

“All work and no play make Jack a dull boy.” Such is not the case with our vibrant Mason Contractors Association of America members. We know how to get our work done, and have fun doing it.

Last month, I attended the 2013 MCAA Midyear Meeting in Orlando at Disney World Resorts. We had a large number of attendees as well as spouses, children and grandchildren at the event. It is wonderful to see our powerful leaders of the masonry industry holding their grandkids – a sighting of the “softer side.” Nothing can melt a heart like a chubby-cheeked baby.

mcaa mid year meeting 2103Committee meetings were held, along with a committee chair meeting, a board meeting, networking meetings, a joint meeting between the NCMA and SPEC MIX, and a SPEC MIX 500 regional event. Families enjoyed time together at the Magic Kingdom and a “Fantasmic!” show. The Living Seas closing dinner allowed attendees to enjoy the view of “the sea” and an underwater Mickey.

On a personal note, I was once again reminded that I work in the best industry on earth as many offered condolences and gave me big hugs, after learning of the passing of my father. I was overwhelmed by the kind words, emails and notes I received. I am a lucky girl to be in the company of such caring people as those in the MCAA and the readers of our magazine. We truly are a family.

Return to Table of Contents

Beyond the Block: Aesthetic Innovations in CMU Construction
August 2026

Concrete masonry units (CMUs) have long been a mainstay of construction. They are well known as a “tried and true” material with a long history of high-strength structural performance, affordability, ease of assembly, and a long lifecycle. CMU constructio

The Most Overlooked Profit Center on Your Job Site
August 2026

The real cost of equipment ownership isn't what you pay on day one. It's what happens over the years that follow. The purchase price of a new mortar mixer, grout pump, material handling system, or masonry saw is only part of the investment. What happens

Installation Starts Before the First Course
August 2026

Some of the most expensive masonry installation problems begin long before crews arrive onsite. By the time a project reaches the field, many coordination decisions have already been made. Dimensional conflicts, congested reinforcement, specialty materia

Designing for Performance: Key Considerations for Efficient, Durable Masonry Projects
August 2026

A successful masonry project starts well before the first stone is set. The craftsmanship on site matters, of course, but many of the decisions that shape the final result are made much earlier—during design, detailing, and material selection. Those choic