January 2013: From the Editor

Words: Dan Kamys From the Editor

I write this column with heavy heart, in light of the horrid events that occurred in Connecticut Dec. 14, 2012. Twenty-six people lost their lives in the Sandy Hook Elementary shootings and, as we know, 20 of them were children. Six of them were adult heroes.

I attended my daughter’s classroom Christmas party this week - a room full of 1st graders. I tried (unsuccessfully) to hold back tears as they sang Christmas carols for all of us parents. Tears of joy that I would get to tuck my little girl into bed that night, and tears of sorrow for the many parents who, for whatever reason, would not again. As they stood before us, dressed in their Christmas best and smiling through snaggled teeth, I could only think of what a treasure our children really are. What a blessing.

As we kick off a new year, we have a new opportunity before us: to make 2013 better than the year before. How do we do that? Some of it involves circumstance that we cannot control, and how we react to it. Some of it, however, will be based on our own decision making. This applies to everything in our lives. Each decision, big or small, has an impact. How you run your business, how you treat your employees, and even how you respond to a stranger on the street - all of it matters.

Let’s vow to make the most educated, thoughtful and productive decisions we can in 2013. Let’s take this turning economy by the horns and make noted progress. And, most of all, let’s remember how short life can be. Shorter for some, than for others. Leave nothing on the table, and nothing left unsaid. A new year and a fresh start, backed by the wisdom we’ve garnered through this point.

Return to Table of Contents

MASONRY STRONG Podcast, Episode 38 Recap: Bob Thomas, CEO of the CMHA
March 2026

On this episode of the MASONRY STRONG Podcast, Justin got to talk with Bob Thomas about his vision with CMHA, how he sees it growing, and where he thinks this industry is heading in the future.

Brickworks Supply Centers Invite Masons to Register for New “Masons First” Program to Transform Transactional Relationships into Indispensable Partnerships.
March 2026

GEN NXT: 2026 Skills Challenge Winners
March 2026

After another successful year of the Skills Challenge, the MCAA had the opportunity to speak with the three 1st Place winners of each skill level. Get to know their journeys, motivations, and the mindsets they have in order to compete in a national compet

2026 World of Concrete Recap
March 2026

The 2026 World of Concrete Convention marked another successful year for masonry. From the world-renowned Skills Challenge and Fastest Trowel on the Block competitions to the new innovative GEORGE AI class, we gained a lot of ground in pushing this indust