July 2012 Table of Contents

Words: Dan KamysTable of Contents

FEATURES

Mortars, Mixtures and Staining There is a science to staining, as explained by Russell Gray, president of Nawkaw.

Workforce Development The meaning of workforce development, and what it takes to keep our trade strong

New Technologies Solutions Through Software: Cost-cutting and overhead control via process automating processes is explained.

New Technologies Mortar Net is committed to the use of technology for conveying instructional information to customers.

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COLUMNS & DEPARTMENTS From the Editor President’s Message Government Affairs New Products Business Building Full Contact PM Classified Advertising News New Members MCAA Upcoming Education

Hot This Time of Year
July 2026

Yes, summer is hot; that is just how it is. Summer heat can have effects on many things, and as I get older, I realize there is usually something I can do to tolerate the hot days. We all know the obvious, and I am sure every one of us has that person who

The Walls We Build
July 2026

As masons, we spend our careers building walls. We build them with brick, block, stone, and mortar, and we take pride in making them straight, strong, and built to last. But over the years, I’ve learned there is another kind of wall we build—the walls we

Owen Heimbach
July 2026

This month, the MCAA had the pleasure of speaking with SkillsUSA First Place Winner Owen Heimbach, a young mason just starting out whose enthusiasm for bricklaying is truly contagious. His passion for the craft was evident throughout our interview.

Backfill Your Foundation
July 2026

I’ve been noticing an uptick in a very specific kind of application lately, and once you see the pattern, you can’t unsee it. The résumé usually reads like a family photo album. “Started helping my dad when I was 15.” “Worked summers, then full time.” “R