April 2011: For The Record

Words: Dan Kamys For The Record In this issue of Masonry, we are featuring case studies that focus on rehabs and restorations (pp. 16-20). As is true with any profession, important lessons can come from others’ experiences, whether those experiences were successful or not. Short cuts that save money and time, but do not sacrifice quality, are invaluable assets for your masonry peers. If you have a story you can share with our readers, please email me at jmorrell@lionhrtpub.com. Case studies have proven to be one of the most popular types of editorial content we include in our publication, and I’d like to expand their usage. Teach others what you found out hands-on. Sharing best practices makes sense, especially given all the tools we have to get our messages out! In January, I toured the Cumming, Ga., Lafarge Rock Quarry with Plant Manager David Stewart (center) and Masonry Advertising Director Marvin Diamond (right). Read about the quarry on pp. 30 – 31 of this issue. In January, I toured the Cumming, Ga., Lafarge Rock Quarry with Plant Manager David Stewart (center) and Masonry Advertising Director Marvin Diamond (right). Read about the quarry on pp. 30 – 31 of this issue. Return to Table of Contents
Managing the Mysterious Job Site Slowdown
August 2026

Every contractor knows the feeling. A job looks good on paper. The schedule makes sense. The crews are lined up. The material is supposed to be there. Then, for no obvious reason, the whole job starts crawling. That is what makes it so frustrating. Nobod

Sainte-Cécile Cathedral
August 2026

Imagine being handed a set of plans calling for the largest brick cathedral in the world. Now imagine building it without modern cranes, engineered scaffolding, forklifts, power tools, or structural analysis software. That was the challenge facing medie

Why SkillsUSA is the Keystone to MCAA’s Outreach
August 2026

When I stepped into the role of the MCAA’s first Director of Youth Outreach and Education, I knew we had a massive job ahead of us. I am a fourth-generation brick mason, and I have spent over two decades teaching the trade, from working with apprentices a

The First Paycheck
August 2026

Several years ago, Huntley Brothers hired a young apprentice. It was his first real job, and he had never had a paycheck before. Friday rolled around, and he got paid just like everyone else. Later that day, one of the guys told me something I have never