March 2010: For The Record

Words: Dan Kamys

March 2010

For The Record

JenniferStability

Jennifer Morrell Editor jmorrell@lionhrtpub.com

What is your definition of stability? The word can easily describe many facets of your lives, from the healthy state of your families to the strength of the buildings you construct as mason contractors. We all want stability in life.

Even in the midst of such an unstable economic climate, many businesses in our industry have stabilized. This was evident during the World of Concrete/World of Masonry show in Las Vegas last month. I was expecting low-spirited people and a sparsely populated show floor. But what I found was just the opposite: energized, upbeat crowds and vendors who want to continue to take care of business. Has it been easy? No. But people are doing what they need to survive, and to maintain some sense of stability. The same can be said for Masonry Magazine. Times have been tough for everyone, but we have remained committed to bringing you a quality magazine every month, complete with editorial content that will teach you about industry trends and methods as well as the products available to you. As we all strive for stability, I applaud your efforts to remain strong and relevant. We can all find a way to succeed, if we work together.

Letter to the Editor

Dear Jennifer,

A recent article by Mark Fowler entitled “Stupid Prices” (January 2010) hits the nail on the head. I’ve been involved with the manufacturing and marketing of masonry construction products for over 40 years. I can say from personal experience that I have seen these down times before and the results that came from a substandard reaction to them. Low prices lead to inferior construction practices. Lower quality or no quality products are substituted for specified products, often times without authorization.

We are in challenging times, and how we react to these conditions will set the course for our industry in the future. Substandard building products and building practices brought about by low-ball pricing will become a cancer in our industry if we allow it.

?? Richard Lolley President, CEO Advanced Building Products, Inc.

Blok-FlashCorrection

In the January 2010 issue of Masonry, an incorrect image appeared with the article, “Mason Finds Win-Win Solution for CVS Store” (p. 20). The following image is the correct image of an installation of Blok-Flash. We regret the error.

Return to Table of Contents
When Schedules Tighten, Experience Shows
May 2026

In construction, schedules rarely open up; they tighten. Weather delays, trade coordination, and last-minute scope changes all add pressure, even on jobs that were planned down to the minute. When that happens, experienced masons don’t start cutting corne

Jeff Tew
MAP Partner
Read More
Five Truths About Final Brick Cleandown
May 2026

Not all truths are self-evident. Sometimes they’re easy to forget or clouded with misunderstanding. The good news is these truths of final cleandown are not hard to implement on your next project to ensure successfully cleaned and beautiful new brick.

Jake Boyer
MAP Partner
Read More
Shelf Angles and Their Impact on Wall Performance
May 2026

Shelf angles have long been a standard component in masonry construction. Installed at the slab edge, they provide support for brick veneer and are often treated as a routine detail. However, as building performance requirements evolve, particularly aroun

Erica Oliveraz
MAP Partner
Read More
Registration Now Open for the 2026 MCAA Midyear Meeting in San Antonio, Texas
May 2026

The Mason Contractors Association of America (MCAA) is thrilled to announce that registration is now open for the highly anticipated 2026 MCAA Midyear Meeting, set to take place in San Antonio, Texas. This exciting event is scheduled from September 13th-1

Industry News
Read More