Mason Earns Recognized Certification

Words: Ann WolterDarrin Haymond, a project manager and estimator with USA Masonry in Golden, Colo., has completed the two-year masonry certification program at the Rocky Mountain Masonry Institute, a consortium of more than 100 companies throughout Colorado, Wyoming, Montana and Idaho.

While working with USA Masonry full-time, Haymond attended 12 classes in subjects such as blueprint reading, masonry design software, historic preservation, brick and block, grout and mortar, and masonry testing.

In 1997, the Rocky Mountain Masonry Institute launched its certification program in response to the business community's desire for a meaningful way to pre-qualify masonry subcontractors. In addition to such factors as length of time in business and bonding ability, certification offers owners and design professionals objective verification of a subcontractor's expertise in masonry construction.

The certification process begins with an intensive series of professional education courses for masonry contractors and their key employees. Principals and supervisory employees with at least five years of experience in masonry construction are eligible to enroll in the program, which consists of 12, one- and two-day courses covering every aspect of masonry design, construction, safety and management.
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