Remembering Kevin O'Shea
August 2025

It is with profound sadness that we announce the passing of Kevin O'Shea, a treasured figure in the industry, who passed on August 13th, at the age of 64. Kevin was not only the Safety Director at Hydro Mobile but also the Chair of the Safety Committee fo

Advancing Skill-Based Assessment in Masonry Education with 3D Wall Scanning
August 2025

Over the past year, we’ve had the opportunity to demonstrate a cutting-edge 3D wall scanner at a variety of masonry competitions and career exploration events across the region, and the response has been overwhelmingly positive. Students, instructors, and

The Evolution of Women in Masonry
August 2025

The masonry industry was created by gathering common materials and utilizing these materials with convention. Historically, men have been at the forefront of this ancient craft, finding ways to create structures with stone, brick, and concrete units. The

Jason McCoy Hired As Region 3 Outreach And Education Director
July 2025

The Mason Contractors Association of America (MCAA) is thrilled to announce the appointment of Jason McCoy as the organization's Region 3 Outreach and Education Director. After an extensive search, Jason joins MCAA to lead this pioneering role.

Curb Appeal That Pays Off: Helping Homeowners Invest Wisely with Stone Veneer
July 2025

As a building professional, you know that first impressions start at the curb, and that homeowners are increasingly looking to elevate their homes’ exteriors in ways that are both beautiful and smart. There’s always an opportunity to help clients make inf

How One Masonry Contractor Conquered Time Card Fraud with CrewTracks
July 2025

In the world of masonry, precision and efficiency are essential. But what happens when the very foundation of your operational data—time tracking—is riddled with inaccuracies and even fraud? This was the challenge facing a mid-sized commercial masonry fir

Laying the Foundation for Growth: Concrete Masonry Checkoff Unveils Five-Year Vision for Industry
July 2025

The Concrete Masonry Checkoff (CMC) put the finishing touches on an ambitious five-year vision for the industry, targeting a 20% increase in market share, driven by increased demand for concrete masonry products. “This is about building exquisite, enduri

Five of the Seven Chimneys Have Been Saved: Project Chimney Update
July 2025

In the wake of the devastating January wildfires that swept through Los Angeles's Pacific Palisades, a remarkable preservation effort is underway, spearheaded by Project Chimney, an initiative led by Evan Hall, founding director of the non-profit House Mu

The Fire Resistance Advantage of Masonry Materials: Lessons from Recent Disasters
July 2025

As wildfires and structural fires become increasingly prevalent, the resilience of building materials is under scrutiny. Masonry, with its inherent fire-resistant properties, stands out as a reliable choice for construction in fire-prone areas. This artic

Giving Smarter: How to Give More Without Spending More
June 2025

When you donate to a cause you care about, how you give can be as important as how much you give. The Masonry Foundation's "Donation Impact Maximizer" shows you how to make your donation go further. The secret is giving stocks or other assets directly ins

STABILA Tools: Engineered for Professionals Worldwide
June 2025

With a history spanning over 100 years, STABILA has firmly established itself as a trusted name in precision and durability. Known for crafting tools that stand the test of time, STABILA has become the standard for long-lasting performance. Today, the bra

Echelon Masonry Introduces Ashton Brick, Its Latest Line of Artisan Masonry Veneers
April 2025

Echelon Masonry, North America’s leader in architectural masonry products and materials, announces the availability of its newest product line of artisan masonry veneers, Ashton Brick, in select states. Combining a classic brick aesthetic with durable con

Meet the Next (Fourth!) Generation at PROSOCO
April 2025

After 12 years in different roles at PROSOCO, Jake Boyer will become President of the family-owned company on June 6. Most family-owned businesses don’t make it to the second generation, let alone the third or fourth. According to recent data, only 3% of

MCAA Represents at 2025 North Carolina SkillsUSA Competition
April 2025

On Thursday, April 10th, I had the opportunity to represent the Mason Contractors Association of America and our Outreach and Education Division at the 2025 North Carolina SkillsUSA Competition. The event brought together 123 talented high school students

2024 Brick in Architecture Awards Honor Distinctive Design
March 2025

The Brick Industry Association (BIA) has awarded the 2024 Brick in Architecture Awards, the leading international design competition featuring fired-clay brick. Now in its 35th year, the 2024 winning projects span the United States, Canada, China, Engl