It’s Saturday at first light, and the dew is still clinging to the blades when you set your Titleist on the tee. One swing, a clean-sounding thwack, and the ball arcs into that lavender dawn where all good shots go. Except this one starts to tail. Not a b

Every contractor, subcontractor, builder, or engineer claims their quality and service outshine the competition. Yet, when the dust settles, what drives decisions to award contracts? Too often, it's just price. For many, simply believing you're better doe

In the late 1990s, I was part of a group of Minnesota mason contractors who tried very hard to initiate an effort to introduce high schoolers to the opportunities available to those who would choose a career in the construction trades. We called on schoo

I pride myself on being a forward thinker. My aim is always to do what’s best for my team because I’ve learned that the strength of any company rests on the people who build it. So, when we rolled out a new and improved travel policy a few weeks ago, I as

Most of the equipment used in the masonry business is strong, durable, and made of metal. Okay, yes, you can argue that many mortar boards, truck seats, and water coolers are typically not made of metal, but you get the point. One thing I learned a long t

Perched more than 12,000 feet above sea level on Red Mountain in Lhasa, Tibet, the Potala Palace stands as one of the world’s most remarkable masonry structures. Its enduring resilience not only represents an architectural achievement but also a living ca

As we move into November, I want to take a moment to highlight one of the most significant opportunities our industry has ever faced: the Truist Foundation Inspire Awards. The Masonry Foundation has been named a finalist, and on Tuesday, November 12th, we

Look at any job site. What does the future of our trade look like? Who is leading it? If we want our industry to be stronger than it is today in 30 years, we need to answer that question with a real plan. Our industry has a challenge. Our leadership and

On this episode of the MASONRY STRONG Podcast, James Hoskinson comes on the set to discuss his journey in the masonry industry and tell his story on how how he ended up where he is today. Starting Out: The Accidental Mason James didn’t set out to be a m

The MCAA is always looking for new ways to showcase the beauty and ingenuity of masonry. To see how the parts of a masonry project come together is not only awe-inspiring, but it could also reveal an interest in the trade to those who have never had the o

If you have ever looked into a mason’s toolbox and thought, “Haven’t I seen this before?” you are not wrong. Masonry has been shaping civilizations for more than 17,000 years, and while the structures have changed, the pace of tool innovation has been abo

Following the MCAA's recent announcement opening judge registration for the World of Concrete competitions, SkillsUSA and the Fastest Trowel on the Block, we wanted to remind everyone of our competitions’ judging stipulation. To ensure the integrity and f

The Mason Contractors Association of America is excited to announce the completion of the Concrete Masonry Checkoff’s national technical support team. With five Regional Technical Directors now in place, the Block Design Collective (BDC) is fully equipped

Let's get straight to the point. Your vote in the Truist Foundation Inspire Awards is not a pat on the back. It is a business decision that will inject $119 million into the masonry industry. Help us show the country what MASONRY STRONG truly means. That

Westlake Royal Building Products™ (“Westlake Royal”), a Westlake company (NYSE:WLK), has added a new black frame option to its Westlake Royal Windows’ Magnolia™ Collection in response to the increasing demand for darker window frame styles.

On this episode of the MASONRY STRONG Podcast, Pat Sauter joins the set in Indianapolis to talk about his hobbies, the future of the masonry industry, and CMU. Pat Sauter, with nearly 50 years in the masonry industry through his family business, King's M