Fechino Files: Applicants and Sponsors

It is the time of year when summer gets crazy, and time off, schedules, and deadlines can make for some really stressful days. However, the Masonry Apprentice Scholarship is the opposite of stress—it is just a cool way of supporting younger folks who want

Engineering Out Silica Hazards

In recent months, we have addressed the dangers of silica exposure. Unfortunately, we often think of protection from silica in the form of PPE. Suppose there's silica; put on a respirator. This should be the last resort.

GEN NXT: Khalib Kennedy

When it comes to choosing a career path, sometimes it's the unexpected opportunities that lead us to our true passions. For Khalib a young mason currently working for McGee Brothers, his journey into the masonry industry began with a chance encounter duri

Business Building: Too Busy To Build A Better Business?

Your construction company's goal is not to be busy. Your goal is to build a business that works and delivers what the owners want - Profit, including a high return on investment of time, energy, people, and money.

Comparison of Laying Brick Versus Block

Brick and CMU (Concrete Masonry Unit) are two commonly used materials in masonry. As a mason, it is important to understand the similarities, differences, pros, and cons of both materials, as well as the variations in layout and measurement techniques, mo

Blending the Best of Old and New: The Future of Efficient & Durable Architecture

Designing With Masonry

Upstate New York Chapter Inducts Officers

The Upstate NY Chapter met on May 1, 2024, and inducted three new officers and said thank you to three others. The chapter represents firms working within New York State and was formed in 2015.

Marvelous Masonry-Celebrating Masonry’s Heritage: The Historic City of Porto, Portugal

Portugal has emerged as a popular tourist destination. While the country has long been a fascinating destination, a more noticeable surge in international tourism has occurred since 2010. This can be attributed to cultural richness, natural beauty

Toro Stone Brings New Stone Veneer Collections To Market, Emphasizing Craftsmanship and Quality

Toro Stone, a fresh face in the stone veneer landscape, burst onto the stone masonry scene in April with a bold name and vision for success. As the brand focuses on meeting the specific needs of masons and contractors

GEN NXT: The Next Generation of Masons

MASONRY Magazine had the opportunity to speak with father-son duo Mike Kern, Sr. and Mike Kern, Jr. Mike Kern, Sr. is a recently retired Masonry Instructor at Burke’s Career and Technology Center in Pennsylvania, and his son, Mike Kern, Jr. has stepped up

Preparing for the Future: Succession Planning

Succession planning is multi-faceted, strategic preparation for the movement and change of personnel within an organization. It is not just the change of ownership from one generation to another but so much more.

Reid Kubesh Appointed to NSI Board of Directors

The Natural Stone Institute board of directors has appointed Reid Kubesh (Coldspring) to fill a vacancy left by Alexandra Niedbalski, who resigned her position after leaving the industry. Kubesh will serve a four-year term from 2024-2027.

Fechino Files: A Better Understanding of Batteries

Batteries are used every day in our work, from big trucks to small trucks, equipment, cars and hand tools. They for the most part seem to be maintenance free, but with a better understanding we can help them last longer.

Business Building: Why Core Values & Principles Matter

Have you ever played on a team where there was one player who was a bad apple, didn’t play fair, or didn’t follow the team’s vision for success? Or have you worked with a fellow employee who had a bad attitude and constantly complained about the company a

Contractor Tip of the Month: Seeing Issues from the Other Person's Perspective

Sometimes, our own viewpoint and limited line of thought can hinder us when we are confronted with an issue. This lack of perspective can make you your own worst enemy. But incredible things can happen if you take a step back and view a problem from the

Chairman's Message: Vendor No. 25 and Selling Norman Rockwell’s Cottage

Growing up in the home of a mason contractor had all sorts of wonderful experiences for my siblings and me. My father and mother had a good thing going in their little household. They had a happy marriage and were raising four children.

Building More: Survival Tips From Some Hard Lessons

I wrote a few months back about the rollercoaster, which is business ownership. I was hoping that we weren't in a slow period, but the more I talk to other contractors, the more I fear we are. Hey, it is an election year, and we all know how they go. Cust

Guide For Designing An Ideal Home Entertaining Space

Summer is near and cocktails with friends is on the calendar. Now comes the hard part. Which bar is the right spot for this group? Are they the type that care about the cocktails? Will they comment on the aesthetic? Are they looking for “dark and stormy,”

Overcoming Adversity and Improving Rehabilitation - An Interview with Rebound

In an MCAA interview, Jayson Williams, former bricklayer and NBA All-Star, takes us on a journey through his life, detailing how he went from a celebrated athlete to wrestling with substance abuse, and eventually finding a new purpose in helpin

MCAA Interview with Kevin Grotke and Rob McKay of Instone

The MCAA was fortunate enough to have an interview with Kevin Grotke and Rob McKay of Instone, a Platinum Tier partner. Throughout the interview, they covered a broad range of topics about the company, Instone's operational focus, mission, and unique

MCAA Platinum Partner InStone Introduces New Brand, Toro Stone

Toro Stone, a new stone veneer brand designed with the needs of masons and contractors in mind, is launching to the masonry world this month. With selling points that include nationwide distribution, innovative packaging and consistent colors, Toro Stone

By:
MCAA Interview with Tim Leese on Materiality Book

Founded in 1890, Glen-Gery has been a cornerstone of American brick manufacturing for over a century. With a rich history spanning more than 130 years, Glen-Gery has continuously evolved to meet the changing needs of the construction industry. Today,

Interior Remodeling Refined: Unlock the Potential of Stone Veneer Inside

Typically, stone is linked with exterior settings, yet its versatility extends far beyond. With manufactured stone veneer (MSV), the possibilities to enhance interior applications are virtually boundless.

MCAA Interview with Architect Morris Adjmi: Materiality Launch Event

In architecture, the materials used are just as important as the design. Morris Adjmi, an architect with a background from New Orleans and Italy, brings a unique view to modern architecture. He has learned a lot from his experiences abroad and from

By:
Building Strong Foundations: CMU Specifications

In the dynamic landscape of construction, architects, engineers, and developers are continually seeking materials and methods that not only meet the demands of modern design but also deliver sustainability, efficiency, and safety.

Silica Safety: Silica and the Tragedy of the Hawk’s Nest Tunnel

Do you think silica is dangerous? Is it blown out of proportion by OSHA? The Hawk's Nest tragedy was a horrific incident of immorality against workers by overt neglect as it pertains to silica exposure.

The Exoskeleton by Mawashi Science and Technology

PPE Maintenance: Keeping Your Gear in Top Condition

Technology Trends in Masonry

Masonry is often regarded as one of the oldest trades, and although the time-honored tricks of the trade have been passed down for generations, the industry has seen numerous innovations in the tools, equipment, and technologies that assist contractors.

Showcase Your MSV Mastery to Transform Interiors

Natural Stone Institute Awards Program Call for Entries 

Dutch Quality StoneTM unveils dark and moody new colorway, Coal Crest™

HOUSTON (April XX, 2024) – Westlake Royal Building ProductsTM (“Westlake Royal”), a Westlake company (NYSE:WLK), introduces the exquisite new color option Coal Crest™ available in its Dutch Quality Stone brand in two stone profiles, Dry Stack and Weather

Innovations in Masonry Project Management

Shaping Ambience Through Color & Texture

Natural Stone Institute Announces Thor Lundh Quarrier Award

Dutch Quality StoneTM Debuts New, Nuanced Oak Blend™ Colorway for Three Profiles

Sam Hoehner Interview with the MCAA

Incentive and Enforcement Programs

EZG Manufacturing Expands Product Line with Launch of Mud Hog® Pump - A Mixer/Pump Combination Unit

Protecting Your Drivers and Reputation With a Telematics Solution

Government Affairs: Eliminating the Death Tax for Good