Business Building: Do Project Manager / Estimator Combos Work?
July 2025

Steve owns SJP Contractors, a mid-size general contractor specializing in commercial projects. Over the last several years, his company has grown to over $16 million in annual sales, with an average project size of $500,000 to $1,500,000, employing 45 off

Contractor Tip of the Month: Trust Is the Cornerstone
July 2025

If I can’t trust you, I can’t do business with you. I don’t care how talented you are. I don’t care how long we’ve worked together. I don’t care how many projects you’ve completed. If I can’t trust your word, then we don’t have anything to build on—figura

Fechino Files: Do Not Wait, Get Started!
July 2025

I hope this article finds your company busy! This article is more for the young project manager, sharing just a bit of what I learned the hard way. As a project manager, it is your job to manage the money, materials, safety, and equipment on every job tha

The Significance of 75 Years
July 2025

I’m a frequenter of MCAA events throughout the year. But the Midyear trip is one of my favorites! Why? Exploring New Places, New Experiences The Midyear location moves every year. This gives everyone an opportunity to explore a new location or place tha

Chairman’s Message: SELF TALK
July 2025

My wife, Sheryl, listens to podcasts often. Sometimes she uses earbuds but also listens through her cellphone speaker as she does countless other things around the house. As a result, very often I have no choice but to listen to the podcasts along with he

Outreach Outlook: Momentum in Motion
July 2025

As we move into the heart of summer, the masonry industry continues to thrive—fueled by innovation, partnership, and a growing commitment to excellence in education and workforce advancement. June has been a remarkable month, marked by events that not onl

Building More: Slow, Fast, or Consistent. What is Tempo?
July 2025

It was a drizzly midweek day when I rolled up to the project we were working on just outside of town. The foreman paced the scaffolding, rain hood half-zipped, barking at two laborers who were sprinting bricks like they were late for a flight. Forty feet

Marvelous Masonry: Belém Tower
July 2025

The Belém Tower in Lisbon, Portugal, stands as a testament to stone construction's enduring artistry and technical prowess. Erected between 1514 and 1519, this iconic structure served as a defensive bastion at the mouth of the Tagus River and as a ceremon

Consistency is Key for Fire Prevention
June 2025

One fire could damage and destroy a workplace in minutes, potentially leading to devastating consequences for your business, employees, clients, and community. What actions do you regularly take to help keep your workplace flame-free? Fire Prevention Saf

Glen-Gery Announces New Venetian Glass Brick Color, Emerald Green
June 2025

Glen-Gery Corporation, a leading brick manufacturer under Brickworks North America, announced the launch of Emerald Green—the newest color addition to its Venetian Glass Brick collection, offering a radiant, high-design option that speaks to today’s top

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

Case Study: Aqueduct of Segovia
June 2025

For over two millennia, the Aqueduct of Segovia has stood as a testament to the enduring strength and precision of ancient masonry. Built by the Romans around the 1st century AD during the reign of Emperor Domitian, this monumental structure continues to

MASONRY STRONG Podcast, Episode 23 Recap: Sam Hoehner, CMHA Immediate Past-Chair
June 2025

On this episode of the MASONRY STRONG Podcast, Justin is joined by Sam Hoehner where they talk about Sam's journey and how he got to this point in his career, the CMHA meetings, and the future of the masonry industry. A Chance Start in Frankfurt, Kentuck

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

Vibing Masonry #6: Concrete Masonry Units and Fire Resistance
June 2025

Concrete masonry units (CMUs) are valued in construction for their exceptional fire resistance, stemming from their non-combustible composition and robust performance under high temperatures. This quality makes CMUs a preferred choice for fire-rated walls

Staying Ahead of the Curve: Practicing Financial Discipline Before a Downturn Hits
June 2025

In the masonry business, when the phones are ringing off the hook and jobs are lined up back-to-back, it's easy to get lulled into a sense of security. But seasoned contractors know that the good times don’t last forever. Markets tighten, projects stall,