Mast Climbing Work Platform Check List – Significant Seven
May 2025

Many MCAA members and Mast Climbing Work Platform equipment owners have been asking for a copy of a presentation completed by Hydro Mobile at Mid-Year 2022. The basis of the presentation is for owners and users of Mast Climbing Work Platforms to establish

Work Trucks Need Hard-working Tires
May 2025

Whatever you’re hauling, whatever job site you’re headed to, your work truck needs to be dependable. It’s a vital part of your livelihood. That’s why it’s important to check what holds your work truck up, namely the tires. Simply put, the right tires (alo

Youth Outreach and Education Arm Attends the 2025 Florida SkillsUSA Competition
May 2025

The Mason Contractors Association of America (MCAA), in partnership with Florida Masonry Inc., proudly participated in the 2025 Florida SkillsUSA competition. This year’s masonry contest featured seven skilled student competitors and drew significant atte

Contractor Tip of the Month: Making Yourself Available for What Matters Most
May 2025

Your responsiveness is a key factor in achieving success in your career. Opportunities don’t wait, and neither do customers, employees, or critical decisions. Prioritizing accessibility, especially during pivotal moments, can be the difference between sec

Fechino Files: Differences
May 2025

I recently traveled to a city where I met with several contractors. After we talked a bit, several of the folks showed me around their places, and I saw two different ways of thinking based on the employees' personalities. I am sure you are wondering wher

Outreach Outlook: Building Tomorrow’s Masonry Workforce
May 2025

As the Region 2 Director for Youth Outreach and Education at the Mason Contractors Association of America (MCAA), my focus centers on strengthening our industry’s future by investing in education, mentorship, and strategic workforce initiatives. The vital

Building More: Are You Estimating, Or Paper Trading
May 2025

We were all told as youth that winning isn't everything. I will put this statement right up there with Santa Claus and the Easter Bunny. Winning is the only thing to be focused on when estimating. When I was a kid and early on in my career with my father

GEN NXT: Zyar Diehl
May 2025

Zyar Diehl is an apprentice from Maryland who is making his mark in the industry. After recently winning the Maryland State Skills Competition, he was gracious enough to sit down with the MCAA and talk about how he got started in the industry and where hi

One For The Ages - The 75th Midyear
April 2025

“One for the ages” this is how I would describe the upcoming midyear to anyone who has never attended or are undecided about attending MCAAs 75th Anniversary at The Grand Hotel on Mackinac Island September 7-11 2025. In short “one for the ages” means so

A Greener Future Through Masonry
April 2025

When it comes to building a more sustainable future, the construction and building materials sector has a lot of room for growth. According to the most recent data, construction and building-related emissions are responsible for 40% of greenhouse gas emis

MASONRY STRONG Podcast Episode 19 Recap: Mike & Tom Finch
April 2025

On this episode of the MASONRY STRONG Podcast, Mike and Tom Finch join the set in Indianapolis to crack jokes, talk about how they both got started in this industry, and the ways they've seen this trade advance and evolve over the years. The Roots of a F

MCAA Showcases Innovation at North Florida Masonry Showcase
April 2025

On Friday, April 11th, we had the pleasure of representing the Mason Contractors Association of America and our Outreach and Education Division at the North Florida Masonry Showcase. This event welcomed 15 high school students who demonstrated their growi

Preparing Masonry Jobsites for Summer Weather
April 2025

Spring is in the air, and summer is right around the corner. With that in mind, it’s time for all of us in the masonry industry to start preparing for warmer weather. It is very important that we consider the risks associated with working in the summer he

Built to Endure: Exploring the All-Weather Strength and Longevity of Manufactured Stone Veneer
April 2025

Let's talk about something we all care deeply about: the longevity of our work. You and I both know the feeling of pride when we step back and look at a finished project. We're in the business of creating structures that not only look good but also stand

Tips For Maintaining A Jobsite
April 2025

Jobsite Maintenance is not something that many people like to talk about. Most people want to know when the job is going to start. What is the lead time to get the material that is specified? Who is the general contractor, and are they good to deal with?

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