How It’s Made: Clay Brick
August 2025

Going back to around 7000 B.C., when the first bricks were made from a combination of mud and straw (highlighted because mud and straw are not part of the defined parameters of masonry) and then dried in the desert sun, the general process of how brick is

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

STABILA Introduces Innovative New Products for Fall Launch
August 2025

STABILA, a trusted name synonymous with precision, durability, and quality, is excited to announce the launch of several innovative products this fall. The lineup features the compact and versatile LAX320G laser level and the advanced LD530 Laser Distance

MASONRY STRONG Podcast, Episode 26 Recap: Damian Lang, CEO of Watertown Enterprises
August 2025

On this episode of the MASONRY STRONG Podcast, Damian Lang sits down to go through his journey in this industry, the ups and downs, and gives advice to those starting out. Organized and Motivated Damian credits his success to having good people. He empha

Westlake Royal Building Products™ Introduces Haint Blue Color for Royal® Reversible Beadboard/V-Groove Profile
August 2025

Westlake Royal Building Products™ (“Westlake Royal”), a Westlake company (NYSE: WLK), announced today the launch of Haint Blue, a new color for its 6” Reversible Beadboard/V-Groove Profile, part of the Royal® Trim & Mouldings line. Inspired by the century

Business Building: Time To Eliminate Your “C” Players?
August 2025

Filling all of your positions with the right players is a constant struggle. The right players are the best people available in your market who want to improve, perform and achieve results. The right players are not those who disrupt or impede the product

Fechino Files: When Something Easy Should Only Take an Hour
August 2025

My days all tend to start the same: wake up happy, work out... still happy. Make a phone call to check in with a buddy of mine, then I start my actual work for the day. So last weekend, I did what every masonry contractor has to do from time to time—I had

Building More: Symphony of Delegation
August 2025

It’s 6:42 a.m., the sky’s turning that pale gray that makes extension cords disappear, and you could picture yourself rolling onto a subdivision where the first thing you hear isn’t the boom lift, but a superintendent we’ll call Ivan. He’s looking up the

Chairman’s Message: STRENGTHENED SIDE BY SIDE
August 2025

This summer, MCAA took part in the Canadian Masonry Contractors Association’s 58th Annual Conference in Ottawa, Ontario. MCAA was represented by our President, Jeff Buczkiewicz, our Vice Chair, Kent Huntley, and my wife and me. It was an incredible expe

Contractor Tip of the Month: Building a Brand People Choose Without Thinking Twice
August 2025

The Story of Coffee, Construction, and Kleenex I still remember the morning at Con Expo, the largest trade show in the construction industry, when I was running on empty and in desperate need of coffee. My day was filled with back-to-back meetings, leavi

Midyear: A Well-Earned Reward
August 2025

As managers or owners involved in the masonry industry, there are of course some perks that land on your plate. Such as a lot of extended workhours, calls, texts, and emails on weeknights or on weekends. The stresses, anxieties, pressures, and responsib

GEN NXT: Ashley Harris
August 2025

This month, the MCAA had the chance to talk with Ashley Harris from Washington, a mason who is determined by doubters and her ability to prove people wrong. Read about her story and why she chose masonry over any other trade. Ashley found her calling in

Outreach Outlook: Back to School and Building Stronger Together
August 2025

As the summer winds down and we turn the page toward a new academic year, I hope everyone had an opportunity to rest, recharge, and reconnect with family and friends. These quiet moments help us return to our work with a renewed sense of purpose and energ

Government Affairs: Mr. Schmitt Goes to Washington
July 2025

The 1939 movie Mr. Smith Goes to Washington was nominated for 11 academy awards including Best Picture, Best Director, and Best Actor. Many movie buffs believe this is the movie that truly made Jimmy Stewart a big time movie star. Never to be outdone, t

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