Westlake Royal Building Products™ (“Westlake Royal”), a Westlake company (NYSE:WLK), today announced an expanded partnership with Boise Cascade®, a leading manufacturer and distributor of building materials throughout North America. Strengthening Westl

The best advice I could give anyone that is starting a career in masonry is that first and foremost, you must "know" yourself. What do you like to do? What would you like in a working environment? Do you like to be outside? Do you enjoy physical activity

The look of confusion and utter loss on people’s faces when I tell them that I’m a safety inspector for a masonry company is often hilarious.

If your pension fund doesn’t hold NVIDIA stock, your fund manager has some questions to answer. This week, NVIDIA became the most valuable company in the world, with a market cap exceeding $3.4 trillion. They have been at the forefront of AI mania that ha

Originating as the very dirt beneath our feet, brick has proven to be a sustainable, enduring solution that has been trusted for hundreds of years. While modern consumerism tends to focus on providing fast, cheap merchandise that is not intended to last,

In both residential and commercial building design and construction, there is a growing awareness and commitment to minimizing environmental impact while improving health, comfort, and overall well-being.

In today's evolving landscape of skilled trades, where tradition meets innovation, Sam Berryman's journey into the masonry industry is not just a career choice but a testament to heritage, passion, and the profound rewards of hard work. Influenced by his

Like many government regulations, the intent may be clear and worthwhile, but the implementation causes more harm to law-abiding citizens and business owners than it does to actually block or punish the bad actors the regulation was meant to address.

We're thrilled to announce two of this year's Masonry Hall Of Fame inductees. Former MCAA Chairman Larry Vacala and esteemed masonry instructor James T. Ham will be welcomed into the prestigious group during the 2024 MCAA Midyear Meeting in Park City,

One of the greatest pleasures of being in the masonry industry is that we are the privileged few who never have to give up our Legos.

On July 2, OSHA released its “Proposed Heat Injury and Illness Prevention Programs Rule” as a new, proposed standard to prevent heat illnesses and injury in indoor and outdoor settings.

Soldier Field, a Chicago landmark and one of the most iconic sports venues in the United States, demonstrates masonry's enduring strength and beauty. Opened in 1924, Soldier Field has undergone several renovations, but its original masonry work remains a

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

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.

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

When watching a football game, it’s always interesting to first see the play live in real-time, followed by the slow-motion replay afterward. In real time, it plays out in a handful of seconds.

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.

“Take This Job and Shove It.” Every job has highs and lows. But if you start talking – or singing – like Johnny Paycheck, then it is time for a rebound.

How many of us have landed in this scenario? We have a crew, maybe our only crew. They have been with us for a while, and we are comfortable letting them handle projects without much supervision. You decide that you are going for broke this year.

In the complex and ever-evolving world of construction, particularly in masonry projects, the expertise of consulting professionals can be invaluable. We spoke to James Gallagher, a seasoned consultant, who sheds light on how involving experts early in th

To achieve professional-quality results when laying brick, block, or stone, it’s crucial to use the right tools for the job. In the masonry industry, there is a plethora of tools and equipment you can use, but which are the most necessary? From trowels to

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

HOUSTON (June 18, 2024) — Westlake Royal Building Products™ (Westlake Royal), a Westlake company (NYSE:WLK), will showcase its Be Boundless™ campaign, top industry trends and new product innovations at the Pacific Coast Builders Conference (PCBC) in Anahe

BrickRecyc, a machine that removes old mortar from bricks, was invented by three entrepreneurs from Quebec in 2021. Tommy Bouillon, David Dufour, and Hugo Cartier were the innovation's source. The invention emerged out of necessity. Tommy Bouillon, head o

As the temperatures rise outside during summer months, so do the risks that employees working in hot conditions may be harmed by the dangerous effects it can have. Exposure to high temperatures can be deadly. It’s your responsibility as a business owner

In the masonry industry, efficient project management is crucial for success. CrewTracks addresses this need by streamlining various aspects of daily operations.

In 2021, SOLA introduced a new generation of digital levels at the World of Concrete. Because it was in the midst of Covid it wasn’t the most well-attended show, but we were optimistic. We attended, showcasing both our SOLA and Keson brands. The standout

The Occupational Health and Safety Administration (OSHA) enforces standards to ensure safe and healthful working conditions for workers. Ever wonder where they get these standards?

The Washington Monument is little more than a ruin; entire cities are nothing but crumbling skeletons of houses, and entire areas of land are contaminated and uninhabitable.

Our yearly golf trip recently came and went. It is always fun to get out there with the guys. It does help when the guys consist of other business owners, sales reps, lawyers, financial guys, and more.

In today's construction industry, there is a significant talent shortage, with less than 3% unemployment for critical roles such as project managers, estimators, and field supervisors.

In the realm of home building and design, the allure of stone and brick is undeniable. These timeless materials have long been valued for their durability, versatility and aesthetic appeal, lending strength and charm to wide-ranging commercial

I still like doing projects that are new to me. Learning as I go still has that pressure that makes “making sure you have it right” more fun than if I have done something 100 times.

Who among us can claim that worry has resulted in a longer life? The same thing applies to business. Who among us can claim that worry has resulted in business growth? I’m confident the answer is no one.

There’s a fabulous scene in the climax of the film CASABLANCA starring Humphrey Bogart and Ingrid Bergman. In the scene, Claude Reins, the French Police Captain during German occupation, arrives at the airport hanger only to find Bogart had just expired

The BIA Research Codes and Standards (RC&S) Committee recently focused on technical research intended to support or increase the use of clay brick. Multiple research projects are being pursued.

Fatalities caused by falls from heights continue to be the leading cause of death for employees, accounting for 844 of the 5,486 fatalities recorded in 2022. Those fatalities were preventable.

The MCAA had a chance to sit down with Rob McKay and Kevin Grotke from Toro Stone, a relatively new brand within the manufactured stone market. Despite its new branding, the product itself has a history spanning over 35 years.

Nestled in the heart of Spain, standing amidst the Castilian landscape, lies the formidable Castillo de Coca, a testament to the grandeur of Spanish medieval architecture.

Blackbeard’s Castle is a small, historic castle located in Charlotte Amalie on St. Thomas, U.S. Virgin Islands. Sitting at the highest point on Government Hill, the Castle is one of five National Historic Landmarks.

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.

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, 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

I recently stayed overnight in a 120-year-old converted warehouse to hotel in Minneapolis that was built with uninsulated clay brick walls. I was perfectly comfortable as it snowed outside, and I had even turned the hotel room’s heating system off.

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

When it comes to working on a mast-climbing platform, the most prevalent risks revolve around the peril of falls, be it objects or individuals, and the potential collapse of the platform. While other hazards like electrical and environmental factors

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.

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.

Strengthening masonry structures is not just about bricks and mortar; it's about ensuring stability and longevity. In the realm of masonry construction, where every brick counts towards the integrity of a building, the Hog Leg Wall Bracing System emerges

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.

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

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

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.

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,”

In the intricate world of construction, precision isn't just desirable—it's non-negotiable. When it comes to determining whether a surface is truly level, settling for anything less than perfection simply isn't an option.

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

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

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

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,

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.

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

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.

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 Great Wall of China is an iconic testament to human ingenuity and perseverance. Winding its way through China's rugged terrain, it is one of history's most impressive architectural feats.

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.

On the surface, masonry cleaning may sound to some like a simple field of work with little change or progress. In reality, when it comes to masonry cleaning, some things have changed, and some have stayed the same.

When asked to write an article on creating a marketing plan and budget for mason contractors, my first thought was that I didn’t know many mason contractors do a lot of marketing.

Building Business: Keep Score With A Financial Scoreboard!

Contractor Tip of the Month: Take the Risk or Fail

Building More: Key Metrics: Correlations, Causations, and Necessity Part 3

Fechino Files: Covering Your Work, Materials, and Other Lessons I Learned the Hard Way

Chairman's Message: Everyone is an Influencer

At the recent World of Concrete convention, contractors from all over the country had a great opportunity to see old friends and make new ones. To see the best of the best masons, and to see all kinds of labor-saving devices and technology

I am rehashing an article I wrote ten years ago because the issues have not gone away, and there is no relief on the horizon. “Is the rest of the country busy?” As I travel around and visit with contractors, this seems to be a prevailing question.

Concrete Masonry Checkoff (CMC) Welcomes Alicia Hodges to Program Director Role

HERNDON, VA (February 13, 2024)—During last week’s Concrete Masonry & Hardscapes Association’s Annual Meeting in Denver, CO, Sam Hoehner, Regional VP of Greater Louisville for Lee Building Products was installed as the Association’s new Board Chair.

Greg Osterhout has believed in the Gary Sinise Foundation’s R.I.S.E. program since the beginning of NSI’s involvement with the program. Under his leadership, Northern Stone Supply eagerly stepped up to support the R.I.S.E.

REGULATION IN THE MAST CLIMBER INDUSTRY 

Do you have what it takes? We have all been mentors at one time or another. When the opportunity comes along for you to teach the trade full-time, there's more to it than you think.

Three Inspirational Figures in the Stone Industry: Stories of Passion, Perseverance, and Contribution

Brick Testing and ASTM Requirements