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

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

In modern architectural design, achieving superior sound insulation is essential for creating functional, comfortable, and compliant building environments. Concrete masonry units (CMUs), particularly when combined with materials like brick, terra cotta, o

In the world of masonry, precision and efficiency are essential. But what happens when the very foundation of your operational data—time tracking—is riddled with inaccuracies and even fraud? This was the challenge facing a mid-sized commercial masonry fir

Masonry professionals work in complex and fast-paced environments that demand precision, strength, and coordination. Whether on residential builds or large commercial projects, masons encounter a unique combination of physical hazards that require a consi

Some in the masonry industry have expressed interest in respirator use as protection from harmful exposure to silica. This topic is of paramount importance due to its impact on our workers and the serious health effects of silica exposure. For those new t

Have you ever been asked to do a project over the course of your lifetime? For example, when my kids were little, my wife asked me to assemble their bicycles. So, I opened the box, dumped out the contents, and cast aside whatever I thought was unnecessary

The Concrete Masonry Checkoff (CMC) put the finishing touches on an ambitious five-year vision for the industry, targeting a 20% increase in market share, driven by increased demand for concrete masonry products. “This is about building exquisite, enduri

In the wake of the devastating January wildfires that swept through Los Angeles's Pacific Palisades, a remarkable preservation effort is underway, spearheaded by Project Chimney, an initiative led by Evan Hall, founding director of the non-profit House Mu

Today, the MCAA announced its strong endorsement of The Dignity Act. This comprehensive, bipartisan bill secures our borders, reforms immigration, and strengthens the American economy without using taxpayer funds. The Dignity Act mandates complete opera

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

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

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

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

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

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