As buildings age and their surrounding areas develop, masonry contractors may be approached to restore, repair, and reconfigure existing masonry on projects outside the typical scope of a new construction commercial project. Restoration of older masonry b

With over 25 years of experience in manufacturing and distributing equipment across all seven continents, EZG Manufacturing has developed a strong understanding of successful market positioning. Drawing from this extensive experience, we’re sharing effect

Spring is a weird bid season. Estimates are coming in all over the place. It seems like everyone has tightened their belts to land what they can as we come out of the election cycle slowdown. We are no exception. Lowering margins is a temporary solution,

On this episode of the MASONRY STRONG Podcast, Foreman Instructors Donnie Williams, Jameel Ervin, and Tom Vacala join Justin in talking about the changes in masonry education over the years, how they all became good friends, and some of their favorite sto

Brick’s versatility has made it an architectural staple for centuries, adapting to the evolving trends, demands and challenges of the building industry. In 2025, modern advancements in brick continue to influence the way architects, designers and builders

Masonry contractors face many challenges in their day-to-day work, including the need to ensure general maintenance and housekeeping are being kept up at your business. As an owner and leader, it’s your responsibility to prioritize safety by promoting cle

On this episode of the MASONRY STRONG Podcast, Mason Hill joins the set to dive into his journey in the masonry industry. Where he started, how his passion grew, and where he sees the industry going. Family Business Dynamics Running a family business li

The West Point Cadet Chapel stands as an enduring symbol of architectural brilliance, blending Gothic Revival grandeur with the precision and artistry of masonry. Perched on a hill overlooking the United States Military Academy, this iconic structure is a

Over the last twenty-five years, our construction company has built over 500 projects and hired at least 10,000 subcontractors. As I think back, I don’t recall receiving a thank-you note from a subcontractor EVER, for any reason. It seems like the art of

Each year, the MCAA holds two conventions. The mid-year meeting is held in the late summer or early fall. It’s always hosted at a city or venue that offers more of a boutique convention feel. Any members of the MCAA are welcome, and they gather to hold ou

Leadership often involves charting a course through uncertain waters, much like navigating a ship. While captains are celebrated for skillfully steering vessels to their destinations, another crucial role often goes unnoticed: the lookout. Positioned high

I hope you are getting through the cold of the winter without issue, maybe even enjoy throwing a snowball (not an ice ball) at a coworker that deserves it. This month I thought I would do a quick primer on basic flashing installation. As many will have ne

Nestled on the hill of the ancient Agora in Athens, the Temple of Hephaestus stands as one of the best-preserved temples of antiquity. Built between 449 and 415 BCE, this Doric temple dedicated to Hephaestus, the god of fire and craftsmanship, embodies th

EZG Manufacturing, an industry leader in construction and masonry equipment, is proud to introduce Hog Jamb®, a superior alternative to traditional wood construction frames. Designed for precision and durability, the Hog Jamb® ensures consistent and effic

EZG Manufacturing, a leader in innovative construction and masonry equipment, proudly announces the release of Hog Support®, a cutting-edge tool designed to provide reliable support during masonry restoration, renovation, and repair projects. Hog Support

PART 1 Item 1: Brick Veneer Cavity Wall Over Stud Framing There is a large contingent in the marketplace that will suggest that brick veneer over stud framing—the typical cavity wall construction (considered to be the “perfect wall”)—has little or no impa

The Arizona Masonry Council (AMC), the trade group dedicated to building and supporting a stronger foundation for the state’s masonry industry, proudly announces the election of its new officers and board of directors, each serving a two-year term. Meloni

In the construction and general industry fields, there are quite a number of dangers within the various work environments. This, of course, makes perfect sense when you consider the number of variables one must deal with daily. It is only logical when you

In the construction industry, masonry is a labor-intensive trade. Each day, masons handle thousands of concrete masonry unit (CMU) that form a building’s structure. Because normal weight (NWT) CMU weigh about 50 pounds (lbs), repetitive lifting can strain

For Craft Group’s Alain Ducasse restaurant project in AlUla, we fostered a collaborative effort between the design team and local craftsmen and ensured that the masonry work reflected the area's cultural heritage while meeting modern construction standard

On this episode of the MASONRY STRONG Podcast, Paul Cantarella Jr. joins the show to talk about his career and passion for the masonry industry, how his journey started, the building of his family's company, and his life outside of work as well. Childhoo

In the masonry industry, there is plenty to consider when it comes to setting the stage for solid risk management leadership. Consider the following to lead by example and empower your team: It Starts At The Top By taking risk management seriously, it sen

On this episode of the MASONRY STRONG Podcast, Jameel Ervin joins the set to dive into his experience in the masonry industry, how he got to where he is now, and what it was like growing up in Chicago. From the Ground Up: Jameel's Introduction to Masonry

As a design architect for four decades, I've long recognized masonry (clay brick, concrete masonry units, stone, and manufactured stone) as a superior, durable building material. Stone, clay bricks, and CMUs are renowned for their toughness, effectively r

On this episode of the MASONRY STRONG Podcast, the Executive Board of the MCAA--being Dick Dentinger (Chairman), Kent Huntley (Vice Chairman), Paul Cantarella (Treasurer), and Melonie Leslie (Secretary)--sit down to talk about how they all gained a spot o

One of my dreams is to play in the top 100 rated golf courses in the world. Often these courses are private country clubs which hold professional golf tournaments. To date, I have been fortunate to play over 350 of them. Every year, I look forward to "Gol

I have been at this for a long time, and a generation or two have come and gone since I started. I have worked with grandfathers, fathers, and now sons from the same family. I have seen similarities and differences. In one case, I saw a grandson believe h

The London Bridge has been a symbol of innovation, resilience, and the evolution of masonry craftsmanship for centuries. Its transformations over time, from timber to stone and eventually to modern concrete, mirror the growth and ambition of London itself

The winds of change are all around us. You can feel it in the air, in the conversations we all had over the holidays, and in our interactions at work and all about town. Throughout history, we have used our national elections to make changes in the missio

Money plays a crucial role in our lives. It allows us to experience joy and comfort, whether it is through vacations, good food, or living in a nice home. Having experienced both wealth and financial struggle, I can confidently say that having money is be

The settings of films can take viewers to different parts of the world and express the story through visually stunning locations. From ancient ruins to medieval architectural marvels, these four iconic movie locations enhanced the storytelling of the movi

At 89 years old, Karl Bergamo is a living testament to the enduring strength and timelessness of the masonry profession. With nearly seven decades of experience in the trade and learning from the best (including WW2 Veterans), Bergamo has seen the industr

This year marks a significant milestone for the Mason Contractors Association of America as it celebrates its 75th anniversary. Founded in 1950, the MCAA has grown to become the premier National association for mason contractors, representing a diverse gr

One of the biggest technical challenges for architecture students is understanding how to draw proper wall sections, especially with rainscreen technology. After more than 15 years of teaching, I have found that when students build full scale, with real m

Spherical Block, LLC and Geopolymer International are working together to develop new concrete technologies and products for the construction industry. These two firms have been approached over the past few years by companies, individuals and investors fr

In Episode 9 of the MASONRY STRONG Podcast, we dove into the incredible journey of Kent Bounds, a prominent figure in the masonry industry, whose path was shaped by his father, Mackie Bounds, and his early experiences in the family business.

Becoming a mason is a skilled trade that has been an integral part of construction for centuries. As a mason, you not only build structures but also lay the foundation for a variety of career paths that can enhance your professional journey. My journey a

Known for its durability, strength, and timeless appeal, brick’s low maintenance requirements make it a popular choice for homeowners looking to save on maintenance costs or those in extreme climate zones. While brick requires minimal upkeep in comparison

Masonry work is a trade built around craftsmanship, strength, and precision. However, it's also a profession that comes with risk. From falling bricks and collapsing walls to sharp debris and rough, uneven surfaces, masonry job sites can be hazardous for

As a young teenager, I was introduced to the construction industry—specifically, masonry—when I started working with my older brothers on weekends. I was the youngest of 11 kids (yes, eight boys and three girls!), and my brothers, who were bricklayers, of

In this episode of the MASONRY STRONG Podcast, Jim O’Connor sits down to talk about where his career and passion for the masonry industry started, how he likes to pass time with hobbies outside of work, and what it was like growing up in Chicago.

They say communication is one of the most necessary and impactful ingredients in a successful marriage. Communication in a masonry business is much the same. Building a culture of safety is no different. We want people to avoid injury and illness, and the

Masonry mortar is an ancient building material, yet it remains central to the modern construction industry. Its combination of resilience and forgiveness has enabled the creation of ancient architectural masterpieces through contemporary skyscrapers. Alon

Brick has been used for thousands of years as a building material, renowned for its strength and durability. Whether constructing a home, office building, or even a simple fence, brick remains a reliable choice. However, in today's brick industry, a signi

This episode of the MASONRY STRONG Podcast explored Melonie Leslie’s fascinating journey in the masonry industry, her experience as a leader, and life beyond the bricks and mortar. Let's dive into Melanie's story, her impactful role in the masonry world,

Mast-climbing platforms are efficient and inherently safe technology that allows people to work safely at significant heights. Despite numerous safety features, accidents still sometimes happen—not because the platforms fail, but often because humans do.

George Miller helped get the MCAA started 75 years ago, and another GEORGE will help kick off the next 75. Our AI system, which we’ve worked on for almost three years now, is filled with purpose-built Assistants designed to make the masonry industry more

With challenges such as labor shortages, rising costs, and increasing competition, masonry businesses must find ways to work smarter, not just harder. Fortunately, construction technology and software solutions tailored to field management and operations

Transforming spaces with warmth, character and a touch of rustic charm doesn’t always require a complete overhaul, but can be quickly and efficiently achieved with manufactured stone veneer (MSV). Whether your customers are looking to elevate the look of

2024 was a year of innovation and advancement in the masonry industry. From tools, to materials, to technology, companies all across the trade are putting their foot forward to change masonry for the future. This year, we reached out to our MAP partners

I am sure by now you have heard the saying that you can have it good, cheap, and fast. The problem is you can only choose two of the three. Good and cheap won’t be fast, cheap and fast won’t be good, and good and fast won’t be cheap. It is a phenomenal an

Buda Castle, perched majestically atop Castle Hill in Budapest, Hungary, is one of Europe’s most iconic fortresses. This historical gem tells the story of Hungarian royalty and national heritage and showcases centuries of evolving masonry craftsmanship. F

Zeppos Residential College at Vanderbilt University is a stunning example of modern collegiate Gothic architecture. It is a functional living and learning space and a beacon of craftsmanship in masonry construction. Completed in 2020, this $115 million pr

It's the time of year when hunters, football, and pumpkin-flavored coffee become popular. For a mason contractor, this means that cold weather will soon be upon us, and we must prepare and be ready. In my shop, just like most of you, I have several types

Here in Minnesota, where we sit at the northern edge of the Upper Midwest, we have no choice but to proudly embrace the seasons as they arrive. Like a few of our neighboring states, we experience all four seasons every year. Spring is messy and damp as th

In the fast-moving business world, it is easy to prioritize work, deadlines, and wealth accumulation over your health. However, you may find that if you spend the first half of your life only building wealth, you may spend the rest of your life depleting

Manufactured stone veneer (MSV) is a popular material for creating stunning walls in residential new builds, remodels, and commercial projects. For masons, understanding the nuances of working with MSV can greatly impact the final look of a project, where

"I have some deep concerns about the future of your company. I have some deep concerns about your leadership. I have some deep concerns about the management team you have assembled. Your business is not growing for one reason: You and your management team

Building a World-Class Brand The world is dominated by brands, from behemoths like Amazon and Coca-Cola to niche industry players like our team at Amerimix. Regardless of their scale, a strong brand is the key to unlocking product trials, customer prefere

Once again, the 2024 Mortar Net Solutions Masonry Apprentice Scholarships have been delivered to 40 apprentices across the country who have exhibited energy, ability and dedication to the trade. The scholarship Began in 2019 with four scholarships prese

Masonry has greatly influenced urban planning and development for centuries, shaping the architecture and resilience of cities worldwide. Comprising brick, stone, and concrete (out of scope material) masonry units (CMUs), masonry materials have not only p

In the past decade, extreme weather events have not only increased but also intensified, impacting communities across the globe. According to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), the U.S. experienced an unprecedented 28 total billio

In the world of masonry, precision and quality are non-negotiable. Contractors are constantly seeking tools and materials that not only meet but exceed their expectations. This pursuit has led to exciting advancements in product collaboration, notably bet

On this episode, the MCAA had the pleasure of chatting with Phil and Donnie Williams, two brothers with deep roots in the masonry industry. Join us as we share their story, learn from their experiences, and explore how the masonry world has evolved over t