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

Heidelberg Materials is a prominent player in the building materials industry. Specializing in heavy building materials, they have a global footprint with a significant presence in North America. Their products include cement, slag, fly ash, and aggregate

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

The Masonry Advisory Council held the 2024 Excellence in Masonry Awards on Saturday, October 26th at 167 Green St., Chicago, Illinois. Honoring 80 projects from over the Chicagoland and Northwest Indiana Area. The Awards program celebrates outstanding ar

NSI and ISFA are proud to present a literature review that summarizes the growing library of studies related to respirable crystalline silica (RCS) exposure. Completed by Yale Occupational and Environmental Medicine, the study covers 34 publications and d

La Maison Franchère, or the Franchers’ House, stands as a notable relic of stone architecture in Saint-Mathies, a small Quebec town on the edge of the Richelieu River. Unlike the neighboring homes, this towering, two-and-a-half-story mansion immediately c

Welcome back to another insightful episode of the Masonry Strong podcast! Today, we have a very special guest, Zach Everett, sharing his journey and experiences in the world of safety within the masonry industry. From humble beginnings to becoming a vital

Crisis management is a process that employers use to respond to, and recover from, unplanned events. The best time to develop a crisis management plan is before a crisis occurs. A crisis management plan can help companies maintain business continuity, pro

With masonry being a piece count trade, the more units that are laid in the field that surpass the quantity figured in the estimate, the more profit that is made. Masonry crews in the field need a good foreman that is capable of organizing the crew, posit

Tom Vacala's story is as unique as it is inspiring. Born into a large family of 11 kids, Tom's initiation into the world of masonry was practically predestined. With a family deeply rooted in construction—his father a carpenter and his uncle a mason—Tom w

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

Learn about how Stephen made his way into politics and how he became the lobbyist for the MCAA. Speaking on what it was like to move from Chicago up to the highest level in Washington D.C. Steven’s journey to becoming a lobbyist was somewhat unexpected. O

Glen-Gery Corporation, a premier brick manufacturer that is part of Brickworks North America, unveiled its 2025 Brick Color of the Year, Silver City—a multifaceted, monotone, matte grey engobe brick that pulls in design cues from its natural surroundings

The Basílica i Temple Expiatori de la Sagrada Família, one of the most renowned architectural landmarks in the world, stands as a masterpiece of Antoni Gaudí's vision and a remarkable example of how masonry techniques have evolved over time. The construct

If you read my columns regularly, you know I enjoy employing sports analogies. It is not just that I love sports, which I do—Go Bengals. The parallels between sports and business are very relatable and evident, whether I am watching or participating. Take

My first year in high school, I went out for the water polo team. Our coach for the “B” team was also the head baseball coach who never played water polo and couldn't swim. As the season progressed, we learned the basics and began to gel as a team. I like

I hope this article finds you finally cooled down from this hot summer. Everywhere I went felt hot and sticky, well, except for Bozeman, MT. When you are in Bozeman, everything is cool. I have been working as a laborer, sawman, brick washer, and bricklaye

My wife, Sheryl, walked from her office to mine and placed the September issue of Masonry Magazine on my desk. She opened it to page 52 and said, “Look at this picture and tell me the first thing you see.” I gave it a quick glance. The top half of the pag

We are almost to the finish line. No, I am not counting down the weeks until the end of the year, or season. I am alluding to one of the most hated cycles in the entire U.S.A.: the election cycle.

This month, MASONRY Magazine sat down with Parker Leske, a young business owner who has a passion and knack for learning everything he can about the masonry industry. From being unsure of what to do with his life to starting his own company before he cou

Welcome to the second installment of our “Vibing Masonry” series on the benefits and functionality of masonry in modern construction, with a focus on its environmental and sustainability advantages. The Environmental Case for Masonry Masonry is a sustain

Westlake Royal Building ProductsTM (“Westlake Royal”), a Westlake company (NYSE:WLK) announces Handformed Brick™, a new, elevated tumbled brick profile from Dutch Quality Stone, available in three colorways including the newest addition, Snowpack™, a sere

The Natural Stone Institute is pleased to announce that beginning with the 2025 Call for Entries, the Tucker Design Awards will be partnered with the Pinnacle Awards program. Both awards will be given annually beginning in 2026. This streamlined approach

In advance of National Architecture Day on November 1, 2024, Glen-Gery, a premier brick manufacturer that is part of Brickworks North America, released “Trends in Design and Renovation: A Comparative Study Among Homeowners and Architects,” a national surv

In today’s construction landscape, masonry companies are facing an increasingly pressing challenge: the shortage of skilled labor. This shortage is not just a minor inconvenience but a significant hurdle that threatens the industry's growth and sustainabi

On this episode of the MASONRY STRONG Podcast, MCAA Chairman, Dick Dentinger, explains how he got started in the industry and how important he views networking, as well as the association as a whole. Experiencing the MCAA Mid-Year Meetings Attending the

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

As a teenager growing up in a small town, I started my first job working as a laborer for a local mason. I rode my bike or hitched a ride to the shop before sunup every morning, where I would load up scaffolding, deck planks, and countless bags of mortar

On the first episode of the MASONRY STRONG Podcast, MCAA President Jeff Buczkiewicz talked about his journey into the masonry industry, how he’s seen the industry change, and how he got into his position at the MCAA. Jeff’s Early Days and Entry Into the I

China is the world's largest construction market and the largest producer and user of various types of building blocks (AAC blocks, hollow concrete blocks, porous clay sintered blocks, etc.). According to industry association statist

Lay the Foundation for Success: Enter the 2024 Brick Awards Today! The Brick in Architecture Awards celebrates the world’s most innovative and sustainable architectural designs, all centered around the creative use of clay

Join us for an insightful Program Webinar on October 29th at 12 PM ET/11 AM CT, where you will hear directly from industry leaders Jeff Buczkiewicz and Ryan Shaver. They will discuss two pivotal programs shaping the future of the masonry industry: the Nat

The Mason Contractors Association of America is announcing an open invitation to all industry professionals interested in joining our diverse range of committees. This initiative is part of our ongoing commitment to fostering a collaborative environment w

Navigating the world of insurance can be daunting, especially for masonry contractors in need of quality coverage and risk management support for their complex and unique circumstances. Yet, working with your insurance company shouldn’t be a haunting expe

Masonry contractors in the USA must adhere to Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) regulations to maintain a safe work environment. OSHA, the federal agency responsible for worker safety, sets stringent guidelines to protect workers from t

InDigital, a leader in digital media solutions, is thrilled to announce a new partnership with the Mason Contractors Association of America (MCAA). This collaboration will focus on leveraging InDigital’s expertise in video content creation to transform

The Louisiana Correctional Institute for Women (LCIW), located in the heart of St. Gabriel, Louisiana, needed a complete rebuild after damage from a devastating flood in 2016. The inmates were relocated to other prisons from 2022 to 2024 while the series

In a world where many jobs are done with a click of a mouse, masonry workers are still out there, getting their hands dirty—literally. These folks build the walls that keep our roofs over our heads, often battling the elements, tight deadlines, and unexpe

As a masonry contractor, welding typically falls into two categories: fabrication or repair. Fabrication is when our certified welders make structural connections on the job site, and repairs are just that—fixing one of the hundred things that break every

As Halloween approaches, there’s no better time to delve into the eerie tales that haunt our historic buildings. One such story surrounds the New York State Education Building in Albany, NY—a towering structure steeped in history and mystery. Constructed

In the masonry world, experience is measured not just in years but in the bricks laid, the structures built, and the challenges overcome. Ray Fleming, a 77-year-old veteran mason with a career spanning several decades, offers a wealth of knowledge and ins

No matter your professional or personal goals, there will always be perpetual pessimists who doubt you will be successful. And it is not always your competitors or perceived enemies. Sometimes it is your best friend, trusted mentor, or even a business ido

Once upon a time, long ago, when I was selling radio advertising, there was always an emphasis on the importance of keeping our ad copy efficient, attention-grabbing, and hopefully loaded with staying power. Advertisers know customers are busy and ad budg

Have you ever been the low bidder on a construction project and didn’t get the job? It doesn’t seem fair. Why did it happen? What can you do to avoid this happening again in the future? Bidding more and more jobs against too many low-priced competitors wo

Nidaros Cathedral, the northernmost medieval cathedral in the world, stands as a testament to the enduring art of masonry. This iconic structure, deeply rooted in Norwegian history, showcases the evolution of masonry techniques over centuries and continue

We have tons of gray areas in construction. Possibly only outnumbered by the fine lines we walk. Every day you can feel yourself stepping out on that tightrope where one false move could send you plummeting 50 stories back down to reality. There is one th

The Super Trowel 2024 event was nothing short of a monumental success, marking its place as the UK's largest and most iconic competition and exhibition for wet trades. For the second consecutive year, the event boasted sold-out attendance and fully booked

Spherical Block LLC is launching a revolution in advanced masonry technology. Roofs are made as arches and domes from concrete block, using efficient methods of assembly and green materials to make beautiful masonry structures. The company’s new products

The passing of Simon Verity at Carmarthenshire, Wales, the man responsible for the 31 figures at the Portal of Paradise at the Cathedral Church of St. John the Divine in the city of New York, causes us to reflect on the creativity and the passion for ston

In Colorado and across the country, destructive wildfires have evolved from a seasonal challenge to a year-round threat. We are taking a proactive and common sense approach to prepare for, prevent, and respond to wildfires. We know that it takes all of u

As a safety professional who has specialized largely in masonry safety since the late 1980s, I’ve grown to think that I know a great deal about keeping masonry workers safe. That being said, I must admit that my colleagues and I know more about complianc

Masonry was introduced to the world through the imagination, determination, and pure strength of mankind. The first masons’ unique abilities harnessed the earth around them to create the structures that provided the security that allowed us to advance. Th

Trowels are essential tools in masonry, each one designed with specific functions and specifications to aid in various tasks. Knowing the right type of trowel to use can greatly impact the quality and efficiency of your work. This article dives into the f

Oberlin, OH, September 17, 2024—157 attendees from 48 member companies and 5 architectural firms attended the annual NSI Study Tour, which took place in Salt Lake City August 25-28, with an optional extension to Idaho on August 29. Highlights included an

STABILA’s reputation for high-end measuring products and German engineering shines through in the LAR 300 Rotary Laser. This laser combines simple functionality with high precision across large distances and unmatched durability. Key Features Precision an

Masonry conveys protection, shielding occupants from external threats. Masonry also provides strength and resistance—separation from and resistance to fire, resistance against projectiles and ballistics, robust defense against vandalizing mobs and spontan

In the bustling world of construction, safety isn't just a priority—it's a foundation. Nowhere is this more crucial than on masonry sites where block structures rise skyward. Each day, workers navigate scaffolding, maneuver materials, and tackle tasks tha

Masonry, a craft as old as civilization itself. From the Pyramids of Egypt to the Great Wall of China, we've been stacking bricks with a precision that would make any Lego master jealous. But let's face it, while the techniques might be ancient, the chall

In the realm of the ever-evolving masonry industry, Phillip Singleton stands as a beacon for the next generation of masons. Sharing his extensive journey and insights, Singleton offers advice and a roadmap for those eager to make their own path in the lan

Fuels in our business are an expensive part of operating equipment. I am sure most of us have calculated daily usage and know what fuel we use in each piece of equipment. For example, do you use off-road diesel, kerosene, number one, or number two diesel?

When a business or association is doing well, there is always a temptation to relax and enjoy the ride. However, as anyone who has worked for an extended period in their career knows, there always seems to be some potentially knee-buckling challenge lurki

Have you ever paid the salary of one of your competitor’s employees? I am confident your answer is a resounding no. But you may be wrong. In fact, this may be happening every day. When these incidents occur, most of them are not intentionally malicious; b

So instead of just jumping right into dollars and cents, I am going to skip it entirely. This article isn’t about appreciation in value. It is about the appreciation you show to others. Do you appreciate your employees, clients, subcontractors, or your bo

Construction business owners often ask me: "How much profit should we expect to make? - 5%, 10%, 15% or more?" Most don’t know how much money they should make and don’t have a specific profit target to aim for. Some have heard 15% is a good target, but th

The Akshardham Temple in Delhi, India, is not just a place of worship but a monumental achievement in architecture and masonry. Since its inauguration in 2005, the temple has stood as a beacon of spiritual and architectural grandeur, showcasing a harmonio

Telehandlers are extremely useful machines for handling materials on construction and masonry jobsites. In fact, they’re so important, well-designed, and commonly used that some operators might get overconfident behind the wheel (or joystick). Safety must

The Virginia Law Library in Lewisburg, West Virginia, is a historic two-story brick building with a rich legacy spanning 190 years, dating back to the Civil War era.

In 2022, private industry reported 2.3 million cases of work-related injuries (Survey of Occupational Injuries and Illnesses, US Bureau of Labor Statistics, 2023). According to the National Safety Council, the total cost of those work-related injuries was

Over the past few years, Lunch-N-Learns have become an invaluable platform for bridging gaps between architects and the masonry industry. These workshops have allowed block manufacturers to share knowledge, discuss challenges, and collaborate on innovativ

In the construction industry, ensuring the safety of workers should be the highest of our priorities, and head protection is a critical component of that safety protocol. With various standards governing the quality and efficacy of safety helmets, underst

A series of large-scale tests were recently concluded in the SEESL Laboratory at the University at Buffalo. The tests are part of a five-year project funded by the National Institute of Standards and Technology. The goal of the project is to improve the e

Castillo San Felipe del Morro ("The Promontory Castle of Saint Philip"), or El Morro ("The Promontory"), is a colonial fort built by the Spanish in America. It was commissioned by King Charles I of Spain and built in honor of King Philip II.

As masons approach the milestone of retirement, the transition can bring a mix of excitement, anticipation, and uncertainty. For those who have spent their lives working in the physically demanding and highly skilled masonry trade, the prospect of retirem