On this episode of the MASONRY STRONG Podcast, Gary Joyner joins the set to talk about his extensive career in the industry, where his passion for the masonry industry started, and how he's been enjoying retirement. How It All Began Gary Joyner's entry

Question As a last step in our hiring process, we require a candidate to pass a background check after they have been interviewed. Recently, a background check came back with an arrest listed. Are we allowed to turn down the candidate due to the arrest?

Central Avenue Elementary School is a project that the team here at Warfield Masonry completed in 2021. Located in Midland, Washington, the project involved the demolition and replacement of the original Central Avenue School built in 1949. The original e

The world of masonry is evolving with the implementation of new technologies. These advancements are reshaping how this craft is taught, learned, and executed by merging traditional techniques with modern innovation to develop skilled masons prepared to m

Hiring the right employees is critical for the success of any business. Effective hiring practices not only ensure you're bringing in top talent, they also help to minimize risks and create a positive work environment. Here are some best practices to con

I’m Sheryl Dentinger, wife of the current MCAA Chairman, Dick Dentinger. I started being a part of the MCAA conventions over 40 years ago, since Dick and I started dating. Bill Dentinger, my father-in-law, a legendary man, was chairman at the time we wer

Westlake Royal Building Products unveiled new products at the 2025 International Builders’ Show across their stone solutions brands, including launches from Versetta Stone, Eldorado Stone, Dutch Quality Stone, and StoneCraft.

If you own a business, planning what happens to it after you pass away is important. This is called "estate planning,” and it’s a way to make sure your assets are handled the way you want to help keep your business running smoothly. Why Business Owners N

Clay thin brick may be the single most versatile product currently on the market in the building materials industry. If you haven’t yet dabbled with installing it, give it a try! Not only is thin brick great for the DIY’er, but it is a smart selection for

The Brick Industry Association (BIA) has awarded the 2024 Brick in Architecture Awards, the leading international design competition featuring fired-clay brick. Now in its 35th year, the 2024 winning projects span the United States, Canada, China, Engl

Marketing for any type of business is one of the most crucial parts of operating a company. Sometimes the thought of marketing is overlooked because businesses are too focused on the operational aspects, but in reality, marketing is just as important. No

Larry Vacala joins the MASONRY STRONG Podcast to talk about his incredible journey in the masonry industry, what it's been like to see the industry change over the years, and where he sees the industry heading in the future. Larry's Beginnings in the Mas

Innovation can come in the most unlikely of places, even in the masonry industry. Despite being one of the oldest trades, incremental innovation has allowed those tasked with building everlasting structures to stay more efficient and cost-effective than e

In February, the masonry industry was struck with the news of the passing of Fred Mason Jr, a well renowned masonry instructor at Columbus Career & College Academy and a person loved by everyone around him. Referred to by many as a top-tier instructor, Fr

The rhythmic clink of trowels, the precise placement of bricks, the transformation of raw materials into enduring structures – masonry is both an art and a science. Yet, in today's fast-paced construction landscape, even the most skilled masons face chall

Every employer should strive to maintain a good OSHA record. Not only are customers, insurers, and others increasingly scrutinizing employers’ OSHA records as a condition of doing business, but OSHA penalties and citations can be substantial—over $165,000