“One for the ages” this is how I would describe the upcoming midyear to anyone who has never attended or are undecided about attending MCAAs 75th Anniversary at The Grand Hotel on Mackinac Island September 7-11 2025. In short “one for the ages” means so

When it comes to building a more sustainable future, the construction and building materials sector has a lot of room for growth. According to the most recent data, construction and building-related emissions are responsible for 40% of greenhouse gas emis

On this episode of the MASONRY STRONG Podcast, Mike and Tom Finch join the set in Indianapolis to crack jokes, talk about how they both got started in this industry, and the ways they've seen this trade advance and evolve over the years. The Roots of a F

Echelon Masonry, North America’s leader in architectural masonry products and materials, announces the availability of its newest product line of artisan masonry veneers, Ashton Brick, in select states. Combining a classic brick aesthetic with durable con

On Friday, April 11th, we had the pleasure of representing the Mason Contractors Association of America and our Outreach and Education Division at the North Florida Masonry Showcase. This event welcomed 15 high school students who demonstrated their growi

Spring is in the air, and summer is right around the corner. With that in mind, it’s time for all of us in the masonry industry to start preparing for warmer weather. It is very important that we consider the risks associated with working in the summer he

Let's talk about something we all care deeply about: the longevity of our work. You and I both know the feeling of pride when we step back and look at a finished project. We're in the business of creating structures that not only look good but also stand

After 12 years in different roles at PROSOCO, Jake Boyer will become President of the family-owned company on June 6. Most family-owned businesses don’t make it to the second generation, let alone the third or fourth. According to recent data, only 3% of

Jobsite Maintenance is not something that many people like to talk about. Most people want to know when the job is going to start. What is the lead time to get the material that is specified? Who is the general contractor, and are they good to deal with?

The Gadi House in Maharashtra, India, combines traditional masonry techniques with contemporary architectural innovation. This distinctive residential project, constructed using locally sourced brick, underscores the enduring relevanc

On Thursday, April 10th, I had the opportunity to represent the Mason Contractors Association of America and our Outreach and Education Division at the 2025 North Carolina SkillsUSA Competition. The event brought together 123 talented high school students

The masonry industry plays a vital role in constructing our homes, businesses, and infrastructure. Yet, beneath the enduring beauty of brick and stone lies a complex and often hazardous work environment. Ensuring the safety of workers and maintaining docu

Natural stone veneer is a durable, versatile, and aesthetically pleasing building material that has been used for centuries. It adds timeless beauty to masonry projects while offering structural integrity and resilience. But how does natural stone veneer

Early Development: The Genesis of Concrete Blocks (early Rome to 1900s) The history of concrete masonry units (CMUs) or concrete blocks begins with humanity’s earliest binding materials, notably the Romans’ remarkable concrete. Around AD 125, structures l

On this episode of the MASONRY STRONG Podcast, Jeff Tew joins the show, along with MCAA President Jeff Buczkiewicz, to talk about where his passion for this industry started and what it's been like working on the Supplier side of the industry. An Excitin

Westlake Royal Building Products™ (“Westlake Royal”), a Westlake company (NYSE: WLK), has introduced a next-generation Board & Batten profile for its Royal® and Exterior Portfolio® vinyl siding lines. Maintaining the timeless charm of Board & Batten whil