NCMCA presents Upton Award

Words: Gary Joyner, Kenny Duncan, Billy WalkerFor only the tenth time in North Carolina Masonry Contractors Association (NCMCA) history, an associate NCMCA member has been recognized for exemplary service to the Association and to the masonry industry with the prestigious Eleanor Flowers Upton Award.

Kenny Duncan, who started with Santee Cement (now Holcim US, Inc.) in 1986 when hired by another Upton Award recipient, the late Billy Walker, was presented the award at the 2013 NCMCA Annual Convention Banquet Saturday evening April 13th in Myrtle Beach, SC.

NCMCA President Gary Joyner, a longtime friend of Duncan’s, who made the presentation, called Duncan a “masonry specialist and problem solver” who understands masonry mortar in a way that only a journeyman mason can. Duncan for years served as co-chair for the NCMCA Central Piedmont Chapter Danny Koonts Memorial Golf Tournament, and was an early supporter of the NCMCA Masonry Contractor Certification Program. He convinced Holcim of the program’s value to the industry, resulting in important Holcim financial “seed money” grants to get the North Carolina certification program underway.

Previous Upton Award recipients attending the banquet joined Duncan in celebrating the occasion.

The award is named in honor of NCMCA’s first Executive Director. Kenny Duncan and his wife Vickie live in Reidsville, NC. The North Carolina Masonry Contractors Association was chartered in April of 1974 and presently has 134 member firms in eight local chapters across the state.
About: SpotlightFeatured
 0
Youth Outreach and Education Arm Attends the 2025 Florida SkillsUSA Competition
May 2025

The Mason Contractors Association of America (MCAA), in partnership with Florida Masonry Inc., proudly participated in the 2025 Florida SkillsUSA competition. This year’s masonry contest featured seven skilled student competitors and drew significant atte

Conner Birdsong
Featured
Read More
Business Building: Top Field Systems To Achieve Results!
May 2025

To be successful in the construction business, you must achieve the field results you want to achieve. Therefore, what systems and standards do you have, maintain, train, and enforce which will almost certainly guarantee you will finish your jobs on time,

George Hedley
Read More
Marvelous Masonry: The Technical Administration Building, Frankfurt, Germany
May 2025

The Technical Administration Building in Frankfurt, Germany, is a testament to masonry construction's craftsmanship and durability. This iconic structure reflects the architectural trends of its era and serves as a case study in masonry preservation and r

Cass Stern
Spotlight
Lime Natural Stone Restoration
Read More
Contractor Tip of the Month: Making Yourself Available for What Matters Most
May 2025

Your responsiveness is a key factor in achieving success in your career. Opportunities don’t wait, and neither do customers, employees, or critical decisions. Prioritizing accessibility, especially during pivotal moments, can be the difference between sec

Damian Lang Damian Lang
Featured
Read More