No glass ceiling in masonry

Words: Jennifer MorrellThe masonry industry continues to grow and evolve, both nationally and regionally. Nationally, the MCAA makes a difference on behalf of you, the mason contractor, through tireless work in Washington, D.C., and around the country. (You can catch coverage of the 2014 MCAA Legislative Conference in the July issue of Masonry.) On a regional level, state and local masonry associations fight to help masonry to be the No. 1 building material choice in municipalities.

Sometimes, state masonry associations climb to other heights. Case and point: the North Carolina Masonry Contractors Association. The NCMCA held its annual convention in April. While the leadership of outgoing president Gary Joyner will be missed, the association welcomed its new and first-ever female president, Ashlee Moore.

Moore is a part of the family at Koontz Masonry in Lexington, N.C., and her position as a key leader and role model in the masonry industry has been well earned. And, as president, she will help bring important masonry industry issues to leaders in Raleigh, N.C., and Washington, D.C.

Be sure to catch my one-on-one interview with Ashlee Moore in the July 2014 issue of Masonry. You can get to know her better and join those of us who are huge fans of all she has accomplished and has to offer.

The June issue of Masonry provides you with the in-depth information on software and its importance to our industry, along with great tips on cleaning various masonry materials. In an effort to continually educate our mason contractor readers, we address the surface mottling of mortar joints in a special article that you won’t want to miss.
Masonry Equipment Safety: Meeting New OSHA Standards with Smart Solutions
July 2025

Masonry work, involving cutting, grinding, drilling, and laying stone, brick, or concrete blocks, presents numerous safety hazards—many of which stem from improper equipment use or poor jobsite practices. With evolving Occupational Safety and Health Admin

The STABILA Force Driven by Operations
July 2025

Leadership In today's competitive business landscape, maintaining an efficient, well-organized warehouse is essential for meeting customer demands and ensuring smooth operations. By implementing effective processes and best practices, businesses can achi

MASONRY STRONG Podcast, Episode 24 Recap: Gary Hensley, VP of Sales at Oldcastle Adams
July 2025

On this episode of the MASONRY STRONG Podcast, Gary Hensley joins Justin in Indianapolis to talk about his story within the masonry industry, how he got started, how he's seen it evolve, and where he sees it going. Why the Masonry Industry? Concrete and

The Enduring Power of Structural Masonry
July 2025

Masonry has been holding its ground for millennia — literally. And thanks to the simple brilliance of arching action, it continues to do so with strength, style, and surprising efficiency. In an era of advanced modeling and fast-moving schedules, one time