What gives with head protection? Why workers want to keep their hard hats and ditch safety helmets.
April 2025

Last August, I took my pickup to the dealership for a nagging check engine light. While it was being looked over, I chatted with the salesman I normally deal with, and he told me about the latest and greatest 2025 models. He told me how the twin turbo inl

Government Affairs: Bringing North Carolina to Washington, D.C. and Hopefully Young People to Your Jobsites
April 2025

For you long time members of the Mason Contractors Association of America you likely remember our Annual Washington, D.C. Fly-In where MCAA members from around the country would come to Washington, D.C. meeting with Members of Congress from their home sta

Contractor Tip of the Month: The Tough Calls That Define a Leader
April 2025

In construction, every project balances a delicate trio: coordination, precision, and timing. However, beyond blueprints and schedules, leadership demands something far greater—the ability to lead and make difficult decisions that shape the future of a co

Fechino Files: Cell Phones
April 2025

Twenty years ago, I would have never thought cell phones would be such a crazy, over-the-top item that everyone has, but I guess I should have known better. When I was a kid, the Citizen Band Radio was a crazy fad. "Breaker-breaker 19," I bet you could he

Business Building: 5 Steps To Develop Accountability & Responsibility!
April 2025

I bet scheduling crews and dealing with people drives you crazy and keeps you up at night. When I speak at conventions, I often ask construction business owners and managers to tell me what their perfect business would be like. The common answer is a comp

GEN NXT: Ian Work
April 2025

From initial challenges as a newcomer to the rewarding experience of building structures, Ian Work’s story highlights the artistry and fulfillment found in masonry. Ian shares insights on what sets the masonry industry apart from others and encourages oth

Masonry in the Media: Waverley Station, Craigmillar Castle, & More
April 2025

Photos: Astalor, Bim, eyewave, Neil Bussey, ZICC, Alphotographic, David Boutin Photography, Orietta Gaspari The settings of films can take viewers to different parts of the world and immerse them in a different time period. From castles in the Scottish

Outreach Outlook: MCAA Launches Outreach & Education Division
April 2025

The Mason Contractors Association of America (MCAA) is proud to announce the formation of its new Outreach & Education Division, a strategic initiative designed to revitalize high school masonry training programs and cultivate the next generation of skill

Texas Masonry Council Hall Of Fame Award Ceremony
April 2025

On March 20th, the Texas Masonry Council celebrated its Hall of Fame Installation at the historic Alamo in San Antonio. This prestigious event brought together industry leaders and supporters to honor the achievements of individuals who have made signific

MASONRY STRONG Podcast, Episode 17 Recap: Gary Joyner, Joyner Masonry Works
March 2025

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

Central Avenue Elementary School – A Modern Take on Historical American Masonry
March 2025

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

New Technology in Masonry Classrooms
March 2025

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

Get Ready for the 75th Midyear!
March 2025

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

Thin Brick: An Industry Game Changer
March 2025

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

2024 Brick in Architecture Awards Honor Distinctive Design
March 2025

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

Master Masonry Marketing - Here’s How
March 2025

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