Mark S Kemp

I would like to nominate my father, Mark Kemp, and ask that he be considered for the nomination into the Mason Contractors Hall of Fame.
My Dad has been serving the masonry and concrete industry for the past 50 plus years. From starting at the bottom laboring in the fields, to running a successful company he has demonstrated his dedication, work ethic, and love for the masonry industry. Superior Masonry Builders has been very successful and well respected in the Wisconsin area.

Mark's success stems from his hard work. He has always worked grueling hours trying to better himself, his company, and the industry. His proactive stance in trying to find solutions and promote the industry has helped so many. He has served on many boards and committees such as the Wisconsin Masonry Association, Mason Contractors Association of Milwaukee and the IMI. Mark was the State Chairman for Wisconsin, Region D Regional VP, the union committee chairman and has held all of the executive offices for the Mason Contractors Association of America and finished his tenure as Chairman in 2016. He was instrumental in the start up of the Masonry Foundation and finished his tenure as Chairman in 2019. He traveled across the US anytime there was someone to talk to about the Foundation. Mark is also the largest single donor to the Foundation. Mark has always donated not only his time and money but has also given great effort into making the masonry industry better for those who follow.

In Wisconsin, Mark serves on many committees and boards for apprenticeship, safety, bargaining, labor management, and funding of college/high school promotional classes. He has set up masonry programs, and instituted funding to help enlighten future architects and engineers.

My Dad has taught me many important lessons in our business, from being prepared for the unexpected to showing me the importance of knowing all the employees (you are only as good as your employees). Most important, my Dad taught me to put others before myself. He has shown me through example how one should act and treat people. He has been the greatest role model and greatest warrior for the masonry industry, but more importantly for those less fortunate.

Mark is a 5th degree black belt in Tae Kwon Do, and serves as an advisor to the City Youth Martial Arts program in Milwaukee. This program helps provide a safe and positive experience for children who are less fortunate. Another important priority for my Dad has been to set up a family foundation, so he can help others in need. Both show that he truly loves to put others first.

His success and positive attitude are also carried out in his personal life. Our family has always been his priority, and he has taught my sisters and I many valuable life lessons, which has helped us to become better people. I feel confident that you will agree that Mark Kemp is a deserving candidate for this award. Please feel free to contact me for any additional information you may require.


Mark has served the masonry and concrete industry for over 50 years, starting at the bottom laboring in the fields and eventually running a successful company. He opened his first company, Badger Brickwashers, while in college. Years later, he joined the team at Superior Masonry Builders, Inc and eventually became the proud owner in 1982. Served as MCAA State Chairman for Wisconsin, Region D Regional VP, Union Committee Chairman, along with all executive office positions. Additionally served on the WMA, MCA of Milwaukee and the IMI. He was instrumental in the start of The Masonry Foundation, and finished his tenure as Chairman in 2019. His love for the industry is shown through his dedication and hard work ethic.

Roles

Superior Masonry Builders, Inc.

Employee 1980-2030

12699 W Arden Pl
Butler, Wisconsin 53007-2012 US

To provide a quality and safe environment for our employees while provide quality and economical services to our clients.

MCAA Leadership Committee

Member

1481 Merchant Drive
Algonquin, Illinois 60102 US

TOGETHER WE ARE STRONGER
The Mason Contractors Association of America (MCAA) is the national trade association representing mason contractors. The MCAA is committed to preserving and promoting the masonry industry by providing continuing education, advocating fair codes and standards, fostering a safe work environment, recruiting future manpower, and marketing the benefits of masonry materials.

MCAA Union Committee

Chairman

1481 Merchant Drive
Algonquin, Illinois 60102 US

The primary role of the Union Committee is to focus on the needs of union mason contractors.

COMMITTEE GOALS
-Continue to develop activities we do jointly at the MCAA Convention.
-Work to continue to build our relationship with the Laborers and BAC.
-Develop other areas of need for union contractors.

GET INVOLVED
When you want to take your membership to the next level, consider volunteering on the MCAA’s Union Committee. Member volunteers help drive the MCAA. With every new volunteer, the MCAA becomes better equipped to reach our goals.

MCAA Board

Chairman 2014-2015

1481 Merchant Drive
Algonquin, Illinois 60102 US

On August 27, 1950 the first convention of the Mason Contractors Association of America was held in Sun Porch of the Grand Hotel, Mackinac Island, Mich. Pictured around the table (left to right) are: Norman Bourchard, Gregor Pichler, William Ouweneel, William Picco, George Hill, John Taheny, Joseph Cachey, Dominic Manprisio, Jack Downs, Carl Yantz, Marshall Harrison, Harry Cohen, John Hawkes, Floyd Elliott, Bob McKean, R.R. “Bob” Sneed and Bob Fulcher. Not pictured are: Evan L. Harris, Fred Steinhoff, Fred Slather and George Miller.

ABOUT MCAA
TOGETHER WE ARE STRONGER
The Mason Contractors Association of America (MCAA) is the national trade association representing mason contractors. The MCAA is committed to preserving and promoting the masonry industry by providing continuing education, advocating fair codes and standards, fostering a safe work environment, recruiting future manpower, and marketing the benefits of masonry materials.

Since 1950, the MCAA has educated, trained, and represented the mason contractor. The MCAA promotes the use of masonry, recruits and assists in training of the industry’s workforce, impacts federal legislative and standard issues affecting contractors, and provides educational programs for the key employees of member firms.

Through strong programs, publications, and services, the MCAA promotes the interests of its members. By promoting the use of masonry, influencing reasonable codes and standards, workforce development and public affairs, the association actively advances the use of masonry.

Help us build a strong and successful masonry industry for you and your company. Call 800-536-2225 or visit www.masoncontractors.org/join for more information.

The Masonry Foundation Board

Trustee

THE FUTURE OF THE MASONRY FOUNDATION
By Mike Sutter
I have said many times and even written in this magazine in the past that the Masonry Foundation is the future of our Industry. It will allow us to fund organizations across the U.S. for initiatives such as workforce development, promotion, and building code and standards that can affect the masonry industry. We can be proactive instead of reactive when it comes to stopping code changes that are detrimental to us.

We are supporting apprenticeship programs and High School masonry programs to train and recruit these students into the masonry industry. We are educating structural engineers in the design of masonry structures. Without funds, we have either not been able to do these things or have had to reach out to industry supporters to provide funds.

As you are probably aware, and we are very proud of the fact that we were able to fund some grants from the Masonry Foundation for the very first time last year, but that is only the beginning of a very long process. So long, in fact, that it is never-ending as the corpus of our Foundation will live in perpetuity. Our initial goal was to raise $5 million in our corpus, and we are nearly there, with $4.3 million now pledged.

The funds in our account are conservatively invested, and the historical annual return for the investment model we have chosen is approximately 8%. This investment model is tested over 30 years to arrive at the expected annual return on our investments. However, our Investment Policy Statement (IPS) is Consumer Price Index (CPI) plus 4%. As of the end of January 2020, the CPI was 2.5% for the previous 12 months. So at the current rate, our goal is to receive a 6.5% return.

While last year we earned over 18% on our investments, we can’t expect a return like that in the future. We will continue to project CPI plus 4% return and realize that some years we will exceed that amount, and other years we may experience a negative return.

The Foundation Board of Directors has guidelines in place that will allow total funding of grants not to exceed 5% of our corpus. While we received a great return last year, we only agreed to fund our grants at 2% of our corpus as we have not yet reached our $5 million initial goals. With over $52,000 given in grants last year, that was a nice start but with much more to come in the future.

While our initial goal is $5 million, our long-term goal is $10 million, which is very achievable in the next few years, especially in the booming market we have been experiencing in the last few years. Let’s play with some numbers for a minute. With our initial goal of $5 million and funding our grants at 3% of the corpus, it will allow us to fund $150,000 in grants each year while still growing our corpus at 3.5% (at the current CPI rate) or another $175,000. Once we reach our long-term goal of $10 million, we will be able to fund $300,000 in grants while also continuing to grow our corpus $350,000 at current rates! Once we reach these goals, the Foundation Board will likely increase the grant funding as well.

While viewing these numbers, you can see how important it is to grow our corpus to reach our long-term goal of $10 million. We may never see a market better than the one we are currently in, so now is the time to invest in our future. We can reach our goal, but it will require the commitment of all of us. If you have completed your pledge, please consider renewing it. If you have not yet pledged, please help us reach our goal and pledge today as you see how important it is to reach our long-term goal. Together we are stronger, and together we can do this!

The Masonry Foundation Review Committee

Review Committee Member

The Masonry Foundation awards grants once each year at the Association's annual Midyear Meeting. The grant submission process will open on June 15; applications are due by July 15 of each year for consideration at the MCAA Midyear Meeting.

MCAA The Masonry Hall of Fame Alumni

Hall of Fame 2020-2020

1481 Merchant Drive
Algonquin, Illinois 60102 US

Masonry Hall of Fame
The Masonry Hall of Fame was created by the Mason Contractors Association of America to recognize and award individuals who have dedicated their lives to the masonry industry.
Do you know someone who has dedicated their life to the masonry industry? If so, nominate them to be part of the Masonry Hall of Fame.

HALL OF FAME CRITERIA
Individuals must have had a major impact on the masonry industry, not necessarily with just the MCAA.
Nominations must state the significant accomplishments of the individual nominee.
Individuals must have been or be in the industry for a minimum of 25 years.
Individuals cannot be a current executive officer of the MCAA.
Masonry instructors can only be submitted by the National Masonry Instructors Association.
Submissions will be reviewed and voted upon by the Hall of Fame Selection Committee.
Nominees must receive two-thirds of the eligible votes in order to be accepted into the Hall of Fame.
Involvement in the industry is open.
Nominees can be but are not limited to contractors, employees, instructors, architects, engineers, and association staff.
Each recipient will receive one plaque.
A high resolution photo must be provided for each inductee to be used on the Hall of Fame plaque.

Submit a Hall of Fame nominee





MCAA C. DEWITT BROWN LEADMAN AWARD

Alumni 2017-2017

Each year, the Mason Contractors Association of America presents the C. DeWitt Brown Leadman Award to an individual who has provided exemplary leadership in advancing the masonry industry.

All of the individuals who have received this prestigious award have demonstrated a tireless dedication to our industry through years of volunteer support and hard work. They have helped to ensure that our industry remains vital for the nearly 500,000 people employed through masonry.