Getting Creative

Words: Bronzella Cleveland

Bronzella Cleveland, Editor - bcleveland@masonrymagazine.com

  It is official, it is barbecue season, and so how many have you hosted or been to? I have to say, I’m guilty of getting out of the house and grilling as much as I can because there is something about the smell of the grill, the fruit salads, and all the trimmings. Plus, the weather can’t be any better, who doesn’t love a cool breeze?  Dan and I always compare cooking notes, as I’m sure we have said once before. It is all about trying new things and getting creative with the dishes. The same can be said about the masonry industry, every day I see something new that pertains to masonry, the creativity and options are endless. We have about two months or so to get creative and try something new, be it on the grill or cooking or in your everyday life. But that’s enough talk from me about food and getting creative.   Let's jump into what you will find in this month’s issue. Following my note, you will find a contractor Q&A focusing on employee onboarding. Since that is such an essential part of the hiring process, we decided to talk with three contractors to get their opinions and experiences on the topic. Be sure to stop and read this informative article and if you have any topics or questions you would like answered, feel free to send them our way.   Our cover story focuses on historic mortar restoration while providing a look at an example case study featuring a historic building in Chicago, IL. Discover more about this process, it may all begin with a camera. You will also find our recap from this year’s Legislative Fly-In, so if you didn’t get to come out this year, be sure to check out the talking points and the tours that were taken while in Washington D.C.   There is a Technical Talk on brick efflorescence, a case study highlighting the restoration of Cincinnati’s Music Hall, an update on anchor bolt provisions in masonry code, a look at innovations in work wear, and a workforce development article focusing on the next steps to growing this industry’s workforce.   This issue is packed with tons of good stories for you to check out. As always, if there is something you would like to see in the magazine or if you have any questions feel free to reach out to me or Dan.   Until next time, get out there and be creative!  
Marketing Strategies for Equipment Manufacturers

With over 25 years of experience in manufacturing and distributing equipment across all seven continents, EZG Manufacturing has developed a strong understanding of successful market positioning. Drawing from this extensive experience, we’re sharing effect

Adopting Masonry Advancements

As a teenager growing up in a small town, I started my first job working as a laborer for a local mason. I rode my bike or hitched a ride to the shop before sunup every morning, where I would load up scaffolding, deck planks, and countless bags of mortar

MASONRY STRONG Podcast Episode 1 Recap: Jeff Buczkiewicz

On the first episode of the MASONRY STRONG Podcast, MCAA President Jeff Buczkiewicz talked about his journey into the masonry industry, how he’s seen the industry change, and how he got into his position at the MCAA. Jeff’s Early Days and Entry Into the I

About: Featured
The GT30: A Block Laying Robot by Shanghai Intelligent Masonry Technology

China is the world's largest construction market and the largest producer and user of various types of building blocks (AAC blocks, hollow concrete blocks, porous clay sintered blocks, etc.). According to industry association statist

About: Featured