Masonry Magazine April 2001 Page. 7
president's message
MASONRY IS MORE THAN JUST A HOBBY
Having just returned from the Mason Contractor Association of America's (MCAA) Masonry Showcase, I'm reminded once again what great opportunities we have, and what a privilege it is to be part of such a grand industry. To witness the passion exhibited not only by the MCAA officers and staff, but by the many members, guests, speakers, and exhibitors attending the annual conference and show, it renewed my spirit and sent me home with a sense of humbleness but excitement to pursue my chosen business.
It seems to me that we all have common goals, but different ways of achieving them. We are all concerned with the financial success of our businesses, but by participating in our conference and show, at whatever level, we exhibit our desire to contribute to the industry's overall success. I've certainly never minded putting something back into that of which I get so much out.
Having read departing editor of Masonry Construction, Bill Palmer's article, "Making A Living" in February's issue, I can't help but notice our different points of view. Where he implies masonry may "become a minor niche material," I see an opportunity and a challenge to make sure it's not. Where he claims to survive, masonry needs to "develop more efficient ways to design and build," I just witnessed a perfect example of how we have done just that. Having ridden out the northwest's 6.8 earthquake just days ago (my home being maybe six miles from the epicenter) a very significant fact emerged. Having been called on numerous occasions recently by building owners, homeowners, and structural engineers to review earthquake damage and recommend and perform repairs, I was excited to see that all the major damage virtually occurred to very old buildings. All the brick in the streets was from buildings built in a prior era under very different codes and design criteria. The more I looked, the prouder I became of how modern design and construction techniques in masonry yielded a minimum of problems. Masonry is a responsible and dependable system and through the development of seismic designs for reinforced masonry and attached veneers, the results are extremely encouraging.
Mr. Palmer refers to masonry as a "hobby," but is retreating to concrete to make a living. Well, thanks for the fuel for my president's message, Bill. As for me, I'm sticking with masonry; the passion is still there for me, as well as a good living! Rather than depart from "a much smaller industry," I choose to remain and help MCAA make a difference. Apparently my "respect" for masonry runs deeper; my passion has become a way of life.
Our industry is not in as grave a situation as the owners of Masonry Construction magazine would apparently have us believe. Sure we need to constantly re-evaluate our products, systems, and installation methods. Sure we need to come together and partner as an industry against competing wall systems. And sure we should have every single mason contractor as a member and supporting this effort.
But look what we have done. As an industry, we came together to form an industry board of directors called the Masonry Industry Council which has already developed a long-range plan for the industry. We've created committees that are working on unifying our efforts. And somehow, we are producing and installing some five billion cmu's and nine billion brick! Now to some, that may be considered small and nothing more than a hobby, but I, personally, don't think so!
Richard M. Johnston,
President MCAA
MASONRY APRIL, 2001 7