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

Marvelous Masonry: Neuschwanstein Castle
April 2025

Neuschwanstein Castle, with its fairy-tale silhouette and dramatic perch atop the Bavarian Alps, stands as one of the most iconic structures in the world. Built in the late 19th century under the vision of King Ludwig II of Bavaria, this architectural mas

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

Chairman’s Message: Collecting Hats
April 2025

Several years ago, I saw a half-time show at a basketball game where an entertainer rode a unicycle at midcourt. She then proceeded to carefully pedal in place and in circles as she put a plate on her head and then another and on and on until she had an

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

HR Question of the Month: Arrest Record
March 2025

Question As a last step in our hiring process, we require a candidate to pass a background check after they have been interviewed. Recently, a background check came back with an arrest listed. Are we allowed to turn down the candidate due to the arrest?

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

Best Practices for Hiring Top Talent
March 2025

Hiring the right employees is critical for the success of any business. Effective hiring practices not only ensure you're bringing in top talent, they also help to minimize risks and create a positive work environment. Here are some best practices to con

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

Westlake Royal Building Products Expands Stone Solutions
March 2025

Westlake Royal Building Products unveiled new products at the 2025 International Builders’ Show across their stone solutions brands, including launches from Versetta Stone, Eldorado Stone, Dutch Quality Stone, and StoneCraft.