FIND A CONTRACTOR BUYER'S GUIDE
BECOME AN INDUSTRY PARTNER
MCAA Logo
MEMBER LOGIN JOIN
NEWS
World of Concrete 2026 Registration Is Open ↗

Determined Mason is Making the Grade

Words: Dan KamysMichael Pickels of Marion Center, Penn., is like many in masonry, he is both ambitious and hard working. After graduating from high school, Pickels worked for a full year as an apprentice bricklayer while applying to The Williamson Free School of Mechanical Trades in Media, Penn. Once accepted as a masonry student, he set out to prove the worthiness of his application.

In Pickel's first year at the trade school, he was elected class president, served on the student council, and was selected MVP of the school's cross country team. This year he is serving as assistant coach. Somehow Pickels also finds time to pursue his archery hobby.

Instructor Daniel Hiltebeitel has high praise for Pickels. "He's a fine young man and an excellent student at a very challenging school. He has accomplished so much already," Hiltebeitel says.

And, Hiltebeitel ought to know. He has been an instructor for 24 years, and three of his previous students placed among the top three in the National Masonry Contest in Kansas City, Mo. Hiltebeitel's 2001 student, Keith Parker, took first-place honors in the post secondary competition. Pickels placed seventh overall in the 2002 competition.

Thinking ahead, Pickels says, "I have a lot yet to do here at Williamson before I graduate, but some day I'd like to own my own construction company." In pursuit of that goal, Pickles plans to join the U.S. Air Force after graduation and take business courses while in the service.
 0
Manufactured Stone Veneer Trends for 2026: What’s Next in Stone & Masonry Aesthetics
December 2025

As design trends evolve, stone and masonry continue to stand at the intersection of artistry, performance, and innovation. For 2026, manufactured stone veneer (MSV) is emerging as one of the most dynamic materials in the exterior and interior design space

Sarah Lograsso
MAP Partner
Read More
Construction Robotics Upgrades to Gold in the 2026 Masonry Alliance Program
December 2025

The Mason Contractors Association of America (MCAA) is delighted to share that Construction Robotics will upgrade their Silver partnership to a Gold partnership in the 2026 Masonry Alliance Program.

Industry News
Read More
MASONRY STRONG Podcast, Episode 34 Recap: Major Ogilvie, CEO at Ogilvie Strategies, LLC
December 2025

On this episode of the MASONRY STRONG Podcast, Major Ogilvie joins the set to talk about his days playing football in college, how his journey started, and how he's seen the masonry industry change over the years.

Justin Stengel
The MASONRY STRONG Podcast
Read More
Building the Future of the Trades: STABILA’s International Social Media Day and Verified Social Channels Are Inspiring the Next Generation
December 2025

In an era when social media often shapes public perception more than traditional media, even the most time-honored trades are finding new ways to connect, educate, and inspire. STABILA, a global name synonymous with precision measurement tools is trusted

Elsa Bueno
MAP Partner
Read More