Self-motivated Mason Learns Quickly

Words: Dan KamysYoung and ambitious, 19-year-old Bryce Cude of Ogden, Utah, is the Masonry Apprentice of the Month.

When he was just a high school junior and in his first year of masonry instruction at Ogden-Weber Applied Technology College, Cude tied for first place in the state masonry contest. As a senior, he won the contest outright. As a result, Cude represented Utah at the National Masonry Contest held last June in Kansas City, Mo., as part of the SkillsUSA National Championships.

Rick Brown, who has sponsored National Masonry Contest participants five of the past six years, has provided Cude with important, quality instruction in masonry.

These days, Cude is working as a brick and block layer for Wilcox Masonry. When he's not working, he's either fly tying or fly fishing.

Four Home Design Trends Driving Masonry Demand in 2026
July 2026

As design trends continue to evolve, one theme remains consistent throughout 2026: homeowners want spaces that feel intentional, comfortable and enduring. According to Westlake Royal Building Products’ TrendLine platform, today's most influential trends e

The Modern Masonry Saw: Safety, Efficiency, and Smarter Cutting
July 2026

Masonry is a craft built on precision, strength, and durability. At the heart of every successful masonry project is one essential tool: the masonry saw. As technology evolves, so does the role of the saw on the jobsite. Today’s contractors are not just l

Getting the Finish Right on Burnished CMU
July 2026

The wall is complete. The lines are crisp. The coursing is tight, and the burnished CMU delivers exactly the refined appearance the design team envisioned. After weeks of coordination and careful installation, the project is final

Argo Community High School Performing Arts Center
July 2026

Argo Community High School is located in Summit, Illinois, just southwest of Chicago’s Midway Airport. In 2016, the Argo Community High School Board of Education and the school’s administration undertook the construction of a new performing