Find a contractor Buyer's guide Partner with us
MCAA Logo
Log in Sign up Join Hi, there Account
World of Concrete 2027 registration is LIVE
Find a contractor Buyer's guide Partner
Log in Sign up Join Account

Persistence and Continued Technical Education

Words: Dan Kamys
/Public/News/20100119094700-1.jpg" width="200" height="300" border="0" alt="Gary Kline is strong and driven, which will make him a successful mason throughout his life.">
Gary Kline is strong and driven, which will make him a successful mason throughout his life.
A three-year student in the masonry program at Harford Tech High School in Bel Air, Md., Gary Kline has applied for admission to The Williamson Free School of Mechanical Trades, Media, Pa. If accepted, he would start classes in the fall of 2010. In the meantime, Kline has enrolled in business classes at Harford Community College. He intends to work masonry jobs as he can, while maintaining his studies there.

Kline’s instructor at Harford Technical High School, Gary Siler, speaks highly of Kline. “Gary came to Harford Tech as a tenth-grader and was a wonderful student for all three years,” Siler says. “Ours is a four-year school, so he had to adapt and catch up quickly. He did just that. He was an honor roll student with a perfect attendance record. In addition, he played varsity volleyball and wrestled.

“I thoroughly enjoyed coaching him in wrestling and teaching him, as well,” Siler continues. “He exhibited the same effort and commitment whenever he competed, whether it was on the mat or with a trowel in his hand.

“Gary Kline is a strong, driven young man,” he says. “I believe his future looks bright. I totally enjoyed teaching Gary, and I already miss his leadership skills in the classroom.”
Kline worked for Siler during the last three summers, helping with masonry, carpentry and plumbing projects.

Siler is a masonry instructor of 21 years, having sponsored seven contestants in the SkillsUSA national masonry contest. Kline was one of them, placing eighth in the secondary division of the 2009 contest held at H. Roe Bartle Hall in Kansas City, Mo.

As one might guess, Kline credits his instructor. “Gary Siler has influenced me greatly, and taught me everything I know,” he says. “He gave me the confidence I have and helped me through many ups and downs.”
 0
How I plan to live to 130
November 2026

While talking with one of our mechanics about the importance of changing the oil and keeping equipment greased, a thought occurred to me. These simple maintenance habits keep equipment running smoothly and help prevent breakdowns when you can least afford

Damian Lang
Contractor Tip of the Month
Read More
The Frustration Of Firefighting
November 2026

I find it fascinating what happens when an owner or executive leader walks into a struggling project. Morale picks up. Production improves. People communicate better. Meetings get sharper. Problems that have been sitting around for two weeks suddenly get

Corey Adams
Building More
Read More
Motivate With Money!
November 2026

I get asked about employee incentive and profit-sharing programs with every contractor I coach. Construction business owners seem to be looking for the magic bullet that will motivate their people to work harder and produce more. Some hope that providing

George Hedley
Business Building
Read More
Manufacturer Relationships
November 2026

As a contractor, the last person I wanted to see in my office was a salesman or a sales representative. Now that I better understand being a manufacturer, I see it in a different light. As a contractor, you can control the purchasing of material, understa

Steve Fechino
Fechino Files
Read More