Defining success

Chairman’s Message

By Mark Kemp

With 2014 coming to a close and the Christmas season here, I thought it would be appropriate to talk about success. Just what is success?

In business it is the equation:

Assets - Liabilities = Success

How does this success formula translate into your personal life? Is this the same formula we should use to measure our success in life?

We are put here on earth for one simple reason: to find true happiness. The problem is, a lot of us do not realize what true happiness is or how to obtain it. We cannot use the same formula we use for business. Instead, our personal success should be measured by the amount of good will we do for others.

Happiness (success) = good will toward others

Think about all the gifts you get in life. Do any of them bring you more happiness than helping someone out? This is how we should want to be remembered in life – for the good we do, not the amount of wealth we accumulate. Simply put, we should leave this place a little better off than when we arrived.

We should also use this evaluation in our business and industry as well. Are you doing as much as you can for your industry and association? Are you supporting the MCAA and the masonry industry, not just financially but also with your time? People often say they just don’t have the time. Well, does anybody really have the time? If we all made that comment where would our industry and association be? By helping your industry through the MCAA, you will have left both better off. Don’t wait to be asked; step up and make a difference in your industry through the MCAA while bringing happiness into your life.

Nov. 14 and 15, the MCAA held its first Masonrypalooza in Phoenix, Ariz. These events will help the MCAA reach all its members and non-members. The first day was filled with educational seminars. The second day, members learned proper installation techniques for masonry products. A special thanks to Lisa, Mike and the Arizona Chapter for all their hard work in making this event a success. Our next Masonrypalooza will be held in Baltimore, so keep your eyes and ears open as more information becomes available.

The first week in December, Jeff and I will be heading to Key West to start planning our 2015 Midyear Meeting. Yes, I thought it would be wise to go someplace warm this time. It is going to be a lot of fun, with interesting things planned. Another event in the planning is our Legislative Conference for 2015. There will be more information on both of these events as we get closer.

One event you need to plan to attend is our Annual Meeting at the World of Concrete/World of Masonry in Las Vegas, Feb. 1 - 6. Check out the picture included with this column: Everyone who attends the South of 40 event will receive a hoody and hat. Aria will be our headquarters this year, and there are many good restaurants within the hotel complex. For the love of our wives, there’s some good shopping as well. We have a few nice things for spouses to do while we are at our meetings and events.

And, don’t forget about the biggest event at the convention, “Masonry Madness.” Masonry Madness has teamed up with Children of Fallen Patriots Foundation. This special program helps provide families with support to ensure their children have bright futures. Talk about giving back and making a difference! I look forward to seeing all of you in Vegas!

This Christmas season, as we all sit around, open our gifts and eat way more than we need too, remember this temporary happiness will fade quickly – but the good you do for others will go on forever.

From my family to yours, Merry Christmas!