Longtime Member: Tom Buford of L.A. Buford Inc.

Tom Buford, president of L.A. Buford Inc. in Owensboro, Kentucky, says his father joined the Mason Contractors Association of America in 1953 when Buford was only a few years old. The MCAA held its first convention in Michigan on August 27, 1950.

Buford says he sees many advantages to being a member. "We always learn something," he says, "especially in attending national conventions. It is always worthwhile to go to conventions and there's the strength through numbers concept too, you know. You need to be in a trade organization."

Buford's father took the young Buford with him to the St. Louis national convention, which he thinks was back in 1967. 

"That was the first convention I attended and I've been to six or seven since then," he says. 

For many members, the conventions they've attended ended up being memorable family vacations. "It’s a masonry-themed vacation," confirms Buford. "You get to vacation, and you get to talk masonry." 

Being a member for so long has been beneficial for Buford in ways such as providing networking opportunities. When his father joined, Buford says he wanted to be among the best. 

"I speculate that he joined because he wanted to be the best in his field, and we still have an outstanding reputation in the area," says Buford. 

L.A. Buford began in 1948. Before joining the company for full-time work in 1973, Buford worked relentlessly during the summers, holidays, school breaks, and any time he could when he wasn't studying for his degree in building construction from Harvard University. 

"And then the next day after graduation, I went to work, June 7 of 1973," he says. 

Buford says Dan's assessment of the MCAA being "the best of the best" keeps him motivated to renew his membership. "We want to be part of that, in my opinion," he says. "There's the cream of the crop. They're not just here for the day, they're there to stay in business for the long haul. And there’s strength in numbers."

Buford also appreciates the discussions he has had when he has joined the webinars. "They’re great," he says.  

He appreciates being recognized by people he meets at the conventions and being able to go around the country and share experiences as a mason. 

"We always try to keep the best equipment and the newest innovations, and the conventions help us stay ahead of the game with all the latest equipment," he remarks.