FIND A CONTRACTOR BUYER'S GUIDE
BECOME AN INDUSTRY PARTNER
MCAA Logo
MEMBER LOGIN JOIN
NEWS
The 2026 MCAA Annual Online Auction is Now Open ↗

Report of the MCAA South of 40 Committee

Words: Imani Brodie

Mission Statement

The mission of the South of 40 is to provide members the opportunity to learn, to become more involved, and introduce a youthful voice into the masonry industry. We will accomplish this by fostering lasting relationships, encouraging new ideas, and educating the leaders of tomorrow with the objective of increasing the masonry market share and ensuring our industry is as solid as the products we promote.

South of 40 Lunch and Learn

The MCAA will host the first South of 40 Lunch and Learn on Tuesday, February 3, 2015 at 11:00 AM - 1:00 PM during the MCAA Convention at the World of Concrete/World of Masonry in Las Vegas. The South of 40 Lunch and Learn is free for all MCAA members.

FMI has graciously volunteered to present two topics to our group. FMI is a leading provider of management consulting, investment banking and research to the engineering and construction industry. The selected topics are:

How to Read Financial Statements

This session will provide a one-hour rundown on how to read financial statements, including profit and loss statements.

If You Want World-Class Operations, Focus on the Foreman

What sets world-class contractors apart from average and struggling contractors? World-class contractors all have incredible talent at the foreman level. That is not to say company leadership, business strategy, project management, etc., are not important, but operations without great foremen always struggle to achieve anything but mediocrity. During this session several of the universal truths that foremen and their companies need to remember will be unveiled.

South of 40 Event at Señor Frog’s

The MCAA’s South of 40 annual fundraising event will be held Tuesday, February 3, 2015 at Señor Frog’s from 5:30 - 7:00 PM. Proceeds from this event will benefit The Masonry Foundation, a 501(c)(3) organization, and will be distributed to programs that help support masonry education, research, and training. Tickets will be available to purchase at the door.

More than $13,000 in sponsorships has been collected for the event. Thank you to each of the sponsors for supporting the South of 40 event!

South of 40 Conference

The South of 40 Conference is scheduled for Tuesday, May 12, 2015 in conjunction with the 2015 Masonry Industry Legislative Conference. Planning will begin shortly after the MCAA Convention at the World of Concrete/World of Masonry. The Committee will attempt to merge events with the NCMA Young Professionals Group.

Committee

We are working to re-engage South of 40 members. All MCAA members are encouraged to involve their younger upcoming leadership in our organization. Please reach out to Imani or Michael to learn more about getting involved.
 0
Is Contact with Wet Mortar or Grout Dangerous?
April 2026

In the world of masonry, few materials are as common as mortar and grout. Whether you are laying brick, concrete masonry units (CMU), or pouring grout into masonry walls, wet cement and mortar are constant companions. However, beneath their utility lies a

Zach Everett
Technical Talks
Read More
The Importance of Instructor Support
April 2026

Whether you are a new or veteran masonry instructor, we all need support throughout our careers. We can never stop learning, and keeping up with ever-changing technology, materials, and installation techniques can be overwhelming alongside the everyday pr

Curtis Hoover
Resources
Read More
Vibing Masonry #11: Innovative Concrete Masonry Technologies in Healthcare Design
April 2026

In the high-stakes environment of healthcare design, every material choice is a clinical decision. Architects, engineers, and facility administrators are tasked with creating spaces that are not only resilient and code-compliant but also conducive to heal

Steve Blye
Technical Talks
Read More
Why Termination Bars Still Matter: A Practical Look at Long‑Term Flashing Performance
April 2026

In recent discussions across the masonry industry, I have heard termination bars described as “old school.” The implication is that with modern materials, primerless peel-and-stick flashings, advanced sealants, and structural insulated sheathing, mechanic

Linda Potter
Technical Talks
Read More