What’s MITA’s Past President doing in Haiti?

Words: Lyn OlesonMITA Past President Avery Pratt of Diablo Valley Masonry is indeed doing good work continually. He’s helping train masonry skills…in Haiti!

Avery’s involved with Extollo International, and their mission is to create a trained workforce in Haiti with employable construction skills, so Haitians can rebuild Haiti. The devastating 7.0 magnitude earthquake in 2010 killed over 230,000 people and left 1 million homeless. Avery is Director of Training and Trade School Development there.

Extollo’s good work includes positive job placements, laying block to build an orphanage, a children’s academy, a training center, and a port. You can see the difference in their block walls now compared to previous methods.

Visit Extollo International. See just what the nation of Haiti desperately needs and get involved.
MASONRY STRONG Podcast, Episode 34 Recap: Major Ogilvie, CEO at Ogilvie Strategies, LLC
December 2025

On this episode of the MASONRY STRONG Podcast, Major Ogilvie joins the set to talk about his days playing football in college, how his journey started, and how he's seen the masonry industry change over the years.

Building the Future of the Trades: STABILA’s International Social Media Day and Verified Social Channels Are Inspiring the Next Generation
December 2025

In an era when social media often shapes public perception more than traditional media, even the most time-honored trades are finding new ways to connect, educate, and inspire. STABILA, a global name synonymous with precision measurement tools is trusted

Brickworks Supply Joins the 2026 Masonry Alliance Program as a Gold Partner
December 2025

The Mason Contractors Association of America (MCAA) is proud to share that Brickworks Supply will join the 2026 Masonry Alliance Program as a Gold Partner.

The Florida Department of Corrections Masonry Competition
December 2025

The intersection of Career & Technical Education (CTE) training and rehabilitation was on full display recently as the Florida Department of Corrections (FDC) hosted a statewide masonry competition. Held at the Cross City Correctional Institution, the eve