A time for family

Words: Jennifer MorrellWho do you consider to be your “family?” Does your family consist of your blood relatives only, or does it extend to friends and other loved ones? Do you have a second family that is your “masonry family,” made up of those with whom you work, day in and day out, to make our industry stronger? My guess is that you do.

I think that’s what makes the masonry industry different from many other construction industries and lines of work, in general. A great number of masonry companies are family owned, with many being generational. A sense of pride is woven through the business and the beautiful buildings that masonry produces.

We have a niched area of the construction market, and we value the art and strength of masonry.
As I write this editorial, Paris has only five days ago been attacked. Thanksgiving is around the corner, and the holiday season will soon be upon us. We could easily enter the holidays with a heavy heart and solemn disposition. And, though I know our thoughts and prayers remain with the victims of terrorist violence, I hope we can take this time to turn to our families, friends and loved ones to be reminded of the peace, love and hope surrounding us all. From Masonry Magazine to you and yours, Happy Holidays.
Using Respirators for Silica Exposure
July 2025

Some in the masonry industry have expressed interest in respirator use as protection from harmful exposure to silica. This topic is of paramount importance due to its impact on our workers and the serious health effects of silica exposure. For those new t

From Bikes to Buildings: The Importance of Embracing Rainscreen Wall Designs and the New Building Codes.
July 2025

Have you ever been asked to do a project over the course of your lifetime? For example, when my kids were little, my wife asked me to assemble their bicycles. So, I opened the box, dumped out the contents, and cast aside whatever I thought was unnecessary

Laying the Foundation for Growth: Concrete Masonry Checkoff Unveils Five-Year Vision for Industry
July 2025

The Concrete Masonry Checkoff (CMC) put the finishing touches on an ambitious five-year vision for the industry, targeting a 20% increase in market share, driven by increased demand for concrete masonry products. “This is about building exquisite, enduri

Five of the Seven Chimneys Have Been Saved: Project Chimney Update
July 2025

In the wake of the devastating January wildfires that swept through Los Angeles's Pacific Palisades, a remarkable preservation effort is underway, spearheaded by Project Chimney, an initiative led by Evan Hall, founding director of the non-profit House Mu