Announcement of 2016-2017 MCA Board

Words: Matt DwyerElection results for the 2016-2017 Board of the Mason Contractors Association of St. Louis were recently announced.

Richard K. Swanson, President of Swanson Masonry, Inc., was elected President of the Association. Swanson’s company was established in the 1960’s and Rick took ownership in 1994. Swanson has worked on well-known masonry projects in the St. Louis area such as Lindenwood University, Quick Trip’s, and the St. Louis Zoo.

Other officers elected are Martin Heck, Jr. (Martin Heck Brick Contracting Company) as Vice President, Bradley C. Grant (Grant Contracting Company) as Secretary, and Brian Smith (John J. Smith Masonry Company) as Treasurer.

Trustees elected are Gary Beirith (Beirith Masonry, L.L.C.), Daniel Dwyer (E.C. Landers Brickwork, Inc.), Nick Frisch (Frisch Masonry, Inc.), Brett Lampkin (Lampkin Masonry, Inc.), and Luke Siebert (Heitkamp Masonry, Inc.).

Arbitration Board members are Brian J. Grant (Grant Contracting Company, Inc.), Thomas L. McDonnell (George McDonnell & Sons Tuckpointing Company), Jeffrey D. Schmidt (JDS Masonry, Inc.), John J. Smith, Jr. (John J. Smith Masonry Company) and Kenneth Westhoff (Leonard Masonry, Inc.).

The Mason Contractors Association of St. Louis, which was chartered in March 1896, is one of St. Louis’ oldest trade organizations. Its members includes owners of contracting companies, along with businesses that supply the masonry industry, as well as the firms that serve its financial, legal and insurance needs.
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

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

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

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