VOTE MASONRY STRONG: Support Our Industry in the Truist Awards

Words: Dan Kamys

The Industry Story
The Masonry Foundation is in the running for a major grant, and we need your help to win it. We’ve been named a finalist in the Truist Foundation Inspire Awards for our ReCastED program. This is our chance to show the country what the masonry industry is all about.

There’s a “Fan Favorite” prize that’s won by a live online vote, and we need your help. It only happens if the entire masonry industry shows up and votes for us on November 12th. This is an all-hands-on-deck moment. Let’s prove we’re MASONRY STRONG.

Register here and vote for us during the livestream on November 12th at 6PM Eastern Time. Do your part:
https://truist.cventevents.com/event/75a06907-aead-4afe-8751-5f2ae86cd6f8/regProcessStep1

The Problem We're Facing
Our industry is at a critical point. NCCER projects that 41% of our workforce will retire by 2031. To meet demand, our industry must add over 500,000 workers beyond current hiring trends. That’s a massive amount of skill walking out the door.

At the same time, our pipeline for new talent is being choked off. According to the U.S. Department of Education, school administrators report difficulty filling CTE teaching positions 57% of the time, which is more than any other subject. We have the experts to fill these roles, but the path for a tradesperson to become a teacher is blocked. We will fix this.

Our Solution: The ReCastED Program
ReCastED is our answer. It is a direct, mentorship-driven program that gets experienced tradespeople into the classroom as certified CTE teachers.

For a mason nearing the end of their career on the wall, teaching is a logical next step. But the cost and time of a traditional teaching degree is a non-starter. ReCastED clears the way by offering:

  • In-classroom mentorship to build real teaching skills.
  • At no cost to the tradesperson, we make it happen.
This program keeps our best people in the industry, gives them a stable career with benefits, and puts their lifetime of knowledge to work.

A Win for Masonry
Winning the Truist Foundation award would pour fuel on the fire for the ReCastED program. This is about securing the future of our entire workforce.

When we create a pipeline of skilled CTE teachers, we strengthen our whole industry. The numbers prove it: this program is projected to generate over $4 million in new salaries for our instructors and have an economic impact of over $119 million for every student cohort.

Here's How We Win

This is a competition, and losing is not an option. Winning the "Fan Favorite" award comes down to one thing: the masonry community showing up in force.

Step 1: Register. It's free and takes one minute. Do it now.
Step 2: Block Your Calendar. Wednesday, November 12th. Livestream starts at 6:00 PM ET.
Step 3: VOTE. Show up and vote for The Masonry Foundation.

This Is Our Shot. Let's Take It. Click Here to Register: https://truist.cventevents.com/event/75a06907-aead-4afe-8751-5f2ae86cd6f8/regProcessStep1




MASONRY STRONG Podcast, Episode 36 Recap: Kim Spahn, CEO of the Concrete Masonry Checkoff
January 2026

On this episode of the MASONRY STRONG Podcast, Justin got to sit down for a conversation with Kim Spahn to talk about the Concrete Masonry Checkoff, how Kim first got involved in this industry, and much more.

From Day One to Long-Term Success: Onboarding Strategies for Contractors
January 2026

The construction industry is facing one of its toughest challenges in decades. Companies are struggling to find enough skilled workers while competing to keep the ones they have. At the same time, projects are becoming more complex, deadlines are tighter,

Finding the Right PPE for Your Work
January 2026

When it comes to PPE, one thing’s for sure: safety isn’t one size fits all. The work you’re doing, where you’re doing it, and even what time of year it is, can all make a big difference in what gear actually works. Price, comfort, and job performance all

Back Injuries: The Real Cost and How to Prevent Them
January 2026

The mention of back injuries makes mason contractors cringe, and for good reason. Masons lift heavy objects every day, all day long. When a person sustains a back injury, it is serious. It affects every part of their life, from their ability to perform wo