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




The Evolution of Brick Staining: From Color Complaints to Industry Essential
April 2026

Over thirty years ago, much of the conversation around brick staining centered on color complaints. In the early days, nearly all of our work stemmed from those situations, projects where something had gone wrong, and staining was brought in as a correcti

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

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