This year, Mortar Net will be presenting 40 Masonry Apprentice Scholarships to individuals across the country who are in their training to become topped-out mechanics. We have a very impressive list of sponsors that have really added to the value and impo

This month, the MCAA got the chance to talk with 19-year-old Emmalyn Sides who is at the beginning of her journey in the masonry industry. Her love for competing and improving her skills is apparent and her love for the craft is the exact reason she was p

Persistence doesn’t always look like progress. It’s not a trophy or a headline. It’s the decision to keep showing up, especially when the numbers don’t break your way. For many contractors, that decision is personal rather than public. It’s made in the qu

Inveraray Castle, one of Scotland’s most iconic Gothic Revival structures, rises from the banks of Loch Fyne like a monument to stonework itself. For masonry contractors and material suppliers, the castle serves as a working model of 18th-century craftsma

As we move further into the school year and the industry continues to pick up speed, I’m thrilled to share some exciting updates and forward momentum from the MCAA Outreach & Education Division. Each month brings new developments, new partnerships, and ne

MCAA has been posting lots of wonderful old photos from decades of records as we celebrate our 75th Anniversary. Many of these photos are black and white and show people at our MCAA events with men wearing suits and ties while the women wore dressy gowns

On this episode of the MASONRY STRONG Podcast, Rob McKay from Instone joins the show to talk about his story as well as the processes and procedures of manufacturing natural stone. Getting Started in Masonry: Rob’s Story Rob entered the masonry field by

‘Why We’ve Lasted 140 Years’ How The Belden Brick Company’s approach to manufacturing excellence continues to solve modern brick masonry challenges Ask masonry contractor Jason Hauer what separates good brick from great brick, and he’ll tell you about h

Consistency is the cornerstone of quality masonry. A uniform mortar mix is critical for the structural integrity and durability of any project, from a simple brick wall to an intricate stone design. When mortar lacks consistency, it can lead to weak joint

Your business handles plenty of critical data, and losing it could result in operational downtime, financial losses, and a damaged reputation. For businesses owners, a robust data backup strategy can help you stay resilient and competitive in the fuel mar

Masonry companies face a unique set of challenges. Managing a mobile workforce across multiple job sites requires precision and accountability. CrewTracks recognizes this need and has introduced an innovative facial recognition feature designed to streaml

The 2025 SkillsUSA National Competition served as a critical platform for evaluating the future of the masonry industry. The event provided a clear look at the talent pipeline, industry-wide collaboration, and technological advancements poised to shape th

Human error contributes to 82% of data breaches, making your employees a crucial line of defense against cyber threats.1 A single mistake could expose your business to a data breach. This could lead to data loss, downtime, and a negative impact on your bo

It is with profound sadness that we announce the passing of Kevin O'Shea, a treasured figure in the industry, who passed on August 13th, at the age of 64. Kevin was not only the Safety Director at Hydro Mobile but also the Chair of the Safety Committee fo

Chris Bettinger's journey into masonry wasn't a deliberate choice but rather a confluence of unexpected life events and career shifts. With an architecture degree from the University of Michigan, Chris began his career in residential design. However, the

Over the past year, we’ve had the opportunity to demonstrate a cutting-edge 3D wall scanner at a variety of masonry competitions and career exploration events across the region, and the response has been overwhelmingly positive. Students, instructors, and