Chairman’s Message: Developing the Next Generation of Leaders
April 2026

I’ve been thinking a lot lately about leadership, not the title, not the position, but the kind that quietly shapes a company and an industry over time. Last month, I wrote about laying the first brick. About how everything that follows depends on that f

Contractor Tip of the Month: Get Used to the Pain
April 2026

Pain isn’t just negative; it’s a natural part of growing and improving. Instead of seeing pain as a reason to quit, recognize it as a sign you’re making progress. What sets successful people apart is their ability to stay calm and keep going when things g

Outreach Outlook: Building Momentum Across the Southern Region
April 2026

As April arrives, the pace of our outreach and workforce efforts across the Southern Region reaches a new level of intensity. This is the time of year when our programs, partners, and state collaborators all accelerate at once. SkillsUSA competitions are

The Connected Mason: Modernizing the Classroom for the Future
March 2026

Masonry might be one of the world's oldest professions, but that does not mean the classroom should look like it's stuck in the past. Today's students are "digital natives," raised on interactive technology and instant feedback loops. As Career and Techni

Helical Beaming: Your Top 6 Questions on Installation, Cost, and Limitations
March 2026

Although helical masonry beaming is still an underutilized and relatively unknown method in masonry repair and restoration, the number of questions and requests I get on this topic increases every week, which I view as promising. Helical masonry beaming i

Wired for Safety: Electrical Maintenance for Fire Prevention
March 2026

Could your company survive if an electrical failure sparked a fire at your business? Electrical malfunctions cause thousands of non-residential building fires annually.1 Proactive maintenance and action are essential to help safeguard your operations.

From the Mound to the Mortar: Jon Rauch’s Tall Order in the Masonry Industry
March 2026

In the record books of Major League Baseball, Jon Rauch is a literal giant. At 6 feet, 11 inches, he remains the tallest player to ever step onto a Big League mound. But today, the Olympic Gold Medalist and 11-season MLB veteran isn’t looking for a strike

Expert Tips for Brick Installation
March 2026

Clay brick has long been valued for both its durability and aesthetic appeal, but achieving a clean, consistent build that will endure for a lifetime depends just as much on jobsite discipline, install strategy, and preventative moisture management as it

OSHA’s 2025 Top Violations: What the Numbers Reveal for Masonry and Construction
March 2026

Each year, the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) publishes its list of the most frequently cited workplace safety standards based on federal inspection data. The purpose is simple: show employers where hazards are consistently being fou

The Power of the STABILA Laser Technology
March 2026

In modern construction, accuracy is no longer a luxury; it is an expectation. From interior layouts to large-scale site preparation, professionals rely on tools that deliver fast, reliable, and accurate results. Among the most influential innovations of r

More Than Just A Material: Why Workforce Development Matters
March 2026

I was asked by the MCAA to share my path and objectives for Masonry Promotion and Outreach that I have worked on in NC over the years. To do that, I want to take you through my path and the key industry people that it took to impacted me for a lifelong ca

2025 Masonry Milestones
March 2026

Take a look back at 2025 to see the MCAA’s biggest achievements and most memorable events!

MASONRY STRONG Podcast, Episode 38 Recap: Bob Thomas, CEO of the CMHA
March 2026

On this episode of the MASONRY STRONG Podcast, Justin got to talk with Bob Thomas about his vision with CMHA, how he sees it growing, and where he thinks this industry is heading in the future.

The 2026 MCAA Annual Online Auction
March 2026

The Mason Contractors Association of America is thrilled to announce the 2026 Annual Online Auction, the masonry industry’s premier event for scoring the best equipment at a fraction of costs. Whether you are looking to expand your equipment stockpile or

Brickworks Supply Centers Invite Masons to Register for New “Masons First” Program to Transform Transactional Relationships into Indispensable Partnerships.
March 2026

Outreach Outlook: Springing into Action – The Season of Growth
March 2026

There is a distinct shift in the air when March arrives. You can feel it on the job sites, and you can certainly feel it in the classrooms. As the winter chill begins to lift and the days are a little longer, the construction industry naturally wakes up f