The 1939 movie Mr. Smith Goes to Washington was nominated for 11 academy awards including Best Picture, Best Director, and Best Actor. Many movie buffs believe this is the movie that truly made Jimmy Stewart a big time movie star. Never to be outdone, t

As a building professional, you know that first impressions start at the curb, and that homeowners are increasingly looking to elevate their homes’ exteriors in ways that are both beautiful and smart. There’s always an opportunity to help clients make inf

In the world of masonry, precision and efficiency are essential. But what happens when the very foundation of your operational data—time tracking—is riddled with inaccuracies and even fraud? This was the challenge facing a mid-sized commercial masonry fir

On this episode of the MASONRY STRONG Podcast, Blair Harter comes on the set to talk about how he got started in the industry and what keeps him coming back to masonry every day. Blair's journey into the masonry industry began in an unexpected way. Like

Masonry professionals work in complex and fast-paced environments that demand precision, strength, and coordination. Whether on residential builds or large commercial projects, masons encounter a unique combination of physical hazards that require a consi

Some in the masonry industry have expressed interest in respirator use as protection from harmful exposure to silica. This topic is of paramount importance due to its impact on our workers and the serious health effects of silica exposure. For those new t

Have you ever been asked to do a project over the course of your lifetime? For example, when my kids were little, my wife asked me to assemble their bicycles. So, I opened the box, dumped out the contents, and cast aside whatever I thought was unnecessary

The Concrete Masonry Checkoff (CMC) put the finishing touches on an ambitious five-year vision for the industry, targeting a 20% increase in market share, driven by increased demand for concrete masonry products. “This is about building exquisite, enduri

In the wake of the devastating January wildfires that swept through Los Angeles's Pacific Palisades, a remarkable preservation effort is underway, spearheaded by Project Chimney, an initiative led by Evan Hall, founding director of the non-profit House Mu

Today, the MCAA announced its strong endorsement of The Dignity Act. This comprehensive, bipartisan bill secures our borders, reforms immigration, and strengthens the American economy without using taxpayer funds. The Dignity Act mandates complete opera

As wildfires and structural fires become increasingly prevalent, the resilience of building materials is under scrutiny. Masonry, with its inherent fire-resistant properties, stands out as a reliable choice for construction in fire-prone areas. This artic

Masonry arched roofs date back at least 3,500 years. Concrete block are ubiquitous; they are found in every country around the world. Yet virtually no one uses concrete blocks to produce masonry arched roofs, until recently. Spherical Block, LLC has creat

On this episode of the MASONRY STRONG Podcast, Justin is joined by Sam Hoehner where they talk about Sam's journey and how he got to this point in his career, the CMHA meetings, and the future of the masonry industry. A Chance Start in Frankfurt, Kentuck

Leadership In today's competitive business landscape, maintaining an efficient, well-organized warehouse is essential for meeting customer demands and ensuring smooth operations. By implementing effective processes and best practices, businesses can achi

In the masonry business, when the phones are ringing off the hook and jobs are lined up back-to-back, it's easy to get lulled into a sense of security. But seasoned contractors know that the good times don’t last forever. Markets tighten, projects stall,

My wife, Sheryl, listens to podcasts often. Sometimes she uses earbuds but also listens through her cellphone speaker as she does countless other things around the house. As a result, very often I have no choice but to listen to the podcasts along with he