From the Editor

Whatcha Waiting for?

Jennie Farnsworth, Editor
jen@lionhrtpub.com

Procrastination can be the killer of many a great project. Sometimes it just doesn't matter how good of an idea you have — if you wait too long, your moment to seize that opportunity can dwindle. As the saying goes, "Procrastination is the grave in which opportunity is buried."

As a business owner, you most likely work beyond the 9-to-5 grind, and it's certainly understandable that squeezing one more thing into your life is perceived as impossible. With my own schedule — editor of Masonry, co-owner of a photography business, a computer consultant, and spending the few rare moments left on remodeling my house that we've nicknamed "Hole Sweet Hole" — I can certainly relate. There comes a time, though, when you have to re-evaluate, reassess and revise the priorities in your life to squeeze in those things that will generate business-boosting and life-changing opportunities. The beginning of a New Year is the perfect time to do just that, so pull out that list of opportunities that you have put off because you didn't have enough time, dust them off, and dig in to the possibilities.

For instance, have you thought about taking on an apprentice (or two), but felt you just couldn't handle the responsibility? With unemployment rates in many places at an eight-year high and experienced masons reaching retirement age, what exactly are you waiting for? Now is the time to prepare your company and industry for the future — don't procrastinate until it's too late!

Wise business owners know that proactive solutions usually take far less time, energy and money than after-the-fact crisis management. So take part in your local mason contractor association's workforce development, participate in job fairs and career days, or sponsor an MCAA "Check Out a Career in Masonry" kit for your local high schools. You can also visit the U.S. Department of Labor Employment and Training Administration's Job Corps web site (http://jobcorps.doleta.gov) and hire an apprentice who has participated in their bricklayer training, or visit AdvanceMentoring.com and post your information as a masonry mentor.

Another example is joining the MCAA, the voice of the mason contractor and inherent leader of the masonry industry. If you're not a member, what are you waiting for? The time has come for mason contractors to be proactive within the industry. For far too long, the passive approach has allowed other wall systems to gradually, but systematically, erode the masonry industry's market share. Joining now, rather than waiting, can make the difference between another school going to concrete, another government building going to steel, or another house going to wood framing. Your voice and your numbers count, but only if you join. Stop procrastinating, fill out and send in the membership form on page 21 (click here for online membership information), and lend your support to the only association that fights for mason contractors.