Filling all of your positions with the right players is a constant struggle. The right players are the best people available in your market who want to improve, perform and achieve results. The right players are not those who disrupt or impede the product

My days all tend to start the same: wake up happy, work out... still happy. Make a phone call to check in with a buddy of mine, then I start my actual work for the day. So last weekend, I did what every masonry contractor has to do from time to time—I had

It’s 6:42 a.m., the sky’s turning that pale gray that makes extension cords disappear, and you could picture yourself rolling onto a subdivision where the first thing you hear isn’t the boom lift, but a superintendent we’ll call Ivan. He’s looking up the

This summer, MCAA took part in the Canadian Masonry Contractors Association’s 58th Annual Conference in Ottawa, Ontario. MCAA was represented by our President, Jeff Buczkiewicz, our Vice Chair, Kent Huntley, and my wife and me. It was an incredible expe

The Story of Coffee, Construction, and Kleenex I still remember the morning at Con Expo, the largest trade show in the construction industry, when I was running on empty and in desperate need of coffee. My day was filled with back-to-back meetings, leavi

As managers or owners involved in the masonry industry, there are of course some perks that land on your plate. Such as a lot of extended workhours, calls, texts, and emails on weeknights or on weekends. The stresses, anxieties, pressures, and responsib

This month, the MCAA had the chance to talk with Ashley Harris from Washington, a mason who is determined by doubters and her ability to prove people wrong. Read about her story and why she chose masonry over any other trade. Ashley found her calling in

As the summer winds down and we turn the page toward a new academic year, I hope everyone had an opportunity to rest, recharge, and reconnect with family and friends. These quiet moments help us return to our work with a renewed sense of purpose and energ

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

The Mason Contractors Association of America (MCAA) is thrilled to announce the appointment of Jason McCoy as the organization's Region 3 Outreach and Education Director. After an extensive search, Jason joins MCAA to lead this pioneering role.

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 modern architectural design, achieving superior sound insulation is essential for creating functional, comfortable, and compliant building environments. Concrete masonry units (CMUs), particularly when combined with materials like brick, terra cotta, o

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

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