MASONRY STRONG Podcast, Episode 25 Recap: Blair Harter, NW GM at Basalite Concrete Products LLC
July 2025

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

Work Zone Safety and Emergency Preparedness in the Masonry Industry
July 2025

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

Using Respirators for Silica Exposure
July 2025

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

From Bikes to Buildings: The Importance of Embracing Rainscreen Wall Designs and the New Building Codes.
July 2025

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

Laying the Foundation for Growth: Concrete Masonry Checkoff Unveils Five-Year Vision for Industry
July 2025

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

Five of the Seven Chimneys Have Been Saved: Project Chimney Update
July 2025

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

THE NEW REVISED DIGNITY ACT: Get The Details Here
July 2025

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

Contractor Tip of the Month: Trust Is the Cornerstone
July 2025

If I can’t trust you, I can’t do business with you. I don’t care how talented you are. I don’t care how long we’ve worked together. I don’t care how many projects you’ve completed. If I can’t trust your word, then we don’t have anything to build on—figura

Fechino Files: Do Not Wait, Get Started!
July 2025

I hope this article finds your company busy! This article is more for the young project manager, sharing just a bit of what I learned the hard way. As a project manager, it is your job to manage the money, materials, safety, and equipment on every job tha

The Significance of 75 Years
July 2025

I’m a frequenter of MCAA events throughout the year. But the Midyear trip is one of my favorites! Why? Exploring New Places, New Experiences The Midyear location moves every year. This gives everyone an opportunity to explore a new location or place tha

Outreach Outlook: Momentum in Motion
July 2025

As we move into the heart of summer, the masonry industry continues to thrive—fueled by innovation, partnership, and a growing commitment to excellence in education and workforce advancement. June has been a remarkable month, marked by events that not onl

Building More: Slow, Fast, or Consistent. What is Tempo?
July 2025

It was a drizzly midweek day when I rolled up to the project we were working on just outside of town. The foreman paced the scaffolding, rain hood half-zipped, barking at two laborers who were sprinting bricks like they were late for a flight. Forty feet

Business Building: Do Project Manager / Estimator Combos Work?
July 2025

Steve owns SJP Contractors, a mid-size general contractor specializing in commercial projects. Over the last several years, his company has grown to over $16 million in annual sales, with an average project size of $500,000 to $1,500,000, employing 45 off

The Fire Resistance Advantage of Masonry Materials: Lessons from Recent Disasters
July 2025

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

How It’s Made: Spherical Block
July 2025

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

MASONRY STRONG Podcast, Episode 23 Recap: Sam Hoehner, CMHA Immediate Past-Chair
July 2025

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