Insight: The Mast Climber Industry

Words: Dan Kamys
/Public/News/20100720082300-1.jpg" width="530" height="298" border="0" alt="Masonry talked to Premier Scaffold Solutions’ Michael Solomon about the mast climber industry.">
Masonry talked to Premier Scaffold Solutions’ Michael Solomon about the mast climber industry.

The best way to gain true insight to the state of an industry and a company is to simply ask. Masonry spoke with Michael Solomon, national sales manager at Premier Scaffold Solutions, to learn what his company is doing to thrive and survive during this challenging economic climate. Following is what he had to say.

Masonry Magazine: How has your company survived such a tough economy?

Michael Solomon: We have had the opportunity to start our new Made in the USA manufacturing company in 2009 in Apopka, Fla. Times are tough, but with our company’s collective experience in the construction industry and mast climbing industry, we have put together a great team and a top-notch manufacturing faculty. We also have introduced our dealer re-rental program, which has helped.

Masonry: What are you predictions for the construction industry for 2010 and 2011?

Solomon: I feel from traveling all over the United States that, by the end of the second quarter, the construction industry is heading toward recovery. By the end of 2010 and into 2011, our industry will be much stronger in all fields.

Masonry: Describe your newest mast climber/new product.

Solomon: We are very excited to unveil the MADE IN THE USA Pro Series unit at World of Concrete in Las Vegas in February. We have worked hard to bring a mast climber to the construction industry that is not only built in the United States, but exceeds all others in the same class.

Masonry: What are your thoughts on mason contractors renting versus buying mast climbers?

Solomon: Having rental equipment, from a dealer perspective, is a must. You must be able to supplement your customer’s needs when those needs exceed their buying power.

Masonry: What would you like to say to our mason contractor readers?

Solomon: Hang in there. The masonry trade has survived many centuries and will continue to get better well into the future, with the help of new products such as ours and new masonry product designs. [With] the pure American desire to build with the best material, masonry will be stronger and larger then ever before!
Installation Starts Before the First Course
August 2026

Some of the most expensive masonry installation problems begin long before crews arrive onsite. By the time a project reaches the field, many coordination decisions have already been made. Dimensional conflicts, congested reinforcement, specialty materia

Designing for Performance: Key Considerations for Efficient, Durable Masonry Projects
August 2026

A successful masonry project starts well before the first stone is set. The craftsmanship on site matters, of course, but many of the decisions that shape the final result are made much earlier—during design, detailing, and material selection. Those choic

Change Orders: Standard Operating Procedure
August 2026

In masonry construction, change orders are not occasional events; they are guaranteed. Drawings do not always match field conditions, specifications can conflict, and real-world construction has a way of exposing gaps in design. At DRP Masonry, we operat

RFIs: Clarity, Communication and... Hierarchy?
August 2026

In construction, any project starts with drawings. Plans. Schedules. Specifications. Whether we're talking about new construction, additions, or restoration, there is a plan, there is design intent, and a way every piece of a project needs to fit together