Masonry in the Media: Smithsonian Castle, St. Pancras Station, & More
September 2025

From an iconic museum where the historical figures come to life to a train station in a romcom reunion, these remarkable masonry structures play a crucial role in a film as they set the tone and atmosphere of the scenes they are featured in. Smithsonian

Fechino Files: Mortar Net Solution Masonry Apprentice Scholarship 2025
September 2025

This year, Mortar Net will be presenting 40 Masonry Apprentice Scholarships to individuals across the country who are in their training to become topped-out mechanics. We have a very impressive list of sponsors that have really added to the value and impo

GEN NXT: Emmalyn Sides
September 2025

This month, the MCAA got the chance to talk with 19-year-old Emmalyn Sides who is at the beginning of her journey in the masonry industry. Her love for competing and improving her skills is apparent and her love for the craft is the exact reason she was p

Contractor Tip of the Month: It’s Hard to Beat the Person Who Never Gives Up
September 2025

Persistence doesn’t always look like progress. It’s not a trophy or a headline. It’s the decision to keep showing up, especially when the numbers don’t break your way. For many contractors, that decision is personal rather than public. It’s made in the qu

Marvelous Masonry: Inveraray Castle
September 2025

Inveraray Castle, one of Scotland’s most iconic Gothic Revival structures, rises from the banks of Loch Fyne like a monument to stonework itself. For masonry contractors and material suppliers, the castle serves as a working model of 18th-century craftsma

Outreach Outlook: Innovation, Leadership, and Growing the Masonry Workforce
September 2025

As we move further into the school year and the industry continues to pick up speed, I’m thrilled to share some exciting updates and forward momentum from the MCAA Outreach & Education Division. Each month brings new developments, new partnerships, and ne

Chairman's Message: REFLECTIONS SPANNING SEVENTY-FIVE YEARS
September 2025

MCAA has been posting lots of wonderful old photos from decades of records as we celebrate our 75th Anniversary. Many of these photos are black and white and show people at our MCAA events with men wearing suits and ties while the women wore dressy gowns

Business Building: What Are You Doing To Develop Future Leaders?
September 2025

When I ask my coaching clients if they have anyone in their construction company who could potentially move up from field superintendent to estimator or project manager, the typical answer is “No!” The same answer is usually given when asked if they have

Building More: Smoke Signals or Fire Extinguishers
September 2025

Ever watch a hot-potato game break out on your jobsite? It usually starts small. Somebody spots a crooked door frame, mutters, “I’ll make a note,” and flicks the issue to the next trade like it’s radioactive. By the time that frame comes back around, dryw

MASONRY STRONG Podcast, Episode 27 Recap: Rob McKay, Chief Operating Officer at Instone
September 2025

On this episode of the MASONRY STRONG Podcast, Rob McKay from Instone joins the show to talk about his story as well as the processes and procedures of manufacturing natural stone. Getting Started in Masonry: Rob’s Story Rob entered the masonry field by

Why Belden Brick Has Lasted 140 Years
August 2025

‘Why We’ve Lasted 140 Years’ How The Belden Brick Company’s approach to manufacturing excellence continues to solve modern brick masonry challenges Ask masonry contractor Jason Hauer what separates good brick from great brick, and he’ll tell you about h

Achieving Consistent Mortar Mixes: Key to Successful Masonry Projects
August 2025

Consistency is the cornerstone of quality masonry. A uniform mortar mix is critical for the structural integrity and durability of any project, from a simple brick wall to an intricate stone design. When mortar lacks consistency, it can lead to weak joint

What’s In Your Data Backup Strategy?
August 2025

Your business handles plenty of critical data, and losing it could result in operational downtime, financial losses, and a damaged reputation. For businesses owners, a robust data backup strategy can help you stay resilient and competitive in the fuel mar

Facial Recognition for Masonry Companies
August 2025

Masonry companies face a unique set of challenges. Managing a mobile workforce across multiple job sites requires precision and accountability. CrewTracks recognizes this need and has introduced an innovative facial recognition feature designed to streaml

2025 SkillsUSA National Competition Recap
August 2025

The 2025 SkillsUSA National Competition served as a critical platform for evaluating the future of the masonry industry. The event provided a clear look at the talent pipeline, industry-wide collaboration, and technological advancements poised to shape th

Empower Your Team to Help Prevent Cyberattacks
August 2025

Human error contributes to 82% of data breaches, making your employees a crucial line of defense against cyber threats.1 A single mistake could expose your business to a data breach. This could lead to data loss, downtime, and a negative impact on your bo