Roles

As I write, I am on my way back to Phoenix from Orlando, Fla., after attending the National Concrete Masonry Association (NCMA) convention. Although we had just visited with the NCMA officers during the MCAA convention in Las Vegas in February, it is alw

I had the pleasure of going to Baltimore for our second Regional Meeting. Not only is this beneficial for the contractors who attended, but also for MCAA. It truly gives MCAA an avenue to meet its members and non-members on a more personal level.

OSHA is revising the PEL (Permissible Exposure Limit) for crystalline silica, and the expected allowable range will be much lower than today. To meet those standards will require two things: a well-planned dust prevention/collection program and equ

Have you ever experienced some one telling you he saved 10 percent on a purchase, but then spent more so he could save an additional 25 percent? Well, I am beginning to understand that type of logic with my frequent flyer program.<

I talk to a lot of mason contractors daily. The great majority of them have a lot of work on the books right now. We seem to be coming out of this horrible downturn. If your area isn???t quite there yet, take heart; good times are coming.

Seminar provides contractors with know-how to design, construct bracing

Course taught by Rashod R. Johnson, P.E.

Damian Lang Rashod Johnson

Wall Bracing

Learn from the best: Rashod Johnson, P.E., to present at seminar

Rashod Johnson

Educational (University) Training Wall Bracing

MORTARS, MIXTURES AND STAINING
Mortars, Mixtures and Staining, continued from p.23

Masonry Magazine: What new methods or technologies have you recently incorporated into your manufacturing?

Jeff Leonard, QUIKRETE: Weigh Batch syst

BUILD FASTER.
BUILD STRONGER.
BUILD FOR LESS.

Looking to boost productivity and improve profitability? Use MASON BOND masonry adhesive instead of mortar to build your walls and you'll save time and cut costs.

Because MASON BO

Understanding Masonry Codes & Standards
By Rashod R. Johnson, P.E.

THE YEAR 2009 HAS BEEN CHALLENGING FOR THE CONSTRUCTION INDUSTRY AS A WHOLE. But more important and specific, mason contractors have felt the blow of this recession head on.

The role of the consultant is thought to be important by some, pointless by others. Still, how many times have you heard someone say he should have hired a consultant to help guide him through a decision-making process?

BLOCK

Photos courtesy of Azar Mortaress Block Inc.

NCMA is opening a research-oriented facility May 15 in its Herndon office to perform small production runs that simulate typical mass-production facilities. The laboratory will perform

Mortarless block systems give masonry contractors a greater variety of products to offer clients. Azar also has a system that allows masons to quickly stack block over a level first course, Ross says, noting that contractors can save money by using one o

CONSULTING

BRINGING IN AN EXPERT
Consultants are important components of your business.

By Sue Marquette Poremba

THE ROLE OF THE CONSULTANT IS THOUGHT TO BE IMPORTANT BY SOME, POINTLESS BY OTHERS. Still, how many times hav

Computer software is becoming just as essential for running a successful masonry company as levels, trowels and hammers. Software programs help make masonry businesses more profitable by cutting paperwork, tracking expenses, handling billing, producing a