Kudos

Words: Donald Larsen, John SmithJohn J. Smith, Sr., founder and president of John J. Smith Masonry, has been presented with the Lead Man Award by the Mason Contractors Association of America (MCAA). The award, which recognizes those who make significant contributions to the masonry industry, was presented at the MCAA’s annual convention in Las Vegas at the end of February.

In making the award, MCAA president Donald Larsen noted: “Few industry individuals have ever received the prestigious MCAA Lead Man Award. It’s awarded to those people who have distinguished themselves in their service to the masonry industry. (John Smith) has served his industry in numerous capacities and (has been) a catalyst for elevating the MCAA into a respected national construction association.”

In 1977, Smith founded the John J. Smith Masonry Co., a company nationally recognized for its excellence in brick, block and stone masonry. Specializing in commercial and industrial projects, Smith Masonry (www.smithmasonry.com) is the eighth largest masonry contracting company in the U.S., according to Engineering News Reports.

Smith Masonry landmark projects include: various buildings on the Washington University, St. Louis University and Anheuser Busch campuses; MCI WorldComm; Ameren/UE complex; Cervantes Convention Center; Manchester/1270 Office Complex; Missouri Department of Corrections, and; The Gallerin.

Smith is an active participant in both the local and national masonry industries. He has held numerous offices in a variety of masonry construction organizations, and is currently the chairman of the Masonry Institute of St. Louis, an educational and technological entity that serves as an educational and informational resource for those interested in masonry design and contractors.
About: Featured
What Is Biophilic Design?
April 2025

Biophilic design integrates natural elements into built spaces to fulfill our innate connection to nature. Rooted in the biophilia hypothesis, it goes beyond aesthetics, enhancing well-being, health and productivity. 5 Ways to Incorporate Biophilic Desig

Kelly Nguyen
Featured
Read More
One For The Ages - The 75th Midyear
April 2025

“One for the ages” this is how I would describe the upcoming midyear to anyone who has never attended or are undecided about attending MCAAs 75th Anniversary at The Grand Hotel on Mackinac Island September 7-11 2025. In short “one for the ages” means so

Mason Hill Ruth Hill
Featured
Membership Midyear Meeting
Read More
A Greener Future Through Masonry
April 2025

When it comes to building a more sustainable future, the construction and building materials sector has a lot of room for growth. According to the most recent data, construction and building-related emissions are responsible for 40% of greenhouse gas emis

John Cicciarelli
Featured
Block Carbon Reduction Cement Commercial Concrete Calculators General Education Manufactured Stone Masonry Cement Preblended - Mortar Preblended Ready Mix Restoration - Minor Restoration
Read More
MASONRY STRONG Podcast Episode 19 Recap: Mike & Tom Finch
April 2025

On this episode of the MASONRY STRONG Podcast, Mike and Tom Finch join the set in Indianapolis to crack jokes, talk about how they both got started in this industry, and the ways they've seen this trade advance and evolve over the years. The Roots of a F

Justin Stengel
Featured
Industrial
Read More