The Future’s Getting Brighter

Words: Larry Vacala, Dan Kamys, Ashton White, Otis Wilson

The Future's Getting Brighter

Dan Kamys, Editorial Director - dkamys@staging1.masonrymagazine.com

I wish I could say it was all planned, but a lot of things fell into place to make this month a heavy Workforce Development issue. As you know, Workforce Development is one of the cornerstones of the MASONRY mission since Bronzella and I have been handling the editorial side. We’re particularly excited to highlight the young workforce in our GEN NXT featuring SkillsUSA Masonry Post-Secondary winner Ashton White, our SkillsUSA Recap, and the Workforce Development Program created by the MCAA’s Treasurer Larry Vacala and former NFL Linebacker Otis Wilson. Additionally, you’ll find an exciting announcement about a partnership between the MCAA/MASONRY Publications and consulting firm XYZ University. Since 2002, they’ve focused on generational shifts in the marketplace alongside economic, workforce, and social change. Not only are they developing a program for the 2019 World of Concrete, but you’re going to be hearing from them in the upcoming issues of the magazine. Being the father of a young son, I am truly grateful at how my role here has opened my eyes to the variety of educational opportunities outside of a four-year university degree. A traditional college is a respectable career path, but so is a vocational education. I’m still learning as a parent, but I think our fundamental role is to expose our children to all the opportunities and paths that are out there. On a larger scale, I truly hope that’s what we’re able to do with the magazine. A tremendous thank you to Ashton White for agreeing to be interviewed on such short notice for GEN NXT and to Brandon Hartsell for working so quickly to set it up. We are incredibly grateful to Larry Vacala, Otis Wilson, IMI and Kenny Davis for facilitating the program for young students and talking to us about the program for this issue. I’d like to also write a quick note to all of the SkillsUSA competitors. Not only are you on the path to starting an incredible career and the next generation of the masonry industry, but you’re setting an example for all young people out there that there is more than one path to a fulfilled life. I hope you enjoy reading our Notre Dame American Treasure. This series has been an absolute pleasure, and we’re incredibly grateful to everyone at Notre Dame who facilitated the tour and helped us with the article. As a final note, please make sure to read about our upcoming Mid-Year in Austin. I look forward to seeing you out there!   dsig
The Cornerstone of Success: Safety and Documentation in Masonry
April 2025

The masonry industry plays a vital role in constructing our homes, businesses, and infrastructure. Yet, beneath the enduring beauty of brick and stone lies a complex and often hazardous work environment. Ensuring the safety of workers and maintaining docu

Erin Laird
Featured MAP Partner
Safety Training
Read More
How It's Made: Natural Stone Veneer
April 2025

Natural stone veneer is a durable, versatile, and aesthetically pleasing building material that has been used for centuries. It adds timeless beauty to masonry projects while offering structural integrity and resilience. But how does natural stone veneer

Rob McKay
Featured MAP Partner
Read More
Vibing Masonry #5 - The Evolution of Concrete Masonry Units: From Ancient Foundations to Modern Innovations
April 2025

Early Development: The Genesis of Concrete Blocks (early Rome to 1900s) The history of concrete masonry units (CMUs) or concrete blocks begins with humanity’s earliest binding materials, notably the Romans’ remarkable concrete. Around AD 125, structures l

Steve Blye
Featured
General Education Residential Restoration
Read More
MASONRY STRONG Podcast, Episode 18 Recap: Jeff Tew, Westlake Royal Stone Solutions
April 2025

On this episode of the MASONRY STRONG Podcast, Jeff Tew joins the show, along with MCAA President Jeff Buczkiewicz, to talk about where his passion for this industry started and what it's been like working on the Supplier side of the industry. An Excitin

Justin Stengel
Featured
Training
Read More