Masonry Magazine June 2004 Page. 15
Lifetime Dedication to the Industry
Award. I think being recognized by the industry helps others to excel who want to give back to the industry.
Masonry: SVM has a very impressive web site, which not only includes information on your own business, but industry links as well. How has this site promoted your business, and was it worth the time and expense?
Nessler: The time and expense of the web site is minimal compared to the benefits. General contractors, whose jobs are more trade management, can easily move around the country bidding different projects. Our web site lets them know who we are and what they can expect from us when they come to our area.
Masonry: Your web site states that SVM enjoys a long-standing reputation as a cooperative partner with owners, architects and contractors. How have you come to achieve this?
Nessler: Many jobs are built under the method where the general contractor stands at risk with a price not to exceed. Our past track record has shown that we always complete jobs on schedule for the amount of our contract. Many owners, architects and contractors look to us for budgeting and scheduling during the design development stage of the drawings. Sun Valley absorbs that cost. We feel the owners are better off with realistic budgets and schedules. That effort and one-on-one relationship is very valuable when negotiating a contract.
Masonry: What do you feel is the biggest misconception about the masonry industry?
Nessler: I believe the largest misconception is that masonry is overpriced and not a good buy when you compare it to other materials.
Masonry: What would you do to change that misconception?
Nessler: It has to start with the developer, owner and architect. Arizona has a very active promotional program through the Arizona Masonry Guild that continually educates the building community about the benefits of masonry. We have always been generous with our time and an active financial contributor to the Guild.
Masonry: What do you feel is the industry's biggest challenge in the near future?
Nessler: Educating a workforce that doesn't mind hard work. Years ago, all training was done through a union apprenticeship-training course that was funded from hourly contributions from the contractors. The downward trend of union contractors has left a void where funding is needed for education. There has to be a means for both open-shop and union contractors to equally contribute money toward education.
Masonry: Where do you think the masonry industry is going to be 10 years from now?
Nessler: I see fewer and fewer contractors today who are interested in keeping the industry alive for their sons and daughters. I believe the Eastern and Midwestern states still have generous promotional and educational funds. That's not the case in the West. New Mexico has no promotional program whatsoever. In some cases, they are building schools and commercial buildings with studs because no one has taken an interest in promoting the industry. That has a residual effect on Arizona and its industry efforts. The growth areas are no longer in the East and Midwest. The growth areas are in the Southwest. The masonry work will follow the flow of people because they create the demand. If a lack of educated employees continues and the lack of interest promoting our industry from those that are living for today continues, masonry will disappear.
A good example of that is pre-1979 in Arizona. Close to 100% of home construction in Arizona was masonry. The Arizona Masonry Guild always assumed that homes would be built with masonry forever. Little if any money was put
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June 2004 Masonry 13